The main difference between Light and Dark Skin tones is the presence of Melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our skin; the more melanin our skin has, the darker it will be. This pigment can absorb UV light and block free radicals; hence darker skin is more protected against sun damage and aging. Darker skin has a natural SPF of 13.4 while lighter skin has only 3.4. Wrinkles and saggy skin are more frequent in lighter skin; one reason is the low protection against UV light, making this skin more susceptible to photoaging.
How to choose products for Dark Skin?
To choose products for your skin, you have to consider your skin phototype. Dark skin tends to be sensitive, so when it comes to selecting products against pigmentation, one should avoid ingredients like hydroquinone and go for softer products. When choosing a cleanser for darker skin, you should avoid the oily ones; because the skin tends to be oily by itself; try gels and foam that can be easily removed with water. Because dark skin can be sensitive, Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids in high concentrations are not recommended; go for softer products, and always try them slowly on your face.
Another difference besides the melanin is the quantity of corporal hair; on darker skin, the growing speed is slower on certain areas of the body, being the beard one of them. Hair can look thicker and stronger but is entirely the opposite; this kind of dark hair can be drier, less shiny, and hard to control. This is related to the thickness of hair cuticle, pH, sebum distribution, and hair density.
The best thing about darker skin is that the signs of aging appear later compared to lighter skin; hence the use of antiaging products can be postponed a little more; make sure your moisturizer is a light one, contains SPF, and is non-comedogenic; this skin tends to be more oily so is more susceptible to develop acne when the wrong product is used.
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