Black Girl Magic: How to Maintain Healthy, Glowing Skin

 One of the greatest advantages of having dark skin is the high concentration of melanin, offering natural protection against visible signs of UV damage. Darker skin tones also produce more oil, which helps with skin elasticity and preventing visible signs of aging such as lines and wrinkles.

The downside of healthy sebaceous (oil-producing) glands is that there is a higher risk for acne. Melanin overproduction can cause hyperpigmentation as well. This is why skin care for Black women requires finding that perfect balance of oil and pigments.

You cannot achieve healthy skin overnight. To bring out and maintain the natural healthy glow on your skin, you need more than an effective skin care routine. You should also sustain a healthy lifestyle.

There’s no need to buy any extravagant products or expensive, all-organic food. Follow these simple steps to maintain healthy, glowing skin:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The importance of consistent hydration cannot be overemphasized—there’s a reason why it’s at the top of many skin care lists, including this one! Hydrating will flush toxins out of your body and keeps your skin from going tight and dull. Drinking at least seven glasses of water every day will help replenish your skin cells, making your skin soft and fresh.

2. Moisturize Regularly

Skin that lacks moisture tends to overproduce oil to compensate for the loss of hydration. This is why, even if you have oily skin, you still have to moisturize. Black skin greatly benefits from extra moisturizing using natural, emollient-rich oils. Hydrated skin will also make beauty products much easier to apply.

If you’re looking for a new moisturizer, try to find a product that contains ceramides. This will help tremendously in keeping your skin supple, soft, and youthful.

3. Prevention Is Better Than Cure

UV rays from the sun cause 90% of the damage to your skin. Even dark, melanin-rich skin tones are vulnerable to this damage, so you should make it a habit to wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 every single day.

If it’s an overcast day or you’ll be spending a lot of time in your car or at work, you should still put on sunscreen. The sun’s UV-A rays can penetrate clouds, windshields, and windows.

4. Keep Your Hands Light

A good pattern to follow every day is to cleanse, tone, and then moisturize your skin. While there is no one perfect skin care routine that will work for every single person, there’s one piece of advice that applies to everyone: keep your hands light.

When using a cleanser, use your fingertips to rub gently on your skin. Pat your face lightly to dry off. Aggressive movements such as scrubbing at your face with a washcloth after cleansing can cause uneven skin and aggravate acne. Always be kind and gentle with yourself.

5. Develop Healthy Habits

Any health issues you have in the rest of your body will almost always show up on your skin. If you eat too much oily, sugar-loaded food, you will be prone to acne breakouts. On the other hand, a healthy diet helps keep your body healthy and performing in tip-top shape. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and gives you a youthful glow. You should care of your body from the inside out!

Conclusion

Maintaining fresh, glowing skin means you need to develop and retain healthy habits day in and day out. There’s no need for very expensive products or fifteen-step beauty routines. It’s about sun protection, moisturizing, and taking care of your body from the inside out.  

Marla Rene Beauty & Co is a Black-owned skincare brand that provides uncompromising results through eco-conscious, cruelty-free ingredients. Our skin care line is free from petroleum, parabens, silicones, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients. We cater to all skin types, ages, and underlying skin issues. Check out our store today!