Following trending picks on social media, must-have reviews, and listening to regurgitated content from Gen Z influencers is not the solution to youthful and healthy skin. Achieving radiant and glass skin requires implementing self-care practices daily.
Stop wasting time and money on "what's hot for now" products and check out the Dos and Don'ts for Black Men's Skincare.
Here's what to do and what to stop doing immediately.
DO CLEANSE DAILY
Cleansing prevents infectious bacteria from entering the pores. Not cleaning the face daily will accumulate a build-up of excess oil, dirt, and debris, causing breakouts and even acne.
For black men, using a foam cleanser to combat excess oils without stripping the skin of its natural pH is ideal for both oily skin types and dry skin. Most black men battle with oily skin because higher melanated skin tends to produce more sebum. An overproduction of sebum and the amount of sweat accumulated throughout the day can cause the skin to feel warm and inflamed. Finding skincare products with the capabilities to prevent and correct skin problems is highly recommended for black men.
The Multi Action Cleansing Foam supports melanated skin with all skin types while removing excessive oil and embedded dirt/debris without compromising the integrity of the skin. Not only will the foaming cleanser be multifunctional, formulated with exfoliating properties, but it's dual purpose functionailty works great as a face and beard wash.
BEARD GROOMING
Your beard is not separate from your skin, so treat it with the same care as your skin. Your hair grows from the pores of your skin; therefore, keeping the skin clean sets the foundation for a full and healthy beard. Although neglecting the beard can lead to dryness, patchiness, and brittleness, using cleansers that complement both your skin and beard should always be considered.
Skin supportive cleansers and beard safe are designed to:
- Remove buildup without stripping natural oils
- Maintain moisture balance
- Removes dirt particles and oils from hair follicles.
- Support healthy skin under the beard.
- Manage good skin hygiene and sanitary practices.
Having an all-in-one option for cleansing makes things easier and will keep you on top of your skincare. Cole Skincare for Men makes it easy, effective, and efficient to start elevating your self-care regimen.
DON'T USE BAR SOAP
Don't use bar soap because it compromises the skin's natural pH and acid mantle. Although we love using bar soaps to cleanse our bodies, I strongly disapprove of using soaps on the skin, especially the face. Harsh soaps cause long-term damage to the skin, such as dullness, dryness, and premature aging.
Using bar soaps regularly on the face disrupts the skin's barrier. Throughout the years, African Black Soap has become a staple for black men for cleansing the face and body. Made up of plantain skin ashes, cocoa pods, palm kernel oil, and other natural ingredients, African Black Soap has a pH between 9 and 10.5, which damages the acid mantle, triggering serious skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
Bar soap's biggest skincare mistakes:
- Disrupts your skin barrier
- Causes premature aging
- Loss of collagen
- Causes excessive dryness
Yet, if you prefer to continue to use harsh bar soaps to cleanse your face, I suggest alternating between a body wash closer to the skin's pH and soap. Yet, I strongly advise not to use any soap on your face; choose a hydrating cleanser with active enzymes to help repair, rebuild, and renew the skin's barrier.
Try Cole Skincare for Men Deep Cleansing Face Pads to use between them, which will renew the skin's barrier.
DO EXFOLIATE REGULARLY
The functionality of an exfoliant or exfoliating cleanser is to remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover for a more vibrant and polished skin. When dealing with darker skin, choosing an exfoliant can be challenging without the proper guidance. There are several exfoliant products on the market formulated with chemical exfoliants. Yet, not all chemical exfoliants are good for black men's skin. Exfoliants can be harsh on the skin and cause damage; therefore, knowing your skin type is a crucial part of choosing the right exfoliant.
Most exfoliant products on the market contain a low percentage of AHA's or BHAs, which are considered chemical exfoliants. Other exfoliants are equipped with microbeads, enzymes, or sugar granules. Both options are great for removing dead skin; however, stay away from scrubs containing crushed walnuts, such as Apricot Scrubs, as they are too abrasive for the skin.
Daily or weekly exfoliants are highly effective, usually gentle, and mild enough to use frequently. Black men can benefit from both daily exfoliants and monthly exfoliants, especially if dealing with hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs, acne, and signs of aging. To avoid overexfoliating, consult with a licensed skin professional specializing in melanated skin.
To maintain a healthy, youthful, and brighter complexion, removing dead skin cells regularly is a necessity.
DON'T FEMINIZE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
There's so much hype on layering skincare products that black men seem to believe that all the products women use will fit them as well. Of course, most products can benefit a man's skin; however, black men don't face the same skin issues women have. Yes, there maybe some similarities in skin type, but the complexity of a black man's skin goes beyond a woman's skincare routine.
Before the trend of male-specific skincare brands, men would use their wives', sisters', or mothers' skincare, and black men were left with using skincare designed for Caucasian skin. Due to overwhelming demand for skincare in the men's grooming segment, more brands launched. Still, black men are faced with limited brand choices to address a wider range of skin issues, as products rarely work to address such concerns.
Black men's skin naturally has the ability to maintain collagen and elasticity due to their hormonal makeup. Adding extra layers of product to your skin routine is not only a waste of product but also time, so don't feminize your skincare routine.
DO USE HYDRATING GELS
Yes, you've heard, don't forget to moisturize. Truthfully, the face rarely needs added moisturizing; it needs hydration. The skin naturally produces moisture through the sebaceous glands and lipids; therefore, adding additional moisturizers to the face is counterintuitive. When the skin is at its healthiest, it regulates oil and water. When water is lost, the skin becomes dehydrated, which shows up on the face as dull, dry, tight, and poreless. To keep the face looking dewy and youthful, it's important to hydrate the face with a dual-purpose hydrating gel to lock in the skin's natural moisture.
Skipping your moisturizer isn't a bad thing because:
A. Moisturizers sit on top of the skin, causing the skin to appear greasy. Most moisturizers have a milky consistency that doesn't penetrate the skin and creates product residue.
B. Many black men have oily skin or combination skin; therefore, using moisturizers on oilier skin types can clog pores and cause breakouts. Even oil-free moisturizers are a no-no.
Using hydrating gels and serums helps:
- Balance oil production
- Prevent clogged pores.
- Skin absorbs product.
- Promotes good skin health.
- Maintain a natural glow or polished look.
Hydrating gels can be used on any skin type and are a better choice for black men because it penetrates the skin without causing more oil production or blackheads.
DON'T USE VASELINE
Vaseline has been used in many black households all over the world since I was born. It served as a staple for many purposes for mothers and grandmothers to prevent diaper rash, ashy knees, legs, feet, and elbows. As adults, we've continued to use Vaseline for almost everything related to skincare, including as a moisturizer or skin protector from harsh weather and cold climates. I'm here to tell you, don't use Vaseline!
It's time to throw it away. I'm sure there's a jar in your cabinet. Although dermatologists have recommended using Vaseline as a skin protector or to lock in moisture, it's toxic. Vaseline is derived from crude oil and blended with other petroleum byproducts such as mineral oil. Despite what we were told growing up or by licensed professionals, Vaseline does not add moisture or lock in moisture; it clogs the pores.
Would you apply motor oil to your skin? The skin is a living organ and needs to breathe to function properly. Suffocating the skin with heavy products such as Vaseline and other petroleum-based oils can prevent the skin from releasing impurities, which can slowly seep into the bloodstream.
Not much more to say.
The Do's and Don'ts for Black Men's Skincare
Maintaining a consistent cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating regimen is the key to vibrant and healthy skin. Once the basics are covered and self-care has become more of a ritual than a routine, looking into anti-aging serums, detoxifying masks, and add-ons can benefit the skin as well.
Finding the right brand to fit your skin type will not only enhance your appearance but also elevate your confidence. For more information on Cole Skincare for Men and to schedule a FREE Virtual Consultation, chat with us or email info@coleskincareformen.com