As the leaves begin to turn fiery hues and the air takes on a crisp chill, it can only mean one thing: the fall equinox is upon us. The season change from summer to autumn calls for a change in your skincare routine.

What is the Fall Equinox

The fall equinox marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, ushering in a season of balance and transition. Just as nature adapts to the change, our skin requires a shift in care to combat the challenges posed by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and exposure to cold wind.

Hydration is Number One

As temperatures drop, the air becomes drier, which can lead to dehydration and dry skin. To combat this, invest in a rich, hydrating moisturizer like Nyah Beauty's nourishing body lotion. This will help hydrate the skin and seal in moisture creating a protective barrier against the elements. 

Gentle Exfoliation 

Summertime fun may have exposed the skin to extra love from the sun. To shed the remnants of summer and reveal fresher skin, exfoliation is key. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub with natural ingredients like oats, sugar, and honey can help maintain a healthy balance. 

Transition Your Cleanser

Swap out your lightweight summer cleanser for a creamy, hydrating cleanser. Nyah Beauty offers a range of cleansers infused with botanical extracts that cleanse without over-drying, leaving your skin clean and comfortable.

Soothe with Serums

Fall is the perfect time to introduce serums into your skincare routine. Serums, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, may help rejuvenate the skin and give your skin a radiant appearance. Look out soon for Nyah Beauty’s launch of facial serums this fall.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you get to skip on the sunscreen. Although the sun may seem less intense in the fall, UV rays can still harm your skin. Continue to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent premature aging and sun damage.

Lip and Hand Care

As the weather cools, our lips and hands often bear the brunt of the dry air. Emollient lip balms and hand creams, enriched with natural oils and butters, will keep your lips and hands soft and supple. Watch out for Nyah Beauty’s lip balms coming this fall.

Fall is a time of transformation, and it's the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your skincare routine. Remember, self-care is an essential part of any season. Prepare your skin for the fall equinox, and let your beauty shine as brightly as the autumn leaves.

Soap has been a staple in our daily hygiene routines for centuries, promising cleanliness and washing germs away. But what if we told you that not everything that bubbles and foams is true soap?

We're here to shed light on the difference between true soap and its imitators, as well as the potential pitfalls of using non-soap products.

True Soap: The Definition and Science Behind It
At its core, true soap is a product formed through the chemical reaction between fats or oils and an alkali, typically sodium hydroxide (lye). This process, known as saponification, produces soap molecules that have hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends. These properties allow soap to lift away dirt, grease, and impurities from surfaces and skin when combined with water.

Non-Soap Cleansers: A Sneak Peek
Not all cleansing products labeled as "soap" fall under the true soap category. Many commercial products that look like soap, such as body washes, shower gels, and liquid hand soaps, often contain synthetic detergents or surfactants as their primary cleansing agents. While these products may create a luxurious lather, they don't rely on the same saponification process that true soap does.

The Lather Myth
One common misconception is that more lather equals better cleaning. This belief has led to the proliferation of products that produce copious amounts of bubbles and foam. However, the truth is that excessive lather is not indicative of superior cleaning power. True soap creates lather through a natural process, while non-soap cleansers may rely on added chemicals to generate foam.

The Pitfalls of Non-Soap Cleansers
a. They can be drying and strip your skin of its natural oils. Non-soap cleansers, especially those containing sulfates, can be harsh on the skin and strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
b. Some non-soap products contain harmful chemicals that can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic ecosystems.
c. Additives found in non-soap cleansers can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation in some individuals.

Make Better Choices

So now that you know better it is time to do better.

a. Become a label reader. To tell the difference between true soap and non-soap cleansers, carefully read product labels and look for ingredients like sodium hydroxide (lye) for true soap.
b. Opt for natural ingredients. Choose products made with natural oils and plant-based ingredients to ensure gentler cleansing and fewer environmental impacts.
c. Patch test when trying new products. If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using a new product to avoid potential allergic reactions.

So the next time you are in the soap aisle read the packaging and see if you can spot if it’s true soap or an imposter.

When it comes to your hygiene routine, knowledge is indeed your strongest ally and now you are equipped to know the difference.

Coconut oil is one of nature's secret weapons when it comes to skincare. There are many good reasons why this cold-pressed oil is great for the skin. Let's deep dive into the benefits this island fav has for your skin!

1. Hydration Hero: Coconut oil is a fantastic natural moisturizer. Its rich fatty acids deeply hydrate your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Say goodbye to dry patches!

2. Lock in Moisture: Applying a thin layer of coconut oil on damp skin after a shower helps seal in moisture, giving you a radiant and healthy glow.

3. Gentle Makeup Remover: Need an easy affordable way to take off your makeup? No need for harsh expensive makeup removers! Coconut oil is a gentle and effective way to remove makeup, even waterproof mascara.

4. Soothe Sun-Kissed Skin: Over did it in the sun? Coconut oil can help soothe and calm overexposed skin with its skin-soothing properties.

5. Nourishing Hair Treatment: Extend the benefits to your tresses! Use small coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner to add shine and tame frizz.

6. Lip Balm Magic: Looking for a quick way to treat chapped lips? Swipe on some coconut oil for a natural and moisturizing lip balm.

7. DIY Body Scrub: Take a spin at creating your own homemade body scrub. Simply mix coconut oil with sugar or salt. It exfoliates and hydrates your skin in one go! One warning though, don't use salt scrub on freshly shaved skin. Ouchie!!

We love using coconut oil. It is in most of our formulations. From above you can see why it’s in our soap, lotion and scrub. Say hello to glowing, healthy skin with this tropical gem!

Have you ever wondered how soap works its magic, effortlessly washing away dirt and leaving you feeling clean and fresh? Today, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of soap and demystify its science, explaining in layman’s terms how this humble cleaning companion accomplishes its remarkable cleaning power.

So let’s start with the basics. What is soap? Soap is a magical compound that consists of two essential ingredients: fats or oils and an alkali (such as sodium hydroxide). When these ingredients combine through a process called saponification, they undergo a chemical reaction that gives birth to soap.

You may be wondering how does soap clean. When we use soap, we introduce it to water, and that’s when the real action begins. Soap molecules possess a unique structure: one end is hydrophilic (water-loving) while the other end is hydrophobic (water-repelling). This duality is what makes soap so effective at removing dirt and grime.

The hydrophobic tail of soap molecules is attracted to oils and fats, while the hydrophilic head loves water. When soap is applied to your skin or any other surface, these molecules surround and trap dirt, oil, and bacteria by encapsulating them in tiny clusters called micelles. The hydrophobic tails face inward, enclosing the dirt, while the hydrophilic heads face outward, interacting with water.

As you rinse with water, the hydrophilic heads of soap molecules interact with the water molecules, allowing the trapped dirt and oil to be effortlessly washed away. This is why rinsing with water is essential after using soap, as it carries away the soap-laden micelles, taking the dirt and grime along with them.

Water is a vital partner in the soap-cleaning process. It helps to distribute the soap evenly, allowing it to interact with the surface being cleaned. Additionally, the cohesive properties of water help the soap molecules form micelles and facilitate their easy removal during rinsing.

Soap, with its remarkable dual nature, acts as a bridge between water and dirt, enabling them to interact in a way that effortlessly removes grime from our skin and surfaces. Its hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties create micelles that effectively trap dirt and oil, making it easy for water to rinse them away.

The next time you lather up with your favorite soap, take a moment to appreciate the simple yet fascinating science behind it. Soap is not just a cleansing agent; it’s a scientific marvel that keeps us feeling clean and fresh.

If you're looking for a gentle and effective way to clean your skin, you may have heard about natural soap. But what exactly is natural soap, and what makes it different from conventional soap? In this post, we'll explore what natural soap is and why it's a great choice for your skincare routine.

Natural soap is made from all-natural ingredients such as vegetable oils, essential oils, and natural colorants. It does not contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or other harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin. Instead, natural soap is formulated to gently cleanse and nourish the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

So why should you choose natural soap over conventional soap? Here are just a few reasons:

It's Gentle on the Skin: Natural soap is formulated with mild ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Unlike conventional soap, which can contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin of its natural oils, natural soap helps to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated.

It's Environmentally Friendly: Natural soap is made with ingredients that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. This means that it doesn't harm the environment when it's washed down the drain.

It's Cruelty-Free: Many natural soap brands are also cruelty-free, meaning that they do not test their products on animals.

It's Versatile: Natural soap can be used for a variety of purposes, including hand washing, body washing, and even as a shampoo bar. It's also available in a variety of scents and formulations to suit different skin types and preferences.

At Nyah Beauty, we believe that natural soap is an essential part of any skincare routine. That's why we offer a variety of natural soap options, including handmade soap bars made with all-natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. Our natural soap bars are perfect for those with sensitive skin, and they come in a variety of scents to suit your preferences.

In a nutshell, natural soap is a gentle and effective way to clean your skin without exposing it to harsh chemicals or harmful ingredients. If you're looking for a natural alternative to conventional soap, consider switching to natural soap and see the difference it can make for your skin.

In recent years, people have become increasingly aware of the benefits of using natural ingredients in their skincare products. This is why ingredients like coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and olive oil have become popular in soap making. We us these ingredients are to create effective and eco-friendly soap bars.

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in soap making because it creates a hard bar of soap that lathers well and moisturizes the skin. It also has natural antibacterial properties that may help to keep the skin clean and healthy. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can help to reduce inflammation and keep the skin looking healthy.

Palm oil is used in soap making because it creates a hard bar of soap that is long-lasting. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can help to protect the skin from damage. However, it is important to choose sustainably sourced palm oil to avoid harm to the environment.

Shea butter is a luxurious ingredient that is rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids. It has a creamy texture that is ideal for moisturizing dry and sensitive skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce irritation and soothe the skin.

Olive oil is a natural emollient that can help to keep the skin hydrated and soft. It is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which may help to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Olive oil can also help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, making it a great ingredient for sensitive skin.

At Nyah Beauty, we use these natural ingredients to create soap bars that are effective and gentle on the skin. We are committed to using sustainably sourced and eco-friendly ingredients in all of our products to promote healthy skin and a healthy planet.

Give your underarms a treat with Nyah Beauty’s Citrus and Charcoal Underarm Scrub. Our underarm scrub is handcrafted with all-natural ingredients to gently cleanse and replenish the skin. We use organic sugar, mineral-rich pink Himalayan salt, detox-activated charcoal, and lemon and tea tree essential oils to create the ultimate experience for your underarms.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month we decided to spread awareness regarding domestic violence. Domestic violence is not only physical but it can also be mental.

The pandemic and having to stay in place has made it harder for those who may be experiencing domestic violence to seek and get help.

We have selected SOFIA to help them with their local efforts with domestic violence. SOFIA stands for Starting Out Fresh Intervention Advocates. Started by Cynthia Walker after she heard about a local women murdered by her ex-husband. She knew something had to be done to support those affected by domestic violence. SOFIA provides education to the community regarding domestic violence and offers victims and survivors with assistance and encouragement.

Will you stand with us against #domesticviolence? We choose our honey lavender soap because purple is the color for domestic violence awareness. For the month of October when you purchase our honey and lavender soap we will donate 20% of that sale to SOFIA.

To learn more about S.O.F.I.A. visit their website here.

 

Curly hair is naturally dry. This has been my natural hair journey struggle to keep it looking hydrated in between hair washes. It seems it is always in need of moisture. 

Due to Stay and Place, I have been buying more avocados to make homemade guacamole. I don't always get to use all of them and was about to through one away when I realized I could create a deep conditioning hair mask using the over ripe avocado. 

Avocado is just all around awesome. We know it contains healthy fats. In our diets we can use it to replace other not so good fats in our recipes that require mayonnaise. I have even had chocolate pudding made from avocados. Surprisingly you can't tell the difference.

In this deep conditioning hair mask we are going to use four ingredients that you may already have in your pantry: over ripe avocado, coconut milk or coconut oil, honey and olive oil.

Avocado is a fruit rich in nutrients and vitamins that leave the hair looking healthy, shiny and you guessed it hydrated. 

Coconut milk or coconut oil is easily absorbed by the hair giving it awesome shine. Many cultures use virgin coconut oil in their daily hair routines.

Honey is a natural humectant and it helps the hair to retain moisture. So you know this is a win for me with my curly dry hair.  It may also provide soothe irritated scalps.

Olive Oil helps soften and moisturize your hair.

Recipe:

One Ripe Avocado
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply to washed hair starting from ends up to scalp. Massage into scalp. Cover hair with a shower cap and let sit for 30-40 minutes. You can also sit under a hair dryer for 15 minutes to shorten the time and increase penetration. After 30 minutes rinse hair thoroughly with warm water. Apply styling products to hair and style hair as normal.

If you try this recipe please let us know your results. It will be interesting to see everyone's results.

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