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According to Miami dermatologist Dr. Andrea Trowers, a common problem that plagues people with black skin is an ashy appearance – a sure symptom that the skin is not well hydrated. Using a body cream formulated for your skin type each day will help you get the problem at bay. Apply cream immediately after a shower or bath to facilitate absorption and achieve the maximum moisturizing effects.
Extra Emollient
Atlanta makeup artist Scoobie West says Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Conditioning with Cocoa Butter and Vaseline Body Oil Gel with Cocoa Butter are staples in his kit and moisturizing regimen he recommends to clients. Use the cream alone, or on days when deep moisturizing is in order, mix the two. “This gives runway-ready legs all summer,” West says.
Giving a Glow
West calls Keihls Creme de Corps his favorite of the bunch when it comes to moisturizing black skin. “It moisturizes and gives African-American skin such a healthy glow. I recommend applying this after you take a long relaxing bath,” he says. Special botanical ingredients include beta-carotene, cocoa butter and sesame oil. For extra soft skin, use the Creme de Corps scrub at bath time.
Softening While Sun-Protecting
Trowers says individuals with skin of color often don’t realize the benefits of sunscreen, but insists it’s necessary. “When you look at the areas of your body that are always protected from the sun, such as the inner aspect of your arms or under your bra, you realize the color is actually your true skin color. Chronic sun exposure, even through car windows and the windows at home, contributes to uneven skin tone and makes dark spots darker,” she explains. Trowers says Skinceuticals is her top pick because it does double duty by moisturizing skin while at the same time providing sun protection. The brand has microionized—finely pulverized—ingredients., “So you can say goodbye to the white cast these ingredients typically leave on skin of color.”
Treating Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, Trowers' best bet is Cetaphil lotion. She says it’s formulated to be mild enough for newborn babies while delivering deep moisture that isn’t heavy. It’s an ashiness-eraser and it does not leave a residue on the skin. West has two favorites for treating touchy skin. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is soothing and gentle, “I personally used it when I was allergic to everything,” he says. When experiencing tenderness and redness post-shave, pass some Eucerin Calming Creme on your legs. West says it makes a visible difference so you can shave, step out of the shower and slip into a skirt with confidence.
