Nearly one-third of all men are open to using cosmetics to take care of their skin. Healthy black skin is not only glowing but also contains efficient amounts of melanosomes that boost your skin’s ability to retain moisture and protect it against DNA damage.
However for black men, skin care can be quite a challenge. Dark skin men are susceptible to various skin care conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, razor bumps, and more. Not knowing what to use for your specific skin condition can cause major problems.
In this blog, we guide you through tips on black skin care for men.
Get to Know Your Skin Type
To determine which skincare products will leave you looking fresh and radiant, you have to figure out which skin type you have. Your skin can be categorized as:
Dry Skin
It can feel tight and becomes scaly from dead skin cells quickly. The best way to deal with dry skin is to hydrate externally and internally, find the right moisturizer, and avoid products with harsh chemicals.
Oily Skin
It appears shiny from the overproduction of natural oils and can be prone to acne. For dark skinned men with oily skin, find an oil-free face wash or cleanser to slow down oil production, as well as an exfoliant that will remove buildup.
Normal Skin
Usually, this type of skin isn’t too dry, nor too oily. The best way to manage normal skin is to maintain a proper skincare routine.
Combination Skin
With combination skin, you will tend to have an oily T-zone and dry outer areas. Finding a versatile moisturizing schedule is vital for this skin type.
Keep Your Skin Clean and Moisturized
To keep skin bright and supple, clean and moisturize it daily. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t clog your pores. It helps remove dirt and grime without drying out your skin.
Massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse it off with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Since black skin loses moisture faster, apply a moisturizer as soon as possible.
Opt for moisturizers that contain humectants, like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Humectants help retain moisture in your skin.
Eliminate Excess Oil
Dark skin men tend to have thicker and more oil-rich skin. While it may be beneficial when it comes to anti-aging skincare, the higher levels of oil in your skin can lead to issues such as acne and breakouts.
When dealing with oily skin, you may try to use harsh astringents like alcohol to dry it out but it won’t be helpful. Drying out your skin will make it produce more oil.
Instead, opt for an oil-free serum moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. It’ll help keep your skin hydrated without increasing oil production. You can also use lightweight salicylic acid gel that absorbs quickly into your skin.
Always Wear Sunscreen
One of the biggest myths about black skin is that it does not burn. While dark skin men generally have more inherent protection from the sun, it is not enough to go without sunscreen.
Regular sun exposure can not only cause dark spots but can also lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen acts as a great shield, but not just any sunscreen will do for black men. Most sunscreen use minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that tend to leave a white chalky cast on darker skin.
When it comes to sunscreens, choose brands that specialize in black men’s skin care products which cater to melanin-rich skin. Using a clear or tinted sunscreen may help solve the issue of a white cast.
Use Salicylic Acid to Reduce Acne Scarring
Are acne scars affecting your confidence? Acne scarring is a common issue among men of color. This is because black skin contains more reactive melanocytes, which are easily triggered by irritation and cause the formation of dark spots on your skin.
The best way to prevent acne scarring is to stop breakouts. To reduce breakouts, look for black men’s skin care products with salicylic acid. This ingredient helps remove excess oil from the pores, preventing additional breakouts.
Consider Skincare Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can show up in any skin tone, but it’s more common and intense in black skin because of the higher melanin content. Dark spots can occur as a result of acne, sun damage, or ingrown hairs.
The best way to prevent dark spots is to avoid inflammation. But it can be difficult, especially if you have chronic acne. This is where gentle black men’s skincare products with low levels of active ingredients come in handy.
Retinol and alpha hydroxy acids can help exfoliate dead skin, smooth out skin texture, and even out your skin tone. Vitamin C can also help reduce hyperpigmentation. For better results, use vitamin C in combination with other skincare products that specifically target dark spots.
Always Use a Pre-Shave Oil
Black men are more prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps because of their curly hair texture. Curlier hair tends to get caught under the skin as it grows. As a result, your body attacks it as something foreign and causes inflammation, which leads to bumps and irritation.
One simple fix is to use a pre-shave oil before you shave. It softens the hairs before shaving and leaves your skin less dehydrated after the shave. If you already have razor bumps, use gentle skin care products for dark skin, like toners with about 2% salicylic or glycolic acid.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Good skin care for black men starts with a good diet. To give your skin the nutrients it needs to form and repair itself, eat healthy foods like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein sources like legumes, eggs, fish, and tofu
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil, and nuts
Avoid processed and sugary foods to help improve your skin health. Also, limit alcohol intake.
Embrace Safe and Effective Black Skin Care for Men
Implementing black skin care for men can help keep your skin bright, supple, and clear. The aforementioned skin care tips can help you get started.
Check out our overview here for a full comprehensive guide on anti-aging skincare for men. If you are looking for the best skincare products for dark skin, West 34th has got you covered. Shop online now.