| Caring for African-American skin does not have to be | | | | A skin care routine for African American skin does not |
| complicated or costly. With the variety of product | | | | have to be elaborate in order to be successful. Dry |
| information available, its important to do your own | | | | skin is common for darker skin tones, and there are |
| independent research before investing in any | | | | several successful steps to combating dryness. The |
| expensive skin care lines. When choosing African- | | | | first is to drink plenty of water, usually six to eight |
| American products, there are several important | | | | glasses a day, as this will give the skin a firmer and |
| considerations for creating and maintaining healthy skin. | | | | more youthful appearance. Shorter showers will also |
| For the most part, African-American skin has more | | | | help combat dryness. In addition, using a moisturizer is |
| similarities than differences to an other type. Because | | | | essential in keeping skin soft and supple. |
| skin is the largest organ in the human body, it needs | | | | A final consideration when evaluating |
| the essentials, such as fresh food and water, in order | | | | African-American skin care products is the inclusion of |
| to stay healthy. Effective African- American skin care | | | | an effective sunscreen. Although there is more melanin |
| products should have similar formulations as any other | | | | to protect itself, skin cancer is still a possibility. Regular |
| quality product. | | | | use of sunscreen can also help protect against |
| The main difference with African-American skin is its | | | | hyper-pigmentation and lead to a more even skin tone. |
| tendency to hyper-pigmentation. This refers patches of | | | | An SPF of at least 30 for the face and body is |
| grey or darker discolorations on the surface. Because | | | | recommended. |
| people of color have a higher amount of melanin in | | | | By keeping these essentials in mind, you will be able to |
| their skin, these melanin protectors can become | | | | make effective decisions about your skin care |
| discolored over time, often because of age, or | | | | regimen. African American skin care products are |
| because of harsh skin care regimens. | | | | becoming easier to find and evaluate than ever before. |
| African-American skin should be treated gently, and | | | | These products can often be expensive, and it pays |
| any type of treatment, such as peels or acne removal, | | | | to educate yourself on the type of products that are |
| needs to be used with caution, ideally by a qualified | | | | appropriate for your skin before purchasing. |
| professional who specializes in delicate care. | | | | |