Glow from Within: Your Melanin-Rich Skin Care Guide

While melanin-rich skin has its benefits: natural sun protection, slow visible aging, and radiant, even complexion, it also has its challenges. “We know biologically, melanin-rich skin on the Fitzpatrick Scale is more prone to dryness, discoloration, and rough, bumpy patches,” says Dawn Williams-Thompson, Head of NA Personal Care Design for Retail and Local Brand Development at Unilever. 

As such, melanin-rich skin needs targeted care to address uneven skin tone and inflammation. With proper hydration, sun protection, and gentle products, melanin-rich skin can thrive. Be intentional with your skincare routine to help keep your skin healthy, glowing, and radiant.

 

Taking care of melanin-rich skin involves a few key steps to make sure it stays hydrated, even-toned, and smooth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you develop an effective skincare routine:

 

1. Gently cleanse

Start your day with a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and sulfates, as these can cause dryness and irritation, leading to more inflammation and an uneven skin tone. 

 
2. Exfoliate regularly 

Exfoliation is important for melanin-rich skin to help boost cell turnover and promote an even skin tone. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week. Keep in mind that over-exfoliating can lead to further irritation and hyperpigmentation. 

 
3. Hydrate and moisturize 

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. Use a hydrating serum followed by a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. SheaMoisture products, formulated with Fair Trade shea butter, are excellent choices for providing deep hydration and nourishment. 

 
4. Protect with sunscreen 

Even though melanin provides some natural protection against UV rays, it’s still important to use sunscreen daily. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent hyperpigmentation. 

 
5. Address specific concerns 

If you have specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation or rough patches, incorporate targeted treatments into your routine to tackle those. SheaMoisture offers products enriched with powerhouse ingredients that cater to melanin-rich skin. Look for formulas with vitamin C to brighten and even out your skin tone, niacinamide to reduce discoloration, and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and smooth rough patches. Ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, signature staples in the Shea Moisture's line, also provide intense moisture and nourishment. Explore SheaMoisture even and radiant collection, raw shea butter, and manuka honey and yoghurt products.

 
6. Care for your underarms 

The skin under your arms is often neglected but requires special care.  SheaMoisture deodorants are designed to cater to the unique needs of melanin-rich skin, providing long-lasting freshness and confidence. These deodorants are Black dermatologist approved and feature gentle, nourishing formulas that prioritize skin health.

“We added in skin benefits to moisturize dry areas, even tone, and smooth skin, which address critical needs of rich melanin skin.” – Dawn Williams-Thompson, Head of NA Personal Care Design for Retail and Local Brand Development at Unilever.

 

When choosing a deodorant for melanin-rich skin, consider the following tips:

 

Look for skin-friendly ingredients

Avoid deodorants with harsh chemicals that can irritate your melanin-rich underarms, leading to inflammation, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. Choose products with natural, nourishing ingredients.

 
Choose invisible formulas

Invisible deodorants prevent white marks on your clothes and ensure a smooth application.

 
Prioritize hydration

Deodorants with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and glycerin help keep your underarm skin soft and moisturized.

“It's all-natural, gentle on my skin, and keeps me feeling confident with its subtle, tropical scent. Plus, it's invisible, so no awkward marks on clothes! Perfect for keeping it clean and fresh without any harsh chemicals.” – User review, SheaMoisture Whole Body Deo Invisible Stick 

 

 

What does melanin do for your skin?

Melanin is a natural pigment that provides color to your skin and protects it from UV radiation by absorbing and dissipating harmful rays.

 

Can you increase melanin in your skin naturally?

Melanin levels are primarily determined by genetics so you can’t significantly increase melanin production naturally. You can however protect and maintain your melanin-rich skin by using products that nourish and hydrate it.

 

What ingredients should you avoid in skincare for melanin-rich skin?

Avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, as they can cause dryness and irritation. Instead, go for products with natural, gentle ingredients.

 
By understanding your skin’s unique qualities and giving it the thoughtful care it deserves, you can unlock its full potential and keep it glowing every day. From gentle cleansing and deep hydration to targeted treatments and underarm care, each step of your routine is an opportunity to celebrate your skin’s natural beauty.

SheaMoisture is here to support you on this journey, with products crafted to meet the specific needs of your melanin-rich skin. Whether it’s nourishing hydration, even skin tone, or gentle deodorants, these products are designed to keep you feeling confident and empowered. Because when your skin shines, so do you.