7 Tips for Protecting Your Dark Skin

Protecting your skin is important, no matter your skin tone. Although those with darker skin have more natural protection against UV radiation because their skin contains more melanin than lighter skin, those with darker skin tones may experience some different common skin ailments than those with lighter skin tones.

A recent study cited by WebMD noted that the top two skin problems of those with darker skin were acne and pigmentation problems. Here are some tips for protecting dark skin and treating common problems such as these.

1. Wear sun protection even if you don't seem to need it.

People of all skin colors often learn the lesson too late that you can't always see sun damage right away. Although darker skin may not seem to burn or show sun damage, even higher melanin production can't prevent all sun damage from occurring. Furthermore, sun damage can be a cause of pigmentation problems including dark spots and melasma even if no sunburn occurs. Sunscreen protects skin, even darker skin, from damage and aging over time.

2. Avoid benzoyl peroxide.

Not all acne products are equal when it comes to treating darker skin. Benzoyl peroxide can temporarily cause melasma and other pigmentation problems, so those with darker skin should stick to milder AHA products like mandelic acid.

3. Use alcohol-free products.

Darker skin can be prone to dryness, so avoiding products that contain alcohol protects against further drying. If your skin is dry, a daily moisturizer will give your skin the hydration it needs. Be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids, too.

4. Exfoliate gently but regularly.

Gently exfoliating the skin with a daily cleanser or a weekly scrub will remove the dead, dry skin and reveal a smoother surface below. Don't use harsh scrubs or over-exfoliate, though, because it can cause damage or dark spots to appear.

5. Be careful with any products touching your face.

Washing your face with a gentle cleanser and using moisturizer is a good basic beauty routine, but if you're still breaking out, other products that touch the face may be to blame. Some shampoos and conditioners, especially those that contain balsam, can cause breakouts around the hairline, and hair products containing oils or gels can also clog pores. Even hats or scarves that come into contact with your skin can cause breakouts on sensitive skin.

6. Develop good shaving habits.

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are uncomfortable, and they don't look great either. Lightly exfoliating the skin helps to avoid ingrown hairs and helps the hair follicle open. A product like Mandelic Acid 3-in1 Exfoliating Cleanser works great treating acne, hyperpigmented skin of all hues and preventing ingrown hairs. Using a single edge blade and hot water will give you a close shave without making hairs so short that they get pushed back into the pores and are unable to come out again.

7. Multi-use products make your beauty routine simpler.

Cleanser, exfoliant, sunscreen, acne treatment -- who has time for so many different products? Vivant Skin Care offers products like it's Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15 which combine a moisturizer with sunscreen to simplify your beauty regimen. Browse our skin hydrating products to find the best products for your skin.