Acne Prone African American Skin

Acne prone African American skin can be helped by using water-based products instead of oil-based products on the skin. Check the labels for ingredients, and avoid mineral oil. Oil-laden products can clog pores and exacerbate acne.

Cleansing Acne Prone African American Skin

Keep the skin cleansed, but be careful not to over cleanse or use drying products that contain alcohol. Instead, use products that are especially made for acne-prone skin. Use gentle cleansers that are not abrasive. Abrasive cleansers may cause scarring or dark marks on African American skin. Try using natural cleansers or cleansers with few ingredients. Moisturizing cleansers that are not drying will keep skin from overproducing natural oils. Do not use cleansers that leave behind a tight, dry feeling. Some herbs and natural ingredients that may be beneficial include lavender, tea tree oil, and rose water.

Be Mindful of Oil in the Hair

Avoid using hair products with heavy oils. Oils and pomades that are designed to moisturize black hair may be the culprit in creating acne problems. The oils used to style hair may be clogging pores and inflaming sensitive skin. Do not use hair products with mineral oil. Use a silk or satin scarf to tie hair away from the face. See if hair products are the issue with the skin. Try a different product, or if possible, go product-free for a week or longer.

Select a Special Moisturizer

Moisturizers that do not over moisturize or leave a greasy film, but keep the skin soft and subtle, are key. Oil-free moisturizers with shine control will help acne prone African American skin. Use a moisturizer that sinks into the skin. Look for moisturizers that are formulated for African American skin that is oily or prone to blemishes. Iman's Perfect Response Hydrating Lotion and the Perfect Response Hydrating Gel are made especially for African Americans with acne.

Use a Sunblock

Use sunscreen to prevent over-pigmentation or dark spots from acne. Many African Americans forgo using sun block because they feel that it is not necessary for their skin. The sun, however, will make dark spots darker, leaving old acne scars more noticeable. Some skincare products, like acids, make the skin more susceptible to damage by the sun. Therefore, it is sometimes recommended that certain facial products be worn in the evening. If these acidic products are worn during the day, wear a sunblock. Sunblocks should be worn daily, not just during the summer. Pore clogging sunblocks can aggravate acne and some sunblocks make African American skin look ashy. Purchase sunblocks that are formulated for sensitive skin. Sample the sunblock before purchasing if that is possible, and always know the store's return policy before buying. Finding an effective sunblock for African American skin with acne is challenging and may be a hit or miss experience.

Visit a Dermatologist

See a dermatologist who can recommend the best solution for controlling or reducing acne. Select a dermatologist who has experience helping people with ethnic skin, because some treatments are not as effective for clients with darker skin tones. Some treatments may have to be altered to be effective for African American skin. A dermatologist can also recommend prescriptive drugs for moderate to severe acne.

Eat Healthy

Eat a healthy diet, avoiding fat and sugar-laden meals. What is placed into the body influences the outside of the body. Therefore, what it eaten is reflected in the skin. Eat plenty of nutrient-dense vegetables, and drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Although acne-prone skin can pose a problem for anyone, African Americans have special concerns due to the melanin in their skin. Acne can cause scarring and unattractive dark marks. Avoiding oil in products, using products that are formulated for people with sensitive, acne prone skin, and eating a healthy diet is a step in the right direction. Be sure to see a dermatologist.