Who ever said that skin care was a woman’s thing is out of touch with reality. In our modern culture, it is essential for men to care for their skin as well. Having healthy dark skin is a beautiful thing, but if not pampered and cared for, it can become patchy, dry and discolored.
Darker skin is due to an increased amount of melanin. The pigment is nature’s way of protecting the skin from the sun, since certain cultures and ethnicities with darker skin typically originate in countries with a warmer climate, situated closer to the equator. Still, dark skin needs sunscreen of at least SPF15 to avoid sun damage.
Melanin has also been known to slow down the process of wrinkle formation (lucky). However, the high level of melanin in black skin also has its drawbacks. For instance, darker skin loses water faster than lighter skin. As you age, some areas of your skin may become rough; especially parts that have been exposed to the sun over an extended period of time. Be sure to keep yourself well hydrated in order to keep skin supple.
Another issue associated with melanin’s ability to shield you from harmful UV rays is that it makes it more difficult for skin care products to penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Managing oil secretion is another important issue when caring for dark or black skin, since it can be acne prone.
Next let’s discuss some basic skincare tips
Face Washing
- Cleansing your skin with a suitable face wash for your skin type is important. Cleanse morning and night, and make sure to avoid using hot water, as this will dry out your skin.
- If you are concerned about excessive oil, you may want to consider trying a cleanser that contains lactic acid. The lactic acid will help remove the oil and build up, while leaving your skin feeling moist and refreshed.
- It is recommended to apply some type of moisturizer to your body after a hot shower. Look for products that contain Shea butter, Coco Butter, Aloe Vera or soy proteins. Lotions and moisturizers that contain these will be better suited to penetrate and saturate darker skin.
Exfoliating
- Exfoliating is a great idea for everyone. It helps remove dead skin cells, as well as bring fresh, new skin to the surface. We recommend exfoliating with a product that contains glycolic acid. Don’t go overboard with the exfoliating; twice a week should be sufficient.
Before you run out the door to tackle the day, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen. This will help you look happy, healthy and young for years to come!
by Aaron Marino
