As Black women we’re always looking for products that will help us with evening out our skin tone, give us that youthful glow or just something that will not irritate our skin and provide us with the basics for skin care.  The shelves are full of such products and at times we need that special something that will address a particular challenge.  But often times a good regimen with skin care products that are formulated for black women, is all that’s needed to address these special concerns. A good line of skin care products should be safe for sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin as well as combination skin and should not block your pores (non-comedogenic) so as not to cause or worsen acne.

Here are five essential skin care products for black women for a complete daily skin care regimen:

· Cleanser/ Wash

Choose a soap-free daily cleanser or wash because soap can leave your skin dry. Use of a cream based  cleanser for your face is a good choice. Look for products with exfoliating micro-beads that gently sloughs away dead skin cells and other skin impurities that make black skin appear grayish. Some facial cleansers are also infused with lightening formulations such as papaya enzymes to gradually fade uneven skin tones with regular use. For women with very sensitive skin, use a cleanser on alternate days.

· Moisturizers

A good choice of moisturizer works not only to hydrate your skin but to nourish and protect it as well. Look for a moisturizing lotion that contains a special blend of natural plant extracts that brighten and soften black skin as well as protective vitamins like Vitamin E that fight skin aging. It would also be nice if you use a moisturizer with built-in sun protection.  Apply moisturizers generously over your face and neck every morning after cleansing. For your body, use a body butter daily after bath. Use products with Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter that are known to effectively moisturize skin and relieve dry and flaky skin.

· Sun Block/Sunscreen

Most sun blocks offer protection from UVB rays but you need to look for one that can shield your skin from both UVB and the more dangerous UVA rays. Wearing sunscreen is very important even for people with dark skin to prevent not only skin cancer but also the occurrence and re-occurrence of sun damage such as dark spots, discolorations and uneven skin tone. Wearing a sunscreen is a must if you are using any lightening skin care products for black women.

· Night Cream

Our bodies repair itself at night when we are sleeping and since your skin is a living organ, much of its cell repair and rejuvenating activities also happen at night. Putting on night cream aids your skins renewal process by nourishing it and enhancing cellular activity. Use night cream every night after cleansing your face.

· Acne Products

Many black women have oily skin and are therefore prone to acne.  If you have very oily skin, use a cleanser that unclogs skin pores and removes all the excess oil. A good anti-acne cleanser has anti-bacterial ingredients like Salicylic Acid that also helps reduce blemishes. Acne products with tea tree oil are also very effective in clearing up acne.

A good acne product made with aloe vera is also a good choice.  The aloe vera is soothing and absorbs the oil that’s produced in your skin.

Of course these tips are just the basics but then it’s the basics that allow us to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.  You’ve heard of the KISS method … Keep It Sweet and Simple!

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://www.nyrajuskincare.com/face.html