Skin care for melanin-rich skin

Week-by-week plans with morning and evening steps, what to expect, and when to see a doctor. Pick what is bothering you.

Conditions and care explained for darker skin, A to Z, with sources.

• A simple skincare routine for menThree steps, five minutes: cleanse, moisturise, protect.4 min read
• AcneWhat causes spots, how to treat them gently, and how to prevent dark marks afterwards.5 min read
• Contact dermatitisRashes caused by something touching the skin: fragrance, hair dye, nickel and more.5 min read
• Dark marks after spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)The dark patches left behind after acne, bites, burns or eczema, and how to help them fade.6 min read
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)Dry, itchy, inflamed skin that comes and goes, and how to calm it.5 min read
• Fungal skin infections (ringworm)Itchy, ring-shaped or scaly patches, and how to clear them properly.5 min read
• Hair products and forehead acneHow oils and gels cause breakouts along the hairline.4 min read
• Harmattan skin careProtecting skin, lips and hair from dry, dusty winds.4 min read
• Hives (urticaria)Itchy, raised welts that come and go.4 min read
• How to patch-test a new productA simple way to reduce the risk of reactions.4 min read
• How to spot fake and dangerous creamsCounterfeit and "mixed" creams are common. Here are the warning signs, and what to do if you suspect one.5 min read
• KeloidsRaised scars that grow beyond the original wound, and how to lower your risk.5 min read
• Light patches: pityriasis alba, vitiligo and tinea versicolorThree common causes of pale patches, how to tell them apart, and which ones need a doctor.5 min read
• MelasmaSymmetrical brown patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, often linked to hormones and sunlight.5 min read
• Myth: "Bleaching is safe if it's natural""Natural" lighteners can burn skin, and many contain hidden mercury or steroids.4 min read
• Myth: "Chocolate and oily food cause acne"Diet plays a small role for some people; hormones, genes and skincare matter more.4 min read
• Myth: "Dark skin doesn't need sunscreen"Melanin helps, but it does not stop dark marks, melasma or sun damage.4 min read
• Myth: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser"Skipping moisturiser can make oily skin feel worse; light non-comedogenic moisturisers help.4 min read
• Myth: "Scrubbing removes dark spots faster"Rough scrubbing inflames skin and usually makes dark marks darker.4 min read
• Myth: "Shea butter cures everything"A good moisturiser, but not a cure for infections, acne or pigment problems.4 min read
• Myth: "Toothpaste dries out pimples"Toothpaste irritates skin and can leave dark marks; proven acne treatments work better.4 min read
• PsoriasisThick scaly patches that come and go, and why it is more than a skin condition.4 min read
• Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae)Bumps after shaving are not "just irritation"; here is how to shave without them.5 min read
• Retinoids: how they work and how to startA guide to adapalene, retinol and other vitamin A creams.4 min read
• Skin bleaching, mercury and steroid creams: the dangersWhy "toning" and lightening creams can cause lasting harm, and safer ways to even tone.5 min read
• Skin changes in pregnancyMelasma, dark lines, stretch marks and which products to pause.4 min read
• Skin types explainedHow oil, sensitivity, pigment and barrier combine — and how our questionnaire works.4 min read
• Small dark bumps on the face (dermatosis papulosa nigra)Harmless dark bumps on the cheeks and around the eyes, common in darker skin.4 min read
• Sunscreen for dark skinYes, darker skin needs sunscreen. Here is why, and how to choose one without a white cast.5 min read
• Uneven skin toneWhy skin tone varies across the face and body, and a realistic plan for a more even glow.5 min read
• VitiligoWhite patches caused by loss of pigment cells.4 min read
• Your skin barrier, explainedWhy the outer layer of skin matters, and how to keep it healthy.4 min read

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