Brown skin is a general term for a skin that has a naturally warm, glowing complexion and ranges in shade from light tawny to deep chocolate brown. Brown skin contains high levels of melanin. This brown color is produced by cells known as melanocytes. These cells, which are contained in the upper layer of the skin, are very reactive. This reactive skin produces more melanin when sunlight, inappropriate skin care or cosmetics, irritating medications, oral medication and certain medical conditions are involved. Because of this reaction women of color have a tendency to suffer from dark marks, blemishes and other skin discolorations. These conditions are mild from hyper pigmentation to severe like vitiligo.
Brown skin is diverse, it is unique and it is beautiful. It has a natural glow and comes without having to visit the beach or tanning salon. Melanin causes the skin to fight the signs of aging giving women up to 10 years off of their natural age. However, with all these wonderful benefits brown skin has special needs as well.There are many irritants that women of color should avoid:
Cleansers, toners or astringents containing alcohol, propylene glycol, fragrance, or dyes
Products containing essential oils (concentrated oil extracts from plants)
Moisturizers containing fragrance, lanolin, dye, alcohol or propylene glycol
Sunscreens containing fragrance, oil, PABA
Makeups containing oil
Alpha-hydroxy acid in high concentrations or at certain pHs
Detergents and fabric softeners containing fragrance, dyes, or preservatives
Here is a great routine for women of color:
Use a gentle cleanser with natural oils (Avoid abrasive cleansers or cleansing products (puffs, loofahs), which can irritate brown skin)
· Use a non-alcoholic toner
· Exfoliate once a week with a natural scrub
· Moisturize with a natural moisturize
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