The skin is the largest organ in your body, your first line of defense and the external shell that everyone sees. A blemish can be devastating to the self-esteem. It's for these reasons you find yourself in a constant search for information to help keep your skin in optimum health. "Cosmopolitan" magazine reports the American Academy of Dermatology has found skin tone plays an important role in determining what your skin needs.
Fair Skin
Fair skin is the most sensitive and susceptible to sun damage. This makes it essential to wear 30 SPF moisturizer with antioxidants during the day and a night cream containing alpha hydroxy acids or retinol to help cell turnover. Fair skin is also the first to show signs of sun damage, including wrinkles, age spots and roughness. Exfoliate weekly to slough off dead skin cells. "Cosmopolitan" recommends trying an at-home acid peel or microdermabrasion kit for your weekly exfoliation treatments.
Medium Skin
Medium skin tones have thicker skin, more oil glands and bigger pores, so while early aging and wrinkles aren't a concern, acne and acne spots can be. Ensure you have a good daily skin routine and try blotting papers instead of powder to get rid of shine; use a mattifyer under sunscreen and makeup; and for dark spots, use a hydroquinone fading cream following directions closely. Extra facial hair may be an issue, and if so, try adding a hair-inhibiting lotion to your routine.
Dark Skin
Dark skin has the best ultraviolet protection against the sun. Although that does not preclude you from wearing sunscreen, it does mean you are the last to get any wrinkles. Dark skin is more susceptible to acne scarring, however, so extra caution must be taken during acne breakouts. Use a salicylic acid-based facial cleanser or acne treatment once or twice per day, and never pick at acne. Your skin also requires a lot of moisturizing that should be done when your skin is still damp from the shower and as often as needed throughout the day using a thick moisturizer.
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