One of the most common questions I am asked is “When I’m searching for skin care products, how do I know what I am supposed to be looking for in the ingredients? What makes it just right for my African American skin?”

Well, I’m here to help, so if this question has ever crossed your mind then here are some answers. One of the most common issues dark skinned people have is excessive oil production, so I recommend using a milk based cleanser that will gently remove excess oil without stripping the glands of oil.  Chemically based products strip out the oil from your skin, fooling the glands into producing more and more oil.

To answer the question, look for skin care products specifically made for African American skin, but also look for natural ingredients. In fact, if you want to go one step further, I can highly recommend a lactic acid based cleanser that actually contains the enzymes from milk. This will not only cleanse your skin, but it also works to remove dead cells on the surface of your skin and therefore prevent breakouts.

Clogged pores are another common problem in the African American complexion, and the very best way to prevent this obstacle to a beautiful complexion, is by using a clay-based mask that you apply at least once and as much as three times per week. This facial mask will loosen up the debris inside the pores so that they can gently, and over time become unclogged.

Here’s another fact that you should know about: Pore size is dependent on DNA and genetics, so technically you cannot make your pores smaller. However, that does not mean that you can’t do anything that will make your skin LOOK smoother, and you don’t have to live with clogged pores. By using your clay-based mask, allow it to dry onto your skin and when you remove it, you will feel the smoothness that results from minimizing oil production and dislodging debris from the pores of your skin. The simple routine of cleaning out the pores in this way, using a product, specifically made, clay-based mask for dark skin, the pores will appear smaller, and your face will feel tighter and look smoother.

After you have removed the mask you will naturally want to keep that feeling of smoothness and protect your skin from hyper pigmentation and excessive oil production, so the next step is to apply a moisturizer. Again, a high quality product made for your skin type and containing natural ingredients, is definitely the best way to achieve the smoothest, most evenly toned skin possible.

The final piece of advice I want to share with you is this: It takes persistence and effort to look your best, and like well cared for teeth, skin care similarly comes down to the long term application of a routine. If you will stick to regular cleansing with milk-based cleansers, exfoliating with clay-based masks (that’s if you have oily skin) and moisturizing with vitamin enriched products your skin will stay healthy, glowing and beautiful for years to come.

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel,

Esthetician/Publisher

NYRAJU Skin Care – Providers of Natural Skin and Hair Care Products for the African American Market

http://blog.nyrajuskincare.com/2010/05/10/five-essential-skin-care-products-for-black-skin/