Skin is beautiful whatever tone it comes in. It is the body’s largest organ and has many functions, so it’s important that we look after it well. The skin comes in a variety of types and tones, so caring for it can differ from person to person, often requiring a tailored routine. Here are our top-tips for darker skin.
Darker skin has been found to have a more tightly packed structure which is often the secret behind darker tones maintaining a youthful appearance that is less affected by lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. When darker skin starts to age it is more likely that exposure to the sun has caused damage to the skin cells from which issues with hyperpigmentation can appear. Melanin gives the skin its distinct colouring and darker skin is richer in this natural pigment than fairer tones. This substance also helps to protect the skin from the signs of ageing, which is why those with darker skin (who have more melanin) tend to develop lines, wrinkles and age spots later in life.
However, darker skin can be more prone to developing acne, pigmentation issues, contact dermatitis, skin inflammation, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches on the scalp and face). The damage that these conditions can cause (including scarring and pigmentation) to the skin can often show up more than on lighter skin. Melasma is a condition that is more likely to be affected by darker skinned people, caused by inflammation to the skin, acne or eczema, post pregnancy, following exposure to the sun and as a side effect of taking oral contraceptives. Certain ethnic groups have a higher melanin content in the skin around the eyes, leading to a greater likelihood of visible dark circles – often difficult to treat due to it being an inherited trait.
With all this in mind, Āatma Aesthetics has a few key tips to keep your darker hues looking bright, bold and beautiful:
Great skin often starts on the inside – eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins and whole grains are key for skin that effectively renews and repairs itself.
Drink plenty of water – keeping the body hydrated on the inside also helps to keep the skin moist. Research shows that melanin-rich skin contains less ceramides, meaning the skin can dry out quicker. Keeping up your fluid intake helps to flush out toxins for healthy skin, as well as increasing the blood flow which helps to maintain an even tone, as well as reducing the ashen look of dry skin.
Always wear sunscreen – although darker skin is less likely to develop skin cancer (due to the higher levels of skin protecting melanin), it may be less noticeable when it develops. Sun exposure can also cause dark spots or melasma, with existing dark spots getting darker. Look for an SPF of 30 or over that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It is important to wear sunscreen all year round, even on cloudy days and especially on the face and hands (which are constantly exposed).
Cleanse and moisturise daily – to keep skin bright and supple (moisturising especially after having a bath or shower). It is said that darker skin tends to lose moisture more rapidly than fairer skin tones. Moisturisers that contain fragrances can often irritate the skin, so avoiding them is often recommended. Try to find moisturisers that contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid and creams or ointments are preferable to lotions.
Treat acne early – not only can treatment prevent the condition from getting worse, early intervention can reduce the risk of developing dark spots or areas of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A gentle daily routine that involves the use of non-comedogenic products is often best and is less likely to clog the pores and lead to further breakouts.
At Āatma Aesthetics the Zo Health range of skincare products is available. They stock a variety of products to help cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise and brighten the skin, as well as high SPF products to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Under the expert direction of Dr. Shaan, the condition of your skin can be assessed and he can recommend the right products to get your skin in optimal condition. Alternatively, if you are experiencing some issues with dryness, pigmentation or sun damage, then ZO may have the right solution for you.
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