Your best black skin. A smooth, clear, complexion is something we would all love to have. We are hardwired to be attracted to a clear complexion because it signals not only beauty, but good health.
Therefore, when you struggle with dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, your self-confidence tends to suffer. Such skin problems may be caused by factors as diverse as diet, heredity, acne, illness, stress, climate and medications.
For Best Black Skin, Let’s examine some of the common complexion issues:
Dark Spots
As black people, because of our higher melanin levels, we are more prone to suffer from dark spots. Usually caused by healed acne spots or the picking of your skin, dark spots can be especially stubborn to remove, especially if they are compounded by keloid scarring or in-grown hairs.
Uneven Skin Tone
This is a problem for many of you. You’ll often find darker patches naturally occurring on your forehead, upper lip, eye area, knuckles, elbows and knees.
Hyperpigmentation
Very often caused by excessive exposure to the sun, medications and pregnancy.
So what are the solutions?
Natural Skin Lighteners
With the emphasis on ‘natural’, skin lighteners or brighteners can help. Look for products that include natural lighteners such as kojic acid, mulberry extract, bearberry extract, licorice and alpha arbutin.
Avoid hydroquinone – even over-the-counter (OTC) formulations that are within the legal limits (up to 2% hydroquinone) are not proven safe for long term use. Let’s face it, remedying skin tone issues is a long term process. Avoid mercury also – it’s poisonous.
Note: Many dermatologists prescribe hydroquinone (typically up to 8%). Those are medical-grade formulations, manufactured under strict quality-controlled guidelines, and you would (should) be under the doctor’s care while using them.
Natural skin lighteners may be found in over-the-counter soaps/cleansers, toners and moisturizers/serums. Do a patch test before using on larger areas and monitor your results carefully. Keep a diary or take photographs to help assess results.
Worried about the integrity or slew of strange sounding ingredients in store-bought products? You’re not alone. Many women have used OTC skin products and have reported encouraging results from homemade skin lighteners/brighteners.
The effectiveness of your skin lightening product can be greatly increased by employing good practices in your general skincare regimen.
As such, a Few Recommendations for Best Black Skin:
1.) Use only gentle facial cleansers (ideally with some green tea in them).
Many facial cleansers and scrubs contain harsh cleansing agents or alcohol which strip your skin, leading to more irritation and in some cases, acne.
2.) Watch your exfoliator
Gentle exfoliation can help to fade dark patches by sloughing off dead skin to reveal fresher skin beneath. Scrubs and peel that contain fruit acids can help tremendously, as can those containing glycolic acid or jojoba wax beads. Avoid any exfoliator/scrub that contains ground nuts – they are, in almost all cases, too abrasive.
If you want to try a homemade exfoliator, consider oatmeal. Mix 1 tablespoon of oatmeal with 3 tablespoons of water or warm milk. Apply to your face and massage for 5 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Once a week its fine.
3.) Read the fine print on your acne treatments
Many acne treatments are designed to work as a solo act. If you combine too many products, you may be sabotaging your efforts. Work on the acne first before attempting a wholesale skin toning regimen. If you’re desperate to treat old dark spots, apply the lightening product with a Q-Tip for precise application.
Wait, there’s more …
4.) Use a good sunscreen
Many skin lighteners have a sloughing-off effect that reveals fresher, healthier skin. You must protect this new, sensitive skin from harsh UVA/UVB rays. Limit sun exposure and apply a sunscreen of at SPF-30. When venturing out between the hours of 10am and 2 pm, the sun is at its highest peak.
5.) Avoid the OTC ‘Quick Fix’ and be patient
Any product that promises skin lightening in ‘days’ is likely to be bad for your skin. Natural skin lighteners can take months to produce noticeable effects, therefore, prepare yourself for the long haul. Dermatologists do offer chemical peels which help to speed the removal of hyperpigmentation and spots. However, take heed, these peels may not be suitable for those of us with very dark skin, as they can lead to re-pigmentation or scarring.
6.)Drink plenty of water and green tea! Why? Because water hydrates from within and green tea is a great antioxidant.
This list could go on and on. We’ll stop here.
As Always …
Dedicated To Your Beauty!
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care
The post Your Best Black Skin: How to Achieve a Smooth, Clear Complexion appeared first on Black Skin Care – Natural Hair Care – African American Skin Care.
