Exfoliation for Black Skin, Let’s Talk About It

KiKi Carr

Exfoliation is the ONLY step in any skin care routine that keeps the skin looking youthful, bright and CLEAR! There is no other step in a skin care routine that can or WILL provide the benefits of exfoliation.

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What is Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin. Dead skin often gets stuck to our skin because of sweat and oil. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin, facilitate new cell growth, aids in the prevention of clogged pores, increases skin respiration and enhances nerve stimulation.

Types of Exfoliation

There are two types of exfoliation, chemical and physical. However, there are multiple kinds of exfoliators.

Chemical

  • Acids
    • AHA
    • BHA
  • Enzymes

Chemical exfoliates are everywhere! They are in soaps, moisturizers, serums, masks, omg I can go on and on but you get the point. A chemical exfoliate dissolves dead skin. Acids are more aggressive than enzymes. Acids resurface all skin while enzymes only target dead skin.

Physical

  • Scrubs
  • Brushes
    • Wet or dry

Benefits of Exfoliation

The most common benefits of exfoliation are:

  • Faster product penetration
  • Deep pore cleansing
  • Removes dead skin
  • Smoothes and softens
  • Increases moisture retention
  • Evens skin tone

Can I Exfoliate with Acne?

Not only can you add exfoliation to your skincare routine, but you actually should! Exfoliating oily acne prone skin helps treat and prevent break outs. Regular exfoliation will brighten your complexion, keep the pores from becoming clogged, increase product penetration and treat hyperpigmentation.

Exfoliation is essential for clear skin. Exfoliating too often will compromise the skin barrier. Over exfoliation will result in complications such as redness, water loss, and other irritating skin conditions.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Flawless Skin Oily Acne Prone

KiKi Carr

These days everyone wants a flawless makeup application. We have all seen the cakey makeup, the unblended makeup, the mismatched makeup and we are tired. The goal is to look better not worse. The girls want a step by step tutorial on how to apply makeup for oily acne prone skin. They want quick, they want easy, and they don’t want cake .. so here we go.

Smooth and flawless makeup for black women with oily acne prone requires prepping. Applying light weight skin care products that won’t clog the pores will help the makeup apply smoothly. As for the makeup, less is more. Using makeup to cover acne doesn’t need to take long and it certainly doesn’t mean using a lot of product.

makeup to cover acne black skin

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

How to Get Flawless Skin Oily Acne Prone

Prep the skin for makeup. Start with a good cleanser and toner for oily skin. To get the glowy dewy look you can follow up with the Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Next moisturize the skin. Cerave makes an amazing moisturizer! It is great for under makeup. It’s light weight and very matte. The final step is to conceal dark spots and BOOM! You’re done!

Looking good is not about spending a lot of money or using pounds of product on your face. Less is always more. When the skin has texture, using makeup won’t make it appear flat. What is doable is an even complexion. Acne or not, correcting uneven tones throughout the face makes a world of difference.

Flawless black skin that is oily acne prone is achieved with a good skin care regimen and a little makeup. Using a lot of makeup will not help the skin look flawless, smooth, or natural. If not properly removed, too much makeup can definitely worsen acne.

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black skin care for dark spots

Glow Recipe

Hydrating serum. Visibly reduces the look of hyperpigmentation. Vegan. Clean beauty. Leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

$34.00

concealer

HourGlass

A full-coverage, weightless, waterproof. Perfect for under eyes, not too thick and heavy. Blurs. Brightens. Last up to 16 hours.

$36.00

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Black Skin Care for Acne

KIKI CARR

Have you ever wondered what are the BEST black skin care products for acne? It’s a fair question because the skin is delicate and most acne treatments tend to be very harsh. They are designed to burn the acne or dry it out. Although that can be bad for any skin color, it is especially harmful for black skin. Black skin has melanin and when injured a dark mark known as hyperpigmentation will remain at the site of injury.

Therefore, the best black skin care products for acne are MOISTURIZING! Products that moisturize and lock in moisture are the best types of products to treat acne. Acne is a condition in which the skin produces an excess of oil. Introducing products enriched with moisture helps to bring balance to the skin, countering the over production of oil.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

What Is Acne?

Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by greasy food, dairy, pop, or chocolate. Can those things contribute to the condition? SURE! But those things are certainly not the cause. Acne or P. Acnes is a condition of the skin in which the pores become clogged. Once clogged, bacteria grows causing the surrounding area to become inflamed.

Why Do I Have Acne?

Acne is a state or condition of skin. For Example, a rash is not something that is permanent when properly treated. Like a rash, acne is not permanent. Acne is simply the current state or condition the skin is in. Most likely you have acne because of your skin TYPE! There are 3 genetic skin types: normal, dry, and oily. Majority of people with acne have the oily skin type.

What Skin Care Routine is Best for Me?

A good skin care routine for oily acne prone skin should include an amazing cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF (for the day) and an oil (for the night). This regimen helped me and it is the regimen I recommend for black skin as a black esthetician.

All Natural Black Owned Skincare

#TargetStyle

Cleanser

cerave for oily skin

The Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains Hyaluronic Acid, an all natural intensive moisturizing agent. The cleanser is paraben free, dermatologist tested and recommended for oily skin. The Cerave hydrating face cleanser works by optimizing the skin barriers so that it functions efficiently.

Toner

oily skin toner

Thayers Witch Hazel contains ingredients used for centuries in beauty. Aloe (nicknamed the plant of immortality by the Egyptians) and Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel has been used to treat oily skin for decades. Witch hazel is an all natural pore constrictor. As the pores are constricted oil is reduced.

Serum

black skin care for acne

Acne is inflammatory and inflammation causes hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is a skin brightener and lightener. The Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum restores youthful luminosity to skin and brightens uneven skin tone leaving the skin glowing.

Moisturizer

black skin care for acne

Helps lock in moisture & maintain balance. Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream calms the look of irritation, helps nourish and firm. This moisturizer contains the ingredient squalane, which minimizes oil by mimicking sebum.

Oil

black skin care for acne

Sunday Riley Acne Treatment Face Oil is the best product for anyone looking for a fast acting miracle product. This oil has everything needed to fight acne, clear pores, treat and prevent blackheads as well as fade dark spots. This is literally clear skin in a bottle.

Sunscreen

sun screen for black skin

The importance of sunscreen is truly undervalued.Sunscreen is necessary to protect the skin from harmful sun rays and critical in the fading of hyperpigmentation. It is recommended to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Black Girl Sunscreen has an SPF of 45, is water resistant and fragrance free.

Consistently stripping the skin of its oil will only cause more to be produced. The key to clearer skin is hydration. Oily skin needs balance. Hydrating products are imperative in an oily skin care regimen.

The Luxuries

Face Mask
Face Steamer

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Neutrogena HydroGel Mask

$2.99

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$14.99

Black Girl SunScreen

$21.23

Thayers Facial Toner

$10.99

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

$45.00

Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream

$24.00

Sunday Riley Acne Face Oil

$40.00

Conair Facial Sauna

$41.99

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Does Facial Oils Clog Pores?

KIKI CARR

FACE OILS!!!

With all of the different opinions about face oils I bet you’ve been left wondering does facial oils clog pores?This story is going to debunk a lot of myths and assumptions about applying oil to acne prone skin. Oils act as a protective barrier for the skin. Immediately after applying moisturizing products the environment begins to steal them from your skin. Applying an oil as the last step in your skin care regimen is incredibly beneficial. Face oils are the secret weapon for glowing clear skin.

Facial oils do NOT clog pores. It is logical to assume face oils clog pores. However, they actually do the opposite. Face oils form a barrier for the skin, locking moisture in and keeping debris out. Clogged pores are caused by blockages like dead skin. Unlike obstructions, the skin is able to absorb face oils. Face oils are good for break outs.

Sunday Riley is the facial oil gods! Their face oils are pure and will leave the skin glowing. Sunday Riley’s oils are bountiful with antioxidants, vitamins, and other ingredients that promote healthy skin.

Designer Skin @ Sephora

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

facial oils good for breakouts
U.F.O. for Oily Acne Prone

U.F.O.

  • Clears congested pores; treats and prevents acne and blackheads.
  • Help purify the skin and supports clarity.
  • Naturally brighten the appearance of dark spots.
facial oil for breakouts

C.E.O. Glow

  • Promotes even skin tone.
  • Gives your skin a healthy glow and replenishes its moisture barrier with Omega-6.
  • Helps seal the skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture, making the skin soft and supple.
facial oil for dark spots

Juno

  • Helps alleviate dehydration and boost radiance.
  • Helps to combat the signs of congested skin.
  • Supports elasticity with beta-carotene. Improves the appearance of the complexion.
facial oil for clear skin

Luna

  • Wonderful for soothing the look of redness.
  • Plumps fine lines.
  • Powerful source of ALA, which helps minimize the appearance of lines.
facial oil for acne
Consult Doctor before use if nursing or pregnant.

Although oils are necessary for all skin types, some oils aren’t good facial oils. The skin on the body is thicker. Coco butter and coconut oil are amazing body oils, but these oils will definitely clog pores on the face.

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Dynamic Duo


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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

5 Reasons You Need A Facial

KIKI CARR

Many people feel a facial is a special occasion thing, but it is not. There are many benefits to getting a professional facial regularly. The sun, pollution, hormonal fluctuations, poor diet and habits such as smoking all take a toll on the look and feel of skin. Facials combat those damaging elements as well as improve circulation and promote detoxification.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Here are 5 Reason you need a facial:

Education

  • Learn your skin and how to care for it.
  • Receive expert analysis.
  • Get professional advice unique to you.

Medical Advantages

  • Have access to medical grade products and modalities such as Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Microneedling and Electrotherapy.
  • Treat and prevent. An Aesthetician can treat and prevent moderate skin conditions such as acne and identify severe conditions such as skin cancer.
  • Professional and effective care. Facials deliver results.

Stress Reliever

  • Heat & Aroma therapy.
  • Massage pressure points and areas that hold tension.
  • A listening ear.

Look Better

  • Clearer and brighter complexion.
  • Fresh and youthful appearance.
  • Cleaned pores.

You Deserve It!

  • Self care.
  • Rewarding.
  • Relaxing.

If you have problematic skin such as acne, the first few facials can result in a purge. A purge happens when underlying skin conditions are brought to the surface. Remaining consistent with your facials and being diligent about your home care regimen will produce incredible results over time.

Facials address the current state of the skin. After a facial you should look better, be informed, feel uplifted and re-energized.

Life gets busy and it can be hard to make time for a facial. Here are some things you can do at home to look and feel your best.

  • Soak With Dr. Teals
    • Lavender salt and bubble bath ease aches & pains, soothes the mind and nourishes skin.
  • Affirm yourself with Cassandra Mack
    • Bible based affirmations for mental health and clarity.

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$55

$15.99

$10

Complimentary Tools

Mask Mates

$7.99

Facial Massage Jade Roller

$9.99

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Toners for Oily Skin

KIKI CARR

When it comes to skincare, people want results fast! Many people use actives every day and in every step of their skin care routine. BIG MISTAKE!

STOP OVER USING ACTIVES!

The skin needs nurturing, babying, and most importantly time. A good skincare regimen should consist mostly of products that contain ingredients which nourish the skin like Ceramides. Actives are OK but use should be limited to about 3 times a week.

It can be difficult to decide which skin care product should contain active ingredients. Toners are a good way to slip actives into your skin care routine. They are inexpensive, primarily gentle and keep the pores clean. Here are some great toners sold at Target for oily skin.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Skin Care @

Oil Control

Thayers Witch Hazel

  • Offers antioxidant benefits, antibacterial benefits, and brings about a natural glow
  • No added parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or artificial fragrances or dyes. 100% cruelty-free

$10.99


Acne

La Roche – Posay

  • Breakouts are reduced
  • Skin feels smoother, softer, and looks healthier

$23.99


Texture

Mario Badescu

  • Brightens and balances skin
  • Promotes a more radiant, even and youthful-looking complexion

$18.00


Dark Spots

No 7

  • 2% Vitamin C brightening complex
  • Suitable for all skin types

$14.99

Toners are a great way to incorporate actives into your current skin care routine. It is important to read the directions and safety guidelines of any product that has active ingredients, especially when pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast feeding.


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Makeup but First Skincare

Brightening Facial for Oily Skin

KIKI CARR

When people hear the word facial most often they will visualize a relaxing day at the spa. But in reality a facial is nothing like what is portrayed in the media.

A facial is a medical procedure used to treat common skin conditions like acne. Many Aestheticians work alongside Dermatologist to aid the skin during the healing process. Facials are not frivolous, they promote wellness.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

A brightening facial is ideal for anyone suffering from acne or dark spots. Dead skin clogs pores which causes oily skin types to break out and others to just look dull. Winter weather tends to worsen these conditions.

A brightening facial will not only soften the skin but also refine the pores. Brightening facials improve roughness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The products used to brighten like vitamin C, enzymes and AHA’s benefit the multiple layers of the skin in different ways.

One thing you can do at home in between facials to help combat oil, keep the pores clear, lighten dark spots and have an overall healthier appearance is use a clay mask.

Indian Healing Clay is an all natural beauty product that has been used for centuries to keep skin clear. Bentonite clay absorbs oil from the pores leaving the skin feeling smooth and clean. Mixing 1 part clay and 1 part organic apple cider vinegar will not only detox the pores but also bash blemishes! The acidity of the apple cider vinegar attacks hyperpigmentation causing it to fade over time. The best part about this mask is the cost! For under $10 you can have a mini facial at home.

The words “all natural” can sometimes give the impression of harmless, which is not necessarily true. Bentonite is an absorbent clay. Using a clay mask multiple times a week can cause the skin to be dry. For best results use a facial brush to apply a thin layer no more than once a week.

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FACE MASK TOOL KIT

Although there are relaxing parts to a facial, it is a corrective treatment. Brightening facials are ideal for acne, hyperpigmentation, and anyone who wants to look more vibrant and refreshed.

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Aztec Indian Healing Clay

$10.00

Plazuria 5 in 1 DIY Facemask Mixing Tool Kit

$5.95

Try Etana Beauty Complete Set!

$29.95

More Brightening Goodies

Sunday Rileys CEO Glow

$40.00

DrugStore Moisturizers for Oily Skin

KIKI CARR

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

As a person with oily and acne prone skin I cringe at the thought of trying new products. I personally am terrified to use things on my face that I have never used before. The only thing I can think about is, will this break me out? For that reason I am very picky when I choose to try new products. Because I have acne there is one thing I am always willing to bet on, a moisturizer.

Products designed to treat acne are very drying.

moisturizer for oily skin

It is imperative to replenish the skin with hydrating products when using ingredients that treat acne. Two moisturizers in particular come to mind when thinking of affordable skin care that can be found in a local drug store for under $20. The Cerave Moisturizing Cream and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. They are both non comegenic, fragrance free and dermatologist tested. They are also both light weight and absorb quickly. The main difference between the two is technology. Cerave has modern day popular ingredients that are extremely hydrating, while the Vanicream includes only the primary ingredients which make up a basic moisturizer.

moisturizer for oily skin

For many reasons people choose to use products that are very mild. Vanicream is ideal for anyone looking to have a product free of anything that could potentially be an irritant. Both products work great, the choice will depend on the buyer. Cerave is for anyone looking to have ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, and other fatty acids while Vanicream is perfect for people who can appreciate the bare minimum.

Good Cleansers for Oily Skin

KIKI CARR

Cleansers are the least coveted skin care product but they are the MOST important. That is why cleansing is the first step in any skin care routine. Your skin should feel AH MAZ ING after cleansing alone! Yes that is right, before the moisturizer, toner, serum and any other product. If your skin feels tight, itchy, dry, has a white cast or looks ashy after a cleanse you are most certainly using the wrong soap. A great cleanser functions to prevent build up in pores while removing dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and is very complex. One main function of the organ is to excrete waste and toxins through the pores and the sweat glands. Outside of the pores becoming clogged with dead skin, dirt and sebum (oil), the skin is also highly effected by its environment. The sun, pollution, and other elements can have devasting effects on the skin. Skincare should be tailored to an individuals current skin conditions but there is one thing all skin types can use, hydration!

cerave oily skin cleanser

The number one cleanser I recommend to everyone and use myself is the CeraVe Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is fragrance-free, does not dry out the skin or clog the pores. It hydrates and helps restore the protective skin barrier leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.

best cleanser for oily acne prone black skin

Another amazing cleanser is Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. This face wash has cold pressed antioxidants, is vegan and cruelty-free.

These cleansers leave the skin feeling soft and smooth after each use. Both provide extreme hydration. So rather you have oily skin, dry skin or normal skin hydration is a key element needed for all skin types.