What’s the best skincare routine for dark skin?

Beauty has no colour or skin type, which is why at Clarins, we recognise that women of colour need skincare routines and products which are tailored to fit their skin’s unique needs. Dark skin tones span the spectrum from honey caramel to deep chocolate, which means these skin tones need skincare products specially made for their complexion in order to prevent the grey or white tinged cast often left behind by products made for fairer skin. Darker skin tones are also more prone to hyperpigmentation, dark spots and rosacea, hence the need for skincare products that are dedicated to these skin concerns as well.

Cleanse

Flawless skin starts from a proper cleansing routine and for that, you need a cleanser that is both gentle yet effective such as our Cleansing Micellar Water, a water-free formula that’s great for moments when you simply need a quick clean up. Darker skin types tend to face the problem of overproduction of sebum, leaving your face with unwanted shine. Clarins’ Velvet Cleansing Milk seeks to remedy that right from the start of your skincare routine with a blend of plant extracts such as Gentian, Hawthorn and Sage which all work together to rebalance oily-prone skin while simultaneously cleansing it of impurities.

Clarins also has a range of Gentle Foaming Cleansers that removes impurities and make-up in one wash, plus it comes with three different options for different skin types such as the Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser and Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser.

Purify

Once you are done cleansing, you can opt to step up your skincare regime with a soothing SOS Pure Mask for an extra purifying boost. Skincare routines for dark skin can benefit from this purifying clay mask infused with Alpine Willow herb extract as it will help to tighten pores while simultaneously restoring hydration and radiance to your skin with its non-drying, creamy texture. Once your skin is clean, apply the Purifying Toning Lotion to help further tone, soothe, purify and hydrate skin. Made with Iris and Sage extracts which are anti-inflammatory as well as an alcohol-free formula, it helps to calm skin while normalising surface oils to promote a matte finish so your skin remains fresh, soft and supple throughout the day.

Brighten

At Clarins, we believe in embracing the skin you have and we would never try to convince you to try and whiten your complexion. However, we do believe in brightening your complexion. Radiance does indeed come from within but it does help to nourish your skin with brightening skincare products such as our White Plus range for that dewy, petal-soft look. Our White Plus range covers all the necessities for day and night skincare with a focus on eliminating dull skin and uneven skin tones. Packed with botanical ingredients and antioxidants, it gives your skin an intense brightening effect while keeping skin moisturised, smooth and supple. Take your pick from Clarins’ many skin brightening products such as our Bright Plus Advanced Brightening Dark Spot-Targeting Serum for dewy skin that’s illuminated from within.

Protect

Having more melanin doesn’t mean your skin is immune to harsh UV rays. Sunscreen should be counted as essential in your arsenal of skincare products even if you have dark skin, but with most sunscreens leaving white tints on your skin what should you be using if your skin tone leans more towards the luscious brown shades of the spectrum? Clarins’ UV Plus [3P] SPF50 Translucent would be a solid choice as your go-to sunscreen. Not only does it keep your skin safe from harmful sun rays, but it also promises not to leave behind white traces or that greasy feeling we often associate with sunscreens thanks to its oil-free formula!