The biggest issue for African Americans, Asians and Hispanics as related to skin care is hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. This is a highly underserved market that requires attention.
Maybe its been ignored because of the varied overtones and undertones of ethic skin or maybe its because of the so-called problem skin that we have whether its darker in some spots and lighter in others. Or maybe still its due to the lack of education per the consumer of the products that are currently on the market for ethnic skin. Whatever the case the fact remains that skin care target market strategy is not highly geared toward the people with ethnic skin.
Hyperpigmentation, according to webmb.com, is the increase of melanin in the skin. Common causes are acne scarring, over exposure to sun, pregnancy, and drugs Rx or otherwise. To avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place I can offer some tips. Although I am not a dermatologist I have been interested in skin care and the prevention of preventable flare ups of our skin for years. So here goes.........
1. allow acne to heal normally. I know its ugly, unattractive, and even gross at times but the long term results of not messing with the pimple are a lot better than dealing with the dark mark that picking with it leaves behind.
2. SPF people. Find a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher especially in the summer months. For those that are fortunate enough to have hot weather year round you need SPF year round. The sun is baking your skin. Look, when you put a piece of meat in the oven and turn the temperature up and leave it in there for awhile the end result will be a dried piece of meat that has some kind of blackened texture. But when you put some kind of protectant over the meat whether its water or foil or what have you it take longer for the meat to gain the darken dried texture. The same can be said about our skin. If we overexpose ourselves to the sun over time hyperpigmentation will occur. Now I've heard some people feel if their skin has an increased melanin sunscreen is not necessary. I can't tell you how much that have been proven to be so untrue. While yes its true that the visible effects can be seen more quickly on a person with fairer skin the damage that it can do on a darker skin tone is still prevalent. Sunscreens can be found in many cosmetics nowadays so if you don't want to put something extra on your face then make sure you read the labels on your cosmetics and pick ones that contains an SPF. Apply it frequently and generously!!!!
3. During pregnancy some women experience what is referred to as "the mask of pregnancy". This type of hyperpigmentation typically goes away once the hormones have regulated. Usually nothing has to be done to treat this. Keep with regular routine of washing, exfoliation and toning. This is the time to adjust skin care to match the hormonal changes that is occurring in your body. Some become sensitive to products that have been used prior to pregnancy. So just reevaluate what you have been doing and make adjustments when and if necessary. Pregnancy is a time when that natural glow is showcased. So enhance it, show it, and flaunt it.
4. Rx and other drugs tend to change everything about how our body operates. So naturally if after taking a drug you notice changes in your skin you may want to stop taking the drug. But that's not always feasible especially if its a Rx that helps alleviate another aliment so you may have to either live with the discoloration, hide it with makeup, or treat with with more Rx or skincare regimens. Never stop a Rx because its not agreeing with your skin. Instead bring it to your doctors attention. There maybe an allergic reaction that you or the doctor was not aware of or the Rx may be able to be adjusted. Whatever the case take this time to also reevaluate your current skin regime and adjust as necessary.
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