African American Skin Care Steps to Beautiful Skin

African American skin care, much like African American hair care, may be different from other skin types of other ethnic groups.

The African American skin type tends to need more specific care than those products created for Caucasian consumers, so be sure to treat your skin appropriately. When looking for quality skin care products, be sure to avoid the common misconceptions and stereotypes involving the types of skin that African Americans possess.

Look to these simple steps to ensure you are properly taking care of your skin.

Step One: Find the perfect skin care products for your skin.

Contrary to the popular belief that all African American skin is oily, women of color have skin types that range from extremely dry to oily.

Choose products based on your skin type rather than your race. For instance, you may find that over the counter skin care products specifically geared toward African Americans may not be the best choice if you have dry skin.

That said, studies have shown that your skin type can be oilier in general. But the good news is that when you're older, oilier skin will keep you looking younger when you're into your 30s and 40s!

Step Two: Use a quality cleanser before using other African American skin care products.

Cleansing should be the first step in your skin care process, so never miss this important step. Especially if you are a woman who wears makeup, the cleansing process is critical for removing all traces of the makeup, which can often clog pores and add to acne problems.

Typically, any skin product is appropriate for cleansing, but be sure to avoid irritating abrasives like cleansing puffs that can damage your skin. Some recommended brands include Neutrogena, Burt's Bees and Cetaphil. 

Step Three: Protect yourself from certain skin cancers by using African American skin care products with SPF.

Since darker skin tones, which contain more melanin, are more at risk to dark spots and developing skin cancers, this step is crucial. More and more individuals are developing skin cancer at all ages, especially African Americans.

Be sure that your skin care products include a SPF of at least 15 for everyday use and a much stronger SPF if you plan to be working or playing in the bright sun.

For women, choose a foundation that has an SPF number to prevent bulky layers when applying makeup.

In addition to using a SPF on your face, be sure to protect all exposed skin, including areas like the back of the neck that can often soak up more sun than thought. Also, work to protect delicate areas like elbows and knees.

Step Four: Look to prescription African American skin care products for clearing up skin affected with acne and other common skin conditions.

Speak with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment option for skin that is affected with acne.

There may not be specific medications geared toward African Americans on the market, but your dermatologist will be able to develop a skin care regimen with your skin type in mind so that you will the most success possible in clearing up your skin.

Regardless of your specific skin care program, keep in mind that it should be geared towards your skin type instead of your race to ensure the greatest success in obtaining your goal of clear skin.