Maintaining healthy skin can sometimes feel like a goal that is impossible to achieve. We look at the 10 best skincare tips for brown girls.
For brown girls, skincare can often feel like more of a task and less like an indulgent ritual.
From dark circles to hyperpigmentation to acne, brown girls usually face a variety of skincare issues daily.
It can be hard to know where to start due to differing opinions from influencers, brands, celebrities, and even friends.
Here is an compiled list of the ten best skincare tips for brown girls.
It is important to remember that skincare requires time in order for you to see a difference, so it is necessary to remain patient. These tips are easy to follow and are accessible to all.
Effectively Cleanse the Skin
Cleansing the skin properly is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine. It can help keep blemishes at bay.
Remember to start with clean hands.
To effectively cleanse the skin, try using a soft, facial brush. Add your favourite cleanser and gently wash your face.
Know your skin type and use a cleanser that suits your skin’s needs to clean your face properly.
Avoid cleansing the face with extremely hot water as it can strip the delicate skin barrier of its natural oils.
Additionally, refrain from over-washing as it may strip your skin of moisture and don’t forget to wash your neck.
Once you have effectively cleansed your face, pat the skin dry, use a toner and most importantly, don’t forget to moisturise.
Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is great to use for skin problems. It is popular amongst brown girls as it works efficiently and effectively.
Using aloe vera has many skin benefits. There are many ways aloe vera can be used in your skincare routine.
Apply it to the skin as a moisturising cream or as a face mask for a boost of hydration. You can also use it to alleviate redness and soothe the skin during the summer.
Whilst every skin type can benefit from it, aloe vera may be especially useful to those who have oily skin as it lightly hydrates the skin.
As well as using aloe vera on the face, the gel can be used also on the hair and body.
Exercise Regularly
Whilst exercising regularly has many benefits for our bodies, it can also improve our complexions.
Sweating during exercise is extremely beneficial for the skin. It helps to clear the skin and purge your body of toxins.
Regularly exercising also promotes glowing skin, and an instant glow, as blood rushes to the skin’s surface.
Exercising also enhances the production of collagen which helps to keep the skin supple and firm.
Working out regularly can also sculpt the face and reduce puffiness.
Exercise frequently to promote healthier skin and prevent the early signs of ageing.
Remember to wash your face both before and after working out to prevent oiliness which can lead to blemishes and skin irritations.
Get Enough Rest
A poor sleep schedule can be the cause of many skincare issues.
For brown girls, dark circles under the eyes are caused by a variety of factors including a lack of sleep as well as genetics.
Whilst it is not possible to eliminate dark circles, there are steps that brown girls can take to reduce their appearance.
Getting adequate sleep is one of the easiest methods to help minimise the appearance of dark circles.
Giving yourself 8 hours of sleep each night can prevent dark circles from appearing.
Alongside minimising the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags, getting enough rest allows the skin to repair and reset.
Sleeping right can also keep the skin healthy, glowing and youthful.
Use A Spot Treatment
There are many factors that can lead to spots. Excess oil production, harmful bacteria, and hormonal changes can all be linked to blemishes.
To heal blemishes, apply a spot treatment as soon as they appear to quickly reduce inflammation.
Look for spot treatments containing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and it has anti-bacterial properties.
If do-it-yourself remedies are more your style, try applying a light layer of tea tree oil or witch hazel to the affected area to soothe and heal the skin.
Taking fish oil supplements alongside using a reliable spot treatment is also a great way to minimise the impact of a flare-up.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Actively avoiding overexposure to the sun can help prevent both short-term and long-term damage.
Brown girls are not exempt from getting skin cancer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
It is important to remember to wear sunscreen every day to protect the skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Alongside skin cancer, overexposure to the sun can cause premature skin ageing.
Makeup products that contain sunscreen are usually not enough to protect the skin from the sun. The amount of sunscreen in makeup is small and they often offer very little protection.
Therefore, it is best to use a separate sunscreen product before the application of makeup.
Spending long periods in the sun can also increase the chance of hyperpigmentation which is common for brown girls due to an increased amount of melanin in the body.
Sunscreen is available in different formulas such as creams, lotions, gels and sprays so there is something to suit every skin type.
Use Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is a lot thinner compared to the rest of the face therefore, it needs extra attention.
As you age, the under-eye skin becomes thinner and therefore can be more easily irritated.
Eye creams are great for those who may be looking to hydrate the under-eye area.
To reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and brighten the under-eye area, use an eye cream regularly.
There are a variety of eye creams available to suit every skin need and every budget.
Eye creams containing vitamin K can help to remove dark circles, reduce wrinkles and aid healing.
Exfoliate Regularly
For many brown girls, acne scars and marks are also a concern. These can be caused due to a lack of exfoliation.
There are varying types of post-acne scars that each respond efficiently to different types of treatment.
To reduce the appearance of acne scars, use skincare products containing glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Both of these brown girl-friendly ingredients help to clarify the skin and even out the skin tone.
If you prefer to use physical scrubs, try making a sugar scrub at home to refresh and deeply cleanse the skin.
Exfoliating regularly can also help reduce blemishes and keep oiliness at bay.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthier will help the body produce more healthy skin cells.
An unhealthy diet, consisting of high sugar intake and oily foods, can damage the skin.
In many Desi households, a diet high in oily foods is common and this may contribute to bad skin.
Cystic acne on the chin and jawline area is linked to the consumption of dairy while dairy can influence the hormones to produce excess oil.
For healthy and glowing skin, consume avocados, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet to improve the condition of your skin. Try making a green juice at home to replace your daily coffee.
Use Vitamin C Serum
Brown spots, a form of hyperpigmentation, are common amongst brown girls due to the production of melanin.
Melanin production can be controlled by the hormones.
To help clear up hyperpigmentation, invest in a high-quality vitamin C serum. Vitamin C products can help to limit any skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Skincare products containing retinol can also help reduce the appearance of brown spots.
As well as protecting the skin from UV exposure, use vitamin C serum to reduce redness and even out skin tone.
These ten simple skincare tips for brown girls should help you become one step closer to achieving healthier and glowing skin.
Remember to take your time with your skincare products and allow the products to work.
Adjust these tips to fit into your daily routine and you will quickly reap the benefits.
