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and Health
Acne can be a difficult issue for anyone with skin of any colour — those with darker skin, however, often find it particularly troublesome. For dark-skinned individuals, breakouts may cause inflammation, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. And without careful treatment, acne can leave skin with lasting damage.
Many acne treatments are formulated for lighter skin tones and can worsen the issue for dark skin, so it’s important to approach treatment from the right angle. To help you achieve a healthier skin tone and prevent future breakouts, here are tips for treating acne on darker skin.
Opt for Gentle Treatment
When seeking out products to help clear your acne, opt for gentle, water-based formulations. Though the temptation to dry out your skin may be strong, dryness can lead to excess sebum production — which can lead to more breakouts. For dark skin, select products that contain low concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and any other acne-fighting ingredient.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliation can help to clear out pores, but when it comes to darker skin, it’s best to use gentle methods of exfoliation such as chemical peels or alpha hydroxy acid-based products. Physical exfoliation with facial scrubs can damage the skin, causing the breakouts to worsen.
Choose Sun Protection
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can worsen acne on dark skin. To protect your skin from future breakouts use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 throughout the day — even when the weather is cloudy. Doing this helps to reduce inflammation and discolouration due to acne.
Look For Noncomedogenic Products
Anyone with acne-prone skin should opt for noncomedogenic products. This means a product won’t clog your pores and worsen breakouts. These tend to be lighter formulations and often come with specialised labels.
Visit a Dermatologist
In some cases, a dermatologist can help. They can suggest products and therapies to treat existing breakouts and help preventing new ones. They’ll also be able to diagnose any underlying causes of your acne, such as an allergic reaction or inadequate diet.
Nobody likes suffering from acne, and for those with darker skin, it can be a particular challenge. But by selecting the right products, using the correct methods of exfoliation and taking proactive steps to protect your skin — such as using sunscreen — you can treat and prevent breakouts for a healthier, more even-toned complexion.
