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Beautify your skin with these Somali skincare secrets


Somali women have always made it a priority to take care of their beauty. Skincare has always been important especially when they are going to an event or a bride before her wedding. It was both a beauty and cultural practice.

Qasil

Growing up I would see my mother making a homemade green mask as a weekly self-care ritual or when there was a special occasion. The women in my family would get together and apply different homemade treatments/remedies and It was a bonding experience

Qasil powder has been applied by Somali women for centuries to achieve clear, smooth, and brighter skin. Qasil powder is derived from the leaves of a tree native to Somalia. Its scientific name is ziziphus jujube. The leaves are collected then dried and crushed into fine powder to then use.

This magic powder can be used as a cleanser to wash and clean the skin. it can fight bacteria and prevent bacterial infections from forming on the skin like acne. It also has antioxidant properties to help the skin fight sun damage. It also can prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and soothe inflamed skin. it can also be used to prevent the growth of fungi and fungal infections. Qasil is not only is an amazing facemask, but it also doubles as a cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. It can be used as an everyday cleanser without drying out your skin. Qasil is an amazing humectant that will help to hydrate the skin and enhance your natural glow.


How to make a Qasil Face-Mask.

  1. Mix an equal part of the Qasil powder with warm water.
  2. Stir the mixture well to a smooth paste.
  3. Add more powder or liquid as needed and apply to clean skin.
  4. After the mask has dried, apply some water to the face and gently scrub the skin.
  5. The final step is to rinse it all off.

 

How to use Qasil as a Face Cleanser.

  1. Place a teaspoon of qasil powder into your palm.
  2. Add some lukewarm water to the powder.
  3. Then mix this into a paste and apply it on the skin in a circular motion to remove dirt and built-up oils.
  4. The final step is to rinse it all off.


Turmeric

Turmeric in Somali is called “huruud”. This is a special ingredient that has been used in Somali culture from cooking to skincare treatments and can be found in every Somali household. Turmeric is the root of the turmeric plant that is used as a spice, it usually comes in a dried form. This is done by drying the root and then grinding it down till it becomes a smooth powder. For Somalis, turmeric is not just a spice, it is also a much-favored beauty product! It’s a common site in Somali households to see the ladies covered in yellow turmeric paste.

It has many wonderful healing properties: It is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. All of which makes it highly effective to reduce many common skin conditions such as acne, rashes, pigmentation, and blemishes. Not only does turmeric take care of scars and inflammation but it reduces oil secretion from sebaceous glands which is amazing for those humid summer months and for those with greasy skin.


How to make a turmeric Facemask.

  1. Add 1 teaspoon of Turmeric in a bowl along with half a teaspoon of Gram flour
  2. Next, add in your wet ingredients of 1 teaspoon of Yogurt and half a teaspoon of Olive oil or honey.
  3. Mix them together to form a smooth paste and apply it to your face.
  4. Wait 5-10 minutes then wash or wipe off.

A word of caution to my fair-skinned sisters, be careful when using turmeric. As I have mentioned previously turmeric can stain your skin and I’m sure you don’t want to be walking around looking like an orange 😁

By Sahra Elmi









REFERENCES

AMIIRACOLLECTION. (2021). PURE SOMALI HURUUD [Image]. Retrieved 16 November 2021, from https://amiiracollection.com/shop/incense-and-beauty/somali-natural-huruud/.

Huruud — ARAWEELO. ARAWEELO. (2021). Retrieved 17 November 2021, from http://www.araweeloabroad.com/issue-02/2015/4/2/huruud.

Qasil Powder Uses, Properties and Benefits for Skin and Hair.. Naturallivingsupplies.co.uk. (2021). Retrieved 16 November 2021, from https://naturallivingsupplies.co.uk/qasil-powder-uses-properties-and-benefits/.

Spices and Herbs | The Somali Kitchen. Somalikitchen.com. (2021). Retrieved 17 November 2021, from http://www.somalikitchen.com/spices-and-herbs/.

This Somali beauty staple could be the secret to glowing skin – and it’s taken over TikTok. Stylist. (2021). Retrieved 16 November 2021, from https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/qasil/583433.

This Somali Spice Might Be the Secret to Looking 25 Forever. Byrdie. (2021). Retrieved 17 November 2021, from https://www.byrdie.com/somali-women-skin-tips.

Ubuy Co. (2021). Qasil Powder , Somali Beauty Secret - Face Mask - Hair Mask - Promote Hair Growth 1 oz [Image]. Retrieved 17 November 2021, from https://www.u-buy.com.tw/en/product/NAHVCW-qasil-powder-somali-beauty-secret-face-mask-hair-mask-promote-hair-growth-1oz.

What Is Organic Qasil Powder And How Can You Use It?. HudaOrganics. (2021). Retrieved 16 November 2021, from https://hudaorganics.com/blogs/news/blog.


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