Beauty Tips from Around the World
Africa
Shea Butter and Shea Oil
The Karite tree (or Shea tree) grows a nut from which Shea oil and butter are harvested and made. The tree grows in twelve different African countries, and the majority of the world's supply of Shea butter comes from Burkina Faso.
Lavender
Lavender used to be used by women in North Africa as a folk remedy to prevent mistreatment by their husbands. As odd as this may sound, lavender has some very real beneficial properties. It is a natural deodorant, antiseptic, and insecticide. You can use lavender water (made by steeping a tablespoon of lavender in a cup of water) all over the body as a fragrant refresher throughout the day.
This tea, known as African Red Tea, contains a high amount of antioxidants, which makes it beneficial. It contains natural alpha-hydroxyl for healthy skin and is used in many commercial products such as soaps, facial creams, and shampoos.
Honey
Aside from being a delicious treat and sweetener, honey is a popular beauty aid due to its hydrating and nourishing properties. It has been used to treat the scalp when it is swollen and itchy from dandruff. Mix some honey with a little warm water and dab it on the affected area of your scalp. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse, or leave it on overnight for a longer treatment.
Olive trees grow in many African countries, such as Tunisia, and the olive oil produced by these plants has been used in beauty routines for hundreds of years. It is used as a base for many hair and skin products, and can be an effective treatment for moisturizing hair and skin. You can simply use extra-virgin olive oil directly on the hair as a hot oil treatment, or as an emollient to moisturize the skin and nails. Alternatively, you can look for olive oil-based complexion bars or lip balms.
Mayan
Avocado
Avocados were highly revered for their beautifying properties, and now we know that the oil of the avocado is an excellent emollient and moisturizer. Try taking half of an avocado and mashing it into a pulp. Apply the pulp evenly to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. It is great for hydrating the skin and makes a wonderful winter skin treatment.
You can also use avocado slices under your eyes and leave them to soak in for at least 20 minutes. Watch your puffiness disappear and enjoy the cooling and moisturizing effects of avocado.
Combine half an avocado, one tablespoon of olive oil, half a banana, and one egg yolk. Evenly apply the mixture to the hair and cover with plastic. Allow the mixture to sit for one hour, then simply rinse, shampoo, and style the hair as usual. If you have long hair, use an entire banana and avocado.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
The oil derived from the seeds of rose hips is terrific for reducing the signs of aging, scars, and uneven coloration of the skin. Look for commercial products made with the oil, or purchase the oil itself online and mix it with olive oil for a nightly facial regimen.
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