As temperatures drop and the air gets drier, our skin is at its most vulnerable. Winter is a universal adversary against hydration and its effects are visibly pronounced on Black skin. Black skin is different from other types of skin due to its richness in melanin, and so, temperatures affect our skin differently. 

How does winter affect Black skin? Melanin-rich skin doesn’t have as much water, which makes it prone to dryness. It also produces less ceramides, which are natural fats that act as a barrier. Your winter skin care routine should include products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3). Steer clear of any blemish-destroyers such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acids, as they can be too drying for your skin. 

There are tons of Black skin care products available to protect your skin from the cold weather, and we are here to guide you in finding the right ones.

Below are six winter skin care tips to keep your melanin-rich skin glowing.

Swap your usual cleanser

Stay away from over drying, harsh cleansers as they can deplete ceramides in your skin. A gentle, creamy cleanser helps restore and maintain the skin’s barrier. Those with oily skin should choose cleansers with tea tree oil to keep the skin’s excessive oil production at bay without making it dry.

Avoid using bar soaps because they will strip the skin’s natural oils and cause an imbalance in pH. ROSE Ingleton MD Skincare's SuperFruit Brightening Cleanser, is packed with hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 to give your skin exactly what it needs without leaving it feeling dry.

A hot shower can also dry out your skin, so cut your showering time in half, using warm water instead of hot. Switch to creamy, moisturising body washes with ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa butter.

Rethink exfoliation

One of the biggest winter skin care mistakes is over exfoliation. It causes skin to feel drier and that can result in inflammation and an uneven skin tone with areas of hyperpigmentation. Exfoliation can still be part of your winter skin care routine, just keep it to once a week if you have dry skin or twice a week if you have oily skin.

Don’t use physical exfoliators, rather opt for gentle exfoliators such as polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and pair them with mild enzyme exfoliators to buff away dead skin. These don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as glycolic or salicylic acid but they will protect your skin’s barrier while doing the job. Gentle is better, always remember that.

Buy xxxxx

Add a serum

Serums are actually clutch for Black skin; they are packed with active ingredients that can visibly enhance our skin. Black skin is prone to discolouration or an uneven tone, therefore, it's best to use gentle serums that will brighten your skin in a uniform manner. Vitamin C helps keep melanin skin glowing. It also naturally exfoliates the skin due to its antioxidant properties.

Hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture. It’s the perfect solution for thirsty skin – pair it with vitamin C during the day and retinol for your night routine. For dewy, soft skin add the Brown Girl Jane Glow Luminous Facial Serum with CBD to your routine. Watch your winter skin tone glow from day to night!

Step up your moisture game

When melanin-rich skin is dry, it becomes inflamed and sensitive, which can result in hyperpigmentation. The main concern for Black skin in winter is moisture retention and since the dry skin triggers inflammation and hyperpigmentation, sealing in hydration is crucial.

While moisturising seems like a no-brainer, finding the right product is key. Moisturisers with urea attract water to the top layer of the skin while emollient-based ones contain ceramides and top up spaces between cells. Emollients are a better option for hydrating dry skin as they are thick enough to hold in the skin’s moisture. Remember to apply a moisture-locking cream while your skin is still damp.Consider the LIHA Ivory Shea butter, sourced from Ghana and rich in vitamin A and E to deeply condition skin.

Buy xxxxx

Sunscreen is important

Do you need sunscreen in winter? Absolutely! Sunscreen is a must in winter as much as it is in summer. As long as there is daylight, the light can trigger increased melanin production. SPF is a fundamental instrument for protecting skin.

If you are worried about looking ashy and grey from using sunscreen, don’t be. There are amazing sunscreens for Black skin that won’t leave a white residue on your skin after application. Remember to always check if the sunscreen lotion protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  

Don’t forget the hands

If there is a part of your body that’s a dead giveaway for dry skin, it's dry hands. Hands are as much exposed to the cold temperatures as your face. Exfoliate your hands to remove dead skin cells then follow up with a hand cream.

Hand or body lotions that consist of shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil and cocoa butter should be your new BFF. If you prefer the natural scent of shea, try Hanahana Beauty Unscented Shea Butter, for nourished and smooth skin.

Buy