Building a solid skin care routine depends on several factors, including your skin type, your location, your sun exposure, and your skin tone. And while most of these may seem fairly intuitive, you might be wondering why skin tone matters. You can treat skin concerns with similar ingredients and products regardless of your skin color in many cases. However, your skin's melanin (pigment) levels impact your physiology, and understanding how can help you treat and prevent concerns more effectively.

Here's what you should know to build an effective skin care routine for Black women and men.

Skin Concerns in Black and Brown Skin

A successful skin care routine for Black women and men starts with knowing which skin concerns affect darker skin tones most. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following skin conditions affect people with melanin-rich skin either more frequently or more severely than people with lighter skin tones.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin, resulting in spots or patches of skin that are darker than your usual skin tone. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one type of discoloration. The most common cause is acne, but it can also occur with injuries, infections, eczema, and certain laser treatments or chemical peels.

Eczema

Eczema is characterized by a compromised skin barrier and dry, itchy skin that may appear dark brown, purple, or ashy gray on dark skin.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo causes skin to lose its natural color, and it's more noticeable in darker skin.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans causes thick, dark areas of skin that may feel velvety to the touch. It can appear in most areas of the body but is often seen on the back of the neck, groin, elbows, knees, and underarms.

Acne

You're likely familiar with acne, an inflammatory condition caused by clogged pores or hair follicles that result in whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples. Surveys suggest that acne is the most common skin condition in skin of color. Acne keloidalis nuchae, a specific type of acne breakout that looks like razor bumps, is particularly common in Black males.

Keloids

A keloid is a raised scar that's larger than the wound that caused it. People of all skin tones can get keloids, but studies suggest that people with Black and brown skin are at higher risk.

Building an Effective Skin Care Routine for Black Men and Women

Remember: your best skin care routine depends on several factors, so look at the big picture when customizing yours. To start, here's an example of a skin care routine that can address and support common skin concerns for Black and brown skin.

Gently Cleanse

Every good skin care routine starts with a great cleanser—no matter your skin tone or type. Look for formulas that cater to your specific needs, whether it be dryness and sensitivity, dullness, or acne breakouts. For example, PCA SKIN Creamy Cleanser is a fantastic option for dry, reactive skin, packed with calming and nourishing ingredients like Rose Hip Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Aloe Leaf Juice.
If you're experiencing dullness or blemishes, you might opt for something like PCA SKIN Facial Wash Oily/Problem. This formula contains active cleansing and exfoliating ingredients like Lactic Acid plus soothing agents like Aloe Leaf Juice and Glycerin. Another excellent option is PCA SKIN Pigment Bar®, specifically formulated to address discoloration and uneven skin tone with ingredients like Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and Kojic Aci
Treat Discoloration

Speaking of discoloration, if hyperpigmentation is a top concern for you—whether due to acne, excess sun exposure, or hormonal causes like melasma—try incorporating a tone-corrective serum into your routine. PCA SKIN Pigment Gel® HQ Free targets dark marks with a powerful blend of Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Phenylethyl Resorcinol, an antioxidant known for its tone-evening properties. This formula also avoids Hydroquinone, which may worsen hyperpigmentation in dark skin tones, making it an ideal choice for melanin-rich skin.
PCA SKIN Pigment Gel Pro is another go-to option that is industry-leading and also hydroquinone-free. Formulated with Tranexamic Acid and PCA SKIN's proprietary SynerPro Complex technology, it features advanced ingredients to deliver a visibly dramatic reduction in the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and help fade the size and intensity of dark spots on the skin.
Layer on the Hydration
Moisturizing is an essential step in any healthy skin routine to lock in hydration, prevent water loss, and support skin barrier function. Moisturizers like PCA SKIN ReBalance also contain antioxidant protection to shield your skin from environmental aggressors that can worsen concerns like eczema and discoloration. This formula features ingredients like Borage Seed Oil, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E, all of which aid in soothing, evening, and protecting the skin. For more hydrating power, try PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask to rejuvenate your skin while you snooze.
Apply a Hefty Dose of Sunscreen
While melanin provides some natural protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, this doesn't mean you should skimp on sunscreen. An effective skin care routine for Black men and women must include sunscreen—always. PCA SKIN Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is a foolproof formula made with chemical and physical UV filters. Plus, it contains antioxidants to deliver superior protection from the sun's damaging rays in combination with other sun protection measures. Its cosmetically elegant formula also means it doesn't leave a white cast on the skin, which can be especially aggravating for those with darker skin tones.

Loving the Skin You're In

When it comes to your best skin care routine, the first step is to choose products and ingredients that target your specific skin challenges and goals. From there, it's about building that routine into your daily life until it becomes a habit. Know your skin, nurture your skin, love your skin.

Author:
Kaleigh Fasanella
Kaleigh Fasanella is a New Jersey-based beauty and wellness reporter with over a decade of experience writing for both digital outlets and brands. She previously worked at magazines like Allure and Teen Vogue before going freelance to write for a variety of publications. While she loves all aspects of beauty, she's especially passionate about skin care and helping others learn about and care for their skin.

Best Skin Care Routine for Black Women and Men