For the longest time, the cosmetics industry did not acknowledge the need for products for dark skin. The tides have changed and gradually, beauty brands now make a product range for darker skin tones.
Similarly, many individuals see skin care practices as universal. They assume that the same tips and tricks that work for people with fair skin will also work on dark skin. Is this the case though?
The fact that some individuals believe that skincare is universal despite skin tone and others believe that dark skin is impervious to damage and aging shows miseducation.
Some general skincare rules apply regardless of your skin tone. These rules include moisturizing, staying hydrated and eating healthy to improve the quality of your skin.
We have examined the top skincare tips and tricks to create this list. The tips on this list will help you maintain healthy, radiant dark skin.
Here are our 5 Skin care tips for people with dark skin tones.
1. Always use sunscreen
People with dark skin tones are lead to believe that sunscreen is unnecessary. Some believe that the risk of being sunburned is non-existent; this is not the case. Repeated and prolonged exposure to the sun could lead to sunburns, age spots, hyperpigmentation and in the worst case scenario, skin cancer.
This is why you should protect your skin by wearing broad-spectrum SPF of at least 15 when you are going out. To make wearing sunscreen less of a bother, incorporate it into your skincare routine.
2. Avoid picking at your skin
This tip benefits people of all skin tones. Picking at scabs, pimples, acne, and other injuries could cause inflammation and infection.
However, we advise that you should avoid picking if you have dark skin because this could cause hyperpigmentation. Clearing hyperpigmentation and scarring can be difficult when dealing with dark skin tones.
3. Keep your skin moisturized
Well hydrated and moisturized dark skin is a picture of radiance. If you neglect to moisturize your skin properly, your skin may look ashy, dull and unhealthy. Furthermore, if you are dealing with skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, moisturizing will help to alleviate dryness and itching.
Use lightweight water or oil based moisturizer to ensure that your skin is hydrated and moisturized. Using a heavier body oil or butter may clog your pores and cause acne breakouts.
4. Use brightening products with caution
Many skincare products are advertised with words like ‘brightening, lightening, and toning’. If you are searching for products that will give you evenly toned and radiant skin, do so carefully.
Before you use any of such products, check the ingredients in them.
Some brightening skin care products have harsh key ingredients that are not suitable for long term use. These products also have the potential to ruin the appearance of dark skin with improper use. Some of the ingredients you should watch out for include Hydroquinone, Steroids, and Monobenzone.
If you want to brighten your skin, we recommend that you use gentle brightening products. While these products are not as effective as products with harsh ingredients, the risk of skin damage is reduced.
In addition, you will be able to get your desired results with time. Try products that contain Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Alpha-arbutin, Retinol, Niacinamide, Lactic acid, Alpha Hydroxy acids, and Licorice root.
5. Use mild exfoliants
Exfoliating your skin regularly can help with the removal of dead skin cells and faster cell turn over. It also encourages blood flow and cleanses clogged pores. By exfoliating properly, you will be left with supple and brightened skin.
It is important that you use mild and natural exfoliants if you will be exfoliating regularly. Mild exfoliants include yogurt, honey, brown sugar, and coffee grounds.
Harsh exfoliants like grains or rubber beads could injure or bruise the skin, cause micro-tears and consequently result in hyperpigmentation.
If you prefer chemical peels, stick to products that have Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Citric Acid.
Even when using these chemical peels at a mild strength, you need to be careful to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Despite the myth that ‘black doesn’t crack’ , you need to put some effort into caring for your beautiful dark skin. These 5 tips will help you help you effectively care for your dark skin.
