*Those with melanin-producing cells are more susceptible to the effects of inflammation. Furthermore, said inflammation maybe more noticeable on darker skin than lighter skinned women, thus it is important to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to practicing safe beauty habits.
- This one may be obvious, but it’s important to:
Stay Hydrated.
Since life keeps us busy, it’s easy to forget to sip on water throughout the day. Keep a reusable, big bottle of water on your desk to remind yourself that you need to drink more water! This will help to keep your skin looking alive and rejuvenated while preventing dry skin.
Use Sunscreen!
Everyone, regardless of race, should apply sunscreen daily before going out. Many people think that because they have melanin, they will not get sun burned but that is not true. Skin cancer is non-discriminatory and can happen to anyone that does not take precaution. Even on cloudy days, the ultraviolet rays can cause skin aging, wrinkles, discoloration and dark spots. Sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 helps prevent this as well as keep your skin looking healthy.
Exfoliate those dead skin cells.
Every minute of the day we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of our skin and exfoliating helps prevent bacteria, sweat, and dirt from getting stuck underneath your skin’s surface and from clogging pores. This will help improve the texture of your skin, resulting in a smoother and softer appearance.
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Clean and moisturize daily.
Some research shows that darker skin tones lose moisture quicker than lighter skin tones. To prevent skin from looking ashy, apply a hydrating moisturizer that contains glycerin or hyaluronic acid which helps retain moisture. Nature Republic offers the best natural skin, hair and body care products. Their products not only hydrate and moisturize the skin, but also give a fresh and young look
Don’t forget about your neck!
The same way in which it is visibly obvious when you do not blend the foundation on your neck, the same rule apply when you don’t include your neck in your regimen. It can be the first place our body shows signs of aging, therefore remember to apply sunscreen to your neck before leaving your house and moisturize that area upwards after a shower to help keep it radiant.
Vitamin C is Key.
You might want to consider drinking orange juice in the mornings to give you a subtle boost of energy. Vitamin C regulates melanin, decreasing your chance of overproduction. When melanin gets overproduced, dark spots and hyperpigmentation may occur. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is a good and budget friendly option to enjoy the benefits of vitamin D on your skin.
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Be mindful of application.
How you apply your skincare products can affect the results of your routine. If they are not applied properly, you will not be able to see the expected outcome nor will it be able to function the way it’s supposed to. Dermatologists recommend dispensing all skin-care products on the back of your hand and then smoothing it onto your face with your fingertips gently.
Make Castor oil your best friend.
Jamaican castor oil has wide known benefits for your hair and skin. It can be used to speedily heal sunburns. Castor oil can also be applied after a shave to prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps.
Toner Toner Toner.
Many of our fellow brown sisters complain that their skin gets too oily which can cause makeup to feel uncomfortable. Adding toner to your routine can help clarify pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and also control oil.
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Use products that tackle hyperpigmentation.
Consult with your doctor before using hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a topical prescription ingredient that blocks the enzyme that causes your melanin to create hyperpigmentation.
Find a dermatologist who truly understands your Melanin.
Darker skin requires a little bit more effort, thus finding a dermatologist who is familiar with the functions of darker skin types can make your skin journey a lot smoother.
Look for certain key ingredients.
Salicylic acid is a beneficial ingredient to search for in facial cleansers and products. It exfoliates your skin and keeps pores from becoming clogged.
Don’t use harsh face scrubs.
The infamous St. Ives apricot scrub that we grew up using is actually recommended to avoid. It may feel like it is doing its job of removing dead skin cells off your face, but the harsh abrasion can scratch the surface of your skin, causing early aging and tears. If the skin is scrubbed too hard, it can even cut through the skin and lead to infections.
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Wash your face before bedtime.
I can’t stress this enough! By the end of the day, your face and skin is filled with bacteria and dirt from the air of all the places you have traveled to. Cleanse all those germs off to avoid transferring them to your pillows!
Do NOT sleep with a face of makeup on.
I get it; you’re tired and lazy to get out of bed. You may even be a little too drunk to allow yourself to be excused from this nighttime routine, but girl, wash your face! No excuses. Most makeup is made up of oily substances and when it stays on your face, your pores can get clogged up creating a breakout.
Your skin renews itself when you sleep, and when you don’t take your make up off, you prevent this from happening. In short, save yourself the time and effort by simply getting up and washing all the product off your face before falling asleep. You’ll thank yourself the next day.
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