Shea butter The one everyone knows. This butter has transcended the borders of its birthplace to become a staple in much of the world. It all begins in West Africa, where the shea tree grows. Shea butter is obtained from the fruit of this tree. Once harvested, the shea nuts are stripped of their pulp, leaving only the kernel, which is then washed and dried. There are several methods for extracting butter from almonds (traditional, cold-pressed, and solvent-based). The pressing method is one of the most widely used. The fruits are cold-pressed, preserving the active ingredients to produce butter of excellent quality. Shea butter is very thick, yellow in color with a more or less pronounced scent depending on the nuts used. How to use shea butter? Shea butter is primarily used in cosmetics. But did you know that in the countries where it's produced, it's also used in cooking as a substitute for oil or butter? Packed with essential fatty acids and rich in vitamins A, D, E, and F, it truly deserves its name, "magic balm." Used on children from birth, shea butter will protect their fragile skin from the sun and any external aggression. It will moisturize, nourish, soften, smooth, and revitalize the skin and hair. It's easy to understand why manufacturers are increasingly using it in their cosmetics. As a skincare product, simply massage it all over your body, even your face. It can also be applied more topically. In hair care, shea butter can replace your hair conditioner, especially if you have very dry and unruly hair. It can also be used as a deep treatment, lightly melted and applied all over your hair under plastic wrap for a longer or shorter time before shampooing. Baobab oil Another treasure from Africa, baobab oil is a true beauty elixir. It all begins with the baobab, this ancestral African tree, emblem of Senegal and Guinea. This tree, which can reach 25 meters in height, produces fruit, and it is from the seeds of these fruits that the oil is produced. To recover the seeds, the kernel shells are broken. They are then dried naturally before being cold-pressed to extract the famous baobab oil. This extraction method is not the most profitable in terms of oil volume obtained, but it produces an excellent quality product that retains all of its nutrients. The oil obtained is rich in essential fatty acids and proteins used in cosmetics and cooking. How to use baobab oil? As we mentioned earlier, baobab oil is used in cooking in the countries where it is produced. It is also widely used in cosmetics for its healing and regenerative properties. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and F, they actively intervene and promote cell regeneration and renewal. It is perfect for caring for and repairing skin and hair on a daily basis. For hair, apply to the lengths and ends as an oil bath or hair mask, leave on for 15 minutes under a shower cap. It can also be used to add shine or seal in moisture to the hair. For the body, baobab oil is an excellent preventative and curative treatment for stretch marks, mature skin, cracks, and chapped skin. Simply apply it daily to the entire body. Hibiscus powder Native to West Africa, the Sabdariffa hibiscus is also known as "Bissap" or "Gold of Guinea." It's worth noting that hibiscus also grows in India and the West Indies, for example. It's a shrub that produces young shoots and leaves that are traditionally consumed in cooking. Its dried and then infused red flowers are used for sauces and jams, or are drunk as juice or tea. These are increasingly used in cosmetics. To obtain hibiscus powder, the flowers are simply dried and ground into a more or less fine powder. Sieving produces a very fine powder. The resulting powder is rich in mucilages (hydrating and softening sugars) and antioxidants. How to use hibiscus powder? Hibiscus powder is widely used in cooking, for making juices, and as a natural food coloring. In cosmetics, hibiscus powder finds its place in hair care and skin care products. Whether you have mature, dry, dull, stressed or sensitive skin, it will be your best ally to accompany the composition of your care products. For your hair care, your plant-based coloring or your shampoo, hibiscus powder is a real ally. It stimulates hair growth, prevents hair loss and makes hair thicker. It will also prevent premature graying. It adds shine and suppleness, and for your plant-based hair colors, it will give pretty mahogany highlights. Hibiscus powder is also used in makeup. You can use it as a colorant for your DIY makeup, especially for its pinkish to purple color. For your skincare needs, incorporating hibiscus powder into your DIY projects will allow you to benefit from its antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, regeneration-stimulating, softening, and moisturizing properties. It is suitable for all skin types. Now you know a little more about these 3 products which are among Africa's beauty treasures. Come tell us how you use these products in your beauty routines.
