Women of color are fortunate, because many of them will not have to deal with the effects of aging on the skin until a much later time than women who have lighter skin tones. The pigmentation of the skin, which is known as melanin, protects this important organ of the body from the sun, and wards off the aging effects for a much longer period of time. However, it is impossible to stop the clock completely, and eventually even women of color will have to battle the signs that the years are creeping up on them. There are plenty of things that you can do to turn back the hands of time, and keep your skin looking as great as possible for as long as possible.



Softening Rough Skin

One of the first indications that the aging process is beginning on black skin, is by the skin’s texture. Generally, the surface of the skin will become rougher and even bumpy; especially in areas that see frequent sun exposure. There are plenty of effective ways to smooth rough skin at this stage, and these processes can include exfoliation through topical creams, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Moisturizing can also be helpful, and for black skin the best ingredients for moisturizing include emu oil and Shea butter. Both of these substances can penetrate the surface of black skin, and nourish from the outside in.



Dealing with Pigmentation Changes

As black skin ages, the pigmentation goes through changes as well, as a result of the stimulation of the production of melanin. This means that African American women may see a darkening of the skin, particularly in areas like the face and neck. Uneven pigmentation can also be a result of this process, which will lead to lighter and darker areas of skin. The best remedies for darker skin include the same treatments as above; topical anecdotes, peels and microdermabrasion. There is currently no known treatment for lighter pigmentation.



Countering Sagging Skin

One of the specific issues that women of color must deal with in the aging process is a lack of volume to the skin, as the collagen deteriorates over time. This is most pronounced in the cheeks, where there is a hollowing effect. The sagging is seen most often in the area between the nose and the outer corners of the mouth, and around the jaw line and neck area. The best way to counter sagging skin is through cosmetic surgery, and the hollow look can be helped with the dermal fillers that are available.



Saying Goodbye to Benign Growths

Dermatosa papulosa nigra is a term that refers to a cluster of benign growths that can appear on black skin as the result of sun exposure and the aging process. While this condition is harmless, it can get rather unsightly, leading many women to look for a way to say goodbye to these growths. The good news is that you can have them removed fairly easily in a dermatologist’s office through cutting or burning them off. Both of these procedures will usually heal within a week or so, and cause minimal discomfort.



Black skin is known for aging slowly, and now you can also age it gracefully with a bit of information and a few key products and procedures under your belt. Think beautiful, no matter how old you are.