If you've got black skin, you've got a big advantage over lighter-skinned women as you get older, says dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd in "Skin Inc" magazine. Because your skin has better protection against sun damage, you're likely to look younger than your fair-skinned contemporaries. You're also 20 times less likely to develop skin cancer, says Susan Taylor, director of the Skin Color Center in New York and author of "Brown Skin" in "More" magazine.
Identification
Black skin's increased melanin production helps protect it against wrinkles and fine lines caused by sun damage over time, but it also has the potential to cause skin problems, says Woolery-Lloyd. Black skin is prone to hyperpigmentation and -- to a lesser extent -- hypopigmentation, and patches and spots of darker or lighter skin can show up to mark breakouts, damage or even dry patches. Your black skin may also be more prone to ingrown hairs, especially if you have curly or kinky hair.
Types
Hyperpigmentation issues can take several forms, according to Taylor. In some cases, it may show up as darkened skin all over, such as having your facial skin tone appear a shade or two darker than the rest of your body. Hyperpigmentation may also show up as patches, spots and freckles, both in spots where you've soaked up too much sun and spots where you've popped a pimple or injured your skin. If your skin gets too dry, patches of dry skin may show up as ashy areas on your body.
Significance
Sun damage may not make black skin look older, but it's still a major factor in black skin care problems, says Taylor. Over time, ultraviolet radiation can cause your skin to increase its melanin production, causing your skin to become darker in some areas. Picking at blemishes, including pimples and ingrown hair, can also cause scar-like discoloration on dark skin. Buildup of dead skin cells is especially noticeable on dark skin because the dead cells are paler and grayer than healthy dark skin.
Prevention/Solution
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is the best way to prevent black skin problems. Since acne can damage black skin, protect yourself with a daily salicylic acid cleanser to prevent pore clogs and breakouts. To treat existing overall darkness, Taylor recommends glycolic acid peels, which rub away darker skin cells to even out skin tone. For dark spots and patches, hydroquinone may be a good option -- but apply it carefully and don't use it for longer than six months, warns Taylor.
Warning
Your black skin may be less prone to sun damage than fair skin, but that doesn't mean you don't have to worry about skin cancer, warns Jeanine Downie, dermatologist and co-author of the book "Beautiful Skin of Color," in "Cosmopolitan" magazine. If you notice moles or bumps on your body that change size or color or that bleed or hurt, ask your dermatologist to check them out -- especially if they are on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet or underneath your nails, all areas where you may be especially prone to developing melanoma.
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