Looking for the best face wash for African American skin? There’s no doubt that African Americans wash their face for different reasons. Some people do this as a daily beauty care routine while others do so to try to un-see the things they never intended to see the day before.
Whichever group you fall in, you’ll agree with us that faces do deserve some good regular wash every day to clear out debris, bacteria, dirt, viruses, pollutants, and dead skin that build up on skin surfaces daily. This is why you need to get the best face wash for African American skin.
Contrary to popular opinion, the African American skin is actually susceptible to a myriad of skin problems, including acne, post-acne scarring, dullness, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, etc., due to the presence of melanin in the skin of which an imbalance in its distribution can lead to a breakout of any of these skin issues. As a result of this, proper care needs to be taken when dealing with black skin types and one of the most important care routines is washing the face.
We will discuss some of the best face wash for African American skin later on in this article but for now, let’s quickly talk about what makes the African American skin beautiful?
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Why is African American Skin Beautiful?
Many people of color look down on their skin. It’s true. They do not believe their glowing dark skin is beautiful. Due to some old, outdated standards, they see the fairer skin as being perfect and they spend most of their life trying to attain that fair skin. The irony in this is that black skin is beautiful and even has better health qualities than fair skin.
Just like Marvel’s Symbiote Character, Venom, which protects its host, African American skin has protective properties that guard the body against the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. According to Wikipedia, humans having dark skin are filled with melanin and more of melanosomes which are responsible for providing a shield on the skin against the harsh effects of sunlight. This ultimately helps the skin to store its folate reserves and guard against DNA damage.
What’s more, having dark skin means you get to look younger and live healthier. This is concurred by WebMD as it was explained that the risk of sun damage in relation to skin aging and cancer development can be prevented, thanks to the role of melanin in the skin.
The idea that African American skin is not beautiful is a mere illusion because the fact is that all skins are beautiful the way they are. How we care for the skin determines how it looks. So, rather than spend a fortune trying to change your skin color, why not spend wisely on the best facial products for African American skin and care for it just the way it is?
How to Care for Your African American Skin
Now that you are aware that African American skin has a higher sun tolerance than other skin types, you should not rest on it as the skin still requires much care.
And this is because despite black skin being protective against UV damage, it is still prone to some skin problems like acne (leading to acne scars) and discoloration. So, it is crucial to take proper care of the African American skin in the following ways.
1. Moisturize the skin every day
Unsurprisingly to many people, African American skin tends to dry quickly, looking ashy when not moisturized enough. This can be solved by making use of a lubricating moisturizer containing humectants.
According to Healthline, humectants are best used for the skin and hair because of their ability to retain water by drawing moisture from the hair onto the top layer of your skin keeping it soft and supple.
Moreover, if you have a sensitive face, you should pick out a moisturizer that best works for the skin there. Also, the cream you apply on your body should be different from the one you apply on your face. Make use of a moisturizing body wash to cleanse the skin.
On the other hand, if you have oily skin, then be sure to use a cleanser that is oil-free and won’t clog your pores. According to The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program’s workbook, “Hair and Skin Care for African American and Biracial Children”, the best cleansers usually contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, etc., so you should look out for them when choosing a moisturizing body cleanser.
2. Exfoliate the skin
Black skin may be tough but it is still prone to being grainy and bumpy no thanks to an emergence of dead skin cells. Exfoliation should be done once a week if you have dry or thin skin but if you’re of the oily type of skin then you should consider exfoliating two to three times weekly.
Also, you should try using an exfoliation cream or a shower loofah to help smoothen the skin.
3. Encourage the Use of Sunscreens
Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 (or higher) is an ideal way to care for African American skin. Although your skin can protect itself from the sun to an extent, it is still subject to overexposure which can be detrimental to your skin care journey.
4. Develop a Healthy Eating Lifestyle
What you eat affects your skin as well. Eating foods rich in proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits can have a positive effect on your skin. Drink lots of water daily to keep your skin well hydrated.
5. Exercise Daily
Engaging in workouts for at least 30 minutes every day can have a fantastic effect on the skin. As the exercises keep the body in shape and fit, so also it ensures that your skin remains healthy and toned.
According to Insider.com, exercising regularly can help improve your appearance physically and keep you looking healthy. Make sure you stick to this routine above if you want to maintain that dark, glowing, fresh skin. Failure to do so can dull your outward appearance or worse still, make you look older than your actual age.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots on Black Skin
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are the banes of the skin of many people of color. Hyperpigmentation is triggered when there is an overproduction of melanin in the skin, the result of which leads to dark spots and patchy, uneven skin.
Many factors cause it and chief among them is over-exposure to UV rays. Another factor responsible for dark spots is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation where too much melanin is produced during the healing process of acne or wounds on the skin leading to scars.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots on black skin. Some of them are:
1. Use Skin Lightening Products
Some skin lightening creams and oils can help treat your hyperpigmented skin and fade off the dark spots. Please try not to confuse skin lightening products with bleaching products. They are quite different from each other.
However, you will have to be careful when going for skin lightening products as some may contain ingredients that could be harmful to your body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when picking a skin lightener, look out for products that contain azelaic acid, 2% hydroquinone, glycolic acid, retinoid (tretinoin, retinol, adapalene gel, or tazarotene), kojic acid, and Vitamin C.
2. Sunscreen
We mentioned the use of sunscreens earlier in this article as part of the methods you can use to care for your skin. It is only natural to expect it to be pivotal in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and dark spots as it can prevent further breakouts.
Don’t select days when you can wear sunscreen. Always wear it even on snowy or rainy days whenever you’re outdoors. For those having oily skin, when buying sunscreen products, be sure to look out for and choose those having the terms “won’t clog pores” or “non-comedogenic.” It will help guard against further breakouts that can cause the appearance of dark spots.
3. See a Dermatologist
Typically, cosmetic products for treating dark spots might take a long while before you start seeing results. However, if the treatment isn’t showing much promise then it might be best to see a dermatologist.
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are not easy to treat and it may take more than just using a skin lightener to fade them off completely. A good dermatologist can come in to arrange the most effective treatments so you can get the best results.
What’s the Best Face Wash for African American Skin?
As an African American, the nature of your skin is delicate because it could easily get scarred from inflammation or acne. This is why it is important to take proper care of the skin surface on your face and what better way to do so than to wash and moisturize it regularly.
In case you’re wondering what’s the best face wash for African American skin, take a look at some classic selections below.
1. Clear Essence Platinum Blemish Control Wash Formula for Acne
One of the first things you need to do to stop the appearance of dark spots is to wash your face in the morning and night using Clear Essence Platinum Blemish Control Wash Formula for Acne.
It has been created using a powerful salicylic acid formula perfect for mainly oily skin and acne-prone skin surfaces. It also contains eucalyptus oil, menthol, as well as peppermint oil to complete the revitalization process for your skin and leave it refreshed and rejuvenated.
2. Clear Essence Exclusive Line: Glow Tonic
You might have already used your regular facial cleanser to wipe your face but there may still be bacteria and traces of greasiness on your skin’s surface.
The Clear Essence Exclusive Glow Tonic is a non-alcoholic toner that helps clear off all debris left on the skin completely. If a toned and refined complexion is what you want, then you will find this Glow Tonic helpful as it visibly staunches the emergence of dark spots as well as hyperpigmentation.
3. Clear Essence Lemon Plus Vitamin C Line: Body Soap Scrub
Ideal for acne and uneven skin textures, Clear Essence Lemon Plus Vitamin C Body Soap Scrub is one of the classic skincare products for African American skin. It is made up of a mix of Vitamin C, lemon, and a collection of other antioxidants.
You can restore balance to your skin when you cleanse with this Body Soap Scrub. Watch dark spots get banished as dead skin cells are scrubbed off effectively leaving you with a smooth, clean tone and a citrus scent that you’ll love.
4. Clear Essence My Natural Beauty Skin Tone Olive Oil Soap
Complete with all-natural aloe vera, shea butter, and olive oil, Clear Essence My Natural Beauty Skin Tone Olive Oil Soap is a natural cleansing bar soap with a moisturizing effect, just perfect for dry skin types.
The soap is long-lasting and made from the finest natural ingredients to keep your skin free from impurities and dead skin cells.
5. ChiMere™ Bump Control Cleansing Bar
ChiMere™ Bump Control Cleansing Bar is highly recommended if you intend to have a bump-free shaving routine as it effectively breaks down those pore-clogging residue and debris that hamper razors from cutting hair seamlessly.
This facial bar soap with its exfoliating properties will leave men’s skin feeling smooth, neat, and even-toned. No doubt, you won’t be wrong if you class it as the best face wash for African American acne prone skin as it deeply cleanses to evict bacteria, dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to reveal a bright, clear, complexion.
6. Clear Essence My Natural Beauty Skin Tone Carrot Oil Soap
This is another active skincare product you can use to fight off acne and even skin texture. Along with antiseptic properties, Clear Essence My Natural Beauty Skin Tone Line Carrot Oil Soap has been formulated with Carrot Seed Oil to stimulate skin cell growth and jolt aged, dehydrated, wrinkled skin back to life.
Vitamin A and Beta Carotene are the vital elements contained in Carrot Seed Oil which can assist in enhancing the skin’s complexion by repairing sun-damaged skin and clearing out toxic build-up.
Best Face Wash for African American Acne Prone Skin
Now, there are tons of face wash you can find over the counter in stores around the country and online but not all of them may be good enough for your skin. Take a look at this selection of some of the best face wash for African American acne prone skin.
1. Clear Essence Anti Aging Toner Astringent with Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Recommended for both oily and normal skin types, Clear Essence Anti Aging Toner Astringent with Alpha Hydroxy Acid is perfect for cleansing debris and oil which may have been left behind on the surface of your skin after using your regular cleanser.
The toner astringent comes with the force of alpha hydroxy acid, an exfoliant that helps in expunging dead skin cells from your epidermis.
2. Clear Essence Anti Aging Complexion Soap with Alpha Hydroxy Acid
This dermatologically tested soap bar can elevate your skin to your satisfaction as it exfoliates uneven pigmentation, removes dead skin cells, and treats acne as well.
It comes loaded with alpha-hydroxy acid that is gotten from milk and fruit extracts to instantly help increase the supply of collagen to the skin. Clear Essence Anti Aging Complexion Soap with Alpha Hydroxy Acid is one of the best acne face wash for African American skin as it not only cleanses the skin but also helps in clearing pimples and blemishes.
3. Clear Essence Platinum Line: Extra Strength Medicated Cleansing Bar plus Exfoliants
For an even flawless complexion, try to use the Clear Essence Platinum Extra Strength Medicated Cleansing Bar plus Exfoliants. Ideal for mainly oily skin, this medicated cleansing bar helps rid the skin of blemishes.
It comes with natural anti-acne properties like sulfur and wheat germ that prevent the appearance of pimples while lowering the chances of breakouts. Its colloidal oatmeal exfoliant is just perfect for enhancing skin texture.
Conclusion
As the African American skin is susceptible to developing skin issues like acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, it becomes imperative that you take adequate care of the skin every day and one of the best methods to do so is through the use of face wash products.
Furthermore, the African American skin, like all other skin types, is beautiful and you can go further to elevate its beauty by engaging in certain skin care routines like moisturizing the skin, exfoliation, using sunscreens, exercising daily and following a healthy diet.
In addition, you can treat any breakout of dark spots or hyperpigmentation by making use of skin lightening products or seeing a dermatologist.