Using Our Products

How to Use A Real Well Natural Products (Beginner & Expert Guides)

Beginner’s Guide to Natural Products

African Black Soap

What It Is: A hand-crafted soap from West Africa with an earthy aroma and a rough, brown-gold appearance. It’s famous for its deep-cleansing and gentle exfoliating powers, working for face, body, and even hair.

How to Use:

Prep a Piece: Break off a small piece of the soap bar. (It’s potent, so a little is enough!)
Lather Up: Wet your hands or a soft washcloth, then rub the soap piece to create a creamy lather. Do not apply the raw soap bar directly onto your skin – the unrefined texture can be abrasive.
Gently Cleanse: Massage the lather onto damp skin (face and body) using circular motions. Enjoy the natural, slightly smoky scent and mild tingle as it works.
Rinse Well: Rinse your skin thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Moisturize: Immediately follow up with a moisturizer (a few drops of Renewal Face Oil or a dab of lotion) to lock in hydration. African Black Soap cleans deeply, so adding moisture after helps keep your skin soft.

Tips: Start slow – use it 2-3 times per week at first. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, limit use to a few times a week and always moisturize afterward. For oily or acne-prone skin, you can work up to daily use as needed. Storage: This soap loves to be dry. After use, place the remaining bar on a slotted soap dish and let it air out completely. Keeping it dry prevents the bar from dissolving into mush and makes it last longer. (Don’t worry if you see a thin white film on it later – that’s natural soap ash, not mold.)

Botanical Oils (Face, Body & Beard)

Our pure botanical oils are like liquid gold for your skin and hair – they absorb quickly and cocoon you in moisture. Each one has its own special use:

Face Oil (Renewal Oil): After cleansing, start with a damp face. Place 2-3 drops of Renewal Oil on your fingertips, rub them together, and gently press the oil into your face. You can also massage in upward circles, breathing in the subtle natural aroma (think delicate herbal and nutty notes). It will leave your skin dewy but not greasy, giving a healthy glow by morning or a protective moisture barrier under makeup during the day.
Body Oil (Avocado Carrot Oil): For silky smooth limbs, apply this oil right after a shower. On slightly wet skin, pour a quarter-sized amount of Avocado Carrot Oil into your palm. Rub your hands to spread it, then glide it over arms, legs, and any dry spots. You’ll notice it sinks in best on damp skin, locking in all that water and leaving a satiny sheen. Sensory bonus: the oil’s light earthy scent and golden hue make your self-care feel indulgent. Take a moment to enjoy how soft your skin feels – like you’re wrapped in a light, non-greasy veil of moisture.
Beard Oil (Love My Beard Oil): Keep your beard game strong with a few drops of this conditioning oil. Best used after a warm shower or washing your face: towel-dry your beard until it’s just slightly damp. Dispense about 3-5 drops of Love My Beard Oil into your hand (use a bit more for a long, Viking-worthy beard). Rub your palms together, then work your hands through your beard, reaching the skin underneath. Feel the beard soften and the skin calm as the oil soaks in. Finally, comb or brush your beard to distribute the oil evenly – this tames strays and adds a healthy, subtle shine. No heavy perfume here, just a gentle natural aroma from the blend of plant oils. Your beard will look groomed and feel comfortable (no itch, no “beardruff” flakes).

Body Butter (Winter Reserve Body Butter)

What It Is: A rich, whipped body butter featuring a trio of natural butters (shea, mango, and coconut oil) to lavish your skin with nutrients. Ours comes in the Winter Reserve collection – Unscented (pure and cozy), Christmas Vanilla (sweet and warm like freshly baked cookies), and Brandy (a subtly spiced, woodsy aroma). The texture is velvety and airy, melting on contact with your skin.

How to Use: After bathing, when your skin is warm and slightly damp, scoop out a small dollop of body butter (about the size of a nickel to start). Melt it between your palms – you’ll feel it turn into a silky oil. Breathe in the natural cocoa-nutty scent or the holiday vanilla notes as you do this. Now, massage it onto dry-prone areas of your body: elbows, knees, heels, hands, anywhere you want to be extra soft. Take your time and enjoy the buttery, indulgent feel as it glides over your skin.

Less is More: Start with a small amount; a little butter goes a long way. You can always add another dab if needed. Your skin should drink it up within a few minutes, developing a healthy glow and a protective layer that isn’t overly greasy. If you see a lovely sheen and feel supple, you’ve got it just right!
When & Where: Use daily after showering for all-over hydration, or target rough spots as needed. In winter, you might use it morning and night for deep nourishment. It’s also fantastic for an overnight treat – try massaging it into your feet and popping on socks before bed for a healing, softening foot mask.
Storage & Handling: Keep water out of your body butter jar. Always use dry hands or a clean, dry spoon to scoop the butter (introducing water can invite bacteria into these preservative-free goodies). Store the jar in a cool, dry place. If it’s hot, the butter may soften or even liquefy – if that happens, just give it a stir and pop it in a cooler spot; its moisturizing power isn’t affected.
Lotion Option: For a lighter touch of moisture, try our Real Well Lotion (infused with a cozy vanilla scent). Smooth it onto your skin just like any lotion, whenever you need quick hydration without the richness of a butter. It absorbs in a snap, leaving behind only softness and a subtle sweet aroma. (Insider tip: on extra-dry days, layer the lotion first, then seal it in with a thin pat of body butter on top – your skin will stay baby-soft for hours.)

Quick Care Basics

No matter which product you’re using, remember these basics to keep them working their best: store everything in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight (heat and light can cause natural ingredients to spoil faster). Always close the lids tightly on oils, butters, and lotions after use to keep them fresh. And if something ever smells “off” (think crayon, sour, or just odd), that’s a sign the natural oils have gone rancid – it’s time to replace it.

Feel free to enjoy and experiment with your new natural products. They’re made to indulge your senses – from the raw earthy soap to the silky oils and decadent butters. Happy pampering! Your skin will thank you for the gentle, chemical-free TLC.

Expert’s Guide to Natural Products

African Black Soap – Advanced Tips

You’re no newbie to African Black Soap, so let’s elevate your routine. This “soap with a passport” is a multi-tasking pro, and with a few pro tips you’ll get maximum benefits:

Deep Cleansing Face Mask: You know it’s great as a daily cleanser, but you can also use the lather as a quick clarifying face mask once a week. Lather up a small piece of black soap in your hands, apply the creamy foam to your face, and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. This gives the natural ingredients (cocoa ash, shea butter, plant oils) extra time to purify pores and dissolve excess oil – a mini facial that can help keep breakouts at bay. (Avoid leaving it on too long, as black soap is powerful and may start to tingle.) Always rinse well and follow with a moisturizer.
Scalp & Hair Use: African Black Soap isn’t just for skin – it can double as a clarifying shampoo bar. If you have natural hair or product buildup, try dissolving a small chunk of the soap in warm water and use that liquid to gently shampoo your scalp. Massage the suds into the scalp (it helps with flakes and excess oil) and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a conditioner, since black soap can be a bit drying on hair if overused. Your scalp will be squeaky clean, and you might find your curls and roots love the chemical-free cleanse.
Shaving & Ingrown Hairs: Use the rich lather as a shaving soap for your legs or beard area. Black soap’s slip and natural anti-bump properties can give you a close shave while minimizing ingrowns and razor irritation. After lathering up, shave as usual and rinse. It leaves skin calm and smooth, reducing those post-shave bumps (thanks to the soap’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits).
Pair with a Sponge (Exfoliation Power-Up): For a head-to-toe exfoliation session, team your black soap with our Authentic African Net Sponge. Apply the soap lather onto the wet net sponge and scrub your body in gentle circular motions. The combo of black soap’s cocoa pod ash (a natural exfoliant) and the net’s texture will buff away dead skin like nothing else, revealing polished, glowing skin. This is especially great for rough areas or back acne – the net sponge can reach everywhere with ease. (Just be gentle at first until your skin gets used to the thorough exfoliation.)
Expert Storage: As an experienced user, you probably keep your soap dry – keep it up! Store your black soap in a dry, cool spot. You can cut the bar into smaller chunks and keep the excess sealed in a container, away from moisture, until you need a refill. If you ever notice your soap developing a frosty white layer, don’t toss it – that’s a normal result of the soap curing (harmless salts). Real African Black Soap is naturally brown and a bit crumbly; knowing these traits helps you spot fakes that are jet-black or overly perfumed .
Usage Frequency: By now you’ve figured out what your skin likes. Oily or acne-prone skin can often use black soap daily. If you’re working outdoors or hit the gym, a daily wash is fine . For dry/sensitive skin, you might stick to 2-4 times a week to avoid over-drying – and you already know to moisturize right after each use. Pay attention to your skin’s signals and adjust as needed. And for anyone with eczema or rosacea in your expert circle: patch-test new batches of any black soap on a small area first, since natural products can vary.

Botanical Oils – Advanced Uses and Layering

You’ve mastered the basics of face, body, and beard oils. Now let’s talk about refining your technique and getting creative:

Renewal Face Oil – Layering & Enhancement: This antioxidant-rich face oil can do more than just basic moisturizing. Try layering it with your other skincare: for example, after applying a hydrating toner or serum, pat 2-3 drops of Renewal Oil over top to seal in those water-based ingredients. It creates an occlusive, nutrient-packed layer that drives moisture deep into the skin. You can also mix a drop or two into your regular moisturizer for an extra boost of vitamins. Love facial massage? Use Renewal Oil as a glide medium for gua sha or jade roller routines – the slip is perfect and it nourishes as you massage. Over time, this can help improve skin texture and softness. Tip: If you wear makeup, you can even press a tiny drop of the oil onto the high points of your cheekbones as a natural highlighter – it gives a beautiful, dewy sheen.
Avocado Carrot Body Oil – Deep Treatment: Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin E from carrot and avocado oils, this one’s a superhero for skin elasticity and glow. For deeper penetration on very dry skin, apply it right after a warm shower and after using a lotion. The lotion (water-based) hydrates, and the oil seals that moisture in – a technique seasoned skincare enthusiasts adore. You can also use Avocado Carrot Oil as a bath oil: add a few drops into a warm bath, swish the water, and then soak. You’ll come out with moisturized skin before you even towel off. Another pro use: rub a couple of drops between your hands and smooth over your hair ends or beard for a quick frizz-taming shine (it’s all-natural, so it doubles as a hair serum in a pinch). And don’t forget massage – warm a tablespoon of this oil and indulge in a self-massage or partner massage; the slight natural earthy scent makes it a grounding, spa-like experience at home.
Love My Beard Oil – Maximum Beard Care: You already know how to apply beard oil, so let’s optimize it. Consistency is key – daily use yields the best results . For a fuller beard, use the dropper to get oil onto your fingertips and work it through in sections, ensuring you reach the skin beneath every part of your beard. Using it on a damp beard (right after a warm shower) is still the gold standard, as the moisture helps spread the oil evenly and trap hydration inside the hair shaft. For longer beards, don’t be shy to use a dime-sized amount of oil; shorter beards will do with 4-5 drops. After massaging the oil in, comb through slowly with a wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush. This not only distributes the oil thoroughly, it also exfoliates the skin under your beard and trains your hairs to lay down neatly. As an expert move, consider doing a weekly beard “deep treatment”: at night, apply a slightly heavier amount of the oil, wrap your beard area with a warm, damp towel for five minutes (opens pores, helps absorption), then remove and lightly pat dry. You’ll wake up with an exceptionally soft, conditioned beard. Plus, remember this beard oil isn’t just cosmetic – it’s formulated with 13 different plant oils chosen for specific benefits (argan and jojoba to mimic natural skin sebum, castor for strengthening, black seed for anti-irritation, etc.). You can feel good knowing each drop is working to keep your beard healthy and the skin underneath itch-free.

Body Butters & Lotion – Advanced Care

Natural butters are a staple in your routine, so here’s how to get even more out of our Winter Reserve Body Butter and Real Well Lotion:

Winter Reserve Body Butter (Triple-Butter Formula): As an experienced user, you appreciate the richness of shea, mango, and coconut oil blend. For ultra-dry skin or eczema patches, try an occlusive overnight treatment: after your evening shower, apply a layer of body butter on the affected area (for example, slather it on your hands or feet). Then cover those areas with cotton gloves or socks. Overnight, the butter will penetrate deeply; by morning, skin is significantly softer and calmer. This trick works wonders on cracked heels or chapped knuckles in winter.

You might have noticed that our unscented version has a mild natural aroma (a hint of chocolate or nuttiness from the raw butters), while the Christmas Vanilla and Brandy versions add that extra sensory delight. Feel free to mix them for a custom scent experience (a dab of vanilla + a dab of unscented to tone it down, for example). As a DIY enthusiast, you can even add a drop of your favorite essential oil to a scoop of the unscented butter in your palm, mix, and apply – customizing the scent to your mood. Just remember, because this butter is preservative-free, any time you dip in, your hands or tools should be clean and dry . You’ve likely already gotten into the habit of using a clean spatula – keep it up to maintain freshness. Also, store the jar somewhere cool and dark especially in summer; high heat can cause natural butters to develop graininess or lose that fluffy whipped texture. If it melts, no panic – stir and refrigerate for a bit, and it will solidify again (the nutrients remain intact).

For the multi-taskers: this body butter can double as a lip balm or even a hair pomade in a pinch. Rub a tiny amount between fingers and pat onto flyaways or split ends to smooth them. It’s truly an all-purpose salve once you know how to work with it.
Real Well Lotion (Layering & Everyday Use): The lotion is lighter, but don’t underestimate its utility in an expert routine. One advanced technique is layering under your body butter, which you might already do: apply a coat of lotion to deliver quick hydration (it contains water/aloe, etc., that soak in fast), then apply a thin layer of body butter to seal that moisture in for hours. This two-step approach can be a lifesaver during harsh winter months or for very dehydrated skin. The Real Well Lotion’s quick-absorbing nature also makes it perfect for times when re-applying butter isn’t practical – like at work or on the go. Keep a bottle at your desk; whenever your hands feel dry, use a pump of lotion to instantly soften them without greasiness. Thanks to the built-in vanilla essence, it doubles as a light natural fragrance that won’t overpower. And because this lotion comes from a high-quality base (Shay and Company’s formula) boosted with vanilla, it has a longer shelf life than our anhydrous (water-free) products. Still, general rules apply: keep the cap tightly closed and avoid contaminating it, so it stays fresh to the last drop.

Bentonite Clay Mask (Skin Detox)

For seasoned users, Bentonite clay is the go-to for deep skin detoxification. Here’s how to harness its full potential safely:

Mixing: In a non-metal bowl, mix roughly 1 part Bentonite clay to 2 parts liquid. You can use plain water for sensitive skin, or raw apple cider vinegar for an extra detox punch (the vinegar will cause a slight fizz – that’s normal). Why no metal? Bentonite clay can react with metal and become less effective, so use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir. Add liquid slowly until you get a spreadable paste with no lumps.
Application: Start with a clean face (or area of skin) that you want to treat. Using your fingers or a brush, spread the clay paste in an even layer. Avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and lips. You can also apply it to other areas that need purification – common choices are the underarms (more on this in a moment) or even the feet for a detox foot mask. The texture will be cool and smooth, and you might feel a subtle pulsating or tightening as it begins to work.
Drying Time: Let the mask sit for about 10 minutes if you have normal/oily skin. If your skin is sensitive, you might start with just 5-7 minutes. Do not let it fully dry into a cracking desert on your skin. The rule of thumb: when the mask lightens in color but still feels a bit tacky, that’s the sweet spot. If you have it on thicker, the edges will dry first – you can spritz a bit of water to keep it from over-drying. Overdoing it can lead to unnecessary redness.
Rinse Off: Use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse off the clay. Take your time, as Bentonite can be a bit messy. It helps to gently rub in circular motions as you rinse, to exfoliate lightly and ensure all residue is removed. Pat your skin dry – it may be a little pink; that’s normal and should fade soon.
Aftercare: Immediately apply a gentle moisturizer or some drops of Renewal Oil. Bentonite clay draws out oils and impurities aggressively , which is fantastic for detox, but you’ll want to replenish the moisture so your skin doesn’t feel too tight. Enjoy how exceptionally clean and smooth your skin feels – your pores just took a deep breath of fresh air!

Underarm Detox Tip: If you’re transitioning to natural deodorant, use the Bentonite clay as an armpit mask once or twice before making the switch. Apply the paste to your underarm area for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse. This helps pull out the built-up aluminum and toxins from years of traditional antiperspirant use, which can make your new natural deodorant work better. It’s an insider trick: purified pits equal a fresher you, naturally.

Frequency: Bentonite clay is powerful, so you generally won’t use these masks more than once a week. In fact, our recommendation is about every two weeks or as needed . If you have very oily, resilient skin you might do it weekly, but always listen to your skin. If it gets too dry or irritated, scale back. Store any leftover dry clay powder in an airtight container away from moisture. If you premix a batch with water, use it the same day (it can dry out or grow bacteria if stored wet without a preservative).

Authentic African Net Sponge (SAPO)

Meet the exfoliating tool that will level up your shower routine. By now, you might have ditched loofahs for this African net sponge – and for good reasons. Here’s how to use and care for this skincare MVP like a pro:

Before First Use: The net sponge arrives a bit stiff. To prep it, soak it in hot water with a little mild soap for a few minutes, then rinse. This softens the fibers and cleans off any residues from manufacturing. You’ll notice it becomes more pliable and ready to work its magic.
Daily Use – Lather & Scrub: In the shower or bath, wet the net sponge thoroughly. Squeeze on a small amount of body wash or rub your African Black Soap bar against it – either works. You’ll be amazed: the net material creates a rich, luxurious lather with very little product. Scrunch it up to help it foam, then hold the sponge however is comfortable (bunched up for more scrubbing power, or spread out to cover more area) and gently scrub your skin. Use circular motions on your arms and legs, and don’t forget you can stretch it out to easily scrub your back and other hard-to-reach spots– this is a game-changer for back acne or rough patches on your shoulders. Adjust pressure to what feels right: the net is textured enough to exfoliate effectively, but you control how intense the scrub is by how firmly you press. After one session, you’ll feel your skin incredibly clean and polished – it’s that effective at removing dead skin.
Rinse & Care: After you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the sponge under clean water. You’ll see it releases the soap easily. Hang it up to dry using the attached string or drape it over your shower rod. The beauty of the African net sponge is that it dries quickly – within an hour or so it’s usually bone dry, which means it’s not harboring moisture that breeds bacteria. (Unlike that old loofah, which might stay damp all day… yuck.) Quick drying = far more hygienic. Still, you’ll want to give it a deeper clean every couple of weeks: just toss it in hot water or even run it through a gentle cycle in the washing machine. It can handle it – these sponges are super durable and can last up to a year or more with good care.
Pro Tips: You can use the net sponge daily, even though it exfoliates thoroughly, because the nylon fibers are designed to be effective yet not overly harsh. That said, if your skin ever feels tender, you can alternate days. Many enthusiasts swear their skin is smoother and ingrown hairs are reduced when using the net regularly. Also, the increased circulation from the scrubbing can give your skin a lovely glow (some say it’s like a mini lymphatic massage, boosting blood flow for a healthy flush). Another tip – when the sponge is rolled or bunched up, it’s more abrasive; when stretched out, it’s gentler. So, use it bunched on tougher spots like feet or elbows, and more expanded on sensitive areas.
Replace When Worn: These authentic net sponges are tough, but after a year or so of use, you might notice it getting a bit frayed or less effective. That’s your cue to grab a new one. Considering how long it lasts, it’s a sustainable choice (way less waste than monthly loofah replacements) and a staple in any expert skincare arsenal.

Final Expert Reminders

Your shelf is likely full of natural goodies, so here are a few parting reminders to keep them all in tip-top shape (you probably know them, but they’re worth reiterating): Cool, dark storage is king – avoid the temptation to display that pretty oil bottle on a sunny windowsill, as UV light and heat can degrade natural ingredients. Always secure caps and lids firmly after use to keep air and humidity out. And the golden rule: no water in the jars! As you’ve experienced, water invites mold and bacteria into preservative-free products. If you need to scoop something, use clean dry tools. Lastly, trust your senses – if a product’s color, texture, or smell has changed significantly, it may have expired. For example, oils that have gone rancid might smell like crayons or old nuts (oxidation signs). When in doubt, throw it out and open a fresh one.

With these advanced tips, you’re fully equipped to get the most out of your A Real Well natural products. Enjoy the deeper level of self-care – the nuanced textures, the vibrant natural scents, and the knowledge that you’re caring for your skin with integrity and expertise. Your routine is not just skincare now; it’s a well-crafted ritual. Happy refining!