Article-Products for Treating Black Skin With Acne

The color of the human skin is influenced by the amount of melanin, or pigment of the skin found within cells. Research indicates that melanin functions to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and results in the slowdown of aging skin. A large degree of melanin in your skin clearly has different benefits. However, it does pose some specific challenges when it comes to products for treating black skin and acne.

Topical agents and treatments are the most common types of products for treating black skin and acne. In fact, most of the available treatments have been modified to treat darker skin. For acne on African American skin, dermatologists may prescribe a topical retinoid, which is a compound related to Vitamin A in order to speed cell regeneration. Unfortunately, topical retinoids can cause side effects, especially on sensitive ethnic skin.

Your skin can become irritated, in a way that is similar to sunburn and experience a higher sensitivity to the sun's ultraviolet rays. To offset this side effect, those being treated with a retinoid should use a sunscreen. The sunscreen's SPF should be no lower than 15, as indicated in the product.

The cosmetic market has been flooded with retinoid formulations because these products do not require a doctor's prescription. It is important for African Americans to read labels carefully before beginning any treatment for their acne.

Aside from topical agents, acne treatments for black skin may include products such as chemical peels. Chemical peels for acne makes use of strong chemical solutions that act as an accelerant in causing the upper layers of skin to slough off.

Unfortunately, chemical peels can result in even more trauma if used by the wrong hands. The improper application of chemical peels may result in additional hyperpigmentation or even scaring of your skin. This situation may be more difficult to remedy than the original acne condition.

If the treatment of chemical peels is selected for African American skin with acne, a primer should first be applied. Start with a lower-strength solution and leave the solution on for a short period of time. If there are no adverse reactions, then an increase in concentration and duration may be used in order to treat the acne. For potent products such as chemical peels, it is important to always use them under the supervision of a licensed professional to avoid traumatizing the skin.

African American skin is sensitive to say the least, and when treating it for acne, even greater precautions should be taken.

Dedicated to Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel, Esthetician/Publisher for NYRAJU Skin Care

NYRAJU Skin Care.com has a complete selection of Natural Skin & Hair Care products for People of Color.

To browse and shop our complete catalog, click here: http://www.nyrajuskincare.com