Photo Courtesy of @AlikayNaturals
Are eczema and psoriasis wreaking havoc on your scalp? Consider trying African black soap.
What are eczema and psoriasis?
Eczema and psoriasis are two common skin conditions that can cause significant discomfort from symptoms that can include itching, flaking, burning, scaling, and redness. If you suffer from either (or both”>, you know that treating these conditions can be difficult, as both tend to flare-up repeatedly in response to various stressors and changes in the weather.
If you want solutions that are gentle on your skin and safe for all skin types, try products containing African black soap as the main ingredient.
What is African black soap?
African black soap is made from cocoa pods, coconut oil, palm/palm kernel oil, shea butter, and plantain bark. It’s typically made in West African countries, most notably Ghana, but different regions of Africa have different formulations.
The benefits of African black soap
Black soap has a slew of benefits that make it an ideal remedy for the skin and scalp:
- antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
- soothing for the skin
- non-comedogenic
- anti-inflammatory
- acne-fighting
It also helps to reduce the loss of collagen and may help to mitigate the effects of sun exposure.
How to find the best African black soap for you
- For oily skin – regular black soap without extra oils and butters will help to balance it out
- For scalp psoriasis – If you have scalp psoriasis use black soap shampoos that have been specially formulated for the hair and scalp in order to avoid build-up
- For very dry skin – look for formulations that contain extra moisturizers
1. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bar
For skin that needs extra soothing, this bar contains shea butter, aloe, and oats to calm inflammation. Skin is left clean and refreshed and in a more balanced state.
2. tgin African Black Soap with Shea Butter + Charcoal
Besides skin-loving black soap and shea butter, this bar contains charcoal to help deeply cleanse and remove dirt and impurities from your pores. It is a good choice for acne-prone skin.
3. OKAY Pure Naturals African Black Soap Original
Use this soap to keep your skin feeling its best. It has lots of nourishing ingredients such as olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera. You can also create a lather and use it to shampoo your hair.
4. Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo
If you are battling scalp conditions, reach for this shampoo. It has botanicals and black soap to heal your scalp and keep your hair healthy. It also comes with a nozzle for ease of application.
Naturally Curly shop reviewer, D. Walker writes:
My type 4 hair loves this shampoo. I apply directly to my scalp once a week and all over my hair once a month. If I only shampoo once, then my hair is clean without being dried out. I will shampoo twice if I feel the need to clarify my hair. A staple in my hair regimen and the only shampoo I have purchased for the last year.
5. Dr. Woods Raw Black Coconut Papaya Soap with Organic Shea Butter and Pump
Like all Dr. Woods Black soaps, this one is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, yet it cleanses well. It can be used as an all-over body wash or as a face wash.
6. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Eczema & Psoriasis Therapy Body Wash
If you are dealing with flare-up after flare-up of eczema and/or psoriasis, this body-wash can help you get your skin back on track. It is gentle, non-irritating, and will leave your skin feeling baby soft.
7. Melanin Haircare African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo is full of curly girl favorite ingredient’s like rich cocoa and shea butters, argan, and pro-vitamin B5, as well as anti-inflammatory oils like tea tree, black cumin seed, rosemary, and peppermint to help heal the scalp.
8. Alaffia African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo & Conditioner
Calm and soothe an irritated scalp with activated charcoal, authentic black soap, tea tree oil and African mint. Curlies love that this formula is powerful yet gentle on their curls.
9. June Rose Kurls Authentic African Black Soap
June Rose Kurls founder Mitchka Leon has developed products that she uses to help with her own eczema and scalp psoriasis. You can watch her routine for creating DIY shampoo and removing buildup on her scalp below.
10. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner
Acne-prone skin is sensitive skin. Many toners can leave delicate skin feeling dry and stripped. Not this toner! It’s a mild astringent that will leave your face feeling refreshed and soothed.
What is your favorite African black soap product? Let us know in the comments. For more about African black soap click here.
This article has been updated with new products and links.
