As African Americans we come in all shades and hues, from the deepest rich chocolate to the creamiest of vanilla complexions.  As we celebrate the beauty of our skin tones and skin types there are still a few realities and challenges that we must learn how to handle.

The main challenge is dark spots and uneven skin tones.  What causes this and how do I clear my skin, you ask?  The most common causes are from acne, allergic reactions and illnesses that flare up from chicken pox or eczema.

Fortunately there are ways to treat dark spots and help you clear your dark skin of blemishes using natural skin care products.

Approaching skin challenges naturally is the best way for you as woman of color to care for your skin.  It will cut down on the trauma that can occur when you use products with ingredients that are too harsh for your skin.

What Are Some Ways to Help Me Clear My Skin, Naturally?

Lightening Creams – Most of you reach for lightening creams first.  In those lightening creams you will find an ingredient, Hydroquinone, that will actually lighten your skin but it’s the challenge that comes later after its use.  Hydroquinone is actually one of the most toxic ingredients on the market.  It is reported to increase the risk of developing leukemia, liver cancer, skin irritation and irreversible hyperpigmentation.

Hydroquinone photo-sensitizes your skin, making it susceptible to skin cancer.  Did you know that it’s completely banned for use in cosmetics in Europe and Japan?

Ok, so what do you look for in my skin creams that are natural?

You can look for ingredients like Kojic acid.  This is a natural by-product of the sake fermentation process.  It was actually discovered by women working in sake plants who noticed that their hands were becoming whiter as they were exposed to it.  It works somewhat like licorice root and Vitamin C, inhibiting the enzyme that stimulates melanin production.

Drinking Water

Yeah right. Actually, water is known as the universal solvent.  However, when you drink water, the water first goes to every organ in your body before it gets to your skin. That’s why it’s important to drink eight or more glasses a day.  The daily habit can clear your skin of toxins for clearer, purer skin.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin for resilient skin.  It is an anti-inflammatory and has powerful healing agents for your skin.  Vitamin E Oil is a great way to moisturize your skin while giving it the healing nourishment it needs.

Dr. Stafford Broumand, a cosmetic surgeon mentions in the Huffington Post that Vitamin E can help heal and repair damaged tissues as well as reduce the appearance of scarring.

Vitamin E should also be used with caution because it can trigger irritation and breakouts on your skin, especially when used in excess.

Cocoa Butter

We all know cocoa butter is a natural ingredient used to lighten dark spots and uneven skin tones.  It’s been in our medicine cabinets since we were children.  I don’t know about you, but my grandmother used to use it on our elbows and knees to brighten them up and put it on scars from insect bites and cuts.

For pregnant women, cocoa butter has been hailed as the, be all end all, for removing or at least minimizing stretch marks.  While it should be used sparingly, cocoa butter is a great moisturizer that protects your skin from becoming dry throughout the day.

In future articles we’ll take a look at other ingredients that will help you get rid of dark spots and lighten and brighten your skin naturally.

As Always …

Dedicated to Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care