Are you one of the many women who feel self-conscious about stretch marks? Have you heard of black soap? Some people use it to care for skin marked by stretch marks. Here, we look at what this soap really is, its benefits for the face and body, what you can realistically expect from it on stretch marks, how to choose the right one and how to use it, including as a so-called “peel”. If you’re ready, let’s take a closer look at whether this claim holds up.
First, let’s find out what black soap actually is!
First of all, there are 2 types of black soap: the so-called “cosmetic” kind (for face and body care), and the so-called “household” kind (with chemical components and intended for domestic use only). But since we’re talking about stretch marks, it goes without saying that the cosmetic version of black soap is the one we’re interested in here.
Originally from Africa, this soap is highly prized by women in the East for healthy, beautiful-looking skin. This cosmetic soap is oily and dark in colour. It is rich in vitamin E, a common ingredient in skincare.
Traditional black soap is handmade using plants found in Africa. It is generally used on the face and body. Its composition depends on where it comes from. Moroccan black soap is made with olive oil and potassium hydroxide, while in Nigeria it is made with palm oil, cocoa pods and other traditionally produced ingredients (1). There are therefore several black soap recipes, which result in either a solid bar or a paste.
Which black soap should you choose for stretch marks?
To care for stretch marks, always choose a cosmetic black soap, never a household one, as these contain chemical components. It’s also best to go for an authentic, handmade soap rather than a mass-produced one.
Depending on where it comes from, the recipe and texture of black soap vary: it can come as a solid bar or a paste. It’s the paste version you’ll need for the massage described further down. Either way, check the ingredients list carefully and choose a soap that suits your skin type.
Black soap and its benefits for the face and body
Black soap has many benefits for the skin. The good news is that this softening, nourishing soap suits all skin types. As an exfoliator, it gives the skin a deep cleanse, which makes it a favourite with anyone who loves a good scrub. It also acts as a kind of “base” for body care. It is also popular in routines focused on the look of the skin, particularly blemishes, wrinkles and texture.
Using this soap regularly (after your baths or showers) helps you say goodbye to impurities as well as dead skin cells. Many people find it gentle and pleasant to use. On the face, it leaves skin feeling clean and soft. Whether your skin tends to be oily or dry, this soap works across the board. That’s no doubt why some of you are so fond of it. One study looked at the use of this soap for certain skin conditions (1). So what about this famous soap and stretch marks?
What does black soap do for stretch marks?
Our skin is sensitive to drastic change; and after various sudden changes (fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, etc.), stretch marks can appear (even though they can also often develop naturally). These skin imperfections may be white (when they have been on the body for a long time), or purplish or red (when they are just beginning). But whatever their colour, you can take care of them.
With its high vitamin E content, black soap is used to care for skin marked by stretch marks and scars. Thanks to its composition, black soap helps cleanse the skin deeply and nourish it (2). Be careful when choosing your black soap, however. It is better to opt for an authentic, handmade soap rather than an industrial soap, which may be less beneficial for the skin. But how should you use black soap on stretch marks?
There are mainly two options.
The first is simply to use your black soap regularly (and gently) on the area concerned.
The second option needs to be prepared ten to fifteen minutes before your bath or shower. Start by warming the area with hot water to prepare the skin. Then apply a generous amount of your black soap paste and massage carefully for 2 to 3 minutes before getting into the bath or shower. You can repeat this ritual twice a week. Once your skin is thoroughly dry, apply a natural moisturiser suited to stretch marks.
The black soap “peel” for stretch marks: what is it?
This ritual is often called a “black soap peel”: the skin is prepared with hot water, then massaged with black soap paste before showering. In reality, it’s a scrub, thanks to the soap’s exfoliating properties. It isn’t a peel in the sense of the treatments carried out in a clinic.
Be gentle, stick to the recommended frequency and avoid any irritated or damaged areas. If you’re unsure how your skin will react, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Opt for a natural stretch mark cream, such as the Cellublue anti-stretch mark cream, which contains more than 98% naturally derived ingredients. Rich in provitamin B5 and natural active ingredients, it slots easily into your stretch mark skincare routine, after using black soap.
The cream that helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks* and improve how they look
*Consumer test on 22 volunteers over 3 weeks, based on participants' feedback.
- Helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs and bust. Apply morning and night
- Three plant oils: macadamia softens, sunflower soothes and coconut holds in hydration
- Velvety texture: it absorbs easily and calms feelings of tightness
References
(1) Lin, Ann et al. “Discovering Black Soap: A Survey on the Attitudes and Practices of Black Soap Users.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 10,7 (2017): 18-22. PMCID: PMC5605219
(2) Ikotun, Adebomi & Olalere, Christiana & Adekunle, David & Dawodu, Modupe. (2017). Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Studies of African Black Soap and its Modified Samples. 2017. 354-359. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319932766_Phytochemistry_and_Antimicrobial_Studies_of_African_Black_Soap_and_its_Modified_Samples
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a special time, for your skin and for your body as a whole. Before trying any new skincare, such as black soap or a scrub, ask your GP or midwife for advice. They can point you towards the routines and products that suit your situation.
Does black soap get rid of stretch marks?
Black soap shouldn’t be seen as a way to remove stretch marks. It can be part of a stretch mark skincare routine, alongside a suitable moisturiser: see the section above on how to use it.
Can I use black soap on irritated skin?
It’s best to wait until your skin has calmed down before using black soap on it.
Related articles
- Does argan oil really work on stretch marks?
- Black seed oil and stretch marks: what you need to know
- Macadamia oil: what effect does it have on stretch marks?
Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Marks.
