When it comes to skincare, melanin-rich skin has a variety of needs beyond simply choosing the right color foundation. Those with darker skin tones often face specific skincare requirements and issues. Learn more about the role melanin plays in skincare and some natural Black skincare tips.
What are the specifics of melanin-rich skin?
Melanin is a group of molecules responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. The more melanin your skin produces, the darker it appears. This is determined by a person’s genetic makeup. Melanocytes are produced in two forms, eumelanin, and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black pigmentation, while pheomelanin creates a red hue.
People with more eumelanin in their skin are less likely to experience sun damage and skin cancer. However, those with higher levels of pheomelanin are at a greater risk for these issues. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, providing protection from UV rays. It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and responds to the sun differently.
Hyperpigmintation of melanin-rich skin
There are a few skincare concerns specific to melanin-rich skin. One common issue is hyperpigmentation or dark spots on the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun damage, inflammation, and certain medications.
To treat those issues, you need to pick your skincare products targeted at fighting hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tones. There are a variety of products available online, we tested & recommend discoloration correcting serum by EADEM, which evens out the skin tone and is created especially for women of color!
Preventing hyperpigmentation is the surest way to avoid this skin condition. You can do the following to prevent hyperpigmentation:
- Wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re not spending time in the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure.
- Be gentle with your skin. Avoid picking at blemishes or scabs, as this can lead to scarring.
Acne in melanin-rich skin
Another issue is acne. Acne occurs when the pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. People with melanin-rich skin are more susceptible to developing keloids, or raised scars.
To prevent yourself from acne is a very complicated topic, as ance is reigned by hormones and a lot of things influence the latter: diet, stress, genes, etc.
But there are a few things, that you can do to minimize the chances of developing heavy acne, or at least make it less severe:
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Keep your hair off your face.
- Ensure that only clean & hypoallergenic bedding & pillow cases have contact with your skin.
- Use oil-free skin care and makeup products.
Last but not least, people with melanin-rich skin need to be extra careful with the hydration level of their skin. If you have oily or dry skin, choose the moisturizer accordingly. Among our favorites is lightweight hydrating moisturizer, that is created with melanin-rich skin in mind and balances out the moisture level of your skin!
Other common issues in melanin-rich skin
In addition to hyperpigmentation and acne, there are a few other skincare issues that are common in melanin-rich skin. These include:
Dryness: Melanin-rich skin can be prone to dryness, which can lead to flaking and an uneven skin texture.
Sensitivity: The higher levels of melanin in the skin can make it more sensitive to skincare products and other irritants.
Premature aging: Melanin-rich skin is more susceptible to premature aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
There are a few things you can do to combat these issues:
- Choose skincare products specifically designed for melanin-rich skin.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs.
- Apply a hydrating moisturizer daily.
- Use sunscreen religiously to protect the skin from damage.
With the right skincare routine, you can keep your melanin-rich skin looking healthy and beautiful!
To conclude, skin care for melanin-rich skin is not that different from skincare for any other skin type. The main difference is in the details of how your skin protects and regulates itself. When it comes to skincare, do your research, and pick natural & hypoallergenic products, created with your needs in mind!
