African black soap, otherwise known as anago soap, is supposedly “microdermabrasion in a bottle”. In order to investigate this, we need to establish what it is and what it does. African black soap has been used to heal several known skin problems for quite a while. But how would that even work? We find out for you!
What Is It?
African black soap will pour out of a bottle very similar to how molasses would. It will feel like it could slide right off if you are not careful. There is no scent and the color is brown…even though it is called black soap. Regardless, because of the color of this soap, you need to be very careful with it so that it does not accidentally stain things.
African black soap is normally made from a number of plants. It gets its signature color from these ingredients being sun dried and roasted before being turned into soap. Water and then oils, are added and then it is left to cure as the ash from plantain skins does have a lye effect; interestingly it is the same said ash that also contributes to its color (the curing process is between 1-3 months). One thing to look for when purchasing this particular kind of soap, is that you want to purchase it from Africa itself where it is still handmade; not from a commercial factory where extra ingredients have almost certainly been added. For similar, reasons I would be equally careful of this having been made in China. Further, it is not a sure thing that the commercial stuff would work in the same way as the handmade stuff would. Yes it is going to be more expensive. However, as with everything, you get what you pay for.
Does African Black Soap Work For Acne?
There is a naturally occuring high glycerin content in black soap; so it does need to be stored in a dry container or plastic bag so it is not always in the water. A couple of final things to be aware of before it is explained how all of this actually works: if you are caffeine or latex sensitive, do a small test on your arm before using it. If you break out or have other problem symptoms; obviously do not use it at that point. There are ingredients in it that may trigger a caffeine reaction. and there is a small amount of latex in another one of the ingredients. Finally, there will be a white film over this with normal use…that is not mold so you can keep using it.
Now that it has been explained what this is, let’s explain how African black soap treats acne. First off. let’s note that it does not remove existing acne. It works by reducing oil production and bacterial growth that would have triggered another breakout. For the first couple of weeks, it might actually look like you are getting worse instead of better. This is normal, stick it out. You will be thankful later as the iron, vitamin A and vitamin E that are incidentally will help clear up other problems.
This is optional but African black soap works for treating acne even better if you use it with a few drops of jojoba oil.
It is very important to note that you cannot use this every day; you need to stick to two or three times a week. Some people are okay and it works for them, Others it makes the acne even worse. So, that noted, why risk it?
Another good thing about it is that you can use it for acne that is not on your face. The rest of your body does not seem to be as sensitive as the face is; so you can use it every day on, for example, a back breakout. The same would apply for an episode of eczema or psoriasis. This soap is not a cure all but the fats in its oils as well as the vitamin A and E can relieve a lot of things that are not obvious.
A final interesting fact that leads to an interesting theory is that this soap is the only soap in the world that is made without lye. Lye is a harsh chemical. So it suddenly makes logical sense even without all the ingredients that if it is indeed an effective soap, why it would be so beneficial.