Healthy, glowing, and flawless skin is everyone’s ultimate desire. And when it comes down to black men’s skincare, it doesn’t mean that it has to be rough and tough!
These days, there are thousands of skincare solutions, videos, and websites found on the internet. However, authentic skin care tips for black men aren’t abundant.
People with black skin indeed need proper care and extra attention because it’s more prone to damage and way too sensitive than usual. So, how to achieve perfect skin? Is it actually possible?
Well, using moisturizing cream and sunscreen is essential to keep skin healthy and looking good. Also, try to use anti-aging products to prevent unusual fine lines or even dark circles.
Don’t forget to bring some changes to your lifestyle. From avoiding alcohol to getting plenty of sleep, it’s a wise decision to make your lifestyle even better for ensuring soft and smooth skin!
Table of Contents
Following a Basic Skincare Routine
Probably it won’t be easy for you to jump into a 10-step skincare routine, right?
And guess what? You don’t even need that. Here are four simple steps you can follow to start your skincare.
1. Making Your Face Thoroughly Clean
Cleansing is the most important step when it comes to any sort of skincare. Make sure to use different cleansers in the morning and night according to your skin concern. If you’ve got oily skin, go for foaming cleansers that provide maximum oil control.
Cream cleansers add more moisture to the skin and are best for dry skin types. But if you have combination skin, a gel cleanser is a good option for you.
Do check the ingredient list to avoid harmful chemicals. Also, buy according to your skin concern. Let’s say, if you’re suffering from blackheads, use something that has salicylic acid in it.
2. Exfoliating Might Come in Handy!
Exfoliating helps to get rid of dead skin cells, dry patches while improving skin texture. It’s a must not only for black skin but for every skin type.
Indeed, there are physical and chemical exfoliators found in the market. But it’s better to choose the chemical ones since physical scrubs can be harsh to your skin surface and may damage your skin barrier.
It’s proven that chemical exfoliators can be absorbed easily and work pretty well. For textured and bumpy skin, BHA, glycolic acid, lactic acid is suggested.
So make sure to use mild and gentle exfoliating acids if you’re trying it for the first time. Start by using the product once a week, then gradually increase 2-3 times or so.
3. Using Moisturizing Cream
Your skin requires hydration both from the inside and outside. Most of the time, the reason behind dry and irritated skin is lack of moisture.
There’s a common mistake that people with oily skin make is, skipping moisturizer as their skin is oily already. But this is a myth. Every single skin type needs moisturizer no matter what.
For oily skin types, water or gel-based moisturizers are perfect. People with dry skin can go for oil-based moisturizers.
If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, try to use moisturizers that are paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.
4. It’s a Plus to Wear Sunscreen
Though people with black skin are more protected from sun damage because of their high melanin production, they still need sunblock.
It’s better to wear sunscreen every single day that provides at least SPF-30 to avoid further sunburn. The UV rays of the sun can be carcinogenic. So, there’s no way to compromise with it.
You’ll have to reapply your sunscreen every 3 hours or so if you’re outside. Use oil-based cleansers or balms while removing sunscreen to avoid clogged pores.
5. Washing Your Hair and Pillow Cover
Excessive dandruff can cause fungal acne on your scalp, which can spread in your face and all over your body.
Besides, dirty pillow covers can cause various skin issues and lead to a massive breakout.
To prevent this, make sure to wash off your pillow cover at least once a week if possible.
Use silk pillow covers, which are pretty much gentle for your skin. If you’re suffering from dandruff, don’t forget to use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo.
Find Your Skin Concerns
Men’s skin is way too thick, oily, and rough in comparison with women’s. Is there any particular skin issues black men experience? How to treat those?
Don’t worry, as we’re here to help!
Hyperpigmentation:
Post acne dark spots become more visible in darker skin tones because of high melanin production.
Vitamin-C serums help a lot to fade away dark spots and pigmentation. Layering Vitamin-C serum with your moisturizer every morning prevents your skin from oxidizing and helps to reduce spots day by day.
You can also use niacinamide serums at a lower percentage to remove dark spots. As they make you more sun-sensitive, you must follow up with a good amount of sunscreen.
Razor Bumps:
Ingrown hair is the most common issue for black men because of their curly and textured hair type.
These are known as “Keratosis Pilaris,” another term we use is the “Chicken Skin.” Proper shaving techniques and exfoliating are the keys to getting rid of these crazy bumps.
Be sure to shave in the direction of your hair growth. Use essential oils (e.g., tea tree oil) in the shower to avoid inflammation. Use a good shaving foam and aftershave instead of regular body wash or soap.
Besides, it’s better to get your hands on the 2% salicylic acid or 5%-10% glycolic acid solution as a toner after the shower, for which the hair follicles don’t get trapped inside. Continue every 2-3 days a week.
Excess Sebum Production
When your skin is excessively oily, it may seem darker than it actually is. It’s also a sign either you’ve over-exfoliated, or maybe you’re not giving enough moisture to it.
We suggest giving your skin adequate hydration. You can use Hyaluronic acid on damp skin, and you’ll see the difference! Niacinamides are also good for reducing sebum production and aids in pore tightening.
Products that are specially made for acne have oil-controlling properties. Try BHA’s like salicylic acid that controls sebum and fights against acne and breakouts.
Avoid oil-based moisturizers and cream cleansers with thick textures. Go for non-comedogenic gel-based products.
Try to Use Anti-Aging Products
Day by day, our skin loses its elasticity when we get older. Wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots appear at this time.
So, there’s a huge possibility of aging way too faster if you don’t follow up with a good skincare routine.
Retinoid is one of the popular anti-aging ingredients that literally does everything for your skin. Add this to your night skincare routine, and you’ll feel the difference.
Vitamin-C serums and sunscreen fight against the free radicals of the sun and rejuvenate the skin day by day.
Furthermore, use a good eye cream around your eye area to prevent crow’s feet, dark circles, and unusual fine lines.
Changing Your Lifestyle:
It’s not possible to achieve your skincare goal only by following a skincare routine. It’s a combination of different aspects.
So, to achieve flawless skin, you should –
- Follow a healthy diet
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Sleep at least 8 hours at night
- Drink enough water
- Cut down sugar, junk food, and beverages
- Stop stressing
- Be active, exercise at least (3-5) days a week
Wrapping Up!
Beauty has no gender, no color. It’s all about appreciation and embracing yourself. And skincare isn’t a luxury; it’s our ultimate need, whatever the skin color!
Specialized skincare can take the confidence of a black guy to immense levels. Hopefully, our recommended skin care tips for black men provided everything that you wanted to know.
Thanks for being with us!