When it comes to skincare, most things are universal. No matter what color your skin is, you still need a few basic skincare items, including cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
That said, there are some areas in which color does play a role! The amount of pigment in your skin affects your skin’s texture, dryness, sensitivity, and risk of developing certain skin conditions.
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this simple guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about skincare for light vs. dark skin so you can nourish your body with exactly what it needs.
Why Does It Matter?
There are a few distinct biological variations between light and dark skin tones. This doesn’t just refer to color, but also to texture, protection against bacteria and UV rays, and other factors. Here are a few key differences you should know.
Melanin Levels
Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin, a natural pigment. A melanin-rich skin has darker tones. Higher melanin levels are associated with better UV protection, so people with lighter skin tones tend to be more sensitive to the sun.
Resistance
Some studies have suggested that brown skin may be firmer in terms of microbial resistance. Higher melanin levels lead to a more acidic epidermal surface, reducing bacterial growth on the face. They also provide more protection against harmful UV rays. This is why people with darker skin tend not to have as many wrinkles as they age!
Texture
There is a wide range of textural differences across people of all skin types. But it is worth noting that people with medium to dark skin tones tend to have thicker, dryer skin. This can cause problems when it becomes excessively dry, leading to dullness, tightness, and discomfort.
The Problem With Skincare For Melanated Individuals
When it comes to black skin care, many people with darker skin have trouble finding skin care product that work for them. That’s because the skincare industry — like many other parts of the beauty and wellness industry — is built around the idea that white skin is the default and the ideal. This isn’t true, of course — but it still makes skincare more difficult for people who don’t fit into that narrow category.
The good news is that skincare has been progressing and expanding. Nowadays, you can find products formulated for dark skin and black-owned skincare companies.
That isn’t just a victory against bigotry. It also means that people of color have better access to products that nourish and protect their skin and don’t have to rely on skincare formulated for white skin.
What Skin Conditions Are People of Color at Higher Risk For?
Skin conditions can affect people of any race or skin color, but your skin color does affect your risk of developing certain conditions. People with lighter skin are more prone to sun damage, such as heavy wrinkling, melanoma, redness, and sensitivity.
Here are a few of the skin health conditions you may be more likely to encounter with a darker skin type:
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Hyperpigmentation
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Melasma
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Hypopigmentation
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Keloids
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Complications from acne
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the uneven darkening of the skin. This can happen for many reasons, from an injury to a reaction to medication, sun damage, or complications from acne or other skin conditions.
Melasma
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but it is usually categorized separately. That’s because, while hyperpigmentation can have a variety of causes, melasma is mainly related to hormonal changes. It can be caused by pregnancy (known as “the mask of pregnancy”), hormonal birth control, and other hormone treatments. In people with light skin, it usually appears brown, while on darker skin it may look brown, gray, or even bluish.
Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation occurs when skin loses some pigment in a certain area. It could be related to conditions like vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis or the result of scarring, infections, or other injuries. While people of any skin color can experience hypopigmentation, it may be more noticeable in darker skin tones.
Keloids
Keloids are small areas of scar tissue that form spontaneously or after an injury. They may be dark or grow abnormally beyond the area where the injury occurred.
Acne Scarring
Acne and acne scarring can affect people of any skin color. In people with darker skin, they may cause discoloration or hyperpigmentation.
Diagnosis Challenges
Like the beauty industry, healthcare in the western world is formulated around treating people with lighter skin. Skin conditions can be particularly problematic. Doctors are not always familiar with how common skin conditions look on black skin, leading to underdiagnosis and needless suffering on behalf of patients.
Skincare Tips For Dark Skin
So, how should you take care of your skin if it is darker in tone? Here are a few simple steps you should consider in your skincare routine.
Use Cleanser And Moisturizer Every Day
Cleaning your skin is a no-brainer every day. Please make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer, especially if you have dry skin or are prone to dryness or ashiness.
Wear Sunscreen
People with darker skin tones may have more sun protection, but that doesn’t mean you don't need sunscreen. You’re still at risk of sun damage, melanoma or even skin cancer, so sunscreen is necessary! It also helps reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones.
Treat Hyperpigmentation Early
Hyperpigmentation or dark spot can get darker over time, so treating it as soon as it appears is best. You can find special products to treat discoloration. You can use these sparingly to avoid skin irritation.
Stay Hydrated And Eat Healthy
A healthy diet and plenty of water go a long way in nourishing your skin. Water increases skin moisture, while healthy foods reduce the risk of acne and improve skin elasticity.
Best Products For Dark Skin
So, how do you know which products are right for you? Here are a few things to consider when looking for the best products for dark skin.
Look For The Right Moisturizer
When looking for the right moisturizer, choose one that contains humectants. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin improve moisture retention and keep your skin supple longer.
If dryness leads to irritation, avoid using products containing topical steroids. Instead, choose a gentle, steroid-free moisturizer like Dermeleve.
“In patients with skin of color, the use of topical steroids can definitely cause discoloration including hypopigmentation,” says Dr. Marie Lindsay, a board-certified dermatologist. “In patients of color who have itch, they’re going to be scratching. That’s going to cause dark spots or discoloration — hyperpigmentation — so in order to prevent that, you prevent the itch, which Dermeleve can help with.”
Consider Products Formulated For Dark Skin
Nowadays, there are a number of products available that are formulated specifically for dark skin. These are owned and operated by people of color who know firsthand the struggle to find products that are right for their skin. Products from lines like these are made to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve moisture.
Skin Care Tips For White Skin
Like any other skin type, white skin has a broad range of subtypes. Not all white people have the exact same skin makeup—it can range from dry to oily, thick to thin, and protective to sensitive.
Make Sun Protection a Priority
Skin with lower melanin levels has less protection against harmful UV rays. That means an increased risk of melanoma and sun damage, such as red spots and wrinkles. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even if it’s overcast.
Use Skincare With Retinoids
You’ll often see retinoids listed on skincare products today. Retinoids are compounds of vitamin A that help improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging. Since fair skin is more prone to wrinkles and age spots, this is a must in your skincare regimen.
Patch Test Products
Fair skin is often highly sensitive and prone to redness and irritation. Before starting a new product, make sure to do a patch test on a small area to ensure you don’t have a serious reaction. If your skin is naturally sensitive, use products formulated for sensitive skin without strong additives or fragrances.
Best Products For White Skin
If you have light skin — especially if you are very fair — here are a few things you should know when looking for skincare products.
Sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 for daily use. There are many types available, including roll-on, grease-free, allergy-friendly, and sensitive sunscreen.
Retinoid Cleanser
Choose a retinoid cleanser to help rejuvenate your skin and reduce the signs of aging.
Consider a Skin Brightener
People with fair skin may want to consider using a skin brightening product. These products remove dead skin cells and help even out your skin tone by reducing existing dark spots, uneven coloration, blemishes, and scarring.
Final Thoughts
No matter your skin type, a safe, high-quality moisturizer should be a part of your good skin care routine. If you suffer from dryness or irritation, typical moisturizers and anti-itch creams might worsen the problem. Dermeleve is a gentle, steroid-free moisturizer made for all skin types. Browse our website today to start your journey to comfortable, itch-free skin!