There are several skincare tips on the internet. As a melanated person, it is important to know which of these tips are beneficial for you. This is because the black skincare routine is different. There are certain skincare ingredients and habits people with black skin have to watch out for. These tips will change your black skin for the better.
Wear sunscreen even when the sun isn't visible
It is essential to use sunscreen every day. In the long run, sunscreen helps prevent discoloration, premature aging, and skin cancer. Our skin acts as a shield to protect us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and wearing sunscreen protects our skin from these harmful rays. There is a common misconception that sunscreen is only necessary when it is sunny. These harmful ultraviolet rays could still come in contact with our skin even on cloudy days and even through certain kinds of windows.
In recent times, more sunscreen brands have emerged. You can use sunscreen without worrying about it leaving a white cast. Sunscreens have also been adapted for different skin types, it doesn't matter if you have oily, dry, or combination skin, the right sunscreen for you exists.
Stay hydrated
One of the most proven ways to improve our skin's health and appearance is to stay hydrated. Dehydrated skin is often dull in appearance and has more pronounced wrinkles. Staying hydrated isn't as simple as drinking a lot of water. Fruits with high water and vitamins such as cucumbers and watermelons should also be incorporated into our diets. Drinking water is necessary for our overall well-being as it helps deliver nutrients to our cells.
Moisturize
Moisturizing is essential for all types of skin, this includes oily skin. Using moisturizers reduces the chances of our skin getting too dry and too oily, hiding our blemishes in the long run. Moisturizing also helps to maintain the PH balance of the skin, while reducing the chances of wrinkles, acne, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
The skin needs enough moisture to perform its task as a protective barrier. While plain moisturizer products exist, some people prefer to use lotions to moisturize.
Keep your hands off your face
For most of us, the urge to touch our faces is an unconscious action. Others suffer from dermatillomania. People with this condition often compulsively pick at their skin.
Most times, we transfer germs from our hands to our faces with constant touching, this could increase the risk of acne. Meanwhile, popping pimples and picking the skin could cause scarring and worsen existing conditions.
Wash your pillowcase regularly
Our pillowcases come in contact with our hair and face interchangeably during sleeping hours. Sweat, oils, makeup, and even dandruff build up in these clothing materials, which could clog our pores and irritate our skin.
We also shed dead skin cells, these dead skin cells attract dust mites. Dust mites are too small for the human eye to see, but they should trigger allergies and skin conditions like eczema. It is recommended that pillowcases are washed at least once a week. This applies to cotton and satin pillowcases.
Prioritize cleansing
Cleansing our skin removes dirt, impurities, and makeup from our faces. Cleansing is more effective than using facial wipes which many people resort to. Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is also important as it helps us get the best results.
Cleansing is recommended before the use of other skincare products because it opens up the skin's pores. Most dermatologists recommend cleansing twice a day.
A consistent skincare routine produces the best results. It might seem like a chore at first but in no time, it would become a habit. Also, getting desired results is an incentive for staying consistent in your skincare routine. Seeing your skin improve over time should not be a reason to slack or stop your skincare routine, consistency is key.