The Anti-Aging Challenges of Different Skin Colors

When I was recently on the CBS TV show The Talk, I discussed the problems that different skin colors bring to individual anti-aging programs:

1. BROWN SKIN - EXFOLIATE AND USE SHEA BUTTER
Browner skin is more prone to irritation, dry skin, and scarring.  Dark skin can really benefit with regular exfoliation to avoid ashy and dry cracking skin.

I recommend using a body scrub and exfoliate your skin to reveal a layer of fresh, smooth skin. Moisturize with shea butter to complete the process. Shea butter is among the top natural treatments that can be used on dry and sensitive skin.

2. MEDIUM SKIN - FIND NON-HYDROQUINONE SKIN BRIGHTENING PRODUCTS
Use a non-hydroquinone skin lightening and brightening product on a regular basis to even the skin tone and reveal glowing skin.  People with medium skin should not use products with hyrdoquinone because it will make their skin color uneven.  

Most of the signs of aging that happen with medium skin involve discoloration, blotchy uneven pigmentation so if you start early you may be able to help prevent this from happening!

3. LIGHT SKIN - APPLY PRODUCTS WITH LICORICE EXTRACT AND CHAMOMILE

Soothe a light complexion with an anti-redness lotion or moisturizer. These use ingredients like licorice root extract and chamomile to calm ruddy skin over the long term.  

Licorice extract and chamomile (also called bisabolol) both have anti-inflammatory properties. Some anti-redness products are tinted green so they temporarily neutralize redness.

Light Skin – Visit Your Dermatologist at Least Once a Year

People with light skin may have growths on their skin that are rough, scaly and do not go away, no matter how many times you peel or apply products on them.

You may have Actinic Keratoses, or AK’s. AK’s have to be treated otherwise they can turn into skin cancers. 

4. FAIR SKIN - BUY SKIN PRODUCTS LABELED “HYPOALLERGENIC”
Look for products formulated for sensitive skin and those labeled “hypoallergenic,” meaning it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction. If you’re out in the sun, wear over-sized hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your fair skin from burning.
Fair skin was not designed to enjoy the California sun or be tanned.  

There is very little natural protection from ultraviolet exposure and sun damage, so the aging process is accelerated.  

5. OLIVE SKIN - WASH YOUR FACE WITH GLYCOLIC ACID CLEANSER

Use glycolic acid cleanser and use products with vitamin C to constantly exfoliate, deep clean pores and minimize oiliness. This will help prevent breakouts and minimize the discoloration from acne before they even happen! Because of the extra oiliness, olive skin tends to also break out more – some women are breaking out all the way to menopause.