1.Toner Regulates Oil
One of the biggest complaints made by fellow brown beauties is that their skin is sometimes so oily that wearing makeup over it feels downright scary. To combat this all-too-common struggle, Jamyla Bennu, mixtress and creator, Oyin Handmade, recommends getting familiar with a skin-clarifying toner.
There are tons of options available on store shelves that you should consult with an expert about before using. But if you’re comfortable with DIYing and have properly researched what does and doesn’t work for you, Bennu says to blend eight to ten aspirin dissolved in 8 ounces (1 cup) alcohol-free witch hazel or a mixture of 1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup distilled/spring/filtered water.
“Aspirin contains salicylic acid, also known as beta-hydroxy acid. It helps clarify pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and control oil—and is also an anti-inflammatory,” she says.
2. SPF, SPF, and More SPF
One of the biggest lies to ever be told amongst black women is that they do not need sunscreen. New York–based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, says that while the melanin in our skin isvery protective, it is not perfect. Skin cancer in skin of color does have a lower incidence than in lighter skin types. However, our outcomes can be much worse, simply often because it’s usually diagnosed at a later stage, due to the lack of awareness.
“I recommend that black women of all shades use a moisturizer with SPF 30 on a daily basis—not just when planning to be in the sun,” she says. “One of my favorites is the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30. It blends in seamlessly with even the deepest skin tones and doesn’t leave behind a chalky film. You’ll be left with a moisturized, glowing, and well-protected complexion.”
3. Black Does Crack
While there is plenty of evidence that proves women of color age gracefully to the point of disbelief (hello, Angela Bassett!) and melanin is protective against accelerated photo-aging, our skin still loses elasticity, forms wrinkles, and becomes dull with time and poor maintenance just like everyone else’s.
“Commit to a basic antiaging regimen that includes a sunscreen, a retinol, an antioxidant, and a great moisturizer to keep your complexion luminous and youthful,” says Dr. Henry. And the earlier you start it, the more effective it will be over time.
4. Facial Scrubs Are Harmful
Although facial scrubs can feel like they’re sloughing away makeup, dirt, and grime, Roberts-Smith says they can also be overly abrasive. This leads to micro-tears in the skin and increased inflammation, both of which are breeding grounds for hyperpigmentation.
“Those with more melanin in their skin have an increased sensitivity to inflammation,” she adds. “Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes are much safer exfoliation options because they exfoliate at the cellular level.”
5. Application Matters
How you apply your products is just as important as the products themselves. After all, if they aren’t distributed correctly, they can’t properly function and deliver the results you seek. To ensure that this happens every time, Roff recommends dispensing all of your skin-care products to the back of your hand and then smoothing onto the skin with your fingertips.
“Dispensing to the palm of your hand and then rubbing it on with your full hand wastes product because your palms are so dry and tend to quickly absorb product,” she says.
This article was culled from StyleCaster
