The Natural Face Wash That Actually Works
You have acne because you have strep. You heal acne by starving the strep bacteria, strengthening the immune system and fostering a healthy and loving relationship with yourself.
There is no such thing as a newly discovered medicinal berry found only in the rainforest jungles of Brazil that when converted into a cleanser, will miraculously clear your skin.
Stop wasting your time, energy and money on broken acne cleanser promises. Accept this, and you are well on your way to healthy skin that glows from within.
That’s not to say that face washes are useless. Although they are not the captain steering your healing ship, there is a place for them.
It took me a long time to find a face wash that actually works for me. But before I share that face wash:
Disclaimer: Just because it works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you. I hardly ever recommend products because I have been the victim of throwing away thousands of dollars on crap that doesn’t work. I decided a long time ago I wasn’t going to buy anything that didn’t feel right for me. When choosing skincare products I always consult with my intuition and go from there. I suggest you do the same thing. Although I absolutely LOVE this face wash and swear by it, you should only buy if it excites you. And remember—self-love and the right healing foods come first.
The Natural Face Wash That Actually Works
I’ve always wanted to simplify my skincare routine and find the perfect all-in-one bar soap. I dreamed of the day I can wash my entire body with one bar of soap—you know, like a man. The day I didn't need to spend $200 a month on “maybe this is the one” face washes. The day I could finally stop searching.
The day is here my friends.
Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap
When I read on the google that Authentic African Black Soap was ideal for acne prone skin, I went straight to Whole Foods and bought a bar.
FINALLY. A bar soap that’s clean, natural, fair trade and feels right in my hands.
I haven’t used anything else since.
Authentic African Black Soap is an all-natural, handmade soap made in West Africa from plant-based ingredients. It is (typically) free from dyes, fragrances, and other additives. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, may help to treat acne and acne scars, improves skin tone and texture and is a natural exfoliant.
It’s great for all-skin types, especially for oily/acne types. It helps to balance the skin’s natural oil production without stripping necessary oils or adding excess oil to your skin. It may also help to soothe irritation and itchiness.
It’s the latest “holy grail” in natural skincare—and for good reason.
Why I love Authentic African Black Soap
It’s affordable AF: At around $5 a bar, I can spend my money on the things that are actually going to cure my acne—like supplements and seven heads of celery a week.
It thoroughly cleanses, but doesn’t over-dry: My skin feels so clean after I wash it with this soap, yet not overly dry. The Alaffia brand I’m recommending has shea butter which adds natural moisture.
It’s eco-friendly: One less plastic bottle in my shower. Mama Earth and my skin are happy.
It’s multi-functional: You can use it all over your beautiful body, too.
It’s all-natural and super clean: I can actually read the TWO ingredients. It’s fragrance-free and sulfate-free—pure and raw.
It’s been used for generations in West Africa: I always trust tried, tested and timeless body care.
It really does work: My skin loves Authentic African Black Soap. I know I gotta drink celery juice and eat lots of fruit, but this face wash has worked wonders on my skin as well. It’s helped reduce my acne scars, improved the overall texture and feel, and leaves it squeaky clean.
Where to find Authentic African Black Soap
I usually buy it at Whole Foods. It can be found in most natural grocery stores. I’ve even bought it at local farmers markets. BUT:
Make sure it reads Authentic African Black Soap and not just Black Soap. There is a difference.
I’ve tried just regular black soap and it’s not the same (for me at least). I find that the bars that read “Authentic African Black Soap” work best. And remember to always read those labels—even for body care.
Make sure it comes from a reliable source. My go-to is Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap because it’s a brand I trust and it’s a fair trade product, meaning the women who make the soap are paid fair wages.
How to wash your face with Authentic African Black Soap
I NEVER put the bar of soap directly on my face. It’s a natural exfoliant, so if you scrub too hard or on an active breakout, it can irritate the skin.
Rub the soap in your hands until you have a nice lather. Put the soap back on the soap dish and use the lather on your hands to wash your face.
Be SUPER DUPER gentle, barely touching your face. Use your fingertips to tap the soap on your face (tap, don’t rub).
Make sure to wash the neck and decollete area as well.
Let the running water from the shower rinse the soap off your face (the less you touch your face, the better).
Only wash in the evenings. Your face isn’t dirty in the mornings. Your skin spends the entire night detoxing and cleansing, creating a sort of barrier to protect you for the day ahead.
Before you go
One last reminder; nothing topical is going to heal your acne. Am I beating a dead horse yet? Use the right products to support you in your healing journey. Be gentle, loving and patient towards your skin as she heals. She’s working hard for you.
P.S.- If you’re just embarking on your holistic healing journey and need a little (or a lot) of guidance, let’s chat. I have two spots open in September for One-On-One Skincare Coaching Sessions. We’re talking all things celery juice, what to eat, what not to eat, the right supplements, how to heal the relationship with your skin, how to actually enjoy this healing journey and more skincare product recommendations.
Hi! I’m Janelle, celery juice junkie, solo-traveling soul-seeker, over-sharing storyteller, healing foods expert, chronic deep thinker, spiritual self-help bookworm, sober Miami girl, papaya eating fanatic, eager grocery shopper, and free spirit foodie, sharing my journey into awakening and love for conscious food, kinda like Anthony Bourdain meets Oprah.
I created The Free Spirit Foodie in 2016 as a way to process a lay off, a year-long solo trip around India, and a search for God. It evolved into a sacred digital space to share everything I was experiencing and learning.
We’re talking solo female traveling, plant-based living, holistic healing, and all of the AHA moments in between. Thank you for joining me on this journey. May you be reminded you are not alone and that living an authentic life is our only purpose.
Want to learn more about me? Click here to read my full story. It’s a crazy one.
Download My Conscious Grocery Shopping List—it’s free! I’ve included the healing produce that saved me, the sweet and salty snacks that satisfy me, and the yummy body care that does me no harm. Enjoy!
I wrote an e-book just for you! Your Face Isn’t Dirty: A 12-Step To Healing Your Acne Holistically (literally everything you need).
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