Ah, Black skincare rituals and traditions, a rich tapestry woven over millennia. From the legendary beauty secrets of Cleopatra to the intricate skincare regimens of ancient tribes, African diasporic beauty practices are as diverse as their people. With shea butter, baobab oil, and black soap, Black folks have long understood that natural remedies are the secret to radiant skin.
In Africa, people have used the shea tree's fruit for centuries to hydrate their skin. Shea butter is packed with skin-loving vitamins and fatty acids, leaving it soft and silky.
Plantains and neem oil have been cherished in many African and Caribbean cultures for their incredible benefits. Plantain skins are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that moisturize and nourish Black skin, leaving it glowing and smooth. Neem oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate acne, eczema, and dryness.
Lotions, serums, salves, and the other products that we love to rub into our skin contain some combination of these ingredients. Why? Because they all have a proven track record of keeping skin nourished, moisturized, and healthy.
Wyclef and others have almost had their Black cards revoked for public ashiness, and there's no joy in that. Sometimes, joy is as simple as having luscious, dewy, moisturized skin. That's a staple of Blackness and the Black experience. If there's one thing we ain't gonna be, it's ashy.