Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Skincare in South Africa

We all know the dangers of staying in a country where we have sunshine throughout the year. The dangers of sunburn and Melanoma.

What is largely ignored are the effects of not applying an effective skincare regime and using the correct products. This we ussually only regret with the onset of age.

- Cleansers cleanse the skin of impurities and restore the natural oil balance. Liquid cleansers are available in the market for all skin types. A good cleanser deep cleanses, opens the pores, and removes excess oil and makeup. Cream based cleansers are good for dry skin. Black soap is an excelent cleanser; Using the soap it's best to create a good lather with your hands. Gently apply this to your face. After a few seconds rinse and dry ASAP.
- Refreshers complete the cleansing process. They tone, soothe and hydrate the skin and keep the complexion clear and clean. Astringents for oily and normal skin types, toners for normal and dry skin and fresheners are meant for dry sensitive or problem skin. Because of it's genle nature and natural ingredients black soap automatically refreshes the skin
- Moisturizers refuel your skin's moisture and nourish it. Moisturizers form a protective shield to minimize moisture evaporation and dehydration of dry area. They help restore skin's natural moisture balance. While oil control moisturizers control excess oil and prevent blemishes, emollients are creams for dry skin that replenish the natural supply of the skin's oil. Once again, the Plantain in the black soap is high in vitamin A and E to nourish, while the shea is an excelent moisturiser.
No wonder African black soap is gaining a following with people serious about skincare.
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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Liquid ABS

It's really easy to convert the original African black soap to a  Liquid African Black Soap.
You can make a liquid soap by filling a container loosely with the black soap and adding water to fill - I suggest submerse the ABS up to two thirds. You can then add water once the soap has dissolved to achieve the viscosity you want. 

Although I'm not in favour of introducing other ingredients, some of you may want to add fragrances or Aloe Vera. If so, you'll need:


About 450g of African Black Soap

Vegetable Glycerine

Aloe Vera Gel

Lavender Oil or whatever scent you like (totally optional)

6 Cups water (You can use distilled water, filtered water, spring water, or tap water.)

Crumble the soap in a container, fill it with the water, then cover and leave overnight. OR you can put the crumbled soap and water in a pot on low heat until all the soap is dissolved.


Make sure to stir now and again so it doesn’t stick to the pot!

Once the soap is dissolved, put it in a bowl (the hard black pieces are Cocoa pods and perfectly normal!). Add a few drops of Lavender (or whatever scent you want or don't want). The next two ingredients are based on how you like it. I would suggest about a 1/2 cup of Aloe Vera Gel and about a 1/3 cup of Vegetable Glycerine. Add a little at a time (don't forget to stir it!), make sure to try it out before adding more stuff. Once it's the way you like it, pour it into your containers.

It will thicken just a bit after adding the Vegetable Glycerine - but it's not a thick thick liquid soap. It really doesn't need to be since it works so well as is!

Bottle and carry on using and enjoying the benefits of the original African Black Soap ... Out of Africa!
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