Did you know that the same skincare ingredients can have very different effects on skin? It’s true. Even though all of these ingredients are commonly used to treat acne and other imperfections, they don’t all produce the same results. As an example, retinol is considered to be a “powerhouse skincare ingredient” for many people of color.
This is because it’s been proven to improve skin tone in a way that no other skincare product can. However, some people might be afraid to use retinol because they assume it will bleach their skin and make them look paler or more yellow than before.
In fact, a lot of people from various ethnic backgrounds may feel the same way about any skincare product formulated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, or tretinoin (Vitamin A).
In this blog post, we want to address some common myths about using any of these ingredients if you have darker skin tones and explain why — in general — darker-skinned individuals should still use them without hesitation.
What is Retinol and Why is it Good for Darker Skin Tones?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that promotes new cell growth in the skin. When applied to the skin it can help reduce the appearance of scarring and diminish the signs of aging. It is a very effective product for fading dark spots, removing excess melanin, and decreasing the appearance of acne scars. It also reduces blackheads and blemishes while improving skin texture and minimizing pores.
Retinol is beneficial for all skin types, but it is especially effective for darker skin tones because it is an exfoliating skincare product. Exfoliation is important for all skin types, but the skin of people of color naturally has more melanin. Exfoliation helps to remove the “old” skin cells that contain more melanin, which makes room for new cells that have less melanin. This allows the true complexion of your skin to shine through and makes your skin brighter, smoother, and more even-toned.
How Does Retinol Help Improve Skin Tone?
In addition to exfoliating the skin, retinol also increases collagen production and promotes the production of hyaluronic acid — which helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump. All of these benefits help to improve the skin tone of people of color and make their skin look healthier and more youthful.
We include both retinol and hyaluronic acid in our Very Toney and Gemma Crema vegan anti-aging serums. We pair them with 14 botanical extracts to reduce wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin tone. All of our products at blissani are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and made in the USA.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Use Retinol If You Have Darker Skin
You might be wondering “does retinol bleach your skin?” and “will it turn my skin white?” To answer these questions, we’ll share a little background information about how retinol works.
First of all, it’s important to note that retinol is not a bleach. It is not a single ingredient that causes your skin to lose its pigment; it’s actually a collection of ingredients contained in a skincare product. It’s important to note that retinol is not a bleach. It is not a single ingredient that causes your skin to lose its pigment; it’s actually a collection of ingredients contained in a skincare product. The retinol skincare product is then activated by the sun.
Therefore, retinol does not cause immediate or sudden changes in your skin tone; it causes gradual changes that occur over time. If you’re worried about your skin suddenly getting lighter (which almost never happens) after you start using a retinol skincare product, rest assured that it’s not likely to happen.
The Truth About Using Glycolic Acid and Tretinoin If You Have Darker Skin
You may have heard that glycolic acid and tretinoin are “the go-to skincare products” for people of color. However, like retinol, these two ingredients are often mistakenly thought to lighten the skin. Rest assured that they don’t. In fact, glycolic acid and tretinoin work in a very similar way as retinol.
They are both exfoliating skincare products. We highly reccomend using a natural toner with anti-aging benefits. Just like retinol, they help to remove the “old” skin cells that contain more melanin. However, unlike retinol, they are not activated by the sun. Therefore, they cause a more sudden change in the skin tone. That being said, glycolic acid and tretinoin are still incredibly beneficial for people of color.
They can greatly improve acne and scarring, fade dark spots and other hyperpigmentation, and make the skin smoother and more even-toned. In addition to improving the skin tone, both of these ingredients also help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can prevent future breakouts.
The Truth About Using Lactic Acid if You Have Darker Skin
People of color who are hesitant about using lactic acid might worry that it will bleach their skin because lactic acid is commonly used to lighten the skin. However, this is a misconception. Lactic acid is actually a natural component of our skin and can be found in many different skincare products. Like retinol, lactic acid is an exfoliating skincare product. It helps to remove the “old” skin cells that contain more melanin.
However, unlike retinol, Lactic Acid has a slower but longer-lasting effect. Therefore, it has a less drastic but more gradual impact on the skin tone. It’s important to note that lactic acid is not a bleach, and doesn’t cause your skin to suddenly lose its pigment; it simply has a long-lasting impact on the skin.
Lactic acid is a great skincare ingredient for people of all skin types, but it is especially beneficial for those with darker skin tones. It can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, remove blackheads and whiteheads, and make the skin smoother and more even-toned.
Summing It Up
Retinol, glycolic acid, tretinoin, and lactic acid are all beneficial skincare products that can improve the skin tone of people of color. Retinol is an exfoliating skincare product that is activated by the sun. It helps to remove the “old” skin cells that contain more melanin, which makes room for new cells that have less melanin.
Glycolic acid and tretinoin are exfoliating skincare products that cause a more sudden change in the skin tone. They help to remove the “old” skin cells that contain more melanin. Lactic acid is an exfoliating skincare product that has a slower but longer-lasting effect on the skin. It helps to remove the “old” skin cells that contain more melanin.
Retinol, glycolic acid, tretinoin, and lactic acid are all beneficial skincare products for people of all skin types, but they are especially beneficial for those with darker skin tones. You also may want to learn more about the differences between retinol and retinoids. As they can effect skin tone differently.
They can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, remove blackheads and whiteheads, and make the skin smoother and more even-toned. For a healthy dose of retinol, hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts we recommend looking into our blissani naturals anti-aging collection.
