Although acne is primarily a teenage menace, it can even bother you in your adult life. Regardless of ethnicity and complexion, the causes of acne are same in both white and black skinned people. However, the affect of acne on the skin might be influenced by the color of the skin. People with black skin have a higher risk of developing irregular skin pigmentation and dark spots after acne breakouts. Improper treatment might make the skin excessively dry. Therefore, black skinned people should carefully choose the acne remedies that cure the lesions without harming the skin.
1. Wear sunscreen
Contrary to popular belief, people with pale skin and red hair are not the only ones vulnerable to prolonged sun exposure. Even the black skin could be sensitive to sunlight. Acne rashes might develop on the facial skin after spending several hours in the sun. To prevent acne and to accelerate the acne healing process, people with black skin should shield the exposed parts of their body from the scorching rays of the sun with a suitable sunscreen. Usually, sunscreen products with SPF 8 are suitable for black skin. However, if you feel that your skin is excessively sensitive to sunlight, you can apply sunscreens with SPF 15 on your facial skin. Perspiration would wash the sunscreen, necessitating reapplication of the sunscreen lotion at specific intervals.
2. Apply alcohol-based toner
Black skins tend to be excessive oily. Too much sebum secretion changes the normal pH of the skin, which helps to activate the acne causing bacteria. Toning the skin with an alcohol-based toner prevents acne breakouts by tightening the skin pores, thereby reducing excess oil secretion. Moreover, the skin toner helps to maintain the normal pH of the skin. After washing your face, preferably with a mild medicated soap or oil-free cleanser, dab a small amount of toner with a cotton ball allover your face and neck.
3. Remedies with fruits and vegetables
Home remedies with fruits, vegetables and herbs could cure the acne rashes and fade the dark spots. Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antibiotic that can kill the acne causing bacteria. People with black skin could blend few drops of tea tree oil to a paste made with cucumber, orange peel, lime, tomato, honey, turmeric and oat. Cucumber helps to sooth the irritated skin. Orange peel and oat act as exfoliating agent for removing the dead skin debris that clog the skin pores. Lime and tomato work as mild bleaching agents and toner for restoring the pH balance of the skin and fading the dark spots. Turmeric reduces the inflammation and honey moisturizes the skin. Leave the paste on the skin for about 15 to 30 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water.
4. Diet
What you eat affects the health of your skin. Excess consumption of sugary foods, refined carbohydrates and fatty food might encourage acne flare-ups. A diet rich in whole grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables is beneficial for the acne prone skin. Drink plenty of water. A hydrated skin is essential for preventing acne breakouts.
5. Use a skin-lightening product
Excess melanin production increases the risk of developing dark spots and skin pigmentation on the areas of the facial skin affected by acne breakouts. You can use a skin-lightening product of a reputed brand to lighten the dark spots.