It may seem that there is little information available on skin care for people of color (and even fewer products made for African American skin care.) But, African American skin does require special care, and with a little experimentation, you will easily find products that will work best for you. Here area few tips for improving and maintaining the deep, rich tones of African American skin.
Know Your Skin Type: If your skin feels dry and tight without moisturizer, you have “dry” skin. If you are prone to acne and your skin constantly feels greasy, you have “oily” skin. If you break out easily, your skin type is “sensitive.” And if you have patches of dry skin on your face as well as patches of oily skin, then your skin type is called “combination.” Knowing your skin type is the key to knowing which products to use and how often to use them for the maximum benefit for your skin.
Develop A Skin Care Routine: It’s important to keep your skin clean, moisturized, and protected on a daily basis. Stick with gentle organic skin care products and look for ones that are made especially for African American skin.
Use Organic Sunscreen: even though African American skin has more melanin than Caucasian skin, it is still susceptible to damage from the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Skin cancer is less common, but can be more deadly, in those with darker skin. Be sure to use organic sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 everyday.
Seek Out A Professional: If you develop a skin condition that requires medical treatment, seek out a dermatologist that specializes in African American skin. Whether your problem is acne or another condition, a qualified health care professional can help prevent skin problems from developing into serious conditions or leaving permanent scars.