Education is an integral part of our brand and it helps fuel our passion for skincare & beauty. We continually expand upon our knowledge-base and in-turn are eager to share product education when we can. For instance, did you know that currently, there is a global lack of awareness amongst Asian, Latino, African-American & Indigenous populations regarding photoprotection? One of the challenges faced by people with darker skin types is the promotion and awareness of safer skincare regimens. We hope to help!
Treatment products designed to improve the appearance of wrinkles, decrease blemishes, dissolve blackheads, and/or to brighten skin usually contain active ingredients that increase cell turnover for fresher looking skin. When used in moderation these products are effective. A balanced skincare routine is key to achieving healthy looking skin, but what does that mean if you have dark problematic skin?
While there is no one-size fits all solution for anyone dealing with skin issues, e.g. acne, if you have dark skin its important to understand how to avoid getting into a vicious cycle of overusing topical products with active ingredients. Consider a holistic approach to determine the root cause by working with a skincare specialist who can assess your skin and overall health.
It has been clinically proven that ingredients such as hydroxy acids (AHA’s, BHA’s) and peroxides reduce acne, when used properly. However, prolonged or misuse can induce photosensitive skin that overreacts to sunlight making the skin more susceptible to sunburns, blistering and discoloration. This is especially true if you have a higher melanin content which can lead to a greater risk of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), or dark skin patches. PIH is particularly a common side effect after acne for 65.3 percent of African-Americans, 52.7 percent of Hispanics, and 47.4 percent of Asian people1, 2.
In general, people with skin tones in the range of Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4-6 (FST), need to be thoughtful about their approach to skincare to avoid skin damage. Some physicians prefer use of photo-stable products, like those produced by Zyderma, during the day and the other types of photosensitizing products at night (or when out of the sun). Incorporating sunscreen into a balanced routine will also help to reduce the risk of skin discoloration. There is a common misconception that even people with deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown do not need to wear sunscreen. This is in fact, just one example of the existing gaps in global skincare education. Wearing an SPF daily will go beyond protecting the skin from discolouration, it will also help to reduce the risk of developing melanoma3.
How Does Zyderma Fit In?
Zyderma’s line of products have been formulated to work in tandem with the skin’s natural function. A balanced daily routine for anyone can be achieved by following these 3 Easy Steps:
- Cleanse with our Gentle Foaming Cleanser that respects the barrier function of the epidermis.
- Gently exfoliate daily with our Konjac Facial Sponge with Tourmaline to slough away dead skin cells without causing damage.
- Follow-up with our Clarifying Cream, to lightly moisturize, and with the help of micronized silver, manage bacteria on the skins surface that can cause or worsen skin issues.
Now, review your current skincare products. Which ones contain active ingredients? Set them aside for use in your night-time routine.
During the day, we recommend using our photostable Clarifying Cream to manage problematic skin. The micronized silver that supports the skins natural healing process will continue to do so until rinsed away and can be reapplied as often as needed throughout the day. Note: It can also be used as a makeup primer and in combination with other photostable topicals and sunscreens.
Nighttime is when we recommend incorporating your treatment products to Optimize Your Skincare Routine. Again, moderation is key so choose 2-3 treatment nights and follow this straight forward routine:
MORNING:
- Cleanse the skin with a mild soap (do NOT use cleansers with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or any other harsh chemicals)
- Apply Zyderma to the affected area.
- Apply sunscreen.
NIGHT:
- Cleanse the skin with a mild soap (cleansers with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or any other harsh chemicals can now be used).
- Apply actives. Beware skin may be sensitized the next morning.
- Note: To avoid product interactions, do not mix Zyderma Clarifying Cream with hydroxy acids or peroxides. Also, thoroughly cleanse the skin of product residues before applying the Clarifying Cream. Be aware of other products in your regimen that may contain skin-sensitizing ingredients.
Hindsight is 20/20
We completely understand the desire to seek quick fixes when feeling frustrated due to skin issues. Its simply human nature. However, try to resist the urge and opt for a balanced & sustainable approach to skin goals. It may take time and a lot of patience. Since hindsight is 20/20, would it not feel rewarding to look back upon your skin journey knowing that you were aware of the challenges ahead of time, and made informed choices about your approach?
Our ultimate goal is to improve everyone’s skincare experience and breadth of knowledge. If we are able to successfully guide people toward making safe & effective product selections, then we will be beyond delighted. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.
The tips in this post are applicable to everyone, so feel free to share it with anyone who may benefit from this knowledge. Sharing is caring!
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