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Did you know that melanin-rich skin tones are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation? Using active ingredients in skincare products has become a major trend, but, they react to different skin tones differently? The size of the melanocytes in deeper, richer, skin tones are larger and therefore easier to trigger. Even the slightest inflammation can cause severe, long-lasting spots and pigmentation. It is crucial to mindfully curate a good skincare routine for deeper skin tones so that it doesn’t cause adverse reactions.
How Is Melanin Rich Skin Different?
Melanin is a pigment that gives colour to the skin. More the melanin in your skin, the deeper is your skin tone. Melanin is produced by melanocyte cells known as melanosomes. Melanocytes in light-pigmented skin usually contain clusters of two or three melanosomes, whereas those in dark-pigmented skin have individual melanosomes that are more easily converted to melanin.
Experts determine the level of melanin, based on the FST scale (Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype) and the skin's reaction to sunlight. On the FST scale which is from 1-6, FST 1 stands for the light skin which never tans but gets burned when exposed to sunlight, and FST 6 which has the deepest level of melanin providing maximum protection to your skin against sunlight.
Common Characteristics Of Melanin Rich Skin
Apart from giving colour to skin, melanin also has antioxidants and protects your skin from the damaging effect of UV rays. Melanin-rich skin gives maximum protection from the sun, but that doesn't mean that you can skip sunscreen.
One of the main characteristics of melanin is that deeper skin tones show fewer signs of ageing. Studies have shown that people with darker skin tones have firmer and smoother skin than those with lighter skin tones. This could be due to UV-induced photoaging, according to research.
The size of the pores of the skin in darker people is larger, resulting in excess oil production. But on the positive side, oily skin can often show fewer signs of ageing.
Also, melanin-rich skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation. This happens often after acne or any kind of skin inflammation. Experts usually suggest a dark spot remover cream for lightening the dark spots on melanin-rich skin. Dryness is the most common reason dark skin appears dull. This can happen on the face or the body.
Chemical peels and laser treatments can prove to be harmful to people with dark-pigmented skin. Dark spot remover creams are a good place to start as they eliminate dark spots gently without irritating the skin.
Skincare Routine For Melanin Rich Skin
Yes, there is a way to get rid of the common skin concerns associated with melanin-rich skin. You can avoid skin problems in the future by curating special skincare which is ideal for deeper skin tones.
1. Cleansing
No matter what skin tone you have, it's important to find products that work for you. A facial cleanser combined with moisturizing skin care actives can give the skin a balanced feel by purifying it gently without disturbing the natural oils.
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Also Read : Are You Cleansing Your Face properly?
2. Exfoliation
Melanin-rich skin should be treated more carefully while exfoliating. Peels can be dangerous and may cause hyperpigmentation. The skin produces more melanin when it is injured. Overproduction of melanin can cause darker patches on the skin that is already dark. This is post-inflammatory pigmentation. Melanin-rich skin can be sensitive and should be treated gently. That is why holistic skincare is an excellent option.
A face mask with active enzymes can be used to exfoliate gently, deeply clean the pores and discourage breakouts. Enzymes are gentler than acidic peels made with lactic and glycolic acids, as they gently slough off the dead skin cells.
3. Moisturization
Dark skin tends to experience more Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) than lighter skin. Proper hydration is essential for this type of skin. Active skincare ingredient such as hyaluronic acid is beneficial in restoring the hydration level in the melanin-rich skin. Lack of hydration can exacerbate dry skin conditions such as hyperkeratinization, resulting in breakouts.
Many skincare products don't provide vital nutrients that the skin needs to keep its protective barrier intact. To lock in moisture, the skincare active should be able to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Use a moisturizing cream, lotion, or serum that is carefully crafted with skin-replenishing ingredients such as ceramides, and niacinamide. Natural oils such as argan oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut, or safflower oil restore the moisture level, thus improving the texture of the skin.
Also Read : Niacinamide, The Miracle Worker You Need in Your Skincare Regime
Avoid risky ingredients such as hydroquinone in your skincare regime as it can trigger hyperpigmentation.
4. Sunscreen
Skin with high levels of melanin provides natural sun protection, but that does not mean you can ignore sunscreen. Deeper skin tones are at a higher risk of sun damage, hence it needs sun protection. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the year is essential for everyone. Finding a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that does not cast a white tint on dark pigmented skin can be challenging. Experts recommend using sheer-tinted mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above for maximum sun protection.
How To Treat Dark Spots In Melanin Rich Skin?
A variety of factors such as hormones, sun damage, acne and accumulation of dead cells contribute to the appearance of dark spots on deeper skin tones.
Although this can be a problem for lighter skin, melanin-rich skin is more prone to it. Dark spot remover creams can help resolve this skin concern to some extent. The dark spot remover contains natural skin lightening ingredients such as kojic acid, Vitamin C, arbutin and antioxidants which fight skin damage. This requires a combination approach that uses different ingredients to get rid of stubborn dark spots.
A dark spot remover for the face should contain natural skin lightening ingredients such as concentrated vitamin A, niacinamide, bakuchiol, and retinol which have been known to improve skin tone and brightness because they all target different concerns, it's a good idea to include a dark spot remover cream that includes at least two of these star ingredients.
People with deeper skin tones need to take special care of their complexion. Its unique structure and pigment-based colouration make it particularly susceptible to a range of health problems. Luckily, it's quite easy to create a skincare routine that addresses all your skincare needs and improves the overall appearance while maintaining or even enhancing the natural texture of your skin.
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