Beauty truly emanates from within and nowhere is this more evident than in skincare.
Taking care of our skin is an integral part of self-care and overall well-being. Establishing a melanin-kind routine is crucial for safeguarding our skin's health and preserving its natural radiance. So, let's dive into the key elements of a comprehensive skincare routine that nurtures and uplifts our skin.
Cleanse and Clarify
The foundation of any skincare routine is a proper cleanse. It's the initial step in eliminating impurities like dirt and excess oil, unveiling fresh, glowing skin. However, for all skin tones, and especially for melanin-rich complexions, it's essential to use gentle, non-drying ingredients that are close to the skin's slightly acidic PH. Harsh astringents can disrupt our skin's natural barrier and lead to irritation. Remember to massage on to skin gently, use warm water (not hot), and pat skin dry instead of rubbing, as over-rubbing can cause sensitivity. Additionally, we need to take care to avoid long, hot showers, as they can be very drying for skin.
Look for products with gentle brightening and exfoliating ingredients, like Azelaic acid, as well as hydrating and soothing components such as aloe vera and glycerin. Opt for mild cleansers derived from sugar and oats, which are gentle and kind on the skin.
Brighten and Shield
After cleansing, the next step we advise is to use a serum that can protect, hydrate, and brighten our skin tone. Antioxidant ingredients combat free radicals that damage the skin, humectants draw moisture to skin, and brightening agents enhance radiance. We should take care to apply serum on slightly damp skin to allow the active ingredients to work more effectively. However, balance is key, as too much water can make the actives more potent and potentially cause irritation. Always seal in the goodness with a moisturizer, especially in dry climates where obtaining moisture from the air can be challenging and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) is more likely. Seek out products with brightening and antioxidant ingredients like the natural vitamin C powerhouse Kakadu plum and the versatile Azelaic acid. Additionally, prioritise hydrating components like glycerin and powerful botanical hydrators such as cassia angustifolia and tamarind seed gum.
Illuminate and Protect
Hydration efforts may go in vain if we don't seal the moisture in with an occlusive to protect, soothe, and repair the skin barrier, and prevent trans epidermal water loss. Deeper skin tones, especially melanin-rich skin, are more susceptible to this loss if not cared for correctly. Over time, our skin can also lose the lipids it needs to stay strong, supple, healthy and retain the nutrients and moisture we need. People with melanin-rich skin may need to be cautious with oily formulations if skin tone is already oily, but it certainly shouldn’t be disregarded. Moisturising creams can be used after cleansing and a serum, to soothe, nourish, and lock the nutrients and hydration in. We recommend you just pat a small amount on the face and massage it in very gently. Always, always, always finish your routine with protective SPF – we can’t emphasise enough how important this step is!. Look for products containing nourishing and protective antioxidants, soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients, barrier-repairing probiotics, and hydrating properties.
Nourish and Renew
As we age, collagen and elastin levels decrease, resulting in a loss of firmness and elasticity. This can contribute to dull, uneven skin tone in all tones, but it's particularly noticeable in deeper melanin-rich tones. Nighttime is when our skin repairs itself, making it an ideal time to introduce active ingredients that nourish, rejuvenate, and repair. After cleansing, especially if you've worn SPF or makeup during the day, consider a double cleanse. Then, apply a nighttime serum that promotes collagen synthesis, repairs the barrier, encourages new cell turnover, and brightens the skin. Look for ingredients like retinal and ectoin or niacinamide, which aid in overnight repair, strengthening, and brightening.
In summary
Our skincare routine should encompass all the basic steps of cleansing, brightening, hydrating, moisturizing, and protection. When caring for all tones and particularly melanin rich (where we can often reach for niche and ad hoc solutions to combat problems ) the key is consistency. Our routines don’t have to be complicated; simplicity and manageability are key for daily adherence. However, we should also free to customize it based on our specific needs, e.g. targeted treatments for hyperpigmentation or excessive dryness. What matters most is the consistency and the kindness we show to our melanin-rich skin. Embrace a melanin-friendly skincare routine to unlock our skin's natural radiance and keep it glowing!
