With this Nigerian sun, almost every girl I know is looking for something to use for her skin. The boys are not even left out. This season is really favourable to those that are into cosmetics that is soaps and cream making. There are myriad of products out there right now. The moment you just check Instagram, those businesses appear.
A couple of times, I’ve had to purchase soaps and creams alike simply because my skin decides to have a brain of itself and look so dull. There’s nothing wrong with that. There other times I’ve needed something to brighten my skin and all those other products seems too pricey. Or there are some added things that don’t just sit well with me.
Which led me to become curious. I started thinking about different ingredients these business owners use. You can imagine my shock when I found out that these ingredients are our everyday kitchen natural ingredients that are just lying there except when you probably want to cook.
There are various things that make the skin look dull. Asides from health challenges, the first reason is the UV ray from the sun. Especially if you leave in extremely hot places, my Abuja people can relate.
These natural ingredients have so many health benefits which include skin brightening, balancing your skin tone, reducing blemishes and marks, UV protection and eliminating harmful bacteria. These remedies will work on your skin naturally and effectively with consistent use.
Your skin is the body’s largest organ and is the first line of defence against infection and disease. So, if you notice splotches, dark spots, or any skin pigmentation issues, you definitely want to do what you can to prevent further damage.
Typically, hydroquinone and mercury have been the main ingredients used in skin-bleaching products. They work by inhibiting the production of melanin, the chemical that turns skin darker in the short term. However, research has shown that in the long term these ingredients can be toxic.
Here are some natural remedies that will help your skin at a cheaper cost.
Pawpaw: Fresh pawpaw is not just sweet and nice to eat. It has been found by research to be excellent for the skin. It is a natural lightener and it will make your skin look so radiant and beautiful.
Honey: Known in Hausa as Zuma, in Igbo, it’s called mmanu anu and in Yoruba, it’s called oyin. This is no stranger to any of us. Honey is not only medicinal when taken with tea. It has antibacterial properties that are great for the skin. If you don’t want to use only honey on your skin, you can make a mask with pawpaw. The combination is great for the skin.
Turmeric: In Hausa, it’s called kurkar and the Igbos call it eriri. Anyone that is familiar to you, turmeric is no stranger. It is popularly known for its high medicinal properties.
Potato Juice: my Hausa fam know it as Dankali. It is packed full of vitamins C, B1, B3, and B6 and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, along with dietary antioxidants, making it an amazing skin-loving ingredient. It helps maintain clear skin with an unmistakable glow. The Vitamin C in it boosts collagen production which helps to maintain skin elasticity and firmness while the zinc heals and protects damaged tissues. It removes dead skin cells and impurities from the skin.
Peel the potato and cut it into inch-sized pieces. Rub the pieces of potato on the areas you want to lighten so that the juice is spread onto your skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and wash with water. You can also grate the potato, squeeze out the juice, and apply it with the help of a cotton pad.
