Africa encompasses deserts, tropics, savannas, and beautiful diversity, and the beauty traditions here mirror the centuries of wisdom of generations, mirroring rich beauty traditions. Inspired by natural remedies, and holistic self-care practices, these are timeless inspirations for modern skincare. We can adopt sustainable, effective ways to take care of our skin as we explore the care rituals of desert, tropical and savanna peoples.
Desert Wisdom: Hydration and Protection
In arid deserts in the Sahara and other parts of Africa, so much of the focus is on hydration and protecting the skin from extreme dryness. For years the Berber and Tuareg peoples have applied argan and prickly pear seed oils, rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, to protect against environmental assaults and lock in moisture. Rhassoul clay — harvested from the Atlas Mountains — is another staple, cleansing skin, maintaining its oils, and nourishing the skin. Inspired by these traditions, we can introduce very hydrating oils and gentle cleansers into our routines to prevent dehydration and aging.
Tropical Knowledge: Cleansing and Brightening
Cleansing and refreshing rituals are needed in humid climates like the one in the Congo Basin. Natural exfoliants, such as plantain peels and sugar cane, are what tropical peoples depend on to clean pores and remove dirt and impurities.
Shea butter has become a popular ingredient for moisturizing as well as skin tone even from the shea tree nuts.
Rich in natural AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are hibiscus flowers used to make tonics that gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. And if we follow these practices we can enjoy radiant skin, in sync with nature.
Savanna Ingenuity: Repair and Resilience
The Maasai of East Africa, for example, value skin resilience in the African savannas. Nutrient-rich oils such as marula oil – used for its reparative and anti-inflammatory properties – are used in response to sun and wind exposure. The Himba women of Namibia use red ochre clay for sunscreen and are naturally protected from harsh elements. Traditional skincare staples like milk and honey soothe irritation and promote skin elasticity. We can take these traditions and sprinkle some restorative ingredients into our regimens to keep our skin strong and refreshed.
A Holistic Approach to Beauty
Skincare rituals across Africa are not just an external application but an extension of total views on beauty. Diet, hydration, and mindfulness are all common practices and there is often an emphasis to practice balance and connect to the earth. When we bring this philosophy to bear, we can make the mundane and grouching of routine into moments of self-care and celebration.
Based on the beauty secrets of Africa’s desert, tropical, and savanna people, we can honor these traditions while creating our own sustainable, natural skincare journeys. In this way, we also honor not only traditional wisdom, but also the magnificent cultural heritage of the continent.
References
Chimhanda, R. (2021). Diasporic Experiences of Everyday Multiculturalism: Navigating Race and Space Through African Women’s Beauty Practices (Doctoral dissertation, Carleton University).
Smofsky, S. (2017). Shaping the Skin: Conveying Identities Through Skincare and Cosmetics (Doctoral dissertation, Concordia University).
Thomas, L. M. (2019). Consumer culture and ‘black is beautiful’in apartheid South Africa and early postcolonial Kenya. African Studies, 78(1), 6-32.
