Now a days a hot word on the scene is "melanin". But what is melanin? Well, melanin is the pigment that gives rise to dark brown or black hair, eyes, and skin. The darker the skin the more of a specific type of melanin called eumelanin, which acts like a natural ozone layer, it has. Melanin is the key ingredient that helps with aging, hence the phrase "black don't crack".
However, despite the fact that eumelanin protects from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, it doesn’t prevent the risk of skin cancer, or hyperpigmentation and other skincare challenges like dry skin.
One challenge I face is having dry skin, especially in the winter (don't we all). In fact, African American skin has the lowest ceramide content. Ceramides are a crucial component of your skin’s barrier that lock in moisture. Low ceramide levels result in more water loss and dry, flaky, “ashy” skin. And nobody has time for ashy, flaky skin. For one it makes your make up go on extra crazy ( especially the matte look), and honestly, that's enough for me :)
Here is my skin routine that is keeping me from looking like a dry ashy mess during this winter season:
Step 1: Cleanse
I have made it my BUSINESS to cleanse my face daily with a glycolic (AHA) cleanser. Glycolic acid focuses on locking in moisturizer and exfoliating dry skin. Currently, I am loving the L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal Glycolic Cleanser. This cleanser has little scrubbing pearls that do a really good job at exfoliating dead skin. I use it with my clarisonic and it leaves my face brighter and smoother. I like that my skin doesnt get tight after use at all. Its also a favorite because it doesn't break the bank.
Step 2 : Serum
Ok, so I skip the toner step in my AM morning routine, because TIME. Honestly, I don't have time to get the cotton ball and do the whole sha-bang. So after moisturizing, I skip to the serum step. Serums are important because they deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients straight to the skin. I use a serum that helps to boost the hydrating effects of the moisturizer (see next step). When i'm picking out my serum I look for one that I can layer under my oil and my moisturizer that will calm my skin. This is why I really have been liking the The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution. The key ingredient is vitamin C so it works overtime to hydrate my skin.
Step 3: Oil
Face oils are key because they seal in all the ingredients and moisture. I have been loving the Elemis Superfood Facial Oil because its a highly concentrated oil that leaves my skin deeply nourishing and hydrating . It's packed with antioxidants and fatty acids which works to hydrate and soften the skin, seal in moisture and absorb everything. I love it also because its lightweight, non-greasy oil absorbs quickly into the moisturizer (next step :), which is essential when I am running late.
Step 4: Moisturizer
