There are many things that as black people we often discuss – haircare routines, recommended beauty experts, but there is nothing more pressing than discovering treatments that work well for our skin. It’s not to say that black skin is more difficult to treat but there are certain concerns that are more frequent and more severe on black skin. Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, Founder and Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic explains “In my practice some of the most common concerns are acne, uneven skin tone, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dark circles around the eyes”. Show
Treating Hyperpigmentation“Pigment producing cells known as melanocytes produce melanin, which travels through the upper layers of the skin. Different environmental factors can trigger more production of melanin,” Dr Ifeoma shares. “These can include things like sunlight, trauma and heat. When this occurs repeatedly, the body’s response is to produce more melanin.” For black skin, this will result in prominent dark patches developing, and matters are further complicated if post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs (usually after the skin has faced an injury or an inflammatory skin condition such as acne or dermatitis). When treating hyperpigmentation there are a number of factors that can contribute to its improvement. – Seeking professional advice – Getting in-clinic treatments such as YAG laser (depending on its severity). – Exfoliation, which promotes cellular turnover and in turn speeds up cell regeneration for an even skin tone. -Brightening actives such as vitamin C, hydroquinone (under regulated prescription), liquorice root, and mandelic, kojic and lactic acids. IMPROVING TEXTUREWhen treating uneven texture, the first thing Dr Ifeoma recommends is to “invest in a consultation that will not only review your current skincare routine but will help to identify the reason for change in texture.” The problem often lies in your skincare routine and requires you to find targeted treatments that are better suited to your skin concerns. However, a simple yet effective rule to follow is to ensure your skin drawing in as much hydration as possible – that includes both water consumption and products, the more hydrated you are, the more your skin will become brighter, even and smoother. Similarly implementing an exfoliant into your routine will help to slough away the dead skin cells that reside on the upper layers of the skin, revealing a softer and smoother finish. PROTECTIONWhether you spend the majority of your time inside or outside, you should be wearing SPF – it’s non-negotiable. “SPF is important to anyone who wants to delay the sun related changes to their skin such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, melasma, widening of pores. It’s the one tool we have to reduce these concerns, and prevention is always better than cure” Dr Ifeoma explains. BRIGHTENING/EVENING SKIN TONEThe most common skincare concern for those with black skin is how to brighten and even the skin’s tone, and for it to look as healthy and radiant as possible. “We need to understand why any dark marks and hyperpigmentation have occurred. If it’s acne this must first be treated, and issues such as over-exfoliation must also be addressed,” highlights Dr Ifeoma. “A group of tyrosinase inhibitors can be helpful and these can be found in ingredients such as kojic acid, arbutin, liquorice root extract and vitamin C.” Incorporate some of these ingredients into your routine both day and night to see an improvement over time. Not only skin type but skin tone also has to be considered while deciding on a skin care routine. So, keeping with the thought here, we will discuss some skin care tips for darker skin tones. They need special care as darker skin tones are more prone to skin issues like dryness, hyperpigmentation, and scars. Skin issues are not limited to the fairer complexion, and they impact darker skin tones, too. So, to maintain gorgeous and healthy skin, women of darker skin tones have to maintain a dedicated skin care regimen. In this article, we will elaborate on skin care tips for darker skin tones to help you maintain healthy skin. Keep scrolling! Skin Care Tips For Women With Darker Skin Tones1. Cleanse Gently iStock Any skin care routine starts with cleansing to remove all dirt and grease from your skin. Irrespective of your skin type, you should always go for gentle cleansers that do not contain any harsh chemicals, especially artificial colors and fragrances, alcohol, phenoxyethanol, parabens, PEG, and surfactants like SLS and SLES. These may strip the natural oils, affecting the skin’s natural barrier, causing dryness and flakiness. Instead, choose products with natural and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, plant oils, green tea, ceramides, and peptides. Avoid washing your face with hot water as it may aggravate the dryness. Always use lukewarm or room temperature water to cleanse your face. Never wipe your face with towels to avoid friction. Instead, pat it dry. If you use makeup, always go for double cleansing. Use an oil-based cleanser to lift the makeup and residue and follow it up with a water-based or foam-based cleanser. 2. Exfoliate With Caution iStock Exfoliation is another essential step in a black/dark skin care regimen. It helps remove dead skin to promote cell regeneration and improve skin texture. If you have sensitive skin, use natural exfoliating products. You can mix coffee granules or sugar with oils or plant butter to exfoliate the skin without causing irritation. Avoid vigorous rubbing to avoid redness and inflammation. It may also cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. You may use physical exfoliants (like a scrub) or chemical exfoliants (like AHA and BHA exfoliants). But if you have never used facial acids, steer clear of them. You may start with a low percentage of lactic acid (the mildest of all) and gradually increase the percentage. However, be careful with exfoliants. Use them only once a week. Over-exfoliating can damage the natural barrier and may irritate the skin. 3. You Can Never Moisturize Enough iStock This is so true for all skin types and tones! Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, moisturize and hydrate your thirsty skin. Look for a formula that keeps your skin hydrated for a long time as colored skin tends to dry out quickly. Always apply moisturizer to your damp skin after you step out of the shower. It helps your skin absorb the product and stay plump and soft. When it comes to moisturizers, hyaluronic acid packs a powerful punch. Your skin and connective tissues naturally produce hyaluronic acid. Its main function is to help your skin retain moisture and keep the tissues lubricated. Adding this to your routine will surely give your skin an extra moisture boost. You may look for other ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and natural oils to moisturize your skin. 4. Use SunscreenIt is a common (and dangerous) misconception that melanin-rich skin does not need UV protection. Black skin or deeper skin tones are not sun-resistant. UV rays can cause damage to dark skin and speed up skin aging, cause hyperpigmentation and skin tanning, and may increase the risk of skin cancer. Never step out in the sun without sunscreen. There are products available that blend seamlessly with dark skin tones without leaving a white cast. You may opt for gel-based or aloe-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and PA++ (minimum) rating. While SPF protects the skin from UVB rays, a PA grading system ensures it is protected from UVA as well. Always reapply the sun protection every couple of hours or as mentioned on the package. 5. Attend To Acne Immediately iStock Attend to the first signs of a pimple or a clogged pore. It is because acne can lead to pigmentation or scars if not treated properly. There are high chances of dark spots developing in the affected area. Spots and pigmentation issues are often tough to address on deeper skin tones. This may make your skin appear uneven. Use products containing salicylic acid and retinol to address acne and pigmentation. If you have hormonal or cystic acne, consult a dermatologist for proper treatment. 6. Avoid Touching Or Picking AcneTouching and picking your pimples and acne halt the healing process, and once the acne dries, it may leave a dark spot or even a depression in the skin (called a “scar”). Moreover, touching acne can transfer bacteria from your fingers to the other areas, further aggravating the condition. If you find it hard to resist your urge to touch acne, apply an acne patch. It is a hydrocolloid bandage that blends with your skin and heals acne and pimples. 7. Use Non-Comedogenic ProductsBecause they are your skin’s best friends. Whether you have acne-prone skin or not, try to use non-comedogenic skin care products. Comedogenic skin care products clog the skin pores, increasing your chances of developing comedones and acne. Avoid comedogenic ingredients like beeswax, mango butter, lanolin, isopropyl palmitate, isostearyl isostearate, PEG, and talc. On the other hand, non-comedogenic products can reduce breakouts. 8. Give Laser Treatments A Second ThoughtLaser treatments are widely used for skin resurfacing, reducing wrinkles, blemishes, and acne scars. They are also used for improving uneven skin tones and hair removal. However, people with deeper skin tones need to be careful about laser treatments as they are at a higher risk of developing skin complications, especially hyperpigmentation. Laser treatments can lead to discoloration, burns, and blisters in people with darker skin tones. Lasers heat the skin layers and may affect the melanocytes (melanin-producing cells). Sensitivities in this layer can cause adverse skin reactions
(1). 9. Consume A Wholesome Diet iStock While topical products can help you get the skin you desire, nothing works as best as a nutritious diet. When you are healthy from within, it reflects on your skin. Consuming a healthy and balanced diet provides adequate nutrients to your body and skin. Include lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet for the best results. Avoid alcohol, processed foods, and sugar to get your health back on track. 10. Drink Plenty Of WaterThe golden rule of drinking eight glasses of water every day is crucial for all. When your body is hydrated, your skin remains plump and healthy. Water also helps drain the toxins out. To give some extra dose of hydration to your skin, spray an alcohol-free toner or mist on your skin. Melanin-rich skin is thought to be resilient. It is, up to a certain extent. However, that does not mean that deeper skin tones do not require an intense skin care regimen. Like all other skin tones, deeper skin tones are susceptible to acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation, spots, UV damage, and inflammation. We hope that the skin care tips for deeper skin tones discussed in the article have helped you understand how to love your skin back. These tips will address the issues your skin may face and help keep it soft, glowing, and protected. Frequently Asked QuestionsIs vitamin C serum good for dark skin? Yes, vitamin C serums are safe and effective on dark skin. Infact, vitamin C serum is a mild brightener that can help even out discoloration on dark skin and prevent the skin from looking blotchy. Does coconut oil lighten dark skin? Anecdotal evidence suggests that using coconut oil may lighten the skin. However, coconut oil is known to be comedogenic and should be used with caution on oily and acne-prone skin. Does Vitamin E darken the skin? No, there is no evidence to suggest that vitamin E darkens the skin. On the contrary, it is often used in formulations to even out skin tones. Does shea butter darken skin? No, shea butter does not darken the skin. It acts as a moisturizer and though its vitamin E content may help even skin tone and brighten it up, there is no evidence that it either brightens or lightens the skin. Key Takeaways
SourcesArticles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
Was this article helpful? The following two tabs change content below.
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze. Prior to that, she authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She... more Dr. M. Khawar Nazir is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical... more What are the 7 steps of skincare?Your Daytime Skin Care Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide. STEP 1: CLEANSER. ... . STEP 2: TONER. ... . STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM. ... . STEP 4: EYE CREAM. ... . STEP 5: SPOT TREATMENT. ... . STEP 6: MOISTURIZER. ... . Step 7: SUNSCREEN.. How do black people make their skin glow?How to make black skin glow naturally. Exfoliate your skin. Did you know every 30 days or so that your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells? ... . Drink lots of water. I know, I know. ... . Moisturize Your Skin. ... . Say YES to serums. ... . Exercise. ... . Cleanse daily. ... . Protect Your Skin. ... . Use a shimmer with gold flakes.. How do black girls get clear skin fast?The Black Girl's Guide to Gorgeous, Glowy Skin. Wash Your Face Before Bedtime. Cleanse your skin gently, especially at night, as a vital part of your bedtime routine. ... . Use a Low-Lathering, Sulfate-Free Cleanser. ... . Take It Easy. ... . Exfoliate Your Skin. ... . Try an Alcohol-Free Toner Mist. ... . Hydrate From Within. ... . Go Easy on the Oil. ... . Moisturize.. What are the 5 steps in a skincare routine?Simple-Skincare-Routine. Step 1: Cleanse. During the day, your skin goes through a lot. ... . Step 2: Exfoliate. ... . Step 3: Hydrate. ... . Step 4a:Treat. ... . Step 4b: Moisturize. ... . Step 5: Protect.. |
Skin care routine steps for black skin
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 pauex Inc.
