Why Melanin-Rich Skin Is Unique and How to Keep It Glowing

Human skin is different. Some people have melanin-rich skin or dark brown, while others have pinkish-white skin. For others, they are somewhere in between. The more dark a person is, the more his skin cells produce more melanin.

Melanin is a pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. It’s also found in other body parts, such as the retina and the brain. Melanin has many important functions, including protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

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How Melanin-Rich Skin Is Unique

Black people have melanin-rich skin, which helps them in many ways. However, you should know how to protect your melanin to enjoy these benefits.

Reduce Aging

A study found that black women’s skin ages ten times slower than white women’s skin. This is so because melanin blocks UV rays which speed up the aging process.  The more melanin you produce, the more protection you’ve against harmful exposure to the sun. 

The more you’re exposed to UV rays, the quicker your skin ages and have sunspots and wrinkles. UV rays can damage DNA, which can lead to skin cancer. Melanin helps to protect DNA from UV damage by absorbing the rays before they reach the DNA. 

However, this doesn’t mean that black women won’t undergo skin aging; it will be slower. As a matter of fact, melanin-rich skin is prone to hyperpigmentation. This is the darkening of the skin in certain areas and is caused by several factors alongside sun exposure. 

Protects Your Genes

Melanin also helps to protect genes from other environmental stressors. For example, melanin can help protect genes from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells. It significantly affects your immune system and helps repair broken DNA. 

Regulates Genes Expression

Melanin also plays a role in regulating gene expression. Gene expression is a process by which genes are turned into proteins. Melanin can help to turn genes on or off, which can affect the production of proteins. This can have various effects on the body, including the immune response, the metabolism, and the skin’s ability to repair itself.

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How to Keep Melanin-Rich Skin Glowing

Black skin needs a skincare routine to keep it glowing. Remember, glowing skin is a pretty self who will be more confident, bold, and elegant. Who doesn’t love that?

Here are nine self-care tips to help keep your melanin-rich skin glowing

1. Mind What You Eat

What you put in your body matters. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your skin’s overall health. These foods are packed with antioxidants that can help to protect your skin from damage. 

Always remember to drink the right amount of water. This water helps to remove toxins from your system, which also shows on your skin.

Your skin, on the outside, will always give you results from what you have given it on the inside.  You can’t build a house from the rooftop; you must start from the foundation.

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2. Take Daily Bath

During the cold season, take a bath at least once. While during the hot seasons, take a bath at least twice daily. Mind how you clean your different body areas. They require different levels of care.  Avoid rubbing your skin too hard. This can irritate the skin and make it look red and inflamed.

3. Exfoliate Your Body

Your body needs a good scrub at least once a week. Many people concentrate on exfoliating the face, but even the entire body requires this process. 

Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, healthier skin underneath. However, gentle exfoliating is essential, as too much can irritate the skin. If you think you can’t do an excellent job at home, you can visit a spa instead.

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4. Moisturize Your Body

Moisturize your entire body, from the hair to the toe. When you don’t moisturize, your body tends to wrinkle up quickly, and your skin starts to look old. Resultantly, you become shriveled.

Invest in a good moisturizer and immediately apply it after taking your bath. As a matter of fact, dry skin can look dull and flaky, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. Look for an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer which will not clog your pores.

5. Take Care of Your Face

You should take extra care of your face. Not only because it’s what people see but because it contains your body’s most sensitive and delicate features. Ensure you wash your face twice daily without fail. Early in the morning and just before you retire to bed. 

Afterwards, use facial moisturizers and go for a facial routine at least once weekly.  

You can comfortably do it at home using natural ingredients that are easy to use. They are also inexpensive.

6. Wear Sunscreen Everyday

Whether you’re staying at home or going out, always wear your sunscreen daily. You can buy the moisturizers that already have sunscreen. Also, you can buy sunscreen and use it for your face, neck, and arms; it will protect your skin.

Conversely, limit your exposure to the sun. Just because you apply sunscreen doesn’t give you the freedom to be in the sun for long. Whenever possible, be in cooler areas. 

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7. Mind Food Allergies

To some people, certain food causes certain reactions in their bodies. Interestingly, some people are allergic to food or ingredients but don’t pay attention. For instance, some tend to have rushes on their faces. Others experience bloated tummies. All these experiences affect your skin. 

8. Mind the Texture of Your Clothing

Although not realized by many people,  the texture of your clothing plus the weather condition can affect your skin. For example, wearing silk or chiffon during the hot season will most likely make your body react. 

Don’t choose harsh clothing that will leave your skin unable to breathe. Tighter clothes also make your skin unable to breathe in them. 

9. Avoid Stress and Have Enough Rest

Stress can take a toll on your skin, so finding ways to manage it is crucial. When under too much stress, your skin sags and looks dull. When you’re well-rested, your skin looks its best. Health practitioners advise for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Some helpful techniques to relieve stress and help in resting include yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature.

Undoubtedly, melanin-rich skin is unique and has many benefits. At the same time, learning how to keep it glowing is equally rewarding. The above nine points are easy to implement for darker skin tones. 

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