7 Top Tips to Beat Acne on Black Skin
Acne is tough. Not just on the skin, but mentally, it can affect anyone’s confidence and self-esteem.
A delicate topic (even when healed) acne on Black skin doesn’t end there because it can create dark marks, raised keloid scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
We’ve put together seven easy tips to follow and naturally an acne edit of our go-to products to beat acne.
Did you know…
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects 3 in every 4 people aged between 11 to 30 years old, and with more than 90% of the world population affected by acne at some point in their lifetime. It is a very common skin condition so, you’re not alone!
How does acne develop?
Acne develops when the hair follicles in the skin become blocked by the oil and dead skin cells. The oil leaves the sebaceous glands and heads to the skin’s surface through the pores and it mixes with C.acnes (Cutibacterium acnes) bacteria and dead skin cells. This causes inflammation that contributes to whiteheads, blackheads and other types of spots surfacing on the skin.
Acne can range in severity, from:
1. Whiteheads - closed plugged pores with a white top
2. Blackheads - open plugged pores with a black or brown top
3. Papules and pimples - small hard bumps, flesh coloured or red
4. Nodules - large, solid cystic lumps under the skin which can be painful and sometimes pus-filled lumps
You can experience acne on the face, chest, upper back, arms and shoulders and whilst very common it can be a very emotional time. If acne is persistent and causing distress, consulting your GP or dermatologist will help you find solutions.
Acne & Black Skin
Whilst acne is common across all demographics, on Black skin in particular, it can cause further distress because it can cause Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and discolouration. All skin tones present different levels of inflammation and facial bumps; however, darker skin tones tends to have slightly less redness, but instead have more hyperpigmentation (dark marks) as a result of acne
Discolouration is more visible in dark skin because of larger melanocytes’ cells which produce increased amounts of melanin when the skin suffers any type of damage, so wounds, cuts, eczema or acne can trigger extra melanin production.
Treating Acne - Top 7 Tips
Only cleanse twice a day - don’t overdo it as it will aggravate your skin and worsen the acne. Same with exfoliation - little and often. It’s a myth that acne is caused by dirty skin or lack of cleansing.
Include active ingredients in your skincare regime - salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid and retinoids are able to specifically target acne and help to reduce inflammation.
Monthly facial treatments are useful to improve skin quality, deep cleanse and control acne bacteria. Additionally, they will rejuvenate and resurface the skin to boost collagen production and help prevent deep scarring
Daily sunscreen is a must to help prevent and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Wash your sheets weekly and change towels frequently - linens can harbour bacteria which isn’t helpful.
Hydrate internally with both water and essential fatty acids-they're equally as important to skin hydration. Dehydrated skin can turn very easily into acneic skin.
Look after your gut - a balanced diet is key for helping to dampen inflammation in the body so consulting a nutritionist may be helpful.
BSD TOP PICKS FOR ACNE BY INGREDIENT
Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide - for deep cleansing and decongesting the pores
Mandelic Acid - for oil control and resurfacing the skin
Retinoids - to speed up cell turnover and tackling hyperpigmentation and dark marks
