Melanin-Rich Skincare: How to Take Care of Your Skin in South Africa

Ever wondered why skin awareness became a topic when you started puberty? Hormonal changes! It's an obvious fact that your skin starts to change when you grow up, changing color, thickness, and type as the hormones in your body start to prepare you into adulthood.  One of the telltale signs of hormonal changes are the significant and sometimes... SHOCKING changes in your face: pimples, oiliness, thickness, and sometimes color change. It sucks, right? But the silver lining is you now get to learn what your skin needs and start to learn about products. Lol, here comes the part where we have to think like a Dr.

How to Identify Your Skin Type

When your skin changes, it's important for you to change with it, especially how you wash and moisturize it.

• Oily skin: May need non-comedogenic products (products that do not clog pores and are lightweight) that are less oily.
• Dry skin: May need skin oils like glycerin or petroleum jelly.
• Sensitive skin: Prone to irritation easily, therefore fragranced moisturizers and soaps are an automatic no-no. This skin type requires mild and gentle products.
• Acne-prone skin: Suffers regular acne breakouts and needs special care and selective products. This is where you consult your dermatologist.
• Normal skin: Will need just a nicely generic moisturizer since it's not oily nor dry.

It's okay if you don't know how to figure out your skin type. Trust me, I struggled too, especially in my mid-teens. Consistently pay attention to your face after washing it without moisturizing it first. I'd recommend 30 minutes to tell if it's oily (you'll notice a sheen look on your face). If it's dry, you'll notice that it feels like it's been glued on to you, has what looks like skin cracks, and looks flaky. For sensitive skin, you'd usually notice irritation after application of moisturizers, but also see if you feel irritated after baths. With certain soaps and cleansers, you'll notice irritation immediately after baths. With normal skin, you'd recognize how it's not so easy to tell that you haven't applied moisturizer, nor does it feel flaky or like it's been glued on. Do this for a week: the most consistent feel you get whispers your skin type, or you can visit your dermatologist for a proper analysis and confirmation.

Building a Skincare Routine That Works

After learning your skin, you then learn how to take care of it. Easy-peesy stuff is the general everyday rule.

1. Wash your face: Twice a day on average (morning and noon) and at max four times during sweaty moments to help clear skin pores and possible trapped dirt. Do not scrub it, I beg! Use a gentle towel and wash gently onto your skin with warm water and mild soap if you don't have a cleanser, and rinse it thoroughly afterward. Pat yourself dry (don't wipe!) with a clean towel to avoid exposure to dryness and dirt.
2. Remove makeup: For makeup users, remove the makeup first before cleansing to give your skin the extra clean it needs.
3. Moisturize: Apply moisturizers complementary to your skin type.
4. Apply sunscreen: Apply sunscreen during the daytime with an SPF 30 for proper sun protection, and voila!

Why Sunscreen is Essential for Melanin-Rich Skin

Now, let's talk about sunscreen. I know some of us with beautiful dark skin might think we don't need it, but trust me, that's a myth! The sun's harmful UV rays can affect us all, regardless of our skin tone.

Benefits of Sunscreen for Melanin-Rich Skin:

• Protects against sunburn and skin damage.
• Prevents hyper-pigmentation and dark spots.
• Reduces the risk of skin cancer.
• Helps maintain an even skin tone.

Looking for the perfect sunscreen for melanin-rich skin? Try Luminous Era SPF 30 sunscreen for lightweight, residue-free sun protection. It's perfect for us South Africans who love spending time outdoors!

Remember to never touch your face with unwashed hands and change your pillowcases weekly to help keep overnight sweat away from your skin. Consistency in this routine promises clean skin less prone to unwanted pimples, retains your beautiful natural glow, and preserves your beauty.

Final Thoughts

Let's leave it here; too much of a great thing is overwhelming. And I don't want to overwhelm you to a point where you get left behind on our skin lessons that help our self-love flourish on our face-cards that should never decline.

Mcwah, love your shade and remember to wash your face before you admire it, especially after touching the device you are holding.

:- Sarah 💐, a pretty girl learning with you.