Drink Plenty Of Water
The 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.
What Skincare Is Good For Black Men
There are not many sights as striking as glowing dark skin. But more than just how it looks, healthy black skin has good amounts of melanosomes that protect against DNA damage and boost the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
However, caring for dark skin could be quite the challenge with its numerous unique concerns. From being susceptible to hyperpigmentation to uneven skin tones, razor bumps, and more, skincare for black men can be stressful.
Not to worry, though – we’re here for you as always!
From vitamins to creams, exfoliants, and many other hints and tips, you’ll learn about the best skincare products for black men as you read on. Your whole body will thank you for stumbling on this piece!
Eltamd Uv Lip Balm Sunscreen Broad
One of the most commonly overlooked parts of skin care for Black men is lip balm. While this can seem like a feminine item, its important for both genders. If you spend a lot of time outside, its common for your lips to get affected. For example, on a windy day, they can start to crack. It?s also possible that the sun can cause hyperpigmentation. This product, from EltaMD, contains a lot of nutrients. This will help protect your lips from the sun. It also stops your lips from drying out. This product can also be a great way to protect your lips from the effects of aging.
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Approach Laser Hair Removal With Caution
Not all lasers for hair removal are created equaland when it comes to laser hair removal for darker skin tones, Cook-Bolden and Hartman agree that one stands head and shoulders above the crowd: the 1064 Nd:YAG. “This laser is selective for the pigment in the hair and bypasses the pigment in the skin so that there is no blistering or scarring associated with the procedure,” says Hartman.
When undergoing laser hair removal, it’s crucial to visit a professional with experience treating darker skin tones. “Remember, hair removal is advanced laser surgery and the operator of the device is just as important as selecting the appropriate laser,” says Hartman.
A seasoned pro will make sure they’re using the right setting to meet your specific needs. “The biggest step is to always do a test first,” adds Cook-Bolden. “The test helps us to identify patients who just cant tolerate laser at all and helps us figure out the highest setting they can safely toleratethe higher the lasers setting, the quicker the results and the fewer treatments needed. Ten people with the same depth of darkness in their skin tone will tolerate a completely different laser setting. One laser certainly does not fit all it should be done on a case-by-case basis per patient.
Ask The Experts: 10 Black Skin Secrets
You can have the most flawless makeup, but if your skin isnt on point, its all for naught! To make sure you present a clean, clear canvas to the world, we asked celeb dermatologist and Black Opal consultant Dr. Cheryl Burgess to give us her top ten black skincare secrets. Heres to saving face!
Fight the signs of aging with with sun protection, cosmeceutical skin care products and a diet rich in antioxidants.
Use mineral makeup in the summer! Black Opal Mineral Brilliance Powder Foundation has natural SPF and gives a youthful glow.
Prevent dry skin by decreasing your bathing water temperature to lukewarm. Also, use a moisturizing cleansing bar and moisturize the skin with a creme or lotion immediately after drying off.
Theres no excuse for ashiness! Use rich, shea buter-infused creams to hydrate dry skin, says Dr. Burgess. We like LOccitane Ultra Rich Shea Butter Body Creme .
To treat oily skin or serious acne, try the Black Opal Maximum Strength Blemish Kit . It contains all the products you need to cleanse your skin, control oil and treat blemishes.
If youre prone to blemishes, use oil-free moisturizers that will not clog the pores. Also, avoid greasy and oily substances on the skin. Try Juice beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer .
Picking at acne causes dark spot formations. To treat hyperpigmentation, try an acne cleanser containing salicylic acid. We like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash .
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Why Sunscreen Is Important In Daily Skincare
You already know sunscreen is vital in your skincare routine, rain or shine, hot or cold. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun, and even Blue Light that comes from our electronic devices or bright LED lights. It can lessen your likelihood of getting skin cancer, getting sunburn or sun damage and can also assist with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and anti-aging.
Hopefully this helps you get your feet wet when it comes to building a strong, reliable skincare routine! Dont forget to talk to a dermatologist or skin care professional before using any strong treatments or serums to see what would work best for you or if youre having serious skin problems.
Remember, healthy skin is happy skin!
What Not To Do
While there are many things you can do to even out your skin tone as a Black woman, there is one thing not to do. Do not use harsh chemicals or laser treatments, especially in an attempt to lighten your skin. Every Black woman I have talked to or read that has used lightening products has regretted it. You can end up doing far more damage to your skin than whatever it is you are trying to fix. In case you have not heard recently, Black is beautiful. We are not trying to permanently whiten your skin. We are trying to even it out and brighten it!
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Having said that, there is a slew of skincare products that can help promote healthier skin. To best protect, nourish and treat skin of color, we consulted doctors and experts on some of the best products to get you through your skincare routine.We sorted them through the six essential skincare ingredients experts recommended:
Huminature East African Shea Butter
HumiNature East African Shea Butter is the crème de la crème of Shea Butters. Because it is extracted manually from the highest quality shea nuts of the Nilotica variety, East African Shea Butter is softer and more fragrant than shea butter of West African origin. East African Shea Butter is naturally high in shea olein, melting more gently into the skin.
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Authentic African Black Soap
Alaffiaâs Authentic African Black Soap is likened to the home remedies of Togolese mamans. Itâs made from a centuries-old ârecipe of handcrafted fair trade and certified organic unrefined, “raw” shea butter and Orangutan-safe West African âpalm oilâ , and enhanced with refreshing citrus oils.
Huminature Cucumber Mist Toner
Our HumiNature Cucumber Mist Natural Facial Toner is an all-natural moisturizing facial toner infused with pure Cucumber Hydrosol . Cucumber has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Leaf Juice softens. Witch Hazel tones. And, Tea Tree Oil and Black Willow Bark kill germs. This toner is perfect for anyone with a face.
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You Can Try Chemical Peels And Microdermabrasion Too
In terms of tried-and-true procedures to fade dark spots, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are traditional treatments women can turn to, says Cook-Bolden. Chemical peels chemically break up skin pigments, and microdermabrasion mechanically breaks up the pigment.” Cook-Bolden notes that procedures such as microneedling are known to help as well.
After your treatment, make sure to follow your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions to the T to maximize your results. “With all procedures, the important thing is the healing process,” she says.
Q: What Are Some Tips For Black Skin
Sonya:1. Use sunscreen every day
I educate my clients of all ethnicities that we can all get photo-damage and photo age due to the sun, and different skin colors show it differently. Those with darker skin tend to show photo damage with hyper pigmentation that worsens over time on the cheeks and lower part of the face. An uneven complexion is the outcome of sun exposure in darker skin. Dark skin tones may be less likely to burn, though it does not mean Black skin does not get a sunburn, and SPF30 is a must.
Sonyas Pick: Face Shield SPF30
2. Choose your skincare products carefully
When looking for skincare and specifically dark spot removers for Black skin and for hyperpigmentation treatment, the ingredients in the bottle are as, if not more, important than the ingredients NOT in the bottle. Stay away from harsh ingredients like hydroquinone and glycolic acid that are to hash on your gentle skin. Opt for lactic and phytic acids as well as natural skin brighteners like extracts of daisy flower and kalahari melon.
Because of melanins ability to defend against UV damage and sunburn, it also protects darker skin tones against the signs of aging like wrinkles, brown spots, and visible blood vessels. So, in most cases dark skin shows wrinkles and age spots a lot later in life.
Sonyas Pick:Fade Away
3. Don’t pick your skin – EVER!
Sonyas Pick:Blemish Buster
4. Choose an esthetician who has experience with Black Skin
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Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
Sapna Palep, MD, of Spring Street Dermatology recommended the ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex. “Its chock full of potent antioxidants to help even skin tone while also plumping the skin and combating fine lines and wrinkles. Palep explained. “Its so versatile for all skin tones, including darker complexions.
Focus On Making Positive Lifestyle Changes
When it comes to skincare, it’s easy to focus only on the stuff you can apply to your skin. But your skin also represents whats going on inside your body and the quality of life you live.
So, developing healthy daily lifestyles will help significantly to improve how your skin looks.
You can start by eating healthy and letting go of junk… While an apple daily keeps the doctor away, you need more fruits and veggies to keep skin problems at bay.
Also, without sounding like your parents you should get plenty of sleep, learn to manage stress more efficiently, drink more water, and quit smoking. You’ll be astonished at the results!
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Whats The Outlook For Black People Experiencing Hyperpigmentation
Most of the time, hyperpigmentation will gradually fade. But this can take time, so its important to be patient and stick to your treatment plan. Many types of hyperpigmentation will fade in about 6 to 12 months.
But some types of hyperpigmentation may require longer or more intensive treatment. For example, hyperpigmentation that impacts the dermis may take years to fade and, in some cases, can be permanent.
Its vital to continue to protect yourself from the sun during your treatment. Because sunlight can make an already dark area darker, its possible to undo weeks or months of treatment with an afternoon of intense sun exposure.
Q: That Sounds Pretty Amazing Are There Any Skin Conditions More Prominent In Black Skin
Sonya: On the flip side darker-pigmented skin can result in higher levels of hyperpigmentation compared with caucasian. Even though Black skin has the same amount of melanocytes as light skin, it has a much greater tyrosinase basal activity which can lead to hyperpigmentation, darker spots and uneven skin tone. Because of this Black skin is more susceptible to developing dark spots from pimples, bug bites and other mild lacerations. I work with my clients to create an overall even skin tone, and help them safely lighten their dark spots.
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Huminature Oil Defense Face Cleanser
Acne prone skin is sensitive skin. Many anti-acne treatments are so harsh that they actually exacerbate the condition they are supposed to clear up. HumiNature Oil Defense Cleanser is natural and mild above all else. Contains activated charcoal, tea tree oil and citrus extracts to control acne breakouts naturally.
When To See A Doctor
If using at-home remedies or over-the-counter products hasnt helped you, then its possible that youre dealing with a skin condition that needs a doctors attention. This is also true if the issue seems to be getting worse instead of better. Before seeing the doctor, gather any information you can that will be helpful for a diagnosis. For example, some skin conditions like eczema can flare up under certain conditions like a dry environment, eating specific foods, and coming in contact with irritating chemicals.
Its a good idea to have affordable skincare alternatives in your arsenal but not all of them will work for you. You should still do your research and try suggested routines on small areas of skin before going all in. If you notice that your skin issues arent getting any better, then its time to see a doctor.
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Ajuvn Face Rescue Kit
The Ajuvén Face Rescue Kit is especially for men’s skin care. Gentle yet effective products designed and packaged for men.
- Step 1: Ajuvén Botanical Facial Scrub
- Step 2: Ajuvén Citrus Splash Facial Toner
- Step 3: Ajuvén Botanical Facial Moisturizer
- Step 4: Ajuvén Sandalwood Shave Créme or Ajuvén Aloe Shave Gel. Any of the HumiNature Masques
Huminature Sensitive Skin Care Regimen
The HumiNature Sensitive Skin Care Regimen is gentle and effective, at the same time. The HumiNature Sensitive Skin Care Regimen contains hypoallergenic products that are mild and will not cause irritation to those with sensitive skin. No added colors or fragrances are used in these products. Sensitive skin should definitely NOT use soap-based cleanser or harsh toners as are found in many over-the-counter products.
- Step 1: HumiNature Skin Solace Cleanser with Wild Oats & Honey
- Step 2: HumiNature Cucumber Mist Facial Toner
- Step 3: HumiNature AvoJoba Crème
- Step 4: HumiNature Face Firming Serum and/or Skin Solace Masque
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Attend To Acne Immediately
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.
La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum
As we grow older, our eyes can start to show their age. They can also display when we arent getting enough sleep. Because of this, an eye serum can be an important part of skin care for Black men over 40. At this age, wrinkles can become more pronounced. This eye serum offers powerful effects. It can help you naturally shape your eyes, preventing wrinkling around the eyes. These effects will continue to grow more powerful over time, helping you maintain a youthful look. The best time to apply the eye serum will be in the morning.
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What Does Hyperpigmentation Look Like On Black Skin
Hyperpigmentation will appear as a mark, spot, or area thats noticeably darker than your surrounding skin. The exact color of a hyperpigmented spot can depend on whats causing it to occur, as well as on your individual skin tone.
Generally speaking, you can look out for spots that appear:
Youll typically see a dermatologist for hyperpigmentation. This is a type of doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions.
The first step will involve collecting your medical history. The dermatologist may ask about:
- any existing health conditions you may have, particularly those impacting the skin
- if youre currently taking any medications or supplements
- your lifestyle habits, like whether or not you use sun protection
- when exactly the hyperpigmented spots appeared
- which treatments youve already tried, if any
After taking your medical history, your dermatologist will examine the affected area. This is typically enough to diagnose hyperpigmentation, but your dermatologist may also perform an examination using a black light.
This exam is called a Woods lamp examination and may be used to help diagnose skin disorders like infections, vitiligo, or other hyperpigmentation. A Woods lamp exam can also help determine which layers of skin are affected by hyperpigmentation.
Now lets take a look at how hyperpigmentation on Black skin may be treated.