In the ethnic skin and hair care marketplace, an attempt is being made to place you in the all inclusive category. All inclusive as in African American, Hispanic and Asian all falling under one banner. Where will this leave you when it comes to your skin in particular?
According to Rob Walker, senior analyst for Euromonitor International in London, African American, Hispanic and Asian women who live in countries where Caucasians are the majority, are still having difficulties finding beauty care products that suit your specific skin types.
No sh..! Could it be that you are not deemed important enough to spend the dollars needed to put product lines in place for your skin. And since we present ourselves as being obsessed with our hair, it’s almost as though we’re not giving importance to our own skin.
Okay, I must be fair and let you know that the majority of the products on shelves in the ethnic health and beauty care market is targeted to African Americans. If that’s the case and you still feel under served in what’s offered to you, I’d say that there’s still a problem in the market offerings for us.
Is Skin Care for Black Skin Different?
Yes it is.
Most people automatically think that black skin is oily, not so! Black skin and hair have specific moisturizing and conditioning needs. Darker skin tones have specific makeup needs, you can’t just walk up to the makeup counter and request a makeup shade without testing it first.
Cleansers
When it comes to cleansers, you’ll need cleansers that will nourish and hydrate your skin. Look for products with ingredients that have lactic acids. Lactic acids are milk based cream like products. Lactic acids nourish and hydrate your skin leaving it feeling soft, silky and smooth to touch.
Don’t be so quick to use cleansers that promise to strip away the oil. Stripping away the oil is not always a good thing. When you use products that “strip” away too much of the oil, you’re really sending a message to your skin to produce more oil.
Toners
Toners rehydrate your skin while soothing and normalizing skin tissues. Toners also bring your pH levels back into balance.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers help in normalizing and hydrating your skin. When shea butter is one of the ingredients in your moisturizers, it helps with building collagen and reducing wrinkles.
Serums
Serums improve hydration, reduce wrinkles and assist in healing and rejuvenating your skin. One of the best ingredients you can find in a serum is Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid appears naturally in your skin but a little extra never hurts. It increases your skins suppleness and strength.
Exfoliants
Exfoliating your skin helps with lightening and brightening your skin. Jojoba beads provide a component to a product that allows your skin to be gently buffed, removing dead skin cells and surface debris from your skin.
Remember …
Skin care for black skin should not be taken lightly. Your skin care regimen sets the stage for how well your makeup goes on as well as giving you a radiant and youthful glow.
Dedicated To Your Beauty!
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher