Having healthy, radiant skin is a universal desire. However, achieving this requires understanding the unique needs of your skin. For African Americans, common skin concerns include hyperpigmentation (dark spots) caused by acne scars or injuries, and "ashy" or gray skin resulting from inadequate exfoliation. Choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for maintaining hydrated, healthy skin.
Understanding African American Skin
African American skin tends to lose moisture more quickly than other skin tones, making hydration a top priority. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid are essential, as they help retain moisture, keeping the skin supple and healthy. It is so vital that we keep our skin hydrated.
Key Skin Types
Understanding your skin type is the first step in selecting the right moisturizer. There are three or four basic skin types:
- Oily Skin: Usually appears smooth and supple but may be prone to acne outbreaks.
- Balanced or Combination Skin: Balanced skin has the right level of oil, feeling smooth and supple. Combination skin has oily spots (often around the nose and eyes, known as the "T" zone) and dry spots (often around the mouth).
- Dry Skin: Requires moisturizers that provide intense hydration.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Our face care products for African-American are of absolutely the best quality, at a very reasonable price.
Here are some top lotion recommendations tailored for African American skin:
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1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Dermatologist-favorite CeraVe was founded in 2005 to help people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis and is known for its fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers. Our panelists appreciated the simple, versatile formula and non-greasy afterfeel of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and it’s especially appealing since the no-nonsense cream is suitable for use on the face, too. Its formula feels more luxurious than its price suggests. We found the cream to be much fancier-feeling than its midrange price of roughly $1 an ounce for a substantial tub. One tester described the texture as “elegantly whipped,” while another noted that it “feels hardworking and lush”; yet another called it “super smooth and silky.” Testers also liked the cream’s thick, slightly bouncy texture-one described it as a “very sleek” formula that behaved more like a sheer lotion than a thick cream upon application. It absorbs quickly without feeling sticky. Aside from glycerin-a humectant that draws water into the skin barrier-occlusive ingredients petrolatum and dimethicone help keep water from evaporating from the skin over time. Our testers appreciated that the cream absorbed well and didn’t leave a greasy layer on their skin. You can use it on both your body and face. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is also a pick in our facial moisturizer guide, and testers for both guides appreciated it as a one-jar option for après-shower hydration.
2. Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Body Crème
With its cannabis-leaf logo and roster of candy-colored, highly fragranced lotions, Hempz might not be for everyone. But after a call for moisturizer favorites in the office unearthed several fervent fans of Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Body Crème (known as the blue formula) specifically, we knew we needed to test it. The brand’s name comes from the hempseed oil included in its lotions; Triple Moisture also contains other natural oils, such as yangu, sweet almond, sunflower seed, and jojoba seed. It spreads like a lotion but hydrates like a cream. The hempseed oil is accompanied by dimethicone (a non-greasy silicone), glycerin (a humectant), and a skin-softening coconut-oil derivative. If you’re looking for a hydrating moisturizer that’s thinner than a cream, this is a good option.
The scent is strong and long-lasting. Hempz lotions are known for their scents-think walking into a Bath & Body Works, and you’ll understand the vibes. Its pump works smoothly.
3. Byoma Sensitive Skin Body Lotion
Many of the unscented lotions we tested come in nondescript, utilitarian packaging. Its main ingredients include the emollients ethylhexyl palmitate and shea butter plus the humectant glycerin, as well as natural occlusive oils. It has a squiggly, lightweight formula. One tester raved about how easily this lotion rubbed into her skin. Another noted how the lotion’s pump dispensed satisfying “ASMR-ish” noodles of product. “Unlike some of the others, this one seemed to truly soak right in and moisturize without leaving a sticky need-to-dry hang time or a kind of shrink-wrap layer.” The bottle is a vibe. One tester likened the lotion’s formula to tried-and-true drugstore mainstays like Eucerin or Aveeno and other reliable moisturizers, saying, “It’s just that the packaging makes it that much more appealing.” It doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. With 28 ingredients and no added scent, Byoma’s formula has plenty of well-tolerated hydrating staples, including glycerin, shea butter, and squalane. But it also has some plant-based soothers, such as calendula and oat kernel extract. This lotion is also accepted by the National Eczema Association.
4. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter
Central to Josie Maran products is its use of argan oil, and the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter also contains various other oils and shea butter. Almost all of our testers, even those wary of “luxe” lotions, loved the experience of both the rich, spreadable cream and the fancy refillable glass vessel. It feels like a treat. At $6 an ounce, this body butter’s price was much higher than the $2.26-per-ounce average of the moisturizers we tested. It is a splurge, but it feels every bit of a luxury. The butter formulation is rich and creamy; as one tester put it, “it feels like it might be actually worth the price.” Other testers appreciated that the firm-looking butter felt much more pliable-and, yes, whipped-in hand, and they noted that the formula was “thick but spreadable.” It leaves a subtle shimmer. You can dial in your scent. Our testers evaluated the body butter in the unscented option Always Nude, which one tester noted as smelling slightly like essential oils (it does not contain added fragrance). The Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter also comes in seven other scents, ranging from musky to sweet to citrusy and heady.
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5. Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Nécessaire’s deodorants, lotions, and body cleansers cater to people who value sustainability (it’s a certified B Corp) and simplicity (check out the minimalist packaging design). The ingredient list of Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion includes several humectants, emollients, and seed oils, all of which meld into a highly absorbable and hydrating formulation. It soaks in quickly. Testers were amazed at how quickly this formula absorbed into their skin. It’s delightfully spreadable. In addition to its great absorption rate, Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion has a pleasing, easily spreadable texture. It elevates your bathroom. Every one of our testers mentioned the chic, minimalist-design tube as a selling point. It’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. Nécessaire adheres to the European Union’s regulations for cosmetic ingredients, which impose stricter ingredient bans than the United States. In addition, the fragrance-free version of The Body Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
6. Native Moisturizing Lotion
For a habit-forming, accessible lotion that’s slightly more elevated than its run-of-the-mill drugstore counterparts, we suggest Native Moisturizing Lotion. It comes in several scents, including limited-edition fragrances, and doesn’t break the bank. The formula is a mix of humectants and emollients as well as shea butter, which can sometimes go on heavy, though not so here. It’s widely available, and it’s affordable enough for generous daily use. It’s a lightweight formula. One of our panelists found the sensory experience of most body creams and lotions off-putting. But the lightweight Native option, which soaks in almost on impact, was just the ticket. The scent is subtle but long-lasting. Whereas some scented lotions we tried had overpowering scents, Native’s was much more subtle. The lotion imparts a noticeable scent that doesn’t overwhelm. It has a pump, which testers preferred.
Facial Care Regimen
We have also assembled recommended “regimens” which are bundles of products that work well in concert with each other. Each regimen is based on completely natural, non-soap cleansers, alcohol free toners and balancing non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
Basic Steps for a Facial Care Regimen:
- Cleanse: Use mild, non-soap cleansers to gently lift dirt and remove excess oil. Avoid harsh, drying soap-based cleansers. Wash regularly-once in the morning and once at night.
- Tone: Use a very mild astringent that tightens up pores.
- Treat: Address specific skin concerns, such as acne or dark spots.
- Moisturize: Apply a non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisturizer to balance the skin.
If you have dry skin, you might have been tempted to skip the toner step because many toners are drying and harsh.
Addressing Specific Skin Conditions
Q.) I have multiple skin conditions I'd like to treat?
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A.) Generally speaking- yes. For example if you have problems with mild to moderate acne you can use a mild cleanser and toner (for example our HumiNature Deep C Cleanser) and follow up with an acne treatment. But, keep in mind there are certain things you should and should not do. For example, those with acne or sensitive skin should NOT use a facial scrub. You should not combine exfoliating treatments (for example microdermabrasion with a skin peel).
Q.) I have acne (occasional outbreaks). But, I would also like to treat hyper-pigmentation left by earlier outbreaks.
A.) You actually have several choices. Keep in mind the regimens we sell are only suggested combinations of products designed to treat specific conditions. Each person’s skin is different. Here’s how we would suggest building a regimen to treat this type of situation. This is just an example to show how you might go about selecting products.
Building a Regimen:
- Start with a Cleanser: For acne-prone skin, use a very mild, non-soap cleanser. Avoid cleansers with scrubs, as they can irritate the skin. Cleanse at least twice a day using lukewarm water and your fingertips.
- Tone: Use a mild astringent to tighten pores.
- Treat Active Acne: Spot treat any active acne outbreaks.
- Treat Dark Spots: Spot treat dark spots with appropriate products.
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Ingredients to Look For
Here are some key ingredients and products to consider:
- DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol): An amazing nutrient that extends the life of cells and inhibits the cross-linking of proteins, giving the skin a tone and firm appearance.
- Honey: A humectant that attracts water. The acids in honey gently help promote skin turnover, making it great for sensitive skin.
- Wild Oats: Help skin retain moisture and keep the skin soft.
- Cucumber: Has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- Aloe Leaf Juice: Softens the skin.
- Witch Hazel: Tones the skin.
- Tea Tree Oil and Black Willow Bark: Kill germs.
- Jojoba: Restores a proper balance to the skin, removing excess oil from oily skin and providing additional oil to dry skin.
- Shea Butter: Especially East African Shea Butter, which is softer and more fragrant.
- Avocado Oil: Well known as a natural age fighter.
- Vitamin C Esters: Absorb readily into the skin.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Gently exfoliate the skin.
Products to Consider
Here are some specific products that may be beneficial:
- HumiNature Age-Defying Face Cleanser: An all-natural facial cleanser with DMAE.
- HumiNature Oil Defense Cleanser: Natural and mild, ideal for acne-prone skin.
- HumiNature Skin Solace Cleanser: A mild and gentle facial cleanser for sensitive skin.
- HumiNature Cucumber Mist Natural Facial Toner: An all-natural moisturizing facial toner infused with pure Cucumber Hydrosol.
- HumiNature Skin Firming Toner with DMAE: A high-quality toner that extends the life of cells and gives the skin a tone and firm appearance.
- HumiNature Oil Defense Astringent: Naturally astringent, skin balancing, and acne-fighting.
- HumiNature AvoJoba Face Moisturizing Crème: Perfect for dry to combination skin types, restoring a proper balance to the skin.
- HumiNature East African Shea Butter: A high-quality shea butter that is softer and more fragrant.
- HumiNature Anti-Aging AntiOxidant Crème: A super-premium age-fighting crème loaded with anti-aging agents.
- HumiNature Shea Butter Facial Crème: Perfect for all skin types.
- HumiNature Deep C Masque: A luscious and effective facial masque.
- HumiNature Papaya & Clay Skin Peel: A gentle skin peel with fruit extracts and kaolin clay.
- HumiNature Rhassoul Clay: An excellent mask for the face and body and a great deep cleanser for hair.
Daily Regimen Essentials
- Face moisturizers should be applied in the morning and evening.
- Wash your face gently, using small circular motions.
- If you are using a moisturizing cleanser or a cleanser with ingredients to help your face, you want to leave it on long enough to do its job.
Things to Avoid
- Do NOT use a cleanser with scrubs if you have acne-prone skin.
- Avoid harsh, drying soap-based cleansers.
- Do not combine exfoliating treatments (for example microdermabrasion with a skin peel).
- Avoid skipping washing your face regularly or wash too often.
- Do not scrub your face vigorously.
Additional Regimens
There are also specialized regimens available, such as:
- The Ajuvén Face Rescue Kit: Especially for men's skin care.
- The HumiNature Sensitive Skin Care Regimen: Gentle and effective, with hypoallergenic products that are mild and will not cause irritation.
- The HumiNature Oil Defense Skin Care Regimen: Effective, all-natural, non-soap cleansers with specially chosen anti-acne essential oils.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right moisturizer and following a consistent skincare regimen are vital for maintaining healthy, radiant African American skin. By understanding your skin type and choosing products with beneficial ingredients, you can address specific concerns like hyperpigmentation and dryness, ensuring your skin looks its best.
