Skin problems faced by people with brown or black skins differ from those faced by Caucasians. Darker skins have a greater amount of melanin. This pigment is responsible for shielding the skin from harsh sun rays and even decelerates aging. However, melanin sometimes causes the skin to over-react when a product which does not suit black skin texture is used. African American skin care varies from skin care routines used for white skins.
The key to African American skin care lies in understanding the many nuances of black or brown skins. Caring for black skin is as simple as caring for any other type of skin -- only different. The most common misconception is that all black skins are oily. This is simply not true. Most black skins are sensitive thanks to the melanin pigment but not all are oily. If you have black skin, use the following tips to maintain its rich texture and tone.
Skincare
The best care for black skin is to cleanse it regularly. Use a mild cleanser and cleanse at least 3 times daily if you have oily skin. If your skin is dry, once a day is sufficient to remove the grime and leave your face looking clean.
Moisturizer is perhaps the most over-rated product. As far as the best skin care regimen for black women is concerned, use moisturizer sparingly and only if your skin is dry and really needs it. Water based moisturizers work well with dark skins.
Even though black skin contains larger amounts of melanin which protect it from sunlight, always use sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. You are just as much a candidate for skin cancer as your lighter skinned friends.
Be extra careful when taking certain drugs and other forms of medication. This is because dark skinned people sometimes tend to react strongly to prescription drugs like birth control pills and antibiotics. So, ask your doctor if these drugs will have side effects as far as your complexion is concerned.
If your face develops a condition like acne or pigmentation, immediately visit a dermatologist. Black skin care for acne depends on the severity of the case. A dermatologist will be the best person to prescribe a proper skin care regimen for acne onslaughts in dark complexions. So, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
When selecting cosmetic products, always select the ones especially meant for African American skin care. Refrain from using products with harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and conduct a test on a patch of your skin before using any product.
While choosing make-up, fortunately you are spoiled for choice as cosmetic companies have realized the unique needs of black skin care and have come up with a wide range of cosmetics. Avoid garish colors and stick to muted shades of brown, peach, beige etc. Select foundation that best matches your face (though admittedly many cosmetics manufacturers still need to expand their foundation lines for more options for black skin tones). Avoid using oil-based cosmetics.