Black Skin Care Products

Black skin care products are marketed to African Americans and people of African descent, because people with darker skin have different skin care needs. Many of the largest producers of skin care products have for the most part paid little attention to the needs of ethnic consumers. In recent years, however, we have started to see more and more products targeted to different ethnic groups. The number and types of black skin care products have grown while some existing product lines have been expanded to match a wider variety of skin tones.

Dermatologists categorize skin tones into six different types Type I is at one end of the scale and is the fairest whilst Type VI represents very dark skin. People with Type IV skin and higher have more melanin, which is the substance that dictates skin and hair color while also protecting us from the sun. People with darker skin and more melanin don't show the effects of sun damage as much as fair skinned people. Darker skin tends to wrinkle less, looking youthful longer.

While having dark skin does have certain advantages, that does not mean that darker skin does not have its own specific issues or is easier to maintain than lighter skin. Darker skin tends to scar more extensively and form lasting dark spots when inflamed. Eczema is more common among darker skinned ethnic groups. Using the wrong skin care products can result in lingering discoloration in people with darker skin. Having darker skin does not mean you are safe from the sun's damaging rays or that sunscreen is not necessary. Another misconception is that black skin is always more oily so only products recommended for people with oily skin should be used by people of color.

One skin condition that all people regardless of ethnicity or skin tone suffer from is acne. Home treatment for acne and prescription acne fighters are generally the same for darker skinned people as treatments recommended for lighter skinned people. Also, acne products are usually as effective and safe to use for people with dark skin as they are for people with fair skin. However, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are two common active ingredients in acne remedies, can be very drying and cause dark skin to look "ashy." Also, scars are a bigger concern and discoloration resulting from acne is an issue for people with dark skin so getting professional help or consulting a doctor before self treating is a good idea.

Fade creams and over the counter skin bleaches are often marketed as black skin care products. They are often used by people with dark skin to reduce or get rid of dark spots and discolored areas. They are usually applied twice a day to the desired area and may cause some slight irritation. Fade creams can take several weeks before results become noticeable. Popular brands of fade creams include Porcelana, Nadinola and Ambi.

Dark skin does offer some protection from sun damage, but regardless, sunscreen still has a place in the skin care regimen of people with darker skin. If taking any medications, it is important to be aware that some drugs increase sun sensitivity regardless of skin tone. Skin cancer is not as common in people with darker skin, but it is not unheard of and it is equally deadly so people with dark skin should still apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 before spending time in the sun.

Men of color often chronically suffer from ingrown hairs and razor bumps as a result of having coarse hair and shaving regularly. Hairs grow and curl back into the skin, irritating the skin and causing a painful burning sensation or severe itching. Black skin care products for shaving include razors, creams, gels and moisturizers from brands such as Barc and Bump Fighter which promise to be better suited for sensitive, darker skin.

In terms of black skin care products and cosmetics, companies such as Revlon, Avon, Estee Lauder, L'Oreal and Cover Girl are focusing more attention on and attempting to better serve ethnic buyers. Cosmetics and skin care products are also available from smaller companies who make products exclusively for consumers of color. Such brands include Flori Roberts, Naomi Sims, Ambi and Black Opal. Certain types of products, such as anti wrinkle creams, work best and can cause less irritation if they are formulated specifically for darker skin so it may be better to seek out products from some of the smaller, specialty companies.

Black skin care products have been slower to reach the market, but people with dark skin are starting to have a wider variety of products available to them from more manufacturers. More cosmetics and skin care companies are signing celebrities of color to endorsement deals. The availability and number of products designed for ethnic consumers will hopefully continue to grow so ideally finding cosmetics or skin care products tailored to the specific needs of people with darker skin will get easier.

Hope you enjoyed this hub! In addition to writing about skin care, I have also written hubs and articles on How to Buy a Laptop Computer, the Best Kitchen Knives, Tattoo Removal Options, and more. I love to write and I'm always trying to improve by tackling new topics.