What is melanin-rich skin? Some people have darker skin tones than others due to the melanin pigment concentration in their skin cells. This melanin is responsible for your hair, eyes, and skin colour.
This means individuals with more 'rich' melanin skin tones will have a darker complexion. It's one of the aspects of diversity that should be appreciated more.
For example, just as there are progressive talks about race and equality in the workplace, we should also celebrate and accept the all-around beauty in dark skin men and women.
So, this article will highlight the ins and outs of melanin-rich skin, including specific characteristics and ways to maintain your darker skin's glow.
[Disclaimer: This is an unbiased article on melanin-rich skin. We'll include the benefits of having a darker complexion, how it differentiates from lighter tones, and why Ava Estell products work well.]
Characteristics of Melanin-Rich Skin
Like all skin types, melanin-rich has its own set of attributes. So, if you want to know what melanin-rich skin is and how it differs from other skin tones, we highlighted some characteristics below.
Colour and Texture
Melanated skin is on the darker complexion scale. And even if your skin is dark, you are still susceptible to skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. This includes dark spots or acne scars that you might have from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Additionally, your pigment distribution is down to melanocytes. These are specialised cells that produce a high content of melanin. They distribute evenly around the skin to give a more consistent colour.
Resilience to Sun Damage
Skin cancer is a high risk if you spend excessive time in the sun without suitable protection. However, melanin-rich skin tones have the advantage that their darker complexion can absorb and scatter the sunlight more so than someone with lighter skin.
Although, this isn't the only method to protect against UV rays, as dark spots, sunburn, and sunspots are still possible. We suggest using SPF and a Summer Body Cream to protect and hydrate the skin.
Cultural Significance
Deeper skin tones are unique and offer a different perspective in various areas of the world. For example, Eurocentric beauty standards would favour the characteristics of lighter skin colours.
In contrast, other traditions celebrate dark skin and do what they can to share that self-love to future generations. But in the same breath, some cultures do what they can to erase their dark skin.
This could be down to societal standards praising individuals to bleach their skin or cover up with lighter makeup and filters. Much stems from racism, colourism, and a lack of inclusivity. But thankfully, we're seeing changes each day in how people embrace their dark complexion.
Embracing Dark Skin Tones
It can be easy to love your skin colour when you're around other people who look similar to you regarding culture and race. Unfortunately, not every person with dark skin has found it easy to feel comfortable or love the skin they are in due to their environment. This includes the workplace, friends, and family members.
Common Misconceptions
Some misconceptions include:
- Melanated skin doesn't need sun protection. False. Darker tones are still prone to sun damage.
- Melanin-rich skin is never dry. False. Not every person has oily skin. Different skin textures apply to every complexion.
- Melanated skin doesn't have to be exfoliated. False. Dead skin cells build up on the skin and can cause an uneven skin tone just like with lighter skin colours.
How to Maintain Your Melanin-Rich Skin with Ava Estell
From wondering what is melanin-rich skin, to asking how to maintain your darker skin health, we outlined some steps to help you maintain your complexion with Ava Estell skin care products and their beneficial active ingredients.
Exfoliate: Choose our Activating Body Scrub or Activating Face Scrub to exfoliate the dead cell layer off your skin. You'll feel less irritated and more refreshed, as these scrubs are pretty lightweight for daily use skincare routines.
Cleanse: Apply gentle cleansers to the skin to help remove dullness. The Micellar Cleanser has lactic acid to restore hydration and give your skin a deep clean.
Moisturise: The Winter Body Cream is ideal during the colder seasons. The antibacterial tea tree oil will not only tackle dryness to restore moisture levels but also soothe inflamed skin issues.
Protect: Using SPF helps stop dark marks from getting worse in the sun. In combination with a Summer Body, you'll feel brighter in your melanin-rich skin health.
Melanin-Rich Skin: Closing Thoughts
Darker skin tones have a higher melanin pigment concentration. However, its uniqueness and beauty are sometimes overlooked due to societal standards.
But thankfully, some cultures continue to celebrate what it means to have melanin-rich skin and take the time to maintain what they have been born with. If you want to brighten your dark complexion, why not try the Ava Estell range?
It was created with darker skin types and textures in mind. So, discover what melanin-rich skin is and how you can start noticing a transformation in yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if you have melanin-rich skin?
Generally, if your skin colour is darker, you have a higher melanin content. You can also note how you respond to sunlight, as lighter skin complexions have less protection.
How can I get melanin-rich skin?
If you're born with melanin-rich skin, there are ways to enhance your complexion if you feel dull or paler than usual. Ava Estell skin care products are an excellent way to brighten your skin tone.
How is melanin-rich skin different?
Melanin-rich skin has more protection against harmful UV rays than lighter skin tones. However, full UV coverage requires SPF and sun protection for all skin colours.
Who has melanin-rich skin?
Darker-skinned individuals have melanin-rich skin tones. They come in a variety of shades. These include Black, Asian, and Mixed-race people.
