The varying shades of brown skin pause unique and challenging ways in how you care for it, what hairstyles go well with it and what lipstick shades work with each of the shades of brown. As much as I admittedly acknowledge that there are different skin types and each type of skin shade needs special care, the brown shades of skin types are by far susceptible to skin conditions like dehydration, oily, and prone to acne, hyperpigmentation, and many more.
The brown shades of brown skin are the type of skin with a lot of melanin compared to the light skin type. Therefore, all shades of brown skin require special care because some injuries are maybe more noticeable in this type of skin than in other skin types. People with this type of skin also experience skin conditions such as acne, eczema, inflammation, and more.
But how can you take care of shades of brown skin? This article gives you a complete guide on how you can take care of brown and black shades of skin.
Step 1: Cleansing The Skin
A solid cleansing routine for brown skin shades is the first step in taking care of your skin. In this process, you get rid of dirt, sweat, impurities, and make-up on the skin. When choosing a cleanser for whatever shade of brown skin undertone, it is essential to choose a cleanser that will not clog your pores; you should look for a non-comedogenic cleanser, you should also choose a cleanser that uses a gentle and non-irritating formula. To cleanse your skin use the following steps:
- Start by wetting your face with lukewarm water
- Apply some cleanser to your hands, you can also apply it to a cotton cloth
- Massage the cleanser gently into your face in a circular motion
- After washing for some seconds rinse the cleanser from your face
- Dry your skin by patting with a towel and make sure not to rub when drying your skin
Step 2: Toning The Skin
Shades of brown skin like Hickory, Syrup shade of color are by nature warm and glowy, so using a good toner every day or at least two to three times a week helps in adding moisture back to your skin after it has been stripped away. This helps in improving the elasticity of your skin reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It also gives your skin a good even tone. A skin toner also helps to improve the PH level of your skin.
A toner also helps in preparing your skin for the application of other skin products like moisturizers. When choosing a toner, it is important to choose a mild toner to tighten your pores and not open them. You should also make sure that you apply the toner in a gentle way.
Step 3: Moisturizing The Skin
The third step in caring for shades of brown skin tones is moisturizing your skin. Moisturizers help in keeping your skin hydrated bright, supple, and plump. Moisturizing should be done daily, preferably after taking a shower.
When buying a moisturizer, it is important to get a moisturizer that contains ingredients like humectants. Some common humectants found in moisturizers include sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) and glycerin.
These are very good at attracting water to the skin and ensuring that the skin does not lose water. The type of moisturizer that you choose depends on the type of skin that you have. Those with oily skin should consider getting oil-free moisturizers, and those with dry skin may consider a very hydrating moisturizer.
Most effective hydrating moisturize may contain Vaseline, but it is important to take precautions when applying such moisturizers because Vaseline may cause acne.
It would be best if you also got moisturizers that are non-comedogenic so that they do not clog your pores. The following are the steps of how you can apply a moisturizer:
- Take a suitable amount of the moisturizer to your hands
- Apply it to your face
- Massage gently until it completely absorbs into the skin
- Wait until it dries before applying anything else
- Things to take note of when caring for dark skin
There are also certain tips that you need to take into account when taking care of shades of brown and dark skin.
Exfoliating
When it comes to exfoliating the skin, it is important to not over-exfoliate shades of brown and dark skin. This is because this type of skin may be sensitive to most exfoliants.
So, it is very important to take note of what kind of effect the exfoliants have on your skin. The number of times you exfoliate your skin depends on your brown shade of skin tone.
Certain skin types require to exfoliate at least many times a week, while some skin types may only require you to do it once a week. When getting exfoliants, you should the ones that have a gentle formula and add some nourishment to your skin.
If it is your first time exfoliating your skin, you should start by exfoliating once a week in order to see how your skin will react.
Take Note Of Dark Spots And Hyperpigmentation
Dark and brown shades of skin tones experience a lot more discolorations than lighter or pale skin types.
You may notice that there are some dark spots on the skin. Dark spots come when there is extra melanin that has been produced. This may be as a result of an injury, acne, or other conditions.
There are many products that help in fading dark spots and help to deal with hyperpigmentation. You can also use natural remedies to fade these dark spots, although it may take a long time for them to go away completely.
To deal with dark spots and skin discoloration, you can choose products containing ingredients that help treat skin discolorations.
The most common ingredients that are found in products for treating hyperpigmentation include:
Retinoids also help to treat dark spots. Retinoids such as tretinoin can be used. Hydroquinone helps to inhibit the production of excess melanin. Excess melanin causes dark spots. Kojic acid helps in lightening dark spots on the skin.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to deal with hyperpigmentation on the skin. It also helps in protecting the skin from damage by free radicles.
It is also important to take some precautions when using some of these products because they may cause irritation on the skin when overused—products like hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Wearing Sunscreen
Most people think that brown or dark shades of skin do not require sunscreen, but that is just a myth. Protection from direct sun rays is important for all skin types.
You should wear sunscreen during the day in order to avoid sunburns or sunspots. Exposure to the sun can also make some of the spots on your skin darker. Most moisturizers contain SFP. Most facial creams also contain SFP.
Treat Acne At An Early Stage
To avoid skin conditions from getting worse, you should work on treating acne at an early stage. Treating it later may cause conditions like post inflammation and your skin may end up having dark spots.
You can start using oil free and non-comedogenic products to reduce acne. You should also avoid using products that contain irritants like artificial fragrances and alcohol that may be harmful for your skin.
Know Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type is very important because it will help you determine the kind of products you should get for your skin.
There is combination skin, normal skin, oily skin and dry skin. Oily skin is the type of skin that is smooth most of the time. This is the type of skin that is more prone to acne and breakouts. Oil free and non-comedogenic products are suitable for this type of skin.
- Normal skin is the type of skin that is not too oily or too dry. It is well balanced.
- Combination skin is oily on some parts while other parts are dry. Most of the time the nose area is oily in combination skin.
- Dry skin is the kind of skin that is rough when touched. It also has a dull appearance. This skin type requires a lot of moisturizing.
Have A Balanced Diet
Having a good diet also plays an important role in keeping your skin very healthy. Good food gives your skin the nutrients so that it can restore and repair itself from the inside.
Things To Avoid When Taking Care Of Shades of brown and Dark Skin Types.
There are certain things that you should not do when taking care of different shades of brown skin. For instance, for people that have acne-prone skin, it is important that they do not use a facial scrub.
It would help if you made sure that the products you use for your skin do not contain harsh ingredients in them. Some ingredients contain irritants and these are very harmful to the skin. Do not use products that cause your skin to dry out.
Washing your face too often may cause damage to it. Therefore, do not wash your face too often.
After cleansing or washing your face, do not rub it, it is better to pat it dry rather than rubbing. Rubbing your face can cause damage.
Conclusion
A good skincare routine for black skin is very important. A good skincare routine improves your skin’s appearance and health by making it supple, bright and giving it an even tone. Having a good diet is also beneficial to the health of your skin.
When choosing products for your skin, you should ensure that the products you choose do not contain fragrances or any harmful ingredients that may be harmful to your skin.
Moisturizers, cleansers and toners are very good products for black skin. They help in keeping the skin healthy and adding hydration to the skin.
You should choose products that are non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores or cause acne. Oil-free products are also a good way to reduce acne for those with acne.