Acne Treatment for Black Skin
- The main causes of acne are excessive oil, clogged pores and dead skin cells. By keeping the face clean, there is a reduced chance of having breakouts. Cleaning the face two or three times a day is recommended for those with very oily skin. Gentle cleansers to try are Cetaphil and Neutrogena products. Using milk or yogurt to wash the face is also good. Both these dairy products have lactic acid. This acid gently sloughs off excess oil. After applying the cleanser, rinse off with lukewarm water.
- There are many toners on the market that serve different purposes. Some restore the pH balance of the skin after washing. Some act like an astringent to disinfect the skin. Many astringents contain alcohol. Since this substance is very irritating to sensitive black skin, it is important to look for a toner that does not use alcohol. Natural toners to try are lemon juice, witch hazel or apple cider vinegar. Apply one of these substances to the skin after washing. The lemon juice and vinegar contain mild acids while witch hazel is soothing to the skin.
- Clogged pores lead to pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts. Deep cleaning the pores on a regular basis will reduce the number of breakouts. There are many commercial facial masks on the market. Choose one made with clay for best results. Clay is very good at absorbing excess oil. After applying the mask, it sinks into the pores. Then it dries and hardens. When you wash off the mask 15 to 30 minutes later, the pores are cleaner and smaller. You can also make a mask using fuller's earth or brewer's yeast. Add water to the powdery substances to make a paste and then apply to the skin.
- Although skin with acne is usually oily, there are some folk remedies that suggest using oil to prevent acne breakouts. The book "Secret Food Cures" by Lydia and Joan Wilen suggests applying a thin layer of extra-virgin olive oil to the face every day. The oil is credited with reducing the size of pores and preventing blemishes.
- Acne breakouts frequently leave scars. Mederma is a popular commercial ointment that reduces the appearance of scars. While some people have had good results with Mederma, it doesn't work for everyone. Two natural scar removers are vitamin E oil and cocoa butter. Since black skin is sensitive, it would be best to start with these products before using commercial scar removers.
