Are you in a funk about your complexion dark-skinned beauties? What’s got you so upset? Is it dark spots, uneven skin tone, dark circles around the eyes maybe?
Changes in your complexion can pop up overnight. What causes these changes and challenges? It’s a given fact that the wrong product formulation, too much exfoliation, as well as the wrong regimen for your skin type can often present complexion challenges.
Wrong product formulations can often bring challenges to your complexion. Too much oil on oily skin, too much Alpha hydroxy acids, and too much alcohol can also contribute to challenges.
Too much exfoliation. When you over manipulate your skin, meaning, you rub it too hard or you use a product that has harsh ingredients as you try to remove dead skin cells. For example nut shells, exfoliation pads, even your washcloth can create challenges for your complexion.
What happens is, the pressure that’s applied to your skin can often create breaks in your skin that you’re not aware of. That is until you apply your toner or astringent and then you find that your skin is tingling and for some, it’s burning. This is over manipulation. It can cause uneven skin tone as well as dark spots, depending on where you rubbed and how hard you’ve rubbed. Your face and your neck will greatly benefit from the right exfoliation treatment.
The wrong regimen. Your skin care regimen can also be responsible for complexion challenges. Clay mask for dry skin? That’s definitely a no no. Typically, clay masks are meant to remove excess oil from oily skin. Dry skin is skin that’s not producing enough oil or moisture. So you’d want to add moisture to your skin, not strip it away.
What’s got you in a funk about your full body care? Knees and elbows to dark?
Your complexion doesn’t stop at your neck. When you remove your clothes, you can see that your skin has different hues all the way down to your toes. Your body warrants the same attention as your face. The same rules apply.
You’ll want cleansers that don’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Another thing to be conscious of is the water. During the winter months, water companies tend to add more chemicals to the water. I find that my skin is more dry during winter months. Some might say it’s because of the dry heat produced by heating systems. Tell that to my hands. They have a tendency to be more dry during winter months and in need of heavier moisturizers.
Your hands, elbows, knees and feet need exfoliation treatments just as your neck and face. They take a lot of abuse. Not only are your hands handling everything, they’re now subject to vinyl and latex gloves because of the pandemic.
Create an in-home spa and give yourself a ‘Pamper Me Day’. That’s right. Set aside some “me time” for yourself. Gather everything you’ll need and close the door for an hour or two.
Place a sign on the door that says “ Do Not Disturb”. Living alone, all the better. Put your mobile phone on vibrate, better yet, sleep mode.
Have a soft towel and your most precious robe waiting to wrap yourself in when you’re done.
Run a tub with warm to hot water and immerse yourself, exhaling as you enter. Have bath salts, essential oil blends, body oils and body butters, on a tray close by. Soft music would also be nice.
Relax. Quiet your mind and go with the flow. Don’t rush.
You owe this to yourself. For at least an hour, whatever funk you were in about your skin has been minimized. Believe it or not, this is a full body treatment for your dark skin complexion. Your skin is at rest, completely relaxed. When you exit your tub, you will give yourself a full body massage. You’re going to take your time and rub yourself ever so gently, manipulating your skin from head to toe.
When you’re done, have a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Your body and your complexion will thank you for it.
That’s it for this week. As always…
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher,