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Shea Butter

Skin & Beauty

Tired of chapped skin? 4 must-have moisturisers to keep you glowing

by Miriam C. R Mushaikwa
written by Miriam C. R Mushaikwa

Have you ever stared at your mirrored reflection in disbelief because instead of seeing ‘cute you’, all you see is a dishevelled image grinning back? Yeah right, winter mirrors have a funny way of presenting what you NEVER anticipate, simply because that time of the year isn’t that chiq or friendly. If you don’t up your skin moisturising game, you might find yourself more chapped than fair. So if you’re as tired of chapped skin as I am this winter, you need these go-to moisturisers. They’re must-haves, because not only do they work wonders, but they’ll keep your skin glowing and radiating in the mist!

  1. Shea Butter.

A perfect moisturiser which is soft on the skin and gentle when applying, shea butter cream might salvage your skin this winter. Considering that the butter is natural if bought in a ‘raw’ state, there are little side effects it poses, so you can whip it up with your usual hydrating cream. It will aid in locking-in the moisture, whilst also giving off that aromatic scent that is welcoming and soothing.

2.Essential Oils.

There are a wide array of essential oils which can come to the rescue in winter BUT, you need to pick the right ones. The must-have essentials include coconut, almond, jojoba, avocado or olive oils. These contain fatty acids, which penetrate the pores effortlessly without leaving a greasy feeling. So to avoid the extra ‘shine’, you can mix them with a bland lotion so as to also maintain their fragrance.

3.Petroleum Jelly.

A babycare delight, petroleum jelly is a must-have in winter as it works pretty well on the lip, and also shields feet from cracking. Not only does it help repair damaged skin, but it is also warm after application. Who wants to snag their overpriced stockings with cracked heels, which simply need a lick of petroleum jelly? Not me definitely, so to avoid the inconvenience, grab a P.J. bottle! And remember to thank me later, after your heels, skin and lips mend.

4. Glycerine.

While you want to maintain your make-up regimen, winter can play punk on you, causing unnecesary breakouts. That’s when glycerine comes into play, as it is a good make-up remover. Since it is water-based, you can mix it with an essential oil and just swab your face with a cottony facial pad. A great toner, facial mask and leave-in conditioner, glycerine is definitely perfect for every skin type!

P.S. Winter has a funny way of humbling even the best of us, so always be on the look out because summer is coming, and you definitely want to be slaying in that bikini/short with perfectly smooth skin. (*wink*).

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FeaturedSkin & Beauty

Herbal Haircare Passed Down Generations

by Karen McBirds
written by Karen McBirds

I have often wondered growing up on a farm with everything organic why black women resorted chemically processed hair and weaves. I guess it was the norm that time to look good hair has to be straight. This is the reason woman of African decent are having trouble with alopecia.

It is often said that with slavery and colonization came a depletion in knowledge of traditional hair maintenance. Thank God kinky hair is now a trend. Here are some new and old favorites passed down generations:

Step 1: African Black Soap: Cleansing Wash

This is a traditional soap from West Africa and it’s main ingredients are shea butter, honey and plant ash. It is commonly made into a bar soap however I have mastered a DIY technique to keep it in liquid form as a shampoo. Thoroughly cleansing the hair and leaving the honey and Shea butter nutrients locked in my hair.

Step 2: Rhassoul Clay: Clarifying Hair Mask

Moroccan mineral filled gem, Rhassoul clay is a traditional mud wash that can cleanse oil and impurities from hair. The word rhassoul derives from the Arabic word for washing, “Rhassala.” It has an unmatched ability to draw out impurities from the skin and hair and is used for detoxifying, cleansing and reducing dryness. It has a reddish brown color and has been used for soothing scalp ailments such as dandruff and psoriasis.

BENEFITS

  • Rhassoul clay is the moisturizer and softener.
  • It reduces dryness in the hair while also removing toxins and product buildup.
  • It improve hair’s elasticity and unblocks your scalp’s pores.
  • It reduces flakiness and aids in detangling and although it cleans like bentonite clay but unlike the detoxifying clay, it leaves your hair soft and moisturized.


    Step 3: Locking in moisture!
    Shea Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Ghee Butter

    These are pretty common knowledge. The one thing that is consistent across the continent is the use of oil to help maintain hair moisture. This is perhaps the most important step in maintaining growth and softness do try to include an oil/butter treatment as opposed to cholesterol treatments. Ethiopian communities use ghee butter which is a type of clarified butter. The butter is used to help seal in moisture and strengthen hair. I have realised in my Hair care routine to apply the butter while the hair is still wet wear a plastic cap and voila you have an oil treatment 🙂 Thank me later.

    Step 4: Marula oil : Scalp Moisture

    This is a traditional oil from Mozambique and South Africa. I have found this to be gem especially mixed with hemp oil it becomes a magical hair growth oil. Applying only on the scalp 3 times a week.

    Step 5: Styling : African threading

    The final step especially to straighten hair without the use of heat. African threading or Braiding the hair down gets the job done. This technique was used traditionally in West and Central Africa to wrap and protect hair as well as create intricate styles. Today, it is used in a similar manner and in addition is a way to stretch hair with no heat.

    As we commemorate our African heritage, let’s take a look at these old African health and beauty tips for healthy hair. Are there any other that you know of? Please share
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