The Best Face Cleansers For Black Skin

What are the best face cleansers for black skin? Different skin types, and even different skin shades, require their own unique skin care regimens in order to maintain a beautiful, healthy glow.

Since Black skin can be particularly prone to various types of skin problems, including acne, post-acne scarring, discolorations, dullness, and sensitivity, the very first step of a great regimen must include cleansing on a daily basis, no matter the shade, or type.

While it’s easy to find a cleanser in a beauty store, choosing one that is appropriate for your skin can be a challenge. Take time to do your research – when you wake up in the morning, and before you go to bed at night, you’ll need a cleanser that works best for you, so make sure you grab one that will really take care of your skin.

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What type of cleanser to YOU need?

Whether you have dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin, there is a perfect face wash for you.

Do you have oily skin?

New York-based dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross recommends gels and alcohol-based cleansers for oily skin. You can also look for cleansing liquids or bars that are specifically targeted to help.

“If you know your skin type, you can work with it and match the appropriate products,” says Dr. Gross.

Do you have combination skin?

If your skin is dry in certain areas, like on the cheeks, but continues to be oily in other areas, such as your forehead, nose, and/or chin, you have combination skin. Dr. Gross advises those with this skin type to use cleansers with hyaluronic acid that will cling to dry areas.

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Do you have dry skin?

Dr. Gross recommends looking for creams and lotions to incorporate into your daily routine. He also cautions against using any alcohol-based cleansers or toners. “They dry out the skin by stripping away its natural oils,” he explains.

Do you have sensitive skin?

“For those with sensitive skin, using too much product is a critical mistake,” says Dr. Gross. Instead of using your cleanser everyday, try cutting back to two or three times a week. “Non-scrub cleansers are a good choice and it’s also good to avoid products with synthetic fragrances or parabens, which may irritate the skin.”

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Do you have normal skin?

For lucky people with no particular issues, experts recommend to simply use a soap-free cleanser twice a day. If possible, choose a cleanser with antioxidants such as Vitamin C that will help keep your skin healthy and problem-free.

Do you have acne-prone skin?

If your skin is prone to breakouts, it’s important to look for a cleanser that contains ingredients like salicylic acid to help clear your pores, or Witch Hazel to act as a natural astringent.

Additionally, Dr. Gross recommends that you “steer clear of cleansers with mineral oil to avoid clogging of pores, which may lead to a breakout.”

When Buying Face Cleanser…

• Choose a gentle cleanser. Particularly if your skin is sensitive (which is the case of most people with black skin), you need a black skin care product that won’t strip moisture from your face, even if you use it frequently. Aside from the word “gentle”, look for key words like “hypoallergenic,” “fragrance-free” and “soap-free”. Opt for non-comedogenic cleansers to help avoid the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, and other forms of acne.

• Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type. The best way to do this is by checking the label and look for ingredients that could aggravate or start skin problems. For example, common ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide tend to be too drying for already-dry skin, but may work great for oilier skin types – so choose carefully. In general, milky cleansers tend to work well for dry and/or sensitive skin. If you choose to use a gel cleanser for oily skin, go for gel cleansers that are also oil-free. Also, Black skin care products containing propylene glycol, fragrance, alcohol, and dyes should be avoided.

• Choose a cleanser that’s soap-free. Why? Because soap can be harsh and drying to your skin, no matter what the skin type.

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Abuse NOT Required! Too-frequent washing, or employing rough techniques, can do more harm than good to the skin. Keep in mind that most skin problems are not caused by dirt – so there’s no need to abuse your skin, especially if your primary concerns are clogged pores, acne, and/or uneven skin.

Not Too Little, Not Too Much. The recommended frequency is no more than three times daily. Make it a point to wash your face every morning, and again before bedtime – do NOT fall asleep with your makeup still on! When it’s hot and humid out, or after an intense, sweat-inducing workout, an additional third daily washing might not be a bad idea.

Watch The Water Temperature. Do not use hot water, as it can dry the skin, making it ashy, tight and very uncomfortable. The ideal water temperature is warm to tepid.

If You Have Oily Skin…It is a common misconception that oily skin should be washed much more often. On the contrary, frequent washing can make your glands produce more oil to compensate for the oil removed during overly-frequent washing.

• Massage In a Circular Motion. You can simply use your fingertips when applying and massaging the cleanser to your face. However, there are also popular devices on the market that can help you effectively clean your skin and maintain a healthy, clear appearance, such as gentle face brushes – including manual and electronic versions. Regardless if you’re using your fingers or a brush, or other device, always maintain a gentle, circular motion, moving from your neck up to your forehead.

• Rinse. Rinse well with warm to tepid water.

• Tone & Moisturize. Afterwards, apply a toner and a moisturizer to help deliver important antioxidants to your skin and help correct any particular skin concerns you may have.

• Exfoliate. Exfoliate at least once or twice a week to help get rid of stubborn dirt and dead skin cell build up. Popular choices include manual, granular scrubs to liquid solutions that you apply with a cotton pad…even the occasional facial at your favorite spa!

If you need more help in choosing the right cleanser, always consult your dermatologist or a black skin care specialist.