Category: Education

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

  • Clear Skin Expert
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Cosmetic Formulator
  • Educator
  • Makeup Artist

Will Vaseline Clog Your Pores?

KIKI CARR

Will Vaseline clog pores? No, Nope, Negative, Nah, NADA!!!

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If you suffer from acne you are probably terrified to use petroleum jelly on your face. Petroleum jelly is thick and viscous! Most people attribute those traits to being pore clogging and assume it will cause break outs. However those are that very traits that actually help with acne.

Vaseline is the most popular brand of petroleum jelly. The house hold name Vaseline is so synonymous with the wonder jelly that many people use the terms interchangeably. However, Vaseline is a brand that sells petroleum jelly.

In fact, Vaseline is the number one selling brand of petroleum jelly. One reason Vaseline is more entrusted is because of the purification process. Vaseline filters its petroleum jelly 3 times, removing impurities and potentially harmful bi-products.

can vaseline get rid of acne

What Causes Acne?

There are three main causes of acne. One cause is genetics. We all have different skin types. Acne prone skin is the oily skin type. Another cause is hormones. When hormones fluctuate most commonly we experience physical changes in our skin and hair. But the number one cause of acne is bacteria.

When there is a build up of oil it causes dead skin to stick to our skin which then creates a blockage in pores where bacteria grows and forms acne.

What is Petroleum Jelly?

White petroleum jelly is a refined and purified product of heavy waxes and oils. It is considered an ointment and is non comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. The skin is able to absorb petroleum jelly, pores become clogged by blockages. White Petroleum Jelly surpasses the safety standards set by the FDA for use in food and cosmetics.

Why Does Petroleum Jelly Help with Acne?

Oily skin over produces oil. Instinctively, people strip the oil away which triggers the body to produce more oil. When petroleum jelly is applied to the skin, the body is not prompted to produce more oil.

Petroleum jelly is an emollient. Emollients are skin conditioners. Skin conditioners soothe the skin and are used to soften rough, dry, flaky skin.

Petroleum jelly forms an occlusive layer. Occlusive layers reduce water loss which is essential for acne. More water in the skin brings moisture. Moisture is essential to wound healing and countering the over production of oil. Occlusive layers keeps the skin protected and hydrated longer.

How to Use Petroleum Jelly for Clear Skin

Petroleum jelly should be the last step in a skin care routine. A basic skin care routine is to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect. During the day the protection should be a sunblock. At night protecting the skin means locking in moisturizing ingredients. This is especially beneficial when using expensive serums and eye creams.

After the skin has been cleansed and hydrating products applied, place a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the face. Petroleum jelly is a skin protectant helping to keep moisture in and the environment out.

Petroleum jelly is great for locking in moisture and forming a barrier to protect the skin. However clear skin starts with a thorough cleanse. Cleansing the skin is the most important part to keeping it clear. Especially when using an oil. If the skin is not thoroughly cleansed a build of of debris will possibly cause a form of contact dermatitis and certainly clog pores.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Clear Skin Expert
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Cosmetic Formulator
  • Educator
  • Makeup Artist

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.

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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

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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
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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.

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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.

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The Luxuries

Face Mask
Face Steamer

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Neutrogena HydroGel Mask

$2.99
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CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$14.99
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Black Girl SunScreen

$21.23
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Thayers Facial Toner

$10.99
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Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

$45.00
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Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream

$24.00
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Sunday Riley Acne Face Oil

$40.00
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Conair Facial Sauna

$41.99
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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Clear Skin Expert
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Cosmetic Formulator
  • Educator
  • Makeup Artist

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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Becoming an Esthetician. Is it Worth it?

esthetician chicago

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So that I don’t leave you in limbo let me answer the question now, YES! As you will see when you watch the video, an Esthetician does many things and has many choices when it comes to career opportunities. Of course working in a spa is an obvious option but an Esthetician can also work on cruise ships, at waxing centers, lash boutiques and undoubtedly become an entrepreneur.

Allow me to dive into what an Esthetician is for a moment, because I personally had no idea. When I was in the process of choosing a beauty school I would ask everyone ” what’s the difference between the cosmetology program and the Esthetician program”? I didn’t get a clear answer for weeks, MONTHS!

Let me tell you right now, everyone will try to sell you on the cosmetology program. A cosmetology program is longer and of course cost more money. People will tell you with a cosmetology license you can do everything, but there is a caveat.

The main focus of a cosmetology program is hair. Cosmetologist learn everything there is to know about hair. A cosmetology program will only teach a basic facial, basic manicure, basic pedicure, etc.

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An Esthetican learns more than the basic facial. An esthetics program teaches skin care in-depth. Estheticians learn the skin inwards and outwards. The different layers of the skin and how each layer functions.

Mastering this knowledge is required to graduate beauty school and most certainly required to become licensed in any state. An Esthetician is essentially a medical professional. Many work alongside Dermatologist. It is an Estheticians role to treat conditions of the skin topically, while doctors usually prescribe medications that work internally.

An Estheticians job is to beautify. Estheticians leave the skin looking glowy and feeling soft by treating it with products and medical modalities such as chemical peels. An Esthetician removes unwanted hair by waxing. An Esthetician does makeup, lashes, eyebrows and more. NO ONE TOLD ME THIS!

If you want to learn how to treat everyday skin conditions such as acne, learn the proper technique used to extract impacted pores, be able to identify product ingredients, know the benefits of such ingredients, and study clinical therapies used to treat skin, become an Esthetician.

Watch the video below to learn more about what an Esthetician does and what you can expect from Esthetics school. If you need a mentor click here. Also be sure to check out my Esthetic and beauty business courses.

If you are located in Chicago Illinois and looking to enroll in an Esthetics program or cosmetology program consider Dudley’s Beauty College.