The 8 Step Best Skin Care Routine for Women-of-Color with Sensitive Skin
How to Care For Your Sensitive Skin as a Woman-of-Color: An 8 Step Routine
If you have sensitive skin and you are a woman-of-color, it's important to establish a skincare routine that focuses on gentle, soothing, and non-irritating products. Sensitive skin-of-color tends to react in unfortunate ways (hyperpigmentation, scarring, dark spots, breakouts...) to harsh treatments, ingredients and environmental factors, so it requires special care.
Here is an 8 step guide to help you create an effective skincare routine for your sensitive skin.
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. For sensitive skin, choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that is specifically formulated for sensitive or reactive skin. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or oat extract, which have calming properties. Gently massage the cleanser onto damp skin using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can further irritate sensitive skin.
Step 2: Toner
Toning helps balance the pH levels of your skin and removes any remaining impurities. Opt for an alcohol-free toner that is gentle and soothing. Look for ingredients like rosewater or cucumber extract, which can provide hydration and reduce redness. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face, avoiding any areas of irritation or sensitivity.
Step 3: Moisturizing Mist
A moisturizing mist can provide an extra boost of hydration and soothe sensitive skin. Look for a mist that contains ingredients like aloe vera, rosewater, or chamomile. Hold the bottle a few inches away from your face and mist it onto your skin. Pat your skin gently to help the product absorb.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES
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Step 4: Serum
Serums are concentrated formulas that can address specific skin concerns. For sensitive skin, choose a serum that is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and potential irritants. Look for serums that contain soothing ingredients like niacinamide or green tea extract. Apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck, gently massaging it in using upward motions.
Step 5: Eye Cream
The delicate skin around the eyes requires special care, especially for those with sensitive skin. Choose an eye cream that is fragrance-free and gentle. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or chamomile extract, which can hydrate and soothe the under-eye area. Using your ring finger, gently dab a small amount of eye cream around the eye area, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Moisturizing is crucial for sensitive skin to maintain its moisture barrier and prevent irritation. Select a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal, which can provide hydration and calm the skin. Apply the moisturizer to your face and neck using gentle upward strokes.
Step 7: Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun is important for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and contains physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Apply the sunscreen generously to your face and any exposed areas, and reapply every two hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors.
Step 8: Weekly Mask or Treatment
In addition to your daily routine, you can incorporate a weekly mask or treatment to address specific concerns or provide extra nourishment for your sensitive skin. Look for masks or treatments that are labeled as gentle, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid masks with harsh ingredients like sulfates or alcohol. Apply the mask or treatment according to the instructions provided, and rinse it off gently with lukewarm.
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The Bottom-Line
Sensitive skin is a thing. I get it. But now you have a great 8 step routine that will allow you to treat your skin with tender loving care.
And always…Love Your Brown Skin®.
Please note – for the purpose of Skin Care: We use Black skin, Brown skin, and skin-of-color interchangeably when discussing people-of-color. When we use the term people-of-color, we intend to mean those whose skin tone is not White and who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Mediterranean, Pacific Islander, or of Middle Eastern descent.