Summer Glow Guide for Ethnic Skin
When the temperatures rise and the sun shines longer, your skin care routines need a seasonal refresh. Especially for ethnic skin tones. While deeper skin tones have built-in UV protection due to higher melanin content, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to sun damage, dehydration, or dark spots.
In fact, summer can intensify certain skin challenges like hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and excessive oil production. The good news? A few intentional changes can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected all summer long.
Yes, you need sunscreen too. One of the biggest myths about melanin-rich skin is that it doesn’t burn or suffer UV damage. While darker skin tones are less likely to burn, UVA and UVB rays can still accelerate aging, trigger hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it daily, even it's cloudy. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great options. However, make sure the formula is tinted or sheer to avoid a gray cast. Reapply every two hours if you're outside, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
As humidity rises, your skin tends to produce more oil, but that doesn’t mean you should skip your moisturizer. Instead, switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas like gels or oil-free lotions.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin draw water into your skin without leaving a greasy finish.
For added hydration without heaviness, try misting your face with rose water or a facial mist throughout the day.
Sweat, oil, and sunscreen buildup can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle foaming cleanser that removes dirt without stripping your skin of its natural oils. If you wear makeup or heavy SPF, use a cleansing oil or balm first to break down the product, then follow up with your regular cleanser.
Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate to keep your skin smooth and even-toned. Use enzyme-based exfoliants or mild acids like mandelic acid, which are effective for melanin-rich skin and less likely to cause irritation or dark marks.
Vitamin C is a summer must-have. This potent antioxidant helps brighten your skin, even out tone, and protect against free radical damage caused by the sun and pollution. Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your morning routine, layering it under your sunscreen for maximum protection and radiance.
Other great antioxidants for darker skin tones include niacinamide (helps with oil control and hyperpigmentation) and green tea extract (soothes inflammation and defends against environmental stressors).
Summer heat and sun exposure can worsen dark spots and uneven skin tone. Avoid picking at blemishes and always protect healing skin with sunscreen. Look for serums or spot treatments with ingredients like licorice root, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or tranexamic acid—all of which target discoloration without irritating sensitive melanated skin.
Don’t forget the role your diet plays in skin health. Drink plenty of water, and load up on water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and berries. These not only hydrate but also deliver antioxidants that support your skin from the inside out.
By adjusting your skincare routine with the season, you’ll give your melanin-rich skin everything it needs to thrive in the heat. Thus, leaving your skin glowing, confident, and ready to take on summer naturally.
That’s it for this week.
Juliette's Website
Nyraju Skin Care
In fact, summer can intensify certain skin challenges like hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and excessive oil production. The good news? A few intentional changes can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected all summer long.
1. Upgrade Your SPF Game
Yes, you need sunscreen too. One of the biggest myths about melanin-rich skin is that it doesn’t burn or suffer UV damage. While darker skin tones are less likely to burn, UVA and UVB rays can still accelerate aging, trigger hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it daily, even it's cloudy. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great options. However, make sure the formula is tinted or sheer to avoid a gray cast. Reapply every two hours if you're outside, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
2. Switch to Lightweight Hydration
As humidity rises, your skin tends to produce more oil, but that doesn’t mean you should skip your moisturizer. Instead, switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas like gels or oil-free lotions.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin draw water into your skin without leaving a greasy finish.
For added hydration without heaviness, try misting your face with rose water or a facial mist throughout the day.
3. Double Down on Cleansing
Sweat, oil, and sunscreen buildup can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle foaming cleanser that removes dirt without stripping your skin of its natural oils. If you wear makeup or heavy SPF, use a cleansing oil or balm first to break down the product, then follow up with your regular cleanser.
Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate to keep your skin smooth and even-toned. Use enzyme-based exfoliants or mild acids like mandelic acid, which are effective for melanin-rich skin and less likely to cause irritation or dark marks.
4. Protect Your Glow with Antioxidants
Vitamin C is a summer must-have. This potent antioxidant helps brighten your skin, even out tone, and protect against free radical damage caused by the sun and pollution. Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your morning routine, layering it under your sunscreen for maximum protection and radiance.
Other great antioxidants for darker skin tones include niacinamide (helps with oil control and hyperpigmentation) and green tea extract (soothes inflammation and defends against environmental stressors).
5. Be Mindful of Hyperpigmentation Triggers
Summer heat and sun exposure can worsen dark spots and uneven skin tone. Avoid picking at blemishes and always protect healing skin with sunscreen. Look for serums or spot treatments with ingredients like licorice root, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or tranexamic acid—all of which target discoloration without irritating sensitive melanated skin.
6. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Don’t forget the role your diet plays in skin health. Drink plenty of water, and load up on water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and berries. These not only hydrate but also deliver antioxidants that support your skin from the inside out.
By adjusting your skincare routine with the season, you’ll give your melanin-rich skin everything it needs to thrive in the heat. Thus, leaving your skin glowing, confident, and ready to take on summer naturally.
That’s it for this week.
Juliette's Website
Nyraju Skin Care
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