Self Care

How to care for melanin-rich skin in hot weather

Summer Sun causing your skin to get dry, or get more breakouts? Black and brown skin is more prone to skin issues caused by the Sun than you may know. Here are some tips on how to keep your skin healthy in the heat, from our founder and skincare specialist, Abi.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

This may sound obvious and repetitive, but it’s so important! Black and brown skin tends to become more dehydrated in the heat because our skin doesn’t retain moisture as easily as lighter skin tones. As well as drinking lots of water, use direct skin-hydrating products including hyaluronic acid, glycerine or aloe vera to retain moisture and hydration.

Don’t forget about your hairline

Black people predominantly use oil or hair products to style or moisturise their hair more than their lighter skin counterparts. The heatwave can bring out more acne on your hairline or forehead due to our hair products transferring to our skin from excess sweat.

To avoid this, keep your hair tied up away from your face as much as you can and exfoliate your skin twice a week, especially targeting around your hairline. And ALWAYS remember to double cleanse.

Don’t forget your SPF, especially if you have hyperpigmentation

What’s the worst thing you can do for your hyperpigmentation? Go out in the sun with NO protection! Sun exposure can increase melanin production, causing hyperpigmentation, also known as dark spots.

As black and brown skin contains more melanin (colour pigment), we are naturally more vulnerable to PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). To reduce dark spots, ensure you wear a decent SPF – at least SPF 30 – every couple of hours to reduce the risk of skin hyperpigmentation.

Not sure which SPF is right for your skin? Take the quiz on our website to find out! (Or DM us for a recommendation)

Speaking of SPF- know what to look out for

Choosing the right SPF is one of the most critical parts of your skincare routine. Black skin gets much oiler in hotter conditions due to us having larger oil glands, so make sure you choose an SPF that is both lightweight and hydrating to avoid producing too much oil.

Everyone’s skin is different so you may need an SPF that is specific to dry skin conditions like eczema or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Most importantly: don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the other key areas of your skin like your ears, neck, lips and feet. They are just as crucial!

Avoid sunscreen containing oxybenzone octocrylene and homosalate as they have been linked to hormone disruption by numerous studies.