Special Skin Care is Required for Darker Skin

Contrary to what you may have heard, African Americans are plagued with skin problems just like everyone else. Because of their genetic composition, dark-skinned individuals are prone to skin discoloration and breakouts. This also includes some Indian, Asian, and Latino descents with darker skin tones. This is due to the amount of melanin in the skin and because African Americans have more melanin than fair-skinned individuals, special skin care is required for darker skin.

What is melanin?

Also known as pigment, melanin is a substance that gives natural color to the skin and hair. Individuals with darker skin tones have higher amounts of melanin, and those with less, have lighter skin tones.

Different Skin Types

Proper care is the key to healthy skin. Cleansing, treating, moisturizing are all part of the regimen to protect your skin. Before you can properly treat any problems, you must know your skin type.

Dry - This can be a temporary problem due to the elements of Mother Nature such as the wind and sun or it can be a lifelong problem. Dry skin can be characterized by skin that looks and feels rough, fine lines or cracks.

Oily - Oily skin is shiny. A simple explanation of oily skin is the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and as a result, they produce more oil than the skin needs. This oil seeps out and gives you the shiny appearance.

Normal - This type of skin has an even tone with a soft smooth feel. Normal skin is not greasy or dry and the glow comes from healthy blood circulation and good health.

Skin Care Regimen

Regardless of your skin type, you must take care of it to prevent early aging and damage. Because darker skin tends to be plagued with discolorations and skin breakouts, it is imperative to develop and stick to a health care regimen.

Cleansing

Cleansing is one of the most important steps in promoting healthy skin. Darker skin is more delicate and harsh chemicals should never be used. Since soap tends to dry the skin, it is recommended that you do not use it. If you have oily skin, a purifying cleanser is recommended.

Because black skin is prone to having large pores, toning is critical to keep the pores open. Since this could lead to blackheads and other skin problems, it is essential that you take care to cleanse your skin properly.

Protection From the Sun

Despite having more melanin, dark-skinned people still have to protect their skin from the sun. While it is said that melanin protects dark-skinned individuals from sun cancer, melanin only provides some protection. For this reason, it is necessary to use sunscreen if you are going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time.

Moisturizing

Regardless of your skin type or color, everyone needs to keep their skin moisturized. Even those suffering from oily skin should use some type of moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated. This is especially important for dark-skinned people with dry skin. It is recommended that people with darker skin tones use creams in place of lotion because it is absorbed into the skin more effectively.

With a regular skin care plan, you can have healthy skin for years to come - no matter what your color.