Skin Care Routine for Black Women

By Toia Barry

Looking to upgrade your skincare routine?

Everyone has different skin and can appreciate a routine that is specific to their skincare needs! As Black women, there are some different considerations for us, since we have more richly-melanated skin. Your facial area is the most sensitive part of the skin on our body, so it is necessary to keep it as healthy as possible. For healthy skin, you need both a solid daytime and nighttime routine. Keep reading for our expert tips on natural skincare for Black women and the best skincare products for Black skin.

Daytime Routine 

Cleanse Your Face

To keep your skin healthy and glowing, wash it daily. Benefits to cleansing your face include removing buildup, like dirt, sweat, and oil. Excessive buildup can cause trapped bacteria and dead skin cells, resulting in inflammation and acne. For your daytime routine, use a gentle cleanser that won’t dry out or irritate the skin. If you have oily skin that is prone to getting acne, use a gel or foam cleanser. Try the Pomegranate & Honey 2-in-1 Face Scrub & Cleanser. The cleanser will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Apply it by massaging a dime-size amount onto damp skin and rinse the cleanser off with warm water. Black people commonly experience irritation on the skin, so this scrub is perfect since it’s not too harsh or abrasive. 

Apply Toner 

Toner is a liquid that gives balance and hydration to your skin. It removes dirt stuck in your pores that your cleanser didn’t remove. Avoid toners containing alcohol, and look for toners that have antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, like Vitamin C. Using a toner is something some people don’t think they need, while others swear by it. It’s totally up to you, but if you have oily skin or wear heavier makeup, it may be super beneficial. 

Serum

Serums are lightweight moisturizers that treat inflammation in the skin and boost hydration. Using a serum regularly can help keep your skin feeling healthier and looking smoother. Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Revitalizing Face Serum is made with natural ingredients and helps to improve elasticity. 

Eye Cream

Dark circles are common amongst Black skin and can be genetic, making them more challenging to resolve. Eye creams are created for those with sensitive skin around the eye area. Applying an eye cream will help reduce the depth of wrinkles, increase hydration, and protect against UV damage. Don’t underestimate eye creams! 

Spot Treatment

Whether you struggle with oily skin, your job is stressing you out, or you're on your monthly cycle, it’s normal to get acne, or break out once in a while. Using a spot treatment can quickly reduce the size of a blemish and remove dead skin cells. Spot treatments include ingredients like salicylic acid that works to fight acne and unclog pores. If you are acne-prone, consult a dermatologist for more information on the type of spot treatment that may be best for you. If you don’t break out often, it may not be necessary for everyday use. Don’t get too heavy-handed with this one, as spot treatments can dry the skin out. 

Moisturize 

It's time to hydrate the skin. Moisturizing your face helps to protect your skin's barrier. Apply your moisturizer while your face is damp, allowing it to penetrate the skin. Black skin loses moisture quickly, so look for a moisturizer with glycerin or hyaluronic acid. We recommend our Pomegranate & Honey Illuminating Face Lotion. This product contains glycerin and was created to provide hydration, prevent skin damage, and give you that glow! 

Sunscreen 

When it comes to our skin, this biggest misconception is that we don’t get sunburnt or aren’t easily affected by UV exposure. Having melanin does give you some protection against the sun, but sunscreen is still the most important part of any skincare routine! A lot of moisturizers already include sunscreen in them, but if not, try using sunscreen with at least SPF 15-30, in addition to your moisturizer. Not wearing sunscreen can cause skin damage and even skin cancer. So even if you have melanin-rich skin, mineral sunscreen is one of the most important, if not the most essential, skincare products out there. We love sun protection for every skin color. 

Nighttime Routine 

Wondering how to get clear skin naturally? A nighttime routine is going to be slightly different than a daytime routine. While you’re catching up on some z’s, your skin repairs itself and will require some special attention to help the process. 

Remove Your Makeup 

Start your nighttime routine off by removing your makeup with a water-based or oil-based cleanser. An oil-based cleanser removes oil-based impurities, like makeup or even sunscreen. A water-based cleanser removes water-based impurities, including dirt and sweat. If you wear more makeup, are acne-prone/have oily skin, think about “double cleansing.” Double cleansing is using both an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser. Using this two-step process will eliminate makeup and sunscreen buildup– removing bacteria, preventing infections and hyperpigmentation. If you have normal skin, you can just use a water-based cleanser to remove your makeup, followed by a gentle cleanser, like the Pomegranate & Honey 2-in-1 Face Scrub & Cleanser. It will leave your skin feeling clean without stripping it of its natural oils.

Cleanse Your Face

Our skin comes in contact with bacteria and debris throughout the day, so it is important to wash your face nightly. Remember to use a gentle cleaner that will remove toxins and dirt, without stripping your skin of its natural oils. 

Apply Toner

After washing your face, apply a toner to remove impurities, and help decrease the size of pores. Once again, this step is up to you, but if you are acne-prone, it could be a game-changer! 

Eye Cream

Black people are prone to dark circles, so applying eye cream will help maintain your skin’s health and thickness. Eye creams also help prevent signs of aging, so make sure to include this step in your nightly routine!

Treatments and Serums

“Treating” the skin is a very customized part of any skincare regimen. This step is to give some special attention to area problems you may have, like acne. Nighttime is a perfect time to include exfoliating treatments, serums, and antioxidants on the skin so that it can absorb properly throughout your sleep. Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Revitalizing Face Serum and Pomegranate & Honey Hydrating Face Mask are both perfect for nighttime use!

Moisturizer

Next, apply a moisturizer to protect the skin’s barrier overnight. Moisturizing your face properly at night is important because your skin repairs itself after everything it went through during the day. Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Illuminating Face Lotion is going to leave your skin feeling silky like your pillowcase! 

Oil

Face oil is great for locking in moisture while you sleep and adding that extra boost of hydration. This step is especially for Black women who have dry skin and/or inflammation.

Perfecting Your Routine

When it comes to your skincare routine, don't forget that your neck is important, just like your face. Apply your cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and oils to your neck as well. The most important thing is to choose a routine that works for you. A solid skincare routine can be time-consuming and hard to commit to, but healthy skin radiates great overall health and wellness. In addition to applying topical products as a part of your skincare routine, try taking vitamins to boost overall skin and health. We recommend Mielle’s Advanced Vitamins. With the help of our products and a solid routine, your skin will be giving a summer glow all year round! 

Sources:

1. The best ways to get rid of dark spots on black skin https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325454#causes
2. Sun Damage: Protecting Yourself https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself
3. Dermatologic Conditions in Skin of Color: Part I. Special Considerations for Common Skin Disorders  https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0615/p850.html
4. How to Choose an Eye Cream https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-choose-eye-cream-4686979
5. Double cleansing: The secret to better skin https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/beauty/skincare/a27307/double-cleansing-clear-skin/
6. Sensibility of Pigmented Skin https://inoya-laboratoire.com/en/info/sensitive-pigmented-skin.html