Ways To Make Your Melanin Skin Radiant AF

The skincare woes of women with melanin aren't exactly anything new to anyone. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its natural color and protects it from the sun. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin, which produces dark colors in the hair and eyes for example, and pheomelanin, responsible for making the pinkish color in our lips and nipples.

Melanin is actually produced by melanocytes from tyrosine. But what triggers it to do so? The sun triggers you to produce more melanin to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. "If you are Black or brown skinned it is very important that you use a sunscreen," said dermatologist Dr. Berley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nvljz3S-7c . So if we're already using sunscreens for protection from UV rays thats one step in the right direction.

Achieving radiant, even skin tone can seem like an impossible task for people with dark complexions. However, there are some steps you can take to make your complexion look radiant af! The first step is embracing your natural beauty! I know you're probably thinking "but my face looks so uneven," but when we embrace our natural beauty we let go of the societal standards of beauty. People will start to see you for who you are, instead of seeing your complexion and thinking it's something that needs fixing!

Beauty and skincare products are getting a new meaning to the Black community. When it comes to skincare, many of us have problems with dry skin, blackheads and blemishes. Sometimes we don't even know how or where to start when it comes down to skincare because for the longest there weren't a lot of products out there for 'us". I've learned over the years that skincare is very important if you want that radiant glow on your face. You can always tell when someone's skincare routine isn't complete or they don't take care of their skin at all. These six tips will help you get started on what things you should do for your skin.

1. Washing your face

It is imperative to wash and cleanse off of sweat, dirt, and oil from your face after each day out in the grimy, dirty world. (Are you picking up what I'm putting down?) If you fail to do so, it will cause acne outbreaks on your skin causing it to look dirty or dull.

2. Use skincare products with exfoliants

Use skincare cleansers and moisturizers that include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), retinols, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells that cause the dull appearance of your melanin skin .

3. Get enough water in a day

Keeping hydrated through plenty of water can help prevent dryness that leads to rough, dull skin. Start with 8oz. first thing in the morning helps not just your skin but your digestion system get prepared for the day.

4. Use skincare products with Vitamin E

Use skincare products that contain Vitamin E to help repair dull-looking and aging skin. Vitamin E is an essential element needed for healthy looking skin!

5. Exfoliate the dead skin cells on your face

Exfoliating will allow dead or rough looking skin cells to come off causing your melanin skin to look rejuvenated, fresh, and alive! [Folks who exfoliate 1-2x weekly often have a more radiant glow because of this.]

6. Use skincare products that contains SPF 30+ UVA/UVB protection

Using skincare products with SPF 30 can prevent premature wrinkling and damage caused by sun exposure. Using sunscreen daily can make your skincare routine complete.

So what have we learned? A skincare routine is needed, even for women of color. If it sounds like I'm on repeat its because I am, I can't stress the importance enough. The key to achieving radiant skin is to have a regular routine - it's just as important for black and brown girls as anyone else! What does your skincare routine consist of? Let me know in the comments below.