8 Step Best Skin Care Routine for Women-of-Color with Dry Skin

How to Care For Your Dry Skin as a Woman-of-Color: A Step-by-step Routine

Taking care of your skin is challenging if you have dry skin and have skin-of-color. Dry skin in those of us with skin-of-color -- be you Black or Brown, or have light brown to very dark skin or any skin shade in between -- means you, me... all of us... are prone to hyperpigmentation, flakiness, itchiness, and a lack of moisture, making it important to follow a skin care routine that focuses on hydration and nourishment.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you establish an effective skin care routine for your dry skin that works for your skin shade.

Step 1: Cleanser

Start your skincare routine by cleansing your face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Use a gentle, cleanser that does not strip away your skin's natural oils. Massage the cleanser onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can further dry out your skin.

Step 2: Toner

After cleansing, tone your skin to balance its pH levels and prepare it for the next steps of your skincare routine. You should use an alcohol-free toner that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rosewater. Apply your toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face, focusing on areas that need extra hydration.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin is important to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, but be cautious not to overdo it, as it can worsen dryness. Opt for a gentle exfoliator that contains moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba beads or lactic acid. Use it once or twice a week to avoid irritation. Gently massage the exfoliator onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

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Step 4: Essence

An essence is a lightweight, hydrating product that helps to replenish and retain moisture in the skin. After exfoliating, apply a few drops of essence to your palms and press it into your skin, gently patting it in for better absorption. Look for essences that contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture.

Step 5: Serum

Serums are concentrated formulas that target specific skin concerns. For dry skin, choose a serum that is rich in hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, ceramides, or aloe vera. Apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck, gently massaging it in using upward motions. Allow the serum to fully absorb before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Eye Cream or Serum

The delicate skin around the eyes requires special attention. Choose an eye cream or serum that is specifically formulated for dry skin and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Using your ring finger, gently dab a small amount of eye cream around the eye area, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.

Step 7: Hydrating Moisturizer

Moisturizing is crucial for dry skin to provide deep hydration and create a protective barrier against moisture loss. Select a rich, emollient moisturizer that contains ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or natural oils (such as argan oil or jojoba oil). Apply the moisturizer to your face and neck, using gentle upward strokes to promote absorption.

Step 8: Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential, even if you have dry skin. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it as the final step of your daytime skincare routine. Gently massage the sunscreen onto your face and neck, making sure to cover all exposed areas. Reapply every two hours, even if indoors near screens.

Nighttime Routine

In the evening, you can follow a similar routine with a few modifications. Start by double cleansing to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Follow that with a nighttime toner and serum to unclog pores. Then, go in with targeted serums based on your skins specific needs. Finish up with a hydrating moisturizer.

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Click the Red Button to Join  the Love Your Brown Skin^® Movement

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The Bottom-Line

Treating your dry skin with care and concern is an important part of who you are and how you feel about yourself. Follow the steps above and keep your skin fabulous!

And don't forget to…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.