Ethnic Skin Care: Discoloration

Men and women with dark skin often struggle with hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Whether it’s caused by injuries, sun damage or past acne, this issue plagues a wide range of skin types. However, ethnic skin is typically more susceptible to darkening because it contains more melanin. But don’t fret. We have some foolproof ways to protect your skin’s gorgeous dark tone.

Adhere to a simple and safe skin care routine.

• Cleanse your face one to three times a day, depending on its dryness.
• Use GENTLE cleansers and avoid any abrasive washes, and especially cleansing puffs or loofahs
• Try to refrain from moisturizers unless your face feels dry without them.

Pick the best products for your unique skin type.

• There is no need to buy fancy, overpriced products – drugstore brands are fine.
• If your skin is dry, look for products recommended for sensitive skin and make sure to avoid anything with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these harsh chemicals can further dry out your skin.

Helpful hint: when trying a new product, use it very sparingly at first to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin.

Mind your medications.

• Many commonly prescribed drugs increase your sensitivity to the sun, making it especially important that you apply extra sunscreen or sometimes avoid the sun completely.
• Some of the most common drugs that create sun sensitivity are birth control pills, antibiotics, acne medication and cancer drugs.
• There are many more, however, so be sure to ask your doctor if any of your medications are on this list so you can know how to properly protect your skin.

Don’t linger when your skin is in distress.

• The quicker you address a problem with your skin, the quicker it will go away AND the less likely it is to become an ongoing issue.
• Taking a trip to your dermatologist will not only save your skin, but could also save you money by preventing you from having to buy tons of products to help your condition later down the road. 

Contact a specialist for prescription therapies or cosmetic surgery.

• If you need skin care beyond what you can do yourself, seek professional treatments, both low- and high-tech.
• Some common treatments for dark skinned patients are acne medication, facial peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatment, among others.

Tip: be sure to ask around for an expert in treating dark skin. For more complex skin treatments, make sure you are in experienced hands and will receive the best treatment to rejuvenate your skin.

Don't Sweat It! Tips on Sweat & Your Skin From Dr. Patel

Photo courtesy of flickr user Chris Hunkeler

 If you're regularly at the gym in sweaty workout clothes and sneakers, we applaud you. But while burning calories and sweating it out at your favorite hot yoga class is great for your core, it can have negative effects on your skin. When you sweat, your pores open up, releasing moisture and making your skin highly vulnerable to bacteria. You might not realize that your awesome gym routine is what is actually causing your skin to break out, so here are a few tips to help keep the breakouts at bay while you work up a sweat. Here are a few tips from Dr. Purvisha Patel on sweat and your skin.

1. Don't wear makeup while working out. Although it is tempting to look good while you’re cranking it out on the treadmill, sweat and makeup do not mix well. Most makeup contains ingredients that clog open pores and lead to acne. If you absolutely must have something on your face, go with a loose mineral powder that shields your skin from sweat and is less likely to cause a breakout. 
2. Wash your face before and after a workout. Rid your skin of any bacteria before and after you workout to cut down on clogged pores. Wash your face gently and avoid heavy scrubbing. Blot your face with a clean towel afterward. 
3. Wear lightweight material. Choose a lightweight and breathable fabric such as cotton to work out in so your skin has room to breathe. Clingy, synthetic fabrics lock in moisture and can create a breeding ground for bacteria. 
4. Keep sweat off of your face. Try to keep as much sweat off of your face as possible by wearing a headband or hair wrap. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands. You never know what kind of germs and bacteria are lurking on the gym equipment! 
5. Cleanse your face daily. Use a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These medications treat acne and come as lotions, gels, soaps and liquids.
6. Wipe down the equipment. Always wipe down all equipment with a disinfectant wipe or spray before and after use. 
7. Exfoliate your skin. Gently exfoliate your skin a few times each week with a scrub. Scrubbing your skin too hard or too many times a week can lead to dryness, so keep it gentle. 
8. Change your workout clothes. As tempting as it may be, do not wear the same workout clothes twice in a row, especially if you sweat heavily. Make sure you wash them and your towels in between workouts.  
9. Be careful with your towel. Do not just lay your towel anywhere. Avoid putting it on the treadmill screen, gym mats or any other equipment that may contain other people’s sweat.   
10. Avoid equipment friction. Avoid clothes or equipment that will cause friction, such as a tight helmet. Areas that are extremely tight can retain the moisture and clog pores. If you do need to use a helmet or other restrictive equipment during a workout, make sure to cleanse your forehead well afterward. 

Sweat is natural and is healthy for you, but there are ways to keep it from ruining your skin. We want your skin to feel good and look good. Have any questions about sweat that we didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll try to answer them there.