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

SHOP THIS STORY

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

Favorite Stories

Follow Me on YouTube & Social Media!

About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator
contour nose before and after

Best Products For Nose Contouring

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.

Contouring is a technique that helps to pop and define our features. Although it seems like everyone is using the contouring and highlighting technique they aren’t. Til this very day many women still would like to learn how to contour. If you have ever wondered specifically how to contour your nose and what products to use for contouring and highlighting keep on reading.

If you want to contour the nose you will need a fluffy angled brush. An angled brush is sometimes referred to as a cutting brush. They are slanted and the top of the brush is pointy. That point easily fits in grooves and corners. Angled brushes make clean straight lines. A nose contouring brush should also be fluffy. Fluffy brushes are used for blending.

MAC Cosmetics 275 Synthetic Medium Angled Shading Brush

Watch This Video For A Demo

It doesn’t matter if you have a wide or narrow nose the concept and purpose of using this technique is the same. Contouring and highlighting isn’t about changing your features. Sure it’s slimming and if you love tacos like me that is ok with you. However, the purpose of contouring and highlighting is to bring forth the areas of the face in which light naturally hits and recede the portions it doesn’t.

As a makeup artist I say all the time that great makeup is all about tools and techniques. Once I started using an angled shading brush to contour my nose it got so much more precise and EASIER! The brush literally does all the work. If you are new to contouring this brush is a must have.

If you are looking to contour and highlight having the proper tools will make the task of precision a piece of cake.

SHOP THIS STORY


Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator
mac blush for dark skin

MAC Blush Shades for Dark 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.

First things first, it’s gonna look right on you. Every color looks amazing against melanin. PERIOD! Now, with that out of the way …

Spring has SPRUNG!!!

It’s time to take our look from muted to vibrant. One way is to add a splash of color to the cheeks. Blushes add the perfect pop of color to the face. They can be worn as a flush of color or layered to build intensity. Pinks, peaches, and reds worn as blush colors add a little something special to every spring makeup look.

With all of the different choices we have now-a-days, narrowing down a good blush can feel daunting. There is an array of color choices and textures. Not to mention the lingering thought in the back of our minds about color pay off.

MAC Cosmetics nailed it with their satin and matte blushes. They are completely decadent and at a price you’ll love! These blushes will definitely brighten your spring look during the day and liven up your complexion for summer nights.

Full Fuchsia

Satin Blush. Intense color. Bright. Beautiful. Showstopping!

$25

Frankly Scarlet

Matte Blush. PERFECT color. Vivid. Stunning. Fantastic!

$25

Pink Swoon

Satin Blush. Barbie pink. Breath taking. Gorgeous. Rich!

$25

Buy all 3!

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

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

3 Reasons Dark Skin Need Sunscreen Too!

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.

First thing to know is there’s a difference between sunscreen and sunblock. A sunscreen absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays while a sunblock reflect and prevent UV rays from striking the skin. Blockers are equivalent to wearing a large brimmed hat. Some sunscreens contain sun blocking ingredients. It is important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. These types of sunscreens are considered broad spectrum.

If you don’t currently have a broad spectrum sunscreen in your skin care regimen here are 3 reasons to start using one now.

1.) Pre-mature Aging

Sun exposure is the number one cause of pre-mature aging. Studies show that 90% of wrinkles are caused by the sun while only 10% are attributed to aging.

2.) Sun Burns

Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause the skin to burn and peel.

2.) Skin Cancer

Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer. Over 80% of skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV rays.

Black Girl Sunscreen was formulated for every day use and can be incorporated into your normal skincare routine. It fights against sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and protects your skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays. The best part is this sunscreen is moisturizing and won’t leave a white cast.

As with all cosmetic products it is important to thoroughly cleanse the skin at night. Going to bed without washing the day away can present new and troublesome problems within the skin. Sunscreens are necessary for every skin type and regimen. Everyone should protect their skin from harmful UV rays.

SHOP THIS STORY

Black Girl Sunscreen

Makeup but First Skincare is a video series in which I teach women of color how to get rid of dark spots and acne at home. If that sounds like something that is of interest to you SUBSCRIBE!