Acne is a common skin complaint of young black adolescent as well as adults, and is the singularly the most common reason for a trip to the doctor or more often the dermatologist. The significant difference from Black and Caucasian skin is that fortunately black skin is affected primarily by inflamed acne (Acne Vulgaris). The good news is that the tendencies for inflammatory or nodular cysts are significantly less for black skin. The problem arises when the scarring from the cysts, nodules or pustules is more visible and more of a problem then the acne breakout itself.



The Best Products to Treat Black Skin?

The treatment for all inflamed Acne is the same there are no particular products
that will be more affective on Black or Causation skin despite all the advertising campaigns. Topical treatment in gel form or cream like Benzyol Peroxide is best suited to Black skin as the tolerance level is high and the chance of skin irritation is limited. Salicylic Acid is an alternative for more sensitive skin types. OTC medicated topical creams with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are effective for mild acne as they kill the bacteria and unclog pores.


The function of these medicated treatments is to exfoliate the skin dry up the inflammation and kill the bacteria while buffing the skin of dead skin cells. While there is no signifant difference in treatment for African American skin, the changes in pigmentation is higher and therefore might need specialist treatment from a dermatologist who specialises in the treatment of (hyperpigmintation) development of dark spots from lesions and (hypopigmentation) onset of light spots on the skin to effectively diagnosis and treat.



Who Is Most Prone to Cystic Acne?

Black skin is no different to any other when it comes to the difficulties of skin that is prone to break outs. Teenagers are prone to acne because of fluctuation hormone levels. The androgen hormone encourages hair growth and hormone increases in the body. The over secretion of the sebaceous glands is the culprit coupled with dead skin cells which get blocked in the hair follicles and cause bacterial build up and inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne.


Propionibacterium associated acne breakouts is the cause of inflammatory acne and antibiotics used alone won’t unplug the dead skin in the pores, so a topical treatment such as Benzyol Peroxide of Salicylic acid are sometimes used. Hormonal acne is generally associated with adolescents and will subside after the age of 21. In some cases hormonal acne will affect women especially at times of menstruation and during pregnancy. Generally acne that appears after the age of 24 should be investigated by a skin specialist such as a dermatologist.



What Preventative Measures Can I Take to Keep My Acne Under Control?

It is important to identify the triggers of your acne breakouts and determine the type of acne your suffer form whether its Cystic, Nodular or Pustal. Oral. Antibiotics such as
Tetracycline Erythromycine and Minocyline are typically prescribed by a doctor as they have side affects that include canddida in women. Reoccurring acne in adult hood will be difficult to treat and should get specialised treatment. Minocycline is typically prescribed for pustal and cystic reoccurring acne.


This long prescribed antibiotic is useful for persistent reoccurring acne as the body doesn’t build up a resistance to it. The main side affect is that it may cause skin pigmentation after long periods of use. Some drugs such and steroids can be trigger for constant reoccurrence of mild to severe acne. Drugs containing isoniazis and lithium are associated with inducing acne breakouts. Hereditary, Environmental, and hormonal factors can contribute to acne breakouts in both males and females.



What Factors Will Contribute to Acne Breakouts?

While there is no proven correlation to Acne and diet any woman will tell you she has cravings for sugar foods mid-cycle. Hormonal fluctuation at mid-menstruation and the
consumption of high glycemic foods such as the dreaded chocolate can only be ruled out if the individual is aware of the trigger signs and eliminates the bad food in order to rule out the suspected culprit. Perhaps the large consumption of chocolate at times of hormonal fluctuation is an unlucky coincidence.


A healthy diet with detoxifying fresh fruit vegetables and lean meat will flush the body of toxins and cleans internally and externally. Diuretics like juniper berry. stinging nettle
Bear berry, ginger and parsley will cleanse and purify the body. Foods or food supplements rich in vitamins, D, E and A will benefit the skin hair and nails. Drinking plenty of water will flush out impurities. A healthy attitude to mind and body will benefit all the body’s organs the largest of which is the skin.


As and individual you will be better aware of what might exacerbate your acne breakouts better than anyone else. For some people adolescents and adults alike find that at time of high stress or pressure at exams or when moving house for example that they will experience skin disorders. The skin is the largest organ of the body and can be disrupted by many factors externally or internally. An example of an acne breakout could be a change in eating habits sleeping habits, exercise, increased body temperature. Adult acne is commonly referred to as Rosacea.



What Natural Skin Products Are Effective tp Treat Acne?

It is important to exfoliate the skin and rid the pores of dead skin cells and bacteria. Buffing the skin naturally will encourage collagen production and rejuvenate the skin and get rid of dreaded wrinkles. African American skin is more oily generally and the best products are non oil based ones. Aloe Vera will soothe tired scarred skin and will improve the texture and appearance of the skin.


Exfoliation is essential for skin that is affected by skin hyperpigmentation. Ground oatmeal and cocoa butter is a good exfoliant to buff the skin of dead cells. Combination skin will need to be treated separately for example if the chin, forehead and nose is prone to blackhead and is oily than an astringent alcohol based cleansers with toners and a non –comedogenic (non-pore clogging) ingredients.


A common misconception is that black skin doesn’t burn in the sun this is a myth. It is important to wear a sun screen with a high protection factor. Dark skin types should be careful with skin lighteners as some of these might have a diverse affect and change the hypopigmentation and make things worse. It is imperative that you get the right advice from a Dermatologist who has proven knowledge and expertise in skin diagnosis. Natural products that moisturize like Emu oil, olive oil almond oil will nourish the skin pore deep.


Egg whites with sandal wood rose wood, almond oil combined with anti bacterial and anti inflammatory ingredients will soothe inflamed cystic or nodular acne. Although oily skins generally are cleansed with non oily gels or creams as apposed to ointments, surprisingly olive oil is great for deep pore cleansing and moisturizing the skin as well as rejuvenating the skin. Shea butter is a soothing natural moisturizer that has been a best kept secret by African Americans for years.


This product is excellent for repairing dermis damage replenishing the natural ph in the skin and rejuvenating the skin cells capillaries and skin structure. There are soothing Shea
Balms that are easily absorbed in the structure of the epidermis as it evens out skin tone without feeling heavy or greasy. The high vitamin E and F will heal and rejuvenate the skin if applied liberally and frequently.



What Skin Conditions Will Affect Men As Opposed to Women?

African American men suffer form razor bur or (Psuedofolliculitis) more than men of lighter coloured skin. Shaving with tepid water as opposed to hot or cold won’t damage the capillaries. Not shaving the skin too regularly and letting the skin rest is important. Softening facial hair is important as freshly grown hair cut at a wrong angle that is sharp and can curl back into the skin. The skin detects the hair as alien and becomes swollen and infected.


Gently pressing a wash cloth on to the face before shaving will soften the hair. Always use a good shaving product with skin soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera and shave with the grain of the skin as opposed to against. Make sure your razor is bacteria free by sterilizing the blade before shaving. As with skin acne never pick or squeeze razor bumps and avoid rubbing the face unnecessarily. Tee tree oil applied to the skin straight or diluted with a clean cloth or cleansing cotton bud will directly penetrate the skin and kill and bacteria.


Hair removal gels might be an alternative to shaving for a while. Natural ingredients like jojoba, with hazel or bees wax will sooth inflammation. As with all skin types and colours it is important to get good advice and adapt a trial and error attitude with products to find the one that is effective and safe. We are all individuals so even the natural products can be irritating to some skins that are sensitive. The internet is effective at finding web sites that specifically cater for Black, Asian and Latino skin types.