From time immemorial our great grandmothers used to nourish their skin and hair using various natural oils and butters from across Africa. The rich history of African oils and butters has been passed on for one generation to another.
Did you know?
- The Hamman ritual is an ancient African beauty ritual used by North African woman to purify their bodies and bond with their female friends and family.
- In the Congo, sugar cane forms the base of many women’s beauty and skincare routines, because of its alpha hydroxy acids that reduce blemishes, prevent ageing, and keep skin silky smooth to the touch.
- Lip plates are ancient beauty body modifications that are still seen today in some tribes in Africa. These are created by placing a plate at the bottom of the lip that stretches out the lip area because large bottom lips are considered very attractive in these cultures.
West Africa has cocoa butter and shea butter, East Africa has shea butter, avocado oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil, Southern Africa has grapeseed oil and marula oil whereas Northern Africa has argan and olive oil. The continent further has clays that are used as natural skin exfoliants.
Here are Grandma’s top 5 beauty secrets
- Be gentle on your skin; Don’t exfoliate excessively as it can lead to broken blood vessels on the skin and under the eyes
- Wear your smile every day; Did you know that the muscles we use to smile also lift the face? So, instead of a facelift, smile your way through the day—you'll look younger and feel better
- Get your beauty sleep; Research suggests that only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would. Ladies, sleep for a happier, healthier appearance
- Hydrate every day, all day; Drink up girl, staying hydrated helps increase elasticity in the skin as it stays moisturised for longer
- Self – care is accepting our natural beauty; “Being natural isn’t a statement, it’s the closest thing you can get to being yourself”
