Those with highly pigmented complexions may have different concerns when it comes to caring for and preventing acne. Commonly, people with dark skin experience hyperpigmentation, a discoloration that remains even after a blemish heals. For example, even minor skin injuries can lead to small, round dark spots that can resemble or be mistaken for acne scars. If you want to learn more about skincare for darker tones, start with these five tips for a clear, radiant, blemish-free future!
Treat Spots Immediately
When you notice a clogged pore or pimple beginning to form, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends treating it right away to reduce the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation. Try a drop of Meltdown acne treatment, which shrinks blemishes overnight while reducing any redness and inflammation.
Go Natural
While your instinct may be to apply the strongest products you can find when a breakout occurs, these ingredients are not always appropriate for dark skin acne treatment. That's because dark skin is rich in melanin, which already assists with healing! However, the concentration of melanin in response to skin damage leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be exacerbated by harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Instead, choose acne control face mist and other natural products with botanicals that nourish and protect while preventing future breakouts.
Shop for Non-Comedogenic Products
Natural skin care formulas can make a big difference in darker skin tone acne treatment, but all natural products are not necessarily equal. In fact, some popular moisturizers like shea butter and cocoa butter can clog pores and lead to breakouts. When shopping for skin oil and moisturizer, look for formulas labeled "non-comedogenic," which means they’ll work hard to keep your pores clear and reduce the risk of blemishes!
Makeup can provide a confidence boost if you’re bothered by breakouts, but it can also make the problem worse by clogging pores. Try mineral formulas, which nourish while providing full coverage for pimples.
If your acne appears mainly on your forehead and temples, the hair care products you use could play a role if they come in contact with the skin in that area. To resolve this issue, limit hair oil to the middle and ends of hair and try water-based or glycerin-based conditioners near the roots.
Hands Off Blemishes
Avoid touching, squeezing or picking pimples! We know it’s hard but this will worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Plus, any bacteria on the hands will transfer to the face. Picking at blemishes can make them last longer and get larger by pushing the pore-clogging material deeper into the skin. This can even lead to painful cystic acne — no thanks!
Shield Skin From the Sun
Applying sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever you spend time outdoors is the moooost important piece of skincare advice for darker tones (this goes for all skin tones TBH). Sunscreen wards off the sun damage that can cause or worsen unwanted dark spots associated with acne, while also protecting your skin from other signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Avoid lightening formulas designed to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, because these ingredients can irritate and damage the skin.
If you're struggling with dark skin tone acne, you’re not alone! People of all colours, all skin types, and tones get acne so don’t worry. Try revamping your complexion care routine the all natural way, with these tips for fewer blemishes and a clear, even skin tone. You got this!
