Caring for African-American skin does not have to be complicated or costly. With the variety of product information available, its important to do your own independent research before investing in any expensive skin care lines. When choosing African- American products, there are several important considerations for creating and maintaining healthy skin.
For the most part, African-American skin has more similarities than differences to an other type. Because skin is the largest organ in the human body, it needs the essentials, such as fresh food and water, in order to stay healthy. Effective African- American skin care products should have similar formulations as any other quality product.
The main difference with African-American skin is its tendency to hyper-pigmentation. This refers patches of grey or darker discolorations on the surface. Because people of color have a higher amount of melanin in their skin, these melanin protectors can become discolored over time, often because of age, or because of harsh skin care regimens. African-American skin should be treated gently, and any type of treatment, such as peels or acne removal, needs to be used with caution, ideally by a qualified professional who specializes in delicate care.
A skin care routine for African American skin does not have to be elaborate in order to be successful. Dry skin is common for darker skin tones, and there are several successful steps to combating dryness. The first is to drink plenty of water, usually six to eight glasses a day, as this will give the skin a firmer and more youthful appearance. Shorter showers will also help combat dryness. In addition, using a moisturizer is essential in keeping skin soft and supple.
A final consideration when evaluating African-American skin care products is the inclusion of an effective sunscreen. Although there is more melanin to protect itself, skin cancer is still a possibility. Regular use of sunscreen can also help protect against hyper-pigmentation and lead to a more even skin tone. An SPF of at least 30 for the face and body is recommended.
By keeping these essentials in mind, you will be able to make effective decisions about your skin care regimen. African American skin care products are becoming easier to find and evaluate than ever before. These products can often be expensive, and it pays to educate yourself on the type of products that are appropriate for your skin before purchasing.
The last time you looked in the mirror did you notice any dark spots on the skin that did not belong there? Did you notice that there was some darkening in some areas of your face, neck or lips that was not the same color as the rest of your face? If you have been suffering from any of the above you may have what many in the skin care field call hyper pigmentation. While this big word sounds like it may have an equally big diagnosis, have no fear as the answer is that it does not. This is a common occurrence that has no other ill effects except for the outward appearance of discoloration.
Hyper pigmentation is a harmless occurrence that occurs when sections or patches of skin begin to get darker than other areas of the skin. This happens when the melanin in our skin, or what causes our skin to get darker, begins to form areas where the melanin builds up. This condition can affect people of any ethnic background regardless of the color of their skin. There are many different causes of discoloration. These can range from outside sources such as the sun to internal ones such as an excess of hormone production in the body.
One form of hyper pigmentation is age spots. These spots are natural and usually come with time. As the name indicates, age spots are a result of our skin aging as well as being exposed to the sun. It is just a fact of life that the older we get, so do our bodies. These spots usually affect our face and hands or other areas of our bodies that may be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Melasma is another form of discoloration that affects mostly women and can also be found during pregnancy or during the use of a birth control pill. The hormones seem to trigger an increase in melanin production and therefore cause the discoloration of the skin. Dark spots on the skin or dark patches on the skin can usually be found when hyper pigmentation or melasma is present.
Dark spots on the skin can result from different things. They can be from a birthmark or a freckle. Dark spots could be a result of acne or hormones. There are many different causes for hyper pigmentation, so it is vital that you keep track of any new or size changes of existing dark spots on the skin. While we have seen that for the most part, dark spots seem to be more of a cosmetic issue than anything, dark spots or discoloration could also be a warning sign of other issues. Don’t take any chances. If you start to notice dark spots, discoloration or size changes in spots, see your Doctor immediately to make sure it is not anything severe. If it is mainly a cosmetic issue, either your doctor can prescribe a treatment or you can try an over-the-counter skin lightener or whitener to help alleviate the stares. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
There are tons of resources for men skin care available, along with products made for men. Skin care has been part of many men’s daily regimen thanks to the benefits of great, fresh and young looking skin.
But what about men of color? Black men or Hispanic men? The truth is there is only a limited amount of resources that focus on skin care for Black men, which makes us wonder: does darker skin need different care?
The answer is yes. In African-American men skin there tends to be more razor bumps and burn and ingrown hairs. This is due to the different type of facial hair.
Also men of color can suffer from dark spots and hyper pigmentation which causes the skin to have an uneven tone.
So in order to address these issues a couple of companies and sites have created a special section for Black men skin care which is much needed. I’ve also seen a couple of skin care products for Black men available that work wonders.
Products such as Barc and African Male by men essentials are great examples of products made for Black men.
But of course proper skin care is the same for all men. No matter what your skin color or age, men should always follow a skin care regimen to help maintain a young and healthy looking skin.
Especially in for men with darker skin color, using a facial scrub/exfoliate and skin toner is essential to eliminating or keeping away from dark spots and hyper pigmentation.
Using the right shaving cream and after shave will also help reduce and alleviate razor burn and stop razor bumps.
Use the right skin care products for men and you will definitely keep your skin looking healthy, toned, young and overall attractive.