We realized that he had eczema when he was about 10 months old. It started slow at first with tiny dry patches and slight itching. Then it started to progress with larger patches and constant itching. Our sweet boy would scratch himself raw and it broke my heart. After many long nights and trying various over the counter products and countless pediatrician visits, his eczema seemed to be getting worse with no relief in sight. Finally, his pediatrician suggested the use of steroids. I was conflicted. As a health sciences professional, I understand the benefits of steroids and the risks (especially at such a tender age) but should I try a proven natural method instead, calling on my family and cultural skincare traditions handed down through my West African heritage? We decided that due to his age and the risks associated with steroids that the natural treatment needed to be the first solution we tried.

I remember my mother telling me how she used African Shea butter on our skin when my sister and I were babies and how she would use the African black soap to cleanse us not only because it was readily available in Sierra Leone, but also because it was the best natural product that those before us had been using for centuries. It was then that I decided that my son was worth the best and that if I could master making my own using traditional methods and modern solutions, that it would be a game changer. After much reading, research, and regurgitation of a lot of my health science degree (ugggghh Organic chemistry), I formulated my first shea whip. I shared some with family and friends and they loved it! More importantly, it worked on my son’s skin! Requests started coming in for more products and that was the birth of Oyah Natural Skincare.

Our company is an all-natural, Organic, Vegan, and cruelty-free skincare brand that prides itself in being all-inclusive. Our products work well for all skin types (dry, oily, sensitive skin, and even perfect skin) and for all people. We believe that clean skincare should be for everyone, no matter your age, race, or color. Hand-made with love and mindfulness, we take pride in making our products and believe that you are worthy of clean, organic beauty. My son’s skin is thriving today and although his eczema is not 100% gone, it is significantly better and very manageable. The best part is that it was achieved with all-natural ingredients, placed in the world not just for him but for everyone with none of the pharmaceutical side effects. My family and I enjoy our hand-made Organic, Vegan, cruelty-free products daily and know you will love it just as much as we do.