Benefits of Salt that Will Shock You

Salt is a familiar compound used in cooking, engineering, and cosmetic formulations. In addition, it is used broadly in science.

Salt can solve many skin problems like acne, oily skin, dry skin, etc.

Interestingly, its benefits are not limited to the skin since salt benefits the hair, nails, and teeth.

Reasons salt is used in skincare.

Salt can absorb dirt and toxins from the skin. It cleans inside skin pores thoroughly.

Dirt and grime come from the environment, makeup, and dead skin cells. Dirt causes acne and other blemishes. Salt can deeply cleanse the skin pores, effectively removing dirt, grime, and bacteria.

The human body contains similar concentrations of minerals as seawater; that is why salty water is a natural balance to restore and protect the skin.

The sodium, potassium, and magnesium in sea salt always benefit the skin’s health.

How to use salt in skincare

  • You can use salt in your bath. Soaking in a salt bath for about half an hour will benefit your skin. Then, pour 1/3 cup salt into a tub or warm water to make a salt bath.
  • You can use salt as a balancing mask. Mix 1 part salt to 2 parts honey. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the mask will soothe skin and calm breakouts or irritation. Leave the mask on the face for about 10-15 minutes.
  • You can use salt as a face mist. Mix a teaspoon of salt in 3 ounces of rose water and mist on clean, dry skin. Using this facial mist daily will reveal healthy skin.
  • You can use salt as a body scrub. Mix salt with your favorite oil, and apply in a circular motion on the skin for soft skin.

Other uses of salt

  • Anti-dandruff
  • Teeth whitening
  • Nail brightening

A lot of skin products have salt in them because salt is effective.

Let us know in the comment section if you will try incorporating salt into your skin care regimen.

Benefits of Using Body Scrubs

this is a body scrub

Have you ever wondered why some people’s skin seems to have a constant glow? It might not be just good genes or expensive skincare products—it could be something as simple as using a body scrub.

Free African American man sitting in bathtub with cup of coffee on tray and scrubbing arms with sponge and soap Stock Photo

Body scrubs have become a staple in many skincare routines, and for good reasons. They slough away dead skin cells, polish your skin, and prepare it for moisturizers.

Adding this one step to your routine can transform your skin from dull to dazzling. And the best part? It’s something you can easily do at home. 

Today, we will discuss body scrubs and how to use them. We also have an easy DIY so you can make your own scrub at home.

What is a body scrub?

Body scrubs are skincare products designed to remove dead skin cells through exfoliation, cleanse the skin, and increase the body’s blood circulation.

The primary ingredients in most body scrubs include exfoliating materials like salt, sugar, or coffee grounds mixed with oil to bind them together and provide moisture. These ingredients are massaged across the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Beyond just cleaning, this process helps to reveal a smoother, more even layer of skin. Whether using a commercial scrub or mixing up your household items, they’re a fantastic way to enhance your skin’s health and radiance.

Sea Salt Scrub

Salt scrubs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to revive their skin. The coarse texture of salt makes it particularly good at sloughing away rigid, dead skin cells, revealing softer and smoother skin underneath.

Additionally, salt naturally draws out impurities and has antiseptic qualities, which can help cleanse pores profoundly and reduce acne.

A salt scrub can also promote better circulation through gentle massaging, improving overall skin health and giving it a natural glow. This type of scrub is especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin due to its deep cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Brown sugar scrub 

Brown sugar scrubs are simple and organic. They provide excellent results and are gentle on the skin. All you need is brown sugar.

Another benefit of brown sugar scrubs is that they are water-soluble. So, it will not be difficult to clean your bathroom after using them, and they are not a health hazard—no slippery floors.

Benefits of using body scrubs

  1. Reveals softer, healthier skin
  2. Prevents skin blemishes
  3. Prevent dry skin
  4. Clears dark spots
  5. Allows body moisturizer to work effectively
  6. It helps treat acne, bumps, and stretch marks
  7. Allows your skin to glow
  8. It removes dark patches and dark knuckles
  9. Keeps skin moisturized for longer
  10. Fragrances last longer on the skin
  11. Relieves stress
  12. Reveals glowing, happy skin

How to use a body scrub

  1. Use warm water
  2. Wash your body with a good soap or shower gel
  3. Apply your body scrub in circular motions
  4. You can use it on your face and body
  5. Use body scrubs 2-3 times a week for best results

Caution

  1. Do not use hot water, use warm water to prevent your skin from drying
  2. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid tearing skin and pain
  3. Do not allow the scrub to enter your eyes, nose, or vagina
  4. Only scrub up to three times a week.
  5. Moisturise immediately after scrubbing.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Scrubbing

A little goes a long way when it comes to body scrubs. Here’s a straightforward guide to ensure you get the most out of your scrubbing session without drawbacks.

Do:

– First, test the scrub on a small skin area to check for adverse reactions.

– Use gentle pressure when applying the scrub. The exfoliating ingredients do most of the work, so there’s no need to be harsh.

– Scrub while in the shower as the steam opens up your pores, making the exfoliation more effective.

– Rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind, which could cause irritation or dryness.

– Follow up with a moisturizer to soothe the skin and lock in hydration.

Don’t:

– Over-exfoliate. Limit scrubbing to least two or three times a week to prevent skin damage.

– Use on broken or inflamed skin, as scrubs can further irritate or harm vulnerable areas.

– Ignore your skin type. Those with sensitive or dry skin should opt for finer, gentler ingredients like oatmeal or finely ground sugar.

– Scrub too long or hard, as doing so can lead to redness, sensitivity, and even injury.

– Forget to hydrate after scrubbing. Exfoliation can strip the skin of natural oils, so replenishing moisture is crucial.

How to make a Sea salt scrub at home

Making a sea salt scrub at home is easy and requires just a few ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s a straightforward recipe to create your sea salt scrub:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of acceptable sea salt

– 1/2 cup of shea butter (You can also use olive oil if you do not have shea butter)

Directions:

1. Mix the sea salt and shea butter carrier oil

In a bowl, combine the sea salt with your shea butter. Stir them together until the salt is thoroughly coated with the butter. This mixture forms the base of your scrub.

2. Store properly

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container with a tight lid, such as a mason jar or any other glass container. This will help preserve the scrub.

4. Usage

Scoop out a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your wet skin in a circular motion. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and feet. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry. Finish by moisturizing your skin to keep it hydrated.

This homemade sea salt scrub not only exfoliates but also moisturizes, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

Conclusion

Incorporating a body scrub into your skincare routine can work wonders for your skin’s health and appearance. By routinely exfoliating, you shed dead skin cells and enhance your skin’s ability to absorb moisturizers and other treatments more effectively. 

The benefits are tangible whether you choose to make your scrubs at home with natural ingredients or select from the myriad of ready-made options available. 

Experiment with different scrubs to discover what works best for your skin type and needs. Remember, the key to radiant skin isn’t just about what products you use but how you use them. 

Did you find this article helpful? Please like and comment in the section below.

How to get the best out of your massage session

he is so happy when getting his massage

Massage is a physical manipulation of the body to cause fluid circulation in the body.

It aims to bring nutrients and oxygen into tissues and transport used blood from tissues back to the heart.

Used blood means blood that has already deposited oxygen and nutrients into tissues and needs to return to the heart for more goodies.

Massage has many benefits; these benefits are spiritual, physical, emotional, and even financial; however, you can only get the full benefits of massage if you prepare yourself.

Benefits of massage

  • Relieves pain
  • Induces sleep
  • Improve skin quality
  • Relaxing
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Fights depression
  • Connects you to your inner energy
  • Gives you inspiration
  • Boosts confidence
  • Calms stress
  • Increases concentration span
  • Helps you work effectively
  • Makes you happy
  • Helps you sleep better

Getting the best from your massage session

  1. Take a warm shower: This is a good idea because your body is clean before the massage, and the massage oil will be uncorrupted. Pure massage oil pampers the skin and heals it. The warm shower will also open up your pores, allowing the oil to unclog and cleanse them. As a result, the massage oil will be able to penetrate the skin better.
  2. Be polite and kind to your therapist: This is important. The energy you give your therapist is what she/he will transfer to you. Massage therapists are trained to be calm and patient; however, they are humans. Therefore, giving off positive energy during your session will benefit you. As a result, the entire session will be peaceful and help you achieve what you desire from the massage.
  3. Posture: The massage therapist will explain the proper posture to you; try to assume and maintain the correct posture. This will help prevent stress or pain from being transferred from one part of the body to another, e.g., back to the neck.
  4. Silence/ soft sound: Do not play loud music with fast beats during your massage session. Massage therapists try to keep everything balanced: mood, motion, pace, and sound. If you play a fast song, trust that your massage will take less time than it should. Soft music or sounds are calming and will help your therapist keep his/her pace. Ocean waves, rainfall, or a slow song on repeat are all excellent choices. I prefer silence, though.
  5. Close your eyes: What better way to find yourself and feel your feelings? When they close their eyes, many clients find it easier to dream or have visions during a massage. Some fall asleep; others simply close their eyes and find themselves in a beautiful serene place created by their minds.

Use these tips when you go for your next massage session, and thank me later.

Leave a comment, and tell us about your experience.

Benefits of Pineapples on Skin and Hair

cut pineapples

Pineapples (Ananas comosos) are tropical food famous for their nutrients, antioxidants, and potent enzymes that fight diseases and improve health.

1. Anti-aging

Damaged and aging skin is caused by the environment, genetics, and the food we eat. These factors lead to the increase of free radicals (ROS) in the blood. ROS, among other compounds, is responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, thin skin, and collagen loss.

Pineapples are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals and neutralize their effects. Pineapples are also rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs help with skin rejuvenation and increase cell turnover rate.

2. Soft kissable lips

Try this trick, and you will thank me😉. Apply fresh pineapple or pineapple juice to your lips. Your lips Will become softer and maybe plumper. Make sure your lips are not cracked when you try this.

3. Removes warts and moles

Pineapples actually prevent warts and moles from forming on the face. Apply pineapples on your skin for 5 minutes and rinse off.

4. Clear-toned skin

Pineapples contain ascorbic acids and vitamin C; these compounds fight off dark spots, exfoliate the skin, and lead to a clear complexion. Since pineapples are great exfoliators, incorporating them into a scrub is a good idea.

There is a particular enzyme in pineapples called bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic compound that eats away dead skin and brightens skin. In addition, this enzyme fights pimples and inflammation on the skin.

5. Makes hair thick and strong

Use pineapples in your hair routine. An excellent DIY is to blend bananas, coconut oil, and pineapples. Apply this mix to your hair and leave in for 1 hour, then wash off

How to use pineapples

  • Pineapple can be used in a juice, powder, or oil form.
  • It can be used as a 5 min mask. An excellent DIY is to mix in pineapple juice and yogurt as a face mask
  • Pineapple oil is mild and can be used in hair and on the skin.
  • You can add to your black soaps, glycerine, and hair creams.

References

1. Healthline: Health benefits of pineapples

2. Med life: 20 benefits of pineapples on hair and skin

Benefits of Hibiscus flower

Hibiscus flower

The hibiscus flower is a gorgeous wonder. The tea from this plant has numerous health benefits for the heart and liver. In addition, it has been used in cosmetics primarily because of its antioxidant properties.

The hibiscus flower is nicknamed the anti-aging plant, attributed to its ability to increase skin elasticity. and facilitate youthfulness.

Benefits of Hibiscus flower on skin

Anti-aging

Hibiscus flower is one of the best active ingredients for anti-aging. It increases skin elasticity, firms, and lifts the skin. This gives the skin its youthfulness.

The plant does this by inhibiting the elastase enzyme responsible for catalyzing the skin’s elastin fibers.

The flower also helps the skin retain moisture, promoting skin youthfulness.

Evens skin tone

Ultra-violet exposure, excess melanin production, and genetics cause uneven skin tone.

Hibiscus flower evens out the skin tone because it has chemical exfoliating properties. It is rich in fruit acids, like citric acid, malic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate the skin. These acids help speed up the skin’s cell turnover rate, leading to a more evened tone.

Fights off free radicals

Free radicals are caused by everyday pollutants, UV radiation, and unhealthy foods. Free radicals can cause premature aging of the skin.

Thankfully, Hibiscus flowers are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanocides that help fight off free radicals.

Astringent

This plant is capable of tightening pores and reducing large openings. It is also great for tackling acne breakouts. In addition, the hibiscus flower encourages the overall cell turnover of the skin, which ultimately gives the skin a purified, gorgeous glowing skin.

How to use Hibiscus flower in your skincare routine

  • Some brightening black soaps have Hibiscus flower as an active ingredient, among other ingredients
  • You can also try hibiscus body scrubs
  • You can use the Hibiscus flower as a face mask.
  • Get your hibiscus flower powder from stores that sell organic powders

Great DIYs to try

Try to make your own face mask by mixing honey, hibiscus powder, and plain yogurt in equal parts.

All you need to know about Activated charcoal

activated charcoal mask

Did you know activated charcoal is made of coconut husks and sand wood particles?

Activated charcoal differs from grill coal since it has a larger surface area and is absorbent. These properties result from activated coal being produced in high pressured heat. Activated charcoal is also known as carbon.

Activated carbon is usually incorporated in soaps, cleansers, and masks.

Today, we will discuss the benefits and value of activated charcoal masks.

Benefits of activated charcoal on the skin

  • Tightens pores
  • Draws out impurities
  • Improves complexion
  • Fight acne
  • Relieves itching

How to use

  • Wash your face with a gentle face cleanser
  • Dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply the mask with fingers or a soft brush.
  • Leave on face for 15 minutes to 45 minutes.
  • Wipe off with warm water and a towel.
  • Moisturise with your favorite moisturizer.

Tips

  1. Do a batch test before applying it to your face
  2. Clean your sink immediately to avoid stains
  3. Use your face mask at most once a week to avoid skin dryness and redness
  4. Apply evenly on the face
  5. If you DIY, make sure to use good quality activated carbon.

DIY

Carbon clay gel masks contain potent ingredients that improve your face texture and complexion. In addition, it tackles acne and other blemishes.

Caution

  • Do not use grill charcoal on your face.
  • Buy activated carbon from trusted sources.
  • Do not apply a carbon face mask every day.
  • Always moisturize after rinsing off the mask.

Black girls guide to beautiful hair

black girl hair

Healthy hair gives you the confidence to go out with your natural hair.

Say goodbye to painful and expensive hairstyles, relaxers and heat. Today, we will talk about how to keep your hair healthy, glowing, and happy. Trust me.

Black girl hair is curly, cottony, mostly 4a, b, c. The curls get tighter as we go up 4a- 4c. Some people have more than one hair texture on their heads.

4c hair has the tightest curl pattern. These tight curl patterns are why many people see 4c hair as tough. I have 4c hair; I face these challenges too.

4c hair struggles🙄

  1. It dries out quickly because it struggles to retain moisture.
  2. Shrinkage
  3. Tangles
  4. Mattings
  5. Fragile, making it prone breakage.

Because of these issues, many people think black girl hair is untameable, coarse and doesn’t grow. 

Black girl hair grows; it is very versatile and easy to groom. You do not have to use heat or apply relaxers to your hair.

You must appreciate your curls because it is glorious and beautiful.

Tips for your hair

  • Help your hair retain moisture by using good moisturisers and a great sealant. A good moisturiser has water in it as the major ingredient. In addition, you can try using shea butter to seal in moisture.
  • Shampoo regularly; however, black girl hair doesn’t require daily shampooing; once every other week is okay.
  • Do not use shampoos with sulfate and parabens. Sulfates and parabens remove natural oils in the scalp.
  • Wash your hair in sections.
  • Detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb or use your fingers. Apply water and conditioner before detangling.
  • Do a weekly deep condition with a good oil or butter
  • Detangle in sections.
  • Braid or twist your hair before bed time to prevent it from detangling.
  • Do not over style your hair, give space between hairstyles to prevent breakage.
  • You can leave your hair in twists, twist outs, Bantu knots, puffs, afro, and buns.

The last tip for your hair is to love your hair. It is beautiful and worth loving.

All you need to know about Oil cleansing

Oil

Oil cleansing is rubbing pure oils on your face in attempt to dissolve clogged pores, makeup and dirt. It is a gentle way to cleanse the face.

Oil cleansing is better than the traditional face washing since it does not strip off face moisture, good bacteria and its natural oil balance. When the face natural oil balance is altered, it results in more oil production leading to more blockage.

The principle of oil cleansing is ‘ like dissolves like’. This means that oil dissolve oil. Oil cleansing is a more effective way of tackling black heads, white heads and other oil blockage. Since most makeup are oil based, oil cleansing is effective on removing makeup as well.

Effects of oil cleansing

  • Gently removes makeup
  • Soothe sensitive skin
  • Tame breakouts
  • Protect natural lipid layer
  • Lifts excess sebum ( oily substance produced by skin glands)
  • Clean out clogged pores like blackheads and whiteheads
  • Remove dead skin and pollutants
  • Balance skin oils and lock in hydration

People with oily skin benefit from oil cleansing too. ‘Like dissolves Like’, so oil cleansing will help remove excess oils on skin.

How to oil cleanse

  1. Apply your oil cleanser on dry skin, massage it in for 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Use a warm damp cloth to gently wipe off oil.

It is best to do your oil cleansing at night. So in the morning you can wash your face with a mild face gel like MABS face gel.

You can use olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil and avocado oil for oil cleansing. It is important to note that the oils you use should not be food grade and have no fragrance added. Its best to use oil that are formulated for skin. Food grade oils will break you out. Food grade oils will break you out.

With oil cleansing, a little goes a long way. Just a few drops of oil or a tablespoon of oil will do. Oil cleansing should be done at most once a day. It might take a week or two before you start seeing results.

 

Benefits of Shea butter

shea butter

Shea butter is a natural oil extracted from the Karite tree nut. The karite tree is said to be the tree of life since it has great health benefits literally from its roots to its leaves. The oil is solid in room temperature.

The tree of life.

Shea butter’s goodness comes from its constituents.

  • Linoleic, palmitic, stearic and oleic fatty acids in shea butter balance oils on the skin and hair.
  • Vitamins A, E and F are antioxidant vitamins in shea butter that can promote healthy skin cell growth.
  • The triglyceride part of shea butter nourishes and conditions the skin and hair.
  • Cetyl esters, the waxy part of shea butter seals in moisture and conditions skin and hair.
Shea goodness

Unrefined grade A shea butter is best because left untampered, all the shea goodness is present.

Grade A unrefined shea butter.

Shea butter contains high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins. This makes it antiinflammatory, healing and anti aging. Because of this properties, shea can help treat eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It can also help reduce appearance of stretch marks and scarring. 

Shea butter has benefits on hair too, this includes, preventing hair breakage, treating dandruff and ensuring length retention. 

Shea butter.

However, shea butter is comedogenic. It can clog pores and lead to acne if you have oily skin. Pure shea butter can lead to breakouts so it is not advised to use much raw shea butter on the face. Also, to get the most out of shea butter, it is best to use it at night.

15 Bad Habits that cause Acne and Breakouts

touching face can lead to pimples

Acne is a common skin condition where the hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes black heads, white heads and pimples to appear on face, chest, forehead and shoulders.

Acne.

Causes

  • Excess oil production
  • Bacteria
  • Hormones
  • Dead skin cells
  • Dirt
  • Makeup
  • Sweat

Here are 15 bad habits that cause acne and breakouts.

  1. Stress
  2. Sleeping with makeup on
  3. Over cleansing
  4. Dirty pillowcase
  5. Some foods
  6. Popping pimples
  7. Makeup on pimples
  8. Forgetting to wash face after exercise
  9. Using dirty makeup brushes
  10. Dirty towels and wash cloths
  11. Dirty cell phone
  12. Hair products too close to face
  13. Following every DIY on YouTube
  14. Touching face all the time
  15. Some medication

Stress

When we stress and worry, our body naturally produce certain hormones and steroids. These results in our skin producing excess oil that will clog our pores. The presence of bacteria on the face, makes matters worse. The bacteria, Propioni bacterium acnes, is responsible for most acne and breakout cases.

Try stress less, sleep more and have happy hours. MABS provide relaxing Swedish massages and facials at home service.

Sleeping with makeup on

Let’s do the maths. Makeup + Dirt + sweat = big pimple. This trio invite P. Acnes into pores to cause a breakout.

Do not sleep with makeup on, you can try MABS makeup remover and MABS rose toner to remove makeup from your face or try MABS face wash.

Over cleansing

When I wash and wash and wash my face, this leads to my skin drying out.

Most commercial face wash are made with harsh chemicals that can dry out the face. When the skin dries out, the body tries to compensate by producing more oil. These oil will clog pores and cause breakouts. Washing your face twice a day is enough. You can use the MABS facial cleanser.

I have seen people vigorously exfoliating their face with face scrubs every day. This is a bad idea, not only are you tearing your skin and causing scarring, you will also cause more breakouts. If you must do physical exfoliation, once a week is enough. You can use MABS honey scrub.

Dirty pillowcase

We need to wash our pillow case twice a week. Dirty pillow case can introduce dirt and dead cells to our face and cause us a breakout.

If you use hair products like gels, oils and hair masks, it is best you change pillow cases every night to avoid these products getting on the face. MABS provides a range of natural hair products from shampoos to leave on sprays to condition your hair.

Wash towels regularly, to avoid introducing bacteria to the face.

Some foods

Sweet foods and dairy products are known to cause more pimples on the face. You can try stay away from this foods if you suffer from sever acne.

Popping pimples

I love popping pimples as much as the next girl however, it is not really a good idea😣…We risk introducing bacteria to the face or causing skin tear, and/or more oil to be produced.

Makeup on pimples

Applying makeup on pimples is like covering a wild fire with a blanket. It causes bigger pimples to form. Applying makeup on pimples will further clog the pores.

Also, using dirty makeup brushes introduce bacteria to the face and circulate it. It is best to wash makeup tools regularly and not apply makeup all the time.

Dirty cellphone

We are constantly touching our cellphones, it goes every where we go. It is important to clean cellphones to avoid introducing bacteria onto the face. Also, it is best we stop the habit of touching our face. No popping pimples, no touching of face and definitely no touching of other people’s faces.

Medication

There are some medications that can cause acnes, this medications usually work to spike up hormones that cause oil production to increase.

References

  • LABeautyologist Youtube
  • Health line