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skincare for darker skin tones

Skincare guide for darker skin tones

Our ultimate guide for caring for darker skin tones including our recommended skincare routine From targeting hyperpigmentation, to wearing sunscreen, our simple guide to caring for darker skin tones aims to answer your most pressing questions and dispel some dangerous myths.

Common skincare concerns

Hyperpigmentation

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation – a term used to describe dark spots and patches of skin exposed to UV – you aren't alone. In fact, research shows that it's the most common skincare concern for black women and is caused by the overproduction of melanin on the skin. This is more prevalent in darker skin tones where the pigmentation is stronger and also means that spots and acne can leave behind visible scarring.

Sunscreen and melanoma

There's a common misconception that people of colour don't need to wear sunscreen. But the truth is that all skin tones need to be protected from the sun's harmful UV rays in the summer and the winter. In fact, hyperpigmentation and melanoma (a type of skin cancer) are 1.5 times more likely to occur in black skin. Both are caused by exposure to UV and are preventable with daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

White cast

White Cast is a term used to describe the white layer left behind on the skin from sunscreen and it is particularly visible on darker skin tones. The best way of avoiding this is by using a lightweight mineral sunscreen or a formula with a slight tint to it. You can also dust a light sweep of translucent powder over the skin to take any remaining whiteness away.

The ideal skincare routine for black skin

If hyperpigmentation, sun damage and white cast are something you are concerned about, follow La Roche-Posay's recommended routine for healthy, beautiful skin.

Step 1: Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser such as La Roche-Posay's Ultra-Sensitive Micellar Water. This will clear away sebum and impurities from the pores and prepare the skin for any active ingredients that you apply afterwards.

Step 2: Apply two to three drops of an antioxidant such as La Roche Posay's Vitamin C10 Serum each morning. This will boost overall radiance to your skin and help to protect your skin from free-radical environmental damage.

Step 3: Follow this with Pigmentclar Serum, an intensive treatment formulated with patented innovation to help reduce patches of pigmentation in the skin.

Step 4: If you have pigmentation around the eyes, target this delicate area with Pigmentclar Eyes – a product created to improve the look of dark circles and tired-looking eyes.

Step 5: The final step of your skincare routine should always be a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from hyperpigmentation and premature ageing. Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50 is a great option for darker skin tones as it has an invisible finish that does not leave a white cast on the skin.

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