Myths about Black Skin
January 18, 2023
This month we’re taking a deeper dive into black skin health and debunking a few myths!
Myth #1. Sunscreen is useless for black skin.
False!
Great skin begins with protection. Harmful UV rays are responsible for skin damage such as hyperpigmentation and premature aging. Yes, in black skin.
For optimum protection, apply sunscreen every day with SPF 30 or 50. You should also apply your sunscreen twenty minutes before you go into the sun.
Check out Skin Salvation SPF Pro Brightening Moisturizer. And remember, a little goes a long way.
Myth #2. Black skin doesn’t have many issues due to the amount of melanin.
False!
Melanin-rich skin has:
-a potential for more stubborn hyperpigmentation (spots and uneven tone), as well as more pronounced (raised) scarring.
-a propensity for dark circles within certain ethnic groups due to higher melanin content in skin around the eyes
-lower amounts of ceramides naturally present in skin (the ingredients that keep skin’s surface smooth and hydrated)
-the same cumulative destruction sun exposure causes those with lighter skin tones including increased fine lines and wrinkles
What we recommend:
Skin Salvation Vitamin C Serum in the AM
Skin Salvation Concentrated Retinol Serum in the PM
Skin Salvation Brightening Defying Pads
Myth 3: Those with darker skin tones need a completely different skincare routine from people with lighter skin.
Not necessarily…
Tailoring your skincare routine and your product to your skin type yields broader benefits than just looking to align your products specifically to black skin.
As an esthetician, our founder uses her professional experience and case-by-case consultations to get to the heart of skin types, and common issues associated with black skin may feed into her recommendations.
No matter what your skin type, all skin tones share the same no-nos:
1) Picking your skin: squeezing pimples or picking your skin can lead to scarring, discoloration, or in the worst-case scenario, a superficial infection.
2) Over-exfoliating: using harsh scrubs can create micro-tears in the skin.
3) Not using sunscreen: aside from preventing skin cancer, wearing sunscreen can also prevent fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and premature aging. Be sure to wear it EVERY DAY.
4) Buying/using too many products: there are a lot of products out there, BUT that doesn’t mean you need to use them all at the same time.
If you’re not sure what Skin Salvation products to use or how to use them, let us know so we may help guide you and create a customized treatment plan.
