As women of color, it’s important that we maintain our skin in healthy ways to combat the signs of aging. One common skin issue some of us deal with is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when certain areas of your skin are darker than others. In other words, it’s an excess production of melanin in your skin. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are a cause of hyperpigmentation but it can also be caused by hormonal changes or the effects of certain medications. If you feel you have hyperpigmentation, meet with your dermatologist to discuss solutions that may work for you. Here are more anti-aging skincare tips that will make you look great.
Get That Beauty Rest
Adequate sleep is vital to keeping your skin rejuvenated and youthful. It’s not about the quantity of sleep but rather the quality of it that matters. When you don’t get enough sleep consistently, you experience swollen eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and possibly fine lines and wrinkles. When you improve your sleep hygiene, you can reduce wrinkles and your complexion looks better too.
Moisturization Is A Must
You should moisturize your body and face daily to ensure smoother skin as you age. Apply the moisturizer after taking a bath and washing your face. Look for moisturizers with ceramides because these are lipids that decrease dryness and irritation in your skin. Increase the effectiveness of your moisturizer by not taking long, hot baths because they suck the moisture out of your skin. Avoid facial cleansers with harsh ingredients since they’re also drying on the skin. At nighttime, use a heavy moisturizer because it locks in moisture better than lighter ones.
Don’t Forget About Retinol
Retinol is a powerful and effective retinoid that is a derivative of vitamin A . It boosts collagen and you don’t need to visit a dermatologist to get it. Most drugstores sell retinol creams and although the dosage is lower, you can still reap the benefits for your skin. Most women begin retinol treatments in their 30s and 40s, but some dermatologists recommend that you start in your 20s to get an early start. Start with small amounts and within three to four weeks, you should see results.
Include Vitamin C In Your Kit
One of the best things for anti-aging skincare for women of color is vitamin C. A study from the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology stated that people with darker skin tones often suffer from hyperpigmentation and that vitamin C skincare products can help you decrease the overproduction of melanin in the skin. Vitamin C serums are good choices for this.
Put Away Harsh Exfoliants and Scrubs
I’ve used exfoliant scrubs for years, but I found that these are too harsh. In fact, those scrubs made my skin look worse because small blisters appeared on my face. I stopped using them on my face and now it looks smooth and beautiful. According to some dermatologists of color, it’s best to use a chemical exfoliator to get the dead skin off.
Exercise Regularly
You wonder what exercise has to do with improving your skin, but there are benefits to it. As you exercise, your blood flow increases and it keeps your skin radiant and healthy. This increased blood flow eliminates the free radicals in the body that harms your skin. Since we know that stress affects your skin in negative ways, exercise does wonders for reducing stress, leading to better-looking skin. This makes it one of the best forms of anti-aging skincare for women of color.
Your Diet Matters Too
Healthy food also plays a role in how well your skin looks and feels. Since vitamin A is essential for better skin, eat foods high in vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt, beef or lamb liver, salmon, eggs, and cheddar cheese are good sources of this vitamin. Green tea is another powerful tool in keeping your skin healthy because of its’ anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, drink more water because it hydrates your skin.
Find A Good Dermatologist
Another tool in your anti-aging skincare toolkit is a good dermatologist. You should find a dermatologist who has experience with and understands the skincare needs of women of color. Talk about any skin conditions you have and interest in getting a diagnosis for a condition you feel you may have. One way to locate a black dermatologist in your area is to use online directories such as the Black Derm Directory.
These helpful strategies can assist you in developing your own anti-aging skincare routine as a woman of color.
