Article: African Beauty Secrets A - Z
African Beauty Secrets A - Z
Africa is believed to be the mother of all civilization. Abundant in natural resources with a rich history marred by slavery and exploitation of indigenous peoples. We are constantly barraged with pictures of starving children, mosquitoes, poverty, diseases, greed, dictatorship, internet fraud and war in the media, when Africa comes up as a topic.
But we are about changing that narrative! Indeed, it is a beautiful continent packed with a diverse range of plants, herbs, spices, flora, fauna and remedies for virtually every ailment out there. There are so many ingredients harvested from the desert, land and sea that deliver astonishing results when used the right way.
I am indeed convinced that there are so many ‘yet to be discovered’ plants that could possibly do what was previously deemed impossible for your SKIN without having a surgical procedure.
'Team flawless, supple and GLOWING skin', here we come! For each ingredient, we will explore how you can achieve your beauty goals by incorporating the ingredients into your routine. After-which you will be armed with some ways to ‘up’ your skin game this summer.
With any new skincare product or ingredient, always remember to do a patch test first and monitor results after 24-48 hours before use on other parts of your body.
Burst: Matthew Henry
Without much further ado, I bring to you the first series of an alphabetical list of renown and little known ingredients that you should have in your closet right now, that is, if you are serious about having that skin that increases your CONFIDENCE and SELF-WORTH when you step into any room.
ARGAN OIL
Also Known As: Liquid Gold, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Argania Spinosa
Origin: Morocco
Fun Fact: Traditionally, goats helped in harvesting the nuts of the Argan tree by climbing up the trees to eat the bitter fleshy pulp and spitting out the seeds. Their bodies are unable to digest the nuts so they would either spit it out or it would pass through their digestive system and you know what's next?
The nuts are picked from the ‘goat droppings’ and the seeds are extracted and cold pressed into Oil.
I believe that the potency of Argan oil is inextricably linked to the organic composition of the nuts. You know, after marinating in all the enzymes present in the goat’s droppings, why wouldn’t it be such a potent beauty ingredient? (I kid...)
Benefits
- Anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing
- Protects against harsh sun and other environmental pollutants
- Rich in Vitamin E and Anti-oxidants
- Protects the skin against free radical damage
- Prevents & reduces stretch marks
- Helps skin infections and wound healing
- Improves the overall appearance of skin
Credit: Burst
Uses: Face, Body, Hair, Nails, Massage Oils
How can this ingredient help my SKIN or HAIR goals?
Have you heard about the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM)? It is purportedly derived from ancient bath practices of the Egyptians including my namesake - your fave 'Queen Cleopatra'.
This method has received rave reviews by experts in the beauty industry. But what is it? Well, it is a way of cleansing your skin with natural oils, helping to extract all the grime and make up residue accumulated during the day.
The key to OCM is using premium quality oils, understanding your skin type and using the oils that are best suited for your skin. Argan Oil is lightweight, universal and multipurpose. It penetrates easily without leaving your skin feeling greasy.
Steps
- At night-time, cleanse your face with a good facial cleanser and rinse off with warm water
- Slather some Argan Oil on your face and massage in circular motions for 2 minutes
- Heat up a soft wash cloth in hot water, relax and place over your face until it cools off
- Wipe your face with the wash cloth
- Repeat 3 & 4 above about twice
- Allow your skin to air dry
- Drink some water, go to bed & wake up to well hydrated, clean, soft skin.
BAOBAB OIL
Also Known As: Tree of Life, Pharmacy Tree, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Mbiyu, Upside down tree
Origin: Malawi, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania amongst others
Fun Fact: The tree can live for 600 years and is considered a Lost Crop™ due to it being underutilized and neglected due to the low demand. However, with the recent surge in demand for Baobab oil, it would probably be removed from the list soon.
Uses: Skin, Hair, Body, Spa Treatments
By Bernard Gagnon - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3646805
Benefits
- Helps damaged skin
- Soothes cuts, burns, acne, rosacea and painful skin conditions
- Excellent after sun treatment
- Helps mature skin due to its regenerating, toning and moisturizing properties
How can this ingredient help my SKIN or HAIR goals?
This golden oil is a savior of sorts for inflamed, sensitive and even oily skin. It is lightweight, easily absorbed into skin and suitable for topical applications to your skin.
BUT it has a high comodogenic rating so it’s best not to apply to your face directly, so that you do not clog your pores.
It is helpful for dry, flaky, frizzy or damaged hair. You can choose to use this oil in the OCM method above or make a Baobab Hot Oil Hair Treatment following these easy steps:
Steps
- Wash your hair first as this makes it easier for the oils to penetrate into your scalp and hair cuticles
- Pour some Baobab Oil or mix with equal parts of Coconut Oil (or any other carrier oil) of your choice into a jar or glass bowl.
- Warm the oil either in the microwave in 10 second bursts or place the bowl in another bowl or pan of hot boiling water for 5 minutes
- Check the temperature of the oils by applying a little dollop on your wrist to ensure that it’s not too hot
- Partition your hair into 4 equal parts and apply the oil evenly from roots to tip
- Cover your head with a shower cap for 30 minutes
- After 30 minutes, rinse out the oil and follow with a good quality conditioner
Doing this every week will result in shinier, bouncy and well moisturized hair, especially if you have thick curly hair. It will also help to get rid of dandruff, dry flakes and will add volume to your hair naturally.
CAMWOOD POWDER
Other Names: African Red Sandalwood, Osun,
Origin: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Cote d’voire
Fun Fact: Camwood is said to have some magical spiritual powers that can help enhance spiritual activity during meditation. Please don’t ask me how this is done. I only know about skincare!
Uses: Moisturizers, Soap, Masks, Scrubs
E-bay
Benefits
- Remarkable skin rejuvenation properties
- Regular use will give you glowing skin
- Eliminates crow’s feet, eczema, blemishes and breakouts
- Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
- Helps with dark spots, sunburn and uneven skin tone
- Anti-inflammatory properties help with insect bites and swelling
How can this ingredient help my SKIN or HAIR goals?
Camwood powder is widely used in West Africa for its skin rejuvenating properties. It is a red powder that comes from the core of the camwood tree, after peeling the bark. It is a powerful beauty secret that will do so much for your skin.
This natural fibrous powder has been used for ages in West Africa and applied to various skin products to give natural, glowing and supple skin. To reap the magical benefits of this wondrous ingredient, you could put together a DIY Face mask and apply to your skin.
Steps
- Measure 2 equal table spoons of Lemon Juice and Honey
- Mix in a teaspoon of Camwood into a bowl of Rose water or Milk
- Combine all the above ingredients
- Apply on your skin and leave to dry for about 10 minutes or longer
- Rinse off and follow with any of our Authentic African Black Soaps. This will sweep away dead skin cells and reveal beautiful, flawless skin with consistent use.
DEVIL'S CLAW
By Roger Culos - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43061735
Other Names: Devil’s Claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, Grapple Plant, Wood Spider, Kamangu, Teufelskralle
Origin: South Africa, Botswana and Namibia
Fun Fact: Its curious name is derived as a result of the ‘hook-like’ projections which it uses to attach itself to the fur of animals. This then helps to propagate its seeds. Don’t you just love Mother Nature? The wisdom in her ways is beyond astonishing.
Uses: Skin, Tea, Supplements
Benefits:
- Fights inflammation
- Reduces arthritis pain, neck & lower back pain, headaches
- Heals boils, sores, cuts, skin lesions
How can this ingredient help my SKIN or HAIR goals?
The roots have been used for centuries by the Khoisan people of Southern Africa in ointments as a traditional way of treating boils and other skin problems. You could get an ointment that contains an extract of the herb when next you have a painful boil or sore and apply to the spot. You can also get devil’s claw powder from your local health food or supplement store and infuse in hot water to make tea, especially if you have itchy skin that results in painful blisters.
EGYPTIAN GERANIUM
By Alvesgaspar - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3569131
Other Names: Pelargoneum Graveolens
Origin: Egypt
Fun Fact: It is one of a handful of essential oils known as a ‘girl’s best friend’ because of its beneficial and soothing effects on menstrual cramps and alleviating symptoms that come with ‘that time of the month’. It is also known to have calming effects on the whirlwind of emotions that come with hormonal changes in women.
Uses: Skin, Massage, Soap, Moisturizers, Hair, Aromatherapy
Benefits:
- Excellent for both Dry and Oily skin because it regulates sebum production
- Balances and enhances complexion to promote radiance
- Hydrates Dry Skin and helps resolve blemishes and the appearance of wrinkles
- Helps renew and rejuvenate your skin, mind and body
- Uplifting scent that helps ease day to day stress
How can this ingredient help my SKIN or HAIR goals?
Egyptian Geranium is extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant through steam distillation. It has been used right from Ancient Egyptian times to beautify skin and promote the appearance of healthier looking hair. You can incorporate this luxurious oil by adding a few drops into your favorite carrier oil. To make your very own DIY Bath or Body Oil you can follow these steps:
Steps
- Measure out 100ml of Sweet Almond Oil
- Add 5 drops of Egyptian Geranium Essential oil
- Mix thoroughly with a stainless steel spoon
- Pour into a glass bottle
- Massage into your skin and leave on for 10 minutes before stepping into a bath
Burst by Shopify: Sarahpflugphoto
Following the steps above will give you supple, soft and glowing skin with consistent use!
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health providers with any question you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional or medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Zawadi Naturals Website
FRANKINCENSE
Yes this exotic ingredient is native to Africa as well. its trees are in abundance in the coastal areas of Somaliland! ✨
This ancient beauty secret was highly revered & sacred in biblical times, one of the 3 gifts given by the 3 wisemen to Baby Jesus ⭐️
Frankincense essential oil known as the ‘king of oils’ is derived from the resins of the frankincense tree.
It helps calm your complexion and has natural healing elements that help with blemishes, dry skin,sunburn, breakouts & rosacea ✨
Apparently it also has cancer-fighting properties including skin cancer & is also known to restore, tone and uplift the epidermis, remove age spots & also tackle fine lines, wrinkles.
GUM ARABIC
Gum Arabic is a dried sap obtained from the stems and branches of the Acacia senegal, which is the preferred Acacia specie✨
It’s native to the Sahel region of Africa, from Mauritania 🇲🇷, and Senegal 🇸🇳 in the west, to Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania in the east.
Found in thousands of lotions, creams, balms, body washes, even mascara & lipstick 💄but also in the food & pharmaceutical industry!
In Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra’s cosmetics had Gum Arabic in it 💯
Apparently, 👑 Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite lipstick had a mixture of acacia gum, egg white and fig milk🥛
This beauty ingredient has an instantaneous lifting effect and improves the texture of skin, smoothing over wrinkles and leaving the skin soft and supple.
It’s also excellent in anti-wrinkle creams!
HONEYBUSH
Did you know that Honeybush is actually a plant native to South Africa. It has a lot of great press because a number of studies have proven its efficacy 💫
It has a mild, sweet aroma like honey 🍯 and was used as a herbal local drink!
Anti-oxidant rich, this can be your #retinol alternative as it performs the same anti-aging function, reduces the length and depth of skin winkles caused by UV irradiation!
Also found to be beneficial for the skin if you suffer from: acne, psoriasis, vitiligo, photo aging, wrinkles or UV burns.
So drinking honeybush tea regularly is an effective way to get these benefits ☕️
You can also look out for creams, face wash, scrubs and other natural skincare products that use this as part of the ingredients!✨
IBUCU
This is known as South Africa’s own Aloe Vera ✨
Ibucu is native to South Africa 🇿🇦 and has been used for many years for so many skin issues!
Not as well known as Aloe Vera but it performs a similar function & even more! 😉
Applying the leaf gel heals wounds faster and the natural occurring chemicals blocks the growth of even the most toxic fungi & bacteria.
Its leaves & leaf sap be applied directly to skin and helps with beestings, insect bites, blisters, cold sores, burns, acne, cuts, chapped lips and fingertips!
Its extract is also a natural viagra alternative due to various studies on this remarkable 🌱
JASMINE
Yes the same Jasmine in Green tea!
There are actually 10 jasmine varieties indigenous to South Africa, even though it’s a plant found in many parts of the World.
Jasmine is derived from the Persian ‘yasmin’, meaning a gift from God because of the intense fragrance.This Abeauty ingredient is rich in antioxidants & helps protect the skin from free radicals ~ no surprise there right?
The essential oil blend is actually quite good for lightening the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, dry skin & eczema ✨
So look out for face creams, body lotions & shower gels containing this..
The plant is also a good aphrodisiac! 💃🏾
So next time drink your Jasmine Green Tea with intention & let me know how it goes down 😉
KOMBO BUTTER
If you don’t know about Kombo butter already, now you know the next African ingredient poised to take the world by storm ⛈
Just remember that you heard it here first 💯
Remember how Argan oil took over the scene a few years ago, don’t be surprised when you start seeing this in all your fave stores!
Kombo Butter comes from the seeds of the African Nutmeg tree native to Ghana & Nigeria
It is a little known, natural pain reducing butter that nourishes & softens skin at the same time
It has got wonderful healing properties, so if you have dry, irritated and itchy skin, this should be your final stop 🛑
Imagine moisturizing your skin & also relieving joint aches & pains
It also purifies your skin, smells like caramel & fruit & contains antioxidants to protect your skin from damage!
🙌 Raise your hands if you want this butter added to our upcoming range!
LAVENDER
A little known secret is that Lavender is actually native to some parts of North Africa & West Africa✨
There are over 450 varieties of lavender, native to the Mediterranean, Middle East & India 🙌
But one of the most popular varieties due to its remarkably sweet scent~ ‘French Lavender’ is actually not native to France but to Morocco 🇲🇦 & Algeria 🇩🇿
Now grown commercially in the South of France…
Ancient Egyptians including my namesake (Cleopatra) used lavender as a perfume, and as an incense ingredient 💨
For your skin ~
It helps heal & lighten acne scars & dark spots, it’s anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothes & calms redness, eczema, reduces wrinkles & fine lines✨
It’s also a great insect repellent!
Our Tikiti Luxe face oil serum contains this lovely ingredient, which is 1 of the reasons why it’s so effective 💯
MARULA
It just keeps getting better!
The Marula tree is known as ‘the tree of life’ 🌳
Native to countries like Namibia, Botswana, SA, Ethiopia, Swaziland
It has been around for over 10,000 years, beneficial for hair, dry/aging skin & oily/acne prone skin as well due to its lightweight 💯
Fruit Fun fact: Well known as ‘the fruit that drives elephants crazy’ 😃
It has 4x Vitamin C of Oranges 🍊 & 60% more antioxidants than Argan oil
It will keep your skin well moisturized & nourished without the greasy feeling ✨
Found in beauty butters, lotions, nail treatments, hair conditioners & many more. It also has antibacterial properties, helping to reduce scars, blemishes & stretch marks
You will find this wondrous oil in our Winter Beauty Butters 💃🏾
NEROLI
The essential oil from the flowers of the Bitter Orange 🍊 tree (Neroli) is one of my personal faves, strong, citrusy sweet & flowery✨
Tunisia, Morocco & Egypt are the world’s largest producers of this essential oil, even though it’s native to the Himalayas!
It is an all- rounder & has antimicrobial, antifungal, & antioxidant properties, helps acne breakouts and skin irritation!
Named in honor of Anne Marie Orsini, Princess of Nerola who used the essential oil to scent her gloves 🧤
Studies have shown that when inhaled, neroli oil may help the brain release serotonin, and reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
We’ve also heard that it may be part of Coca-Cola’s secret recipe! How amazing🤩
It also has benefits for conditions like:
* depression
* anxiety
* high blood pressure
* seizures
* menopausal symptoms
⭐️⭐️⭐️Our bestselling Tikiti Luxe Oil has this luxurious essential oil
OLIVE OIL
Shocking? Did you know that Tunisia has been producing Olive Oil since 8th Century BC?
#tunisia is the second largest producer of this legendary oil in the world🌎
When the Romans invaded Tunisia in 146BC, they destroyed everything else except the Olive trees
The best & richest organic extra virgin olive oils come from here, so good that it has won multiple awards internationally 🥇 🏅🎖
It contains anti-oxidants that fight free radical damage, signs of photo aging, sun damage, an excellent moisturizer for dry skin, helps breakdown make-up
Found in many many skincare products, including our CP soaps ✨
I have heard that it also has benefits for your heart, brain, joints & so much more!
Join the movement, subscribe by visiting our website today, so that you can get to know us & these ingredients better.
PALM OIL
Yes I said it… Can’t really talk about African beauty ingredients without talking about this controversial oil ✨
Palm Oil is actually native to Nigeria & Ghana but most of the world’s supply now comes from Indonesia & Malaysia as these countries discovered this wonderful tree in Africa many years ago!
So no there are no orangutans in Nigeria or Ghana & a lot of women owe their livelihoods to this crop which has been used for centuries in Africa for glowing skin and also as a staple food crop 💯
However, there are a number of issues with this wonderful ingredient ~ deforestation, destroying the habitat of endangered species, exploitation of workers & greenhouse gas emissions amongst others 😢
Palm Oil is an extremely versatile ingredient that is used in everything from toothpaste to pizza to lipstick to soap to shampoo & as a cooking oil!
Check on the ingredient label to see that your beauty products contain RSPO certified Palm Oil which is produced more sustainably in accordance with certain production standards!
Our soap bars are presently Palm free because I’ve found that the bars can be a bit too drying when I include this ingredient…
Order your soap bars now on our website. There is a surprise on our website being sold at a giveaway price. Watch out for my next post on this!
QASIL POWDER
Qasil Powder is one of those ingredients used for over 2000 years in Somalia 🇸🇴 to give radiant, clear & flawless skin!
It is made from the dried leaves of a desert plant named ‘Ziziphus spina-Christi’ or ‘Christ’s thorn jujube’
It is another powerhouse that detoxifies your skin and is excellent for acne, acne scars and controls the overproduction of sebum which blocks your pores + so many other benefits 💫
It’s great for your hair as well! Qasil leaf face masks are increasingly popular, just ask Dr google & you will see a flood of women with a green paste made from this powder on their faces
You can buy this powder and use as a face mask or buy a product that incorporates this amazing ingredient ⭐️
Let me know the results after 28 days if you choose to add this to your skincare regimen 💯
ROOBOIS TEA
Just when you thought that the fun was about to end, we bring you this powerful antioxidant all the way from South Africa
Also known as ‘red bush’ tea is made from the fermented leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub 🍃
Yes in addition to drinking this herbal teal, it can also be applied topically to the skin & will give you a more even-toned complexion ✨
It also helps with wrinkles,sun burn, irritation, eczema & damage to the skin from harsh or extreme weather conditions.
🛑 Do you want to know more about how to apply this to your skin? Subscribe to our mailing list to get in on all the action!
SHEA BUTTER
This needs no introduction at all! Shea butter has completely taken over the beauty industry and is the numero uno when it comes to multipurpose butters💯
Extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree native to Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda
There is also a variety called Nilotica Shea Butter which is native to South Sudan & Uganda which is softer than the West African Variety
Both are luxurious, creamy & melt easily into the skin ✨Excellent for eczema, allergies, scars, rosecea & dermatitis
All our soaps contain this remarkable ingredient in the right concentrations , & will give you the soft silky smooth skin that you desire ⭐️⭐️⭐️
TIGER NUT OIL
Tiger nut oil is a little known secret used by African civilizations including ancient Egyptians for centuries ✨
Native to Egypt, Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria & some other North & West African Countries
Excellent for repairing skin & for moisturizing extra dry skin & hands, especially if you’ve got cracked, rough hands✨
It also makes your hair soft, shiny & silky ✨
Can be used directly on skin after depilation to reduce redness & itching because of its active healing properties ✨
You can check for hand creams & serums that contain this ingredient to rejuvenate your skin 💯
UZARA
Uzara is also known as milkbush or milkwort, native to many countries in Southern & Eastern Africa like Namibia 🇳🇦 & Kenya 🇰🇪
Its roots are used to treat wounds & abscesses on skin✨
Also a popular remedy for menstrual & post birth cramps
VANILLA
Vanilla needs no introduction! The mere thought evokes warm, sensual & comforting feels as a result of the rich aroma✨
Madagascar 🇲🇬 is the World’s largest producer of the popular variety even though its native to Mexico amongst other countries!
There is a variety known as polylepis native to Africa but there’s no research into any skincare benefits
Vanilla Planifolia is the amazing variety that is incredibly popular & the world’s second most expensive spice!
Rich in antioxidants & antibacterial properties, it reverses & prevents skin damage while leaving you with that gorgeous scent ✨
The fruit extract is also great for hair & will slow down the ageing process by reducing fine lines, wrinkles & age spots
WATERMELON SEED OIL
Watermelon Seed Oil is the real MVP!
It is the Star ⭐️ ingredient in our Tikiti Luxe Facial Oil
Its origins can be traced to over 5000 years ago in the Kalahari Desert of Africa!
The seeds were used by ancient Egyptians for their skin and it was even found in the tombs of Kings 👑 due to the belief that it would feed their skin in the afterlife 😲
Native to South Africa, pressed from the sun dried seeds of watermelon 🍉
Eliminates scars, acne spots, treats psoriasis, eczema and adds a natural glow to your complexion
We ensure that the freshest, premium quality & sustainable watermelon seed oil is used in our luxurious facial oil made in small batches to preserve the nutrients and;
XIMENIA OIL
Ximenia Oil is an incredible skin softener! Just ask the Body Shop! Their spa range includes a softening body scrub made with this wondrous oil!✨
It is native to tropical Africa, especially countries like Angola, Namibia & Niger !
It will make your skin as soft as a new born baby’s skin and it is also used to prevent sunburn, to smoothen and hydrate the skin and to prevent stretch marks in pregnant women l!
It is also quite popular as a hair conditioner!
Let me know when you try this out! ⭐️
Yangu Oil
Yangu Oil is an excellent African beauty ingredient that you should know! 💯
Native to Kenya & South Africa
It’s an excellent golden oil that is popular among the Maasai ✨
It’s the reason why they are able to spend long hours in the sun & develop no wrinkles or sunburn!
It is very popular in Africa as a natural sunscreen! 🌞
It is used in a lot of spa treatments, as a massage oil and also in hair & scalp treatments ✨
ZAWADI NATURALS
Yessss!!!! Z for Zawadi Naturals✨✨✨✨✨
Why? Because all our skin treats are infused with African beauty ingredients!
We are here to take you on a journey of self healing & reconnection by embracing the potent power of MOTHER NATURE 💫💫💫
The best version of yourself starts here! What are your top 3 skin challenges?
