Hispanic Skin Care Tips
Hispanic skin care,
like the skin care for any “race” of people is not a
one size fits all propositions. There is no “Latina
skin type”. Latina skin varies widely and your
needs will be unique. Like African Americans,
Latinas skin color and type varies. However, there
are some useful generalities when it comes to the
care of brown skin. Darker skinned Hispanics skin
care will be very similar to the needs of African
Americans. Treasured Locks is committed to helping
people with all skin types. But, our particular
focus is on African American and Hispanic skin and
hair care needs.
For many of you, a
daily cleanser and toner is all you’ll need. Many
Hispanics have oily or combination skin. Combination
skin is skin that is oily (usually in the “T” zone”)
in places and dry in others. If that is your skin
type, skip the moisturizer or only apply it in the
place you need it. Use a mild cleanser especially
formulated for the face. You may find as you get
older, you do need to add a moisturizer to your
routine.
Wear a sunscreen-
Just because you have dark skin does not mean the
sun cannot do damage to it. Especially if you live
in a sunny climate, wear a sunscreen. While it is
true that natural pigmentation does provide SPF
protection (up to around a 15), an additional
sunscreen never hurt anyone. Any type of skin —
whatever the shade, whatever the texture — is
subject to skin cancer without additional,
artificial SPF protection. So, use sunscreen or
moisturizer with sunscreen added.
Dark Spots- people
with darker skin can suffer from hyperpigmentation
or dark spots. These can be in the form of freckles,
splotches or scars from acne or other injuries.
Wearing a sunscreen will help prevent this and keep
existing ones from getting worse. There are over-the
counter skin lighteners and fade products that will
help with this problem.
Consider a clay mask
if your face breaks out-A good clay mask (we offer
several here) is a great tool in your arsenal of
weapons against mild acne. Applies once or twice a
week, a masque provides deep cleaning to your skin
restoring the moisture and oil balance your skin
needs to stay clear. A clay mask actually draws
toxins and dirt from deep in your skin to the
surface where they can be washed away.
Wear makeup made for
you-There are too many choices available now to weak
makeup made for light-skinned people, if you have
dark skin. If your skin is only, you’ll want to use
a non-comedogenic (non pore clogging makeup). You’ll
want to look for oil free foundations. Also, wear
makeup that compliments your dark features. Don’t
try to hide who you are.
What Works for You
Whether it is skin
care products or makeup, no one product or even line
of products will work for everyone. What we can do
is offer some guidelines. But, you have to develop
the regimen that
works best for you.
With cosmetics, it’s pretty simple. Put some on. Try
it out. For facial-care products, give them a
two-month try and see what’s working for you. If you
haven’t seen any improvement after 6 or 8 weeks,
move on to the next product. If you have heavy acne
or other more severe skin care problems, consider
consulting a professional rather than spending a lot
of time and money on products that will not work for
you. A professional might be able to point you
directly to a treatment that will work for you
without all of the trial and error. The important
thing is to do what works for you and to develop a
regimen you can live with day in and day out. Taking
care of your skin is a daily task for the rest of
your life. With proper care, you can have healthy,
glowing, smooth skin for years to come.
