natural skincare Archives | Optimal Beauty

KiKi Carr

When we hear “all natural” we automatically assume safe. I hate to state the obvious but natural does not always mean safe just as chemical does not always mean unsafe.

Chemical exfoliates are all natural hyperpigmentation and dark spot treatments. Mandelic acid is derived from almonds, Glycolic acid sugarcane, Lactic acid milk and enzymes are derived from fruits.

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But I’m not gonna sit up here and act like I don’t know what you mean when you say “natural skincare”. You mean products that are not toxic, artificial, synthetic or contain harmful ingredients. I think we all expect our skin care to be safe for use, natural claims or not.

These days it is easy to find skin care that is cruelty free, vegan, natural or organic. Glow Recipe and Herbivore are examples of clean skin care brands. AVO Cosmetics is another all natural skincare brand.

AVO Cosmetics is homemade skin care for black skin and was developed by a black woman, me! The Clear Skin Kit is ideal for oily skin, acne, hyperpigmentation, and textured skin. The Rapid Dark Spot Corrector helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and promotes an even complexion.

Physical Exfoliators

If you want to completely avoid ingredients all together you can use a physical exfoliate. Keep in mind with physical exfoliates you control the pressure and it is important to handle facial skin with care.

Brush
- Manual
- Mechanical
Glove

Although scrubs contain ingredients they are also considered a physical exfoliate.

Province Apothecary Daily Dry Brush

Hangsun Rotating Cleansing Brush

Evridwear Exfoliating Nylon Gloves

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Chemical Exfoliates

Chemical exfoliates come in two forms, enzymes and acids. Both are incorporated in soaps, lotions, serums, masks, toners, and more.

Enzymes
- Dissolve dead skin only.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
- Resurfaces all skin.

No matter if physical or chemical, exfoliation is an amazing and all natural way to achieve clear skin and an even skin tone. It is also the fastest way to remove dark spots.

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin Dark Spot C Serum

Teami Matcha Green Tea Facial Scrub

Herbivore AHA Prism Exfoliating Serum

Hyperpigmentation Ingredients

Oily skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation. Oily skin often causes acne and acne leave blemishes. Removing acne scars takes time but it can be done. Here is a list of ingredients that fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C
Pineapple
Licorice Root
Kojic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Black Soap

Although Glycolic and Lactic acid aren’t fading ingredients they are awesome treatments for hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is extremely universal! It helps correct many different skin conditions. Lactic acid resurfaces the outermost layer of skin which removes acne scars as oppose to fade them.

Natural Acne Treatment for Black Skin

All natural treatments for dark spots can be physical or chemical. It is important to remember NOT to over exfoliate. Over exfoliation will lead to skin irritation and possibly more scarring. Exfoliation should be limited to 1 to 2 times a week, up to 3 times for oily skin and acne prone.