You know the drill: Wash your face, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. But when it comes to taking care of our skin, black women often have to go above and beyond to find products that work for us. But don’t worry – we’ve got some tips to help you take care of your skin and keep it looking healthy and gorgeous!
- Wear sunscreen every day, no matter what.
This is the number one skincare tip that all dermatologists, regardless of race, will tell you. UV damage is the leading cause of wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer, so protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is important. Black women should look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the best protection. - Don’t forget to moisturize.
Dry skin can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated with a good moisturizer. Apply moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and at night. - Use gentle products.
Black women often have sensitive skin, so it’s important to use gentle products that won’t irritate the skin. Look for products that are labeled “for sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic.” - Be kind to your melanin
Lightweight, non-clogging cleansers free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh ingredients, as well as reparative and protective creams and moisturizers are must-haves - Don’t smoke.
Smoking not only causes wrinkles, but it can also lead to other skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. Any form of smoking will prematurely age the skin hookah and vaping are no different. Both hookah and vaping starve the skin of oxygen and limit blood flow to the skin, which in turn impedes collagen and elastin production. If you’re a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your skin. - Exfoliate regularly to slough off dead skin cells.
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can help to brighten your complexion and prevent breakouts. Black women should look for an exfoliator with glycolic or lactic acid for the best results. You should exfoliate your face at least once a week, but twice a week is even better! - Use products with retinol to fight wrinkles and fine lines.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help to fade age spots and improve skin texture. Black women should look for a retinol cream or serum that contains at least 0.5% retinol. - See a dermatologist regularly.
Even if you don’t have any specific skin concerns, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist on a regular basis for preventive care. Dermatologists can help you identify early signs of skin problems and provide treatment before they become serious.
The bottom line is that black women have to be especially diligent when it comes to taking care of our skin. But with the right tips and products, we can keep our skin looking healthy and gorgeous! Have you tried any of the tips or products mentioned in this post? Let us know in the comments below.
