If beautiful and even skin tone is your desire, here is how you can get it.
There’s a general universal process when it comes to caring for your skin. Typically it would be cleanse, tone, moisturise, and protect (sunscreen). Things get a bit more specific and complex when you take into consideration your skin type, condition, and concerns. Some particular skin concerns are more common in those of us of African descent. Our skin is more prone to acne and therefore it’s resultant post inflammatory hyper pigmentation and scaring. It’s therefore important to make sure that you customise your skincare, taking these factors into consideration. This is where the services of a certified aesthetician will help you a great deal.
Quick tips:
#1. Absolute Yes to Vitamin C
The perfect elixir for aging and sun damaged skin, a powerful and effective treatment for dullness, hyper pigmentation and dehydration, vitamin C is one of your skin’s best friends. It’s very rich in antioxidants and so protects your skin from free radicals (those scavengers that cause damage to your cells). Using a vitamin C serum works wonders in your skin. It repairs the effects of sun exposure, lighten age spots, smooth and brighten skin. You cant go wrong by adding this to your skincare. Make sure to combine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
#2. Even Your Skin Tone By Using Skin Brighteners Daily.
As Africans, hyper pigmentation is a common issue with our skin. Am I an advocate of skin lightening? I say whatever suits you, just make sure that the products that you’re using are safe to use. Be sure you use sunscreen while using skin lightening products. Hyper pigmentation is the darkening of skin as a result of increase in melanin (natural substance that gives skin, eyes and hair colour) production. Some of the causes of hyper pigmentation are hormones, genetics, and unprotected sun exposure. This is why I recommend skin brightening to even the skin tone. Look for products that are safe and contain ingredients like retinol, kojic acid, or licorice.
#3. Sunscreen is Your Skin’s Best Friend.
There’s the myth that people of African descent don’t need sunscreen. It’s a gross misconception so allow me burst the myth. Sun protection is a non-negotiable step in your skincare regime. Regardless of your skin type or tone, unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Also, I’ve already mentioned how we are also more prone to hyper pigmentation. You should use a formula that has a minimum SPF 30, although I typically recommend a higher SPF of 50+ sunscreen to my clients.
If you’re using products that contain skin brighteners and alpha/beta Hydroxy acids, you cannot afford not to use a sunscreen.These products all make your skin even more photosensitive . Beyond irregular pigment and skin cancer, the harmful rays from the sun also cause premature skin aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. As long as it’s sunny outside, whether you’re indoors or in the car, use your sunscreen everyday. You should apply your sunscreen after your serum and moisturiser as the final step in your daytime routine. Be sure to apply on any exposed skin.
#4. Up the Ante With a Serum.
Serums contains a high concentration of active ingredients. There are day time as well as night time serums; My recommendation will be to use both during the day and at night but, if you can’t do that then definitely a night time one at least.
The night time serum works overnight while you sleep and will have no interference from the sun or daytime stress. One of my all-time favourites is Retinol. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging due to sun exposure. Retinol can also help minimise the appearance of pores, help manage blemishes, eczema. It also helps brighten skin and improve discolouration. Serums should be applied on cleansed skin. Allow a few minutes before you apply the moisturiser, which is the last step in your night time regime.
Conclusion
Your skincare regime should match your skin type as well as address your skin condition and concerns. There is no, one size fits all in skincare and it’s not about using lots of products rather it’s about using the right product and being consistent with it. If you would like some help with deciding what is best for your skin , many companies including my own offer consultation. At Nzuri we also offer both physical as well as virtual consultation for personalised skincare advice, so distance is not a problem. If you are confused about your skin and in need of expert advice , you can book a consultation with our experienced aesthetician who will guide you on the best routine for your skin type.
