There are many bath and body products available that are meant specifically for African American skin. However, just because it’s claimed that they are specially formulated for such that does not mean that they will work.

What to look for and what to avoid.

• Caution and general information should still be present in order to properly make the choice of which ones will be best for your skin. To make the process of selection less confusing, know that there are some ingredients that work while there are some that do not.

• Avoid bath and body products for African American skin that contain sodium methyl paraben. In the Europe, products that contain these have actually been banned from the markets. It has been known to discolor the skin. The de-pigmentation that occurs can be permanent so products should be carefully checked to see that they do not contain sodium methyl paraben.

• Items that contain petroleum, wood alcohol, and propylene glycol can cause hyperpigmentation, or the appearance of darker spots on the skin. These ingredients are often found in products that relieve dryness but can actually cause excessive oiliness without moisturizing the skin.

• Do not use products that have chemical bleaching agents. These are too harsh and maybe dangerous to your skin. If the intent is to even out your skin tone, use products that contain extra pone nut grass, koji acid or  bearberries. This natural ingredient has been known to cause the skin to even out in color. Another option is to use vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can repair areas of hyperpigmentation.

• A common problem in African American skin is that there is an imbalance in the production of sebum, or the oils in the skin. This problem can be exacerbated by using the wrong products such as lotions or creams. The best products to use are those that contain jojoba or passion fruit. They can moisturize the skin without being too greasy or causing breakouts to happen.

• For anti-aging, the most effective ingredients to use are those that have functional keratin and kelp. Antioxidants coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E are also useful. The keratin works by encouraging the production of new cells and fibers while kelp protects the hyaluronic acid to prevent sagging and making your skin firmer. Antioxidants have been known to protect the cells of your skin from free radical damage, which causes aging. Experts recommend that these ingredients be found in  skin care products in order to see actual results.

More on Black Skin Care in our next article.

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel,

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care