You’re probably wondering what qasil is and why you never heard of it. That’s because it isn’t widely known about but is popular in East Africa, more specifically in Somalia.
What is Qasil?
Qasil is an age-old secret of the nomadic tribes in Somalia. It is made of the shredded leaves of the Gob tree, which is native to Somalia and countries that share a similar environment in East Africa. It is considered a natural soap due to its gentle cleansing components. It leaves the skin feeling clean and soothed. When it is finely grounded, it appears as a green powder and gives out an aroma similar to dried hay. When mixed with water, it creates a paste that is used as a facemask.
What Is So Great About it?
Qasil has numerous benefits. When mixed with various ingredients to make a facemask it deeply cleanses, balances and purifies the skin as it draws out impurities. It also gently exfoliates and moisturises the skin, leaving it soft and supple. The mask improves the condition of your skin – making it even toned with a healthy glow.
Common Ingredients to Add to Your Facemask
You can add various ingredients to help with whatever facial problems you are currently experiencing, or if you just want to enhance your beautiful skin appearance.
I usually add organic honey, lemon, egg white, and water to qasil to make a paste ready to use on it. Honey is great because of its moisturizing, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Lemons also possess antibacterial properties that can help treat acne. It is also high in vitamin C so it contains skin-brightening properties as well. This is great for those with hyperpigmentation to help even out their skin tone. Egg whites are excellent to include in a facemask because they have astringent properties that help shrink pores by tightening the skin. It also has a purging effect so don’t add egg whites if you have an important function to attend, do not add them! It is best to add egg whites when you have serious downtime and no major events planned for yourself.
Other common ingredients you can add to your qasil facemask include turmeric, olive oil and coconut milk.
Turmeric is excellent because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. It can help heal the skin and reduce scarring. Olive oil works great if you have dry skin and can help keep your skin moisturized while cleansing. Coconut milk is fascinating because the fats in them do not clog pores and works great to help gently exfoliate the skin. It is also high in vitamin C, which can help maintain elasticity and flexibility in the skin.
"A popular mask that many Somali women make is by combining qasil and turmeric. Create a small mask by mixing equal parts of each product and then applying it to your face. Let it sit for a couple of minutes (five to 10), and proceed to wash it off afterward. Your skin should feel soft and look more vibrant." — Said via Byrdie
Ok so now that we know all of the great benefits of qasil, how often can you use it? Depending on the ingredients you include in your facemask, the number of times per week you use it can vary. For example, if you consistently add lemons to your facemask and you live in a location where it is sunny, then try to only mask 2 to 3 times per week at night. This is due to the effects vitamin C has on your skin; it makes it more sensitive to the sun and can cause serious damage. If you do have to go outside after using the facemask, use sunscreen! If you only add water, I don’t see a problem with using the facemask 3 to 4 times a week. I say this because over-exfoliating is a thing and can actually strip your natural oils from your skin. If you aren’t replacing moisture into your skin, this can cause more problems.
Where Can You Find Qasil?
If you live in a major city and have an East African store or a Somali store near you, they will most likely have qasil. It is insanely cheap (you can get it for 3 to 5 dollars for a decent amount). If you live in a rural area and do not have any stores nearby that carry qasil, then you can purchase a pre-made blend with Qasil Organics. Be sure to read the ingredients they included in case of any allergies.
So there you have it! An affordable and natural skincare remedy that can help with common skincare issues like acne and scarring. It is also very versatile to suit your skincare needs by adding the appropriate ingredients your skin needs at any time for any season.
amazing