African Skin Care
Regions of Origin
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Africa
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Senegal
- Sudan
- Cape Verde
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
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Caribbean
- Jamaica
- Haiti
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominican Republic
We all know that the term ‘black skin’ is far from accurate. After all, ‘black’ women come in a variety of shades, from the lightest golden caramel to the deepest espresso.
Since there are sections of this site dedicated to Asian brown skin, Hispanic brown skin and Middle Eastern/Indian brown skin, for the purpose of this discussion, we will focus primarily on women of color with African and Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Wherever you trace your roots to, there is one characteristic common to all African-American skin: the presence of the skin pigment melanin. Both light and dark-complexioned people have this pigment. However, people with light complexioned skin mostly produce a form of melanin called pheomelanin, which is red to yellow in color, while those with dark colored skin mostly produce eumelanin, which is dark brown to black. In addition, individuals differ in the number and size of melanin particles.
Melanin is nature’s gift to people in tropical latitudes and desert regions, where ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the most intense. Melanin acts as a protective shield against sunburn, sun damage, skin cancer and even sun-related aging such as wrinkles.
But there is a darker side to melanin. For example, the cells that produce melanin can become overactive and produce excess pigment. And melanin may rebel against the wrong products. In both cases, your skin can develop a discoloration that can stick around for months or years.
To help preserve the smooth, rich tone of your dark skin, it helps to understand the challenges your skin faces.
Black Skin Concerns
Irritation
Black skin is extremely sensitive and highly prone to irritation from a variety of sources ― sunlight, medications, cosmetics and even skincare products, especially those that have been formulated for Caucasian skin, which lacks melanin and has a different pH balance from black skin. Stick with products for sensitive skin, especially if your skin is dry.
Hyperpigmentation & Discoloration
Because melanin is highly reactive, black skin often produces excess pigment, which shows on the skin as melasma, dark spots and discoloration. While some pigmentation problems are purely genetic, there are external factors that can cause or accelerate hyperpimentation: sunlight and medications. Because sunlight activates pigment-producing cells, the best way to avoid or prevent hyperpimentation in black skin is daily use of an SPF sunscreen product. Also, mind your skin when taking certain medications such as birth control pills, antibiotics, acne medicines and cancer drugs.
Acne in Black Skin
Black skin is prone to acne, and, unfortunately, most popular acne treatments contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that can wreak havoc on black skin. To minimize breakouts, exfoliate your skin regularly. Use a gentle cleanser that will remove dirt, debris and dead cells to unclog pores without irritating your skin.
Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation & Acne Scars
As if acne isn’t bad enough, black skin can continue to suffer long after the initial outbreak is gone. This is because as acne heals, melanin accumulates at the site of the blemish, often resulting in post-inflammatory pigmentation, or scars. If you’ve had acne scars, you know they can be difficult to remove, but be careful when choosing a treatment product because many products contain a chemical called hydroquinine which can cause extreme irritation in black skin.
