Melanin is found in almost every animal on earth. It’s a pigment created by cells in the body called melanocytes. It is nature’s paint, and the reason for the color of your hair, your skin, your irises.
Whether you have fair skin or a dark skin, we all have the same amount of melanocytes, but those cells produce different amounts of melanin according to their size. The larger the size of the melanocyte, the more melanin it will produce, creating a darker pigment. The purpose of melanin is to absorb and protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, so the darker the complexion the less likely you are to suffer from skin damage, like premature aging and skin cancer.
Yes indeed, having rich, dark skin is something to be immensely proud of. Caring for your skin is one thing, but caring for your skin the right way is another thing entirely. You want your skin to glow, to pop, to look radiant. “Black don’t crack,” yes, but you have to care for your skin properly for it to look as good as you want it.
Caring for your skin the right way is easier than you think. You just have to understand your skin and what it needs. When it comes to melanin-rich skin, you do not want to do anything that would make your skin lose its glow or lose its richness.
In this post, we would be looking at ways to care for your dark skin. Here’s how to care for your melanin-rich skin.
How To Care For Your Melanin-rich Skin
1. Cleanse Your Skin Properly
Keeping your skin clean is something you should take seriously. While it is important that you bath every day, you still need to cleanse your skin afterward. Cleansing your skin would help get rid of clogged pores by removing dirt and other particles from your skin. It is best to choose a soft cleanser so it would not damage your skin.
2. Moisturise Every Day
To prevent your skin from looking dry and ashy, you must moisturise every day. You could do this simply by getting a good body cream. The key is to look for one with as much natural ingredients as usual. To be safe, avoid using creams that contain names of chemicals you are unfamiliar with. Look for words like ‘aloe vera’, ‘glycerin’, or ‘hyaluronic acid’ on the bottle of the cream before buying. Products that contain such ingredients would help to lock in moisture, keeping your skin soft and radiant all day. Moisturise morning and night for that extra care.
The most popular and effective skin moisturizer in Nigeria is petroleum jelly (Vaseline). However, you must take care when applying thick products such as vaseline to the face, as they may lead to acne. Ensure that they are noncomedogenic (that is, it does not block or clog pores) before applying.
3. Use Sunscreen
Many people with dark skin think using sunscreen is not for them, but it is. All skin types, including dark skin, need sunscreen. The sun emits rays that can be harmful to the skin. This could also lead to skin cancer and other skin diseases. Using good sunscreen would help to reduce the effect of damage from the sun. When getting a sunscreen, it is best to go for those that are water-based with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 30. That way, your skin can be fully protected from the harshness of the sun.
4. Eat Well
Taking care of your skin also includes the things you eat. Eating a well-balanced diet goes a long way in keeping your skin healthy and looking great. Eat fruits, healthy nuts and vegetables, go hard on the good fats (nuts and avocados) and lean protein (fish and eggs). Avoid eating a lot of junk or sugary food and excess alcohol as it could lead to skin conditions like psoriasis.
5. Treat Skin Problems As Soon As They Appear
The moment you notice a spot or sign of acne on your skin, you should get start looking for ways to treat it immediately. This would not only reduce the extent of the outbreak but would also reduce the scars that come with it. Look for the right treatment and follow it up.
Bottom Line
There are some conditions that people with melanin-rich skin may experience such as eczema, acne (pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads), discolouration, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Knowing how to care for your melanin-rich skin can help you prevent these bad skin conditions.
