Due to a lack of treatment availability, black skin myths, and misguided diagnoses African American women and women of color have suffered from many skin concerns. Due to skin sensitivity, black skin requires proper care. To this date, still many people don't have the right knowledge about melanin skin concerns (skin sensitivity, inflammation, irritation, hyperpigmentation, etc.) and what sort of ingredients should be avoided when treating women of color skin.
If you have been struggling with similar problems, then don't worry we've got you covered! In this article, we will be discussing the top skin concerns and effective all-natural ingredients for African American women. First, let's take a look at some of the skin concerns.
PIGMENTATION
Pigmentary disorders appear on different skin types but are most common and stubborn on darker skin tones. From hyperpigmentation to dark spots, it can appear in different forms. The main reason behind pigmentation is excessive production of melanin, which already is produced more in women of color.
When triggered by sun exposure, melanocytes (melanin producing cells) start producing even more melanin resulting in uneven, dark spots, freckles on dark skin, most commonly on areas with thick skin (knuckles, elbow, knee), areas where there is friction (armpit, upper thighs), and around the lips.
DARK CIRCLES
If you have bad sleeping patterns, lack proper nutrients in your diet, and are hydrating your body, then you are most likely to get dark circles. And women of color are more prone to getting dark circles, which is why they need to take proper care of themselves and their delicate eye area. It's advised to protect the eyes by using SPF and using gentle massage techniques around the eyes to keep the blood flowing which in turn helps brighten the complexion.
PORE PROBLEM
Women of color mostly have oilier skin types, which is why clogged pores are a common problem. All the dirt, pollution, and sebum get stuffed in the pores which is also a reason behind large open pores. If not cleaned properly, these pores turn into blackheads, whiteheads, or even worse acne. Our best tip is to use products with active cleansing or exfoliating ingredients. They will help clean out the dirt and reduce the size of stretched pores.
INGROWN HAIR
The most problematic skin concern that women of color face are ingrown hair! Due to the curly, coiled nature of the hairs, African American women suffer from this problem which causes a lot of pain and inflammation of the hair follicles. It results in pus-filled pimples and whiteheads, which can sometimes get bigger and even more painful! Who knew beautifully shaved legs, bikini line, and armpits could turn into a nightmare of pimples and ingrown hair? Not even to mention those bumps on the on the chin, above the lip, and on the neck that both men and women deal with from shaving.
PHOTOSENSITIVITY
There are a lot of myths surrounding the opinion that black skin doesn't get affected by sun exposure. This myth has caused skin cancer in women of color more than in women with lighter skin tones. No skin is safe from the sun! Though it is true that melanin protects the skin from the sun but excess of everything is bad! Sun exposure for longer periods of time can cause mutation in the skin cells causing them to produce abnormal skin cells. It has also caused inflammation, itchy eruptions, and red patches on the skin. Hence, women of color need protection from the sun as their skin is photosensitive and can develop skin concerns related to sun damage.
SKIN DISEASES
African American skin is more prone to getting skin diseases like keloids, eczema, and rosacea. Keloidsare the abnormal growth of scar tissues that are caused in areas of injury, piercing, wounds, or even acne scars. They keep reoccurring and are darker in color as compared to surrounding areas. They can also sometimes cause pain and itching and are mostly present in upper areas of the body but can form anywhere there is a scar. Rosacea has been misread in the past and confused with either blushing or irritation in women of color, but now with more research, it has been found that it is also very common in black people. So finally, the myth that only white people get rosacea has been debunked. It is an inflammatory reaction and thus requires the use of soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients. Eczema is another common skin concern faced by women of color, especially popular eczema in which small bumps or pimples form around the folliculitis.
EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS
Here are our top, all-natural ingredients to get rid of all the above-mentioned skincare concerns and make your skin healthy & glowing.
VITAMIN-C
Give your skin a boost of hydration with this skin-loving Vitamin. This multi-purpose Vitamin is all you need to clear out those dark spots, hyperpigmentation, sunspots, uneven skin tone, melasma, and even dark circles! It is also a well-known anti-aging ingredient, as it aids in collagen production, thus uplifting
and tightening saggy skin. But make sure to use SPF if vitamin C is included in your AM skincare routine.
BLACKSEED OIL
The history of black seed oil in skincare goes way back to the time of Cleopatra, as she herself used it in her skincare regimen. It is also quite popular in cosmetics formulated by Africans and rightfully so. This incredible oil contains 100s of vitamins and minerals which provide anti-aging, moisture boosting, and skin renewing properties to the skin! It also helps treat age spots, pigmentation, and discoloration caused by hormonal dysfunction, aging, or excessive sun exposure. It also contains fatty acids which makes it very useful when it comes to treating dry flaking skin.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
This magical oil can do it all! From treating dark circles to reducing signs of aging, there is nothing almond oil can’t treat! This non-comedogenic & hypoallergenic oil is suitable for all skin types (even sensitive) and is one of the best oils used for skin renewal. It contains Vitamin E & fatty acids which help to lock in
moisture and fight away free radicals (the biggest reason behind premature aging).
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
It is a well-known exfoliant, helpful in removing the old dead skin layer and unclogging obstructed pores, thus reducing the chances of acne formation. The exfoliating property also makes it suitable for treating signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps to strengthen the skin, which in turn helps it fight
off environmental stressors.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is not only good for detoxifying the body from the inside, but it also helps the skin in many ways. Being a soothing ingredient, it helps reduce irritation and provides a boost of refreshment! It has also been shown to decrease signs of aging along with fading away pigmentation and treating rough textured skin. If you suffer from acne and oily skin, then green tea is going to work wonders for your skin due to its antimicrobial properties.
GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL
This antibacterial & antimicrobial oil is best suited for acne-prone skin types. A few drops of this oil can help clear out your skin and pores! You'll also see a noticeable positive change in your skin complexion, and in no time your skin will start glowing. It is due to the presence of vitamin C, which is the best vitamin
for brightening the complexion and treating pigmentary disorders.
ALOE VERA
It is a hydrating natural ingredient that has multiple benefits for the skin. It is a lightweight gel that absorbs easily into the skin making it ideal for oily skin as well as other skin types. This skin soothing ingredient contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is helpful in treating acne. It has also shown anti-aging benefits and improved skin tone.
KAOLIN CLAY
Just like a magnet, kaolin clay absorbs excess oil from the surface of the skin and the pores, making them good as new. It has active cleansing properties that help effectively remove dirt and impurities. It has also proven to be gentle on the skin and the best part is, it doesn't even dry out the skin! And if you are suffering from problems like redness and irritation, don't hesitate to use it, as it will soothe your skin.
RHASSOUL (MOROCCAN RED CLAY)
Similar to Kaolin clay, Rhassoul also contains magnet-like properties which allow it to suck out all the dirt, debris, and sebum from the pores clean as a baby's skin. This clay is also an excellent exfoliant, thus helpful for treating skin concerns like uneven skin tone, dullness, textured skin, dark spots, and ingrown hairs. With a brightening effect, it is also capable of improving skin elasticity and providing anti-aging benefits.
BENTONITE CLAY
This sebum-sucking clay is going to help you clean those pores and reduce their appearance. Its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties will help keep skin problems, like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, at bay. It is also a good ingredient to soothe irritated, inflamed skin and brighten it up due to its mineral contents (calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium).
TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
This amazing oil is a natural antibacterial & anti-inflammatory. These properties are quite helpful in treating skin concerns like acne and dry skin. By regularly using this ingredient in your skincare routine you will notice texture-free, smooth skin with balanced skin moisture.
The above natural ingredients are formulated into Ekhambee ACV Mud Mask unique formula. It is designed to be easy to use to unclog your pores, and has helped many fight excess oil and bacteria, which has prevented blemishes, pimples, and uneven tone, and even shrank and got rid of blackheads and for dark armpits treatment. Rejuvenated and glowing skin has been seen by those using the mud mask as part of skincare routine with Ekhambee cleanser, toner gel, and moisturizer in the Brightening Skincare Bundle for discoloration of skin for acne.*
It is recommended to use the mask twice per week for dry to normal skin and up to four times per week for combination or oily skin.
We hope you found this helpful and feel ready for clear and even skin with the best natural skin care for black women
As always if you have additional questions regarding your skincare regimen simply email us at: info@ekhambee.shop
*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT. CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE
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