These are a few issues women of color face (see what I did there) on a daily basis. Truth is, any type of skin condition can occur regardless of the pigment of your skin. However, when it comes to African Americans and others with darker complexions there are a few skin care problems that are much more prevalent.
What?
To help us out is Specific Beauty, a brand spankin' new skin care line. Developed by Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a board certified dermatologist and fellow brown girl, Specific Beauty pays attention to what she calls women with "multi hued skin tones," that is women with a range of tones including tan, olive and brown skin. Over the past ten years, Dr. Woolery Lloyd has focused her research on developing effective treatments for the cosmetic concerns of multi hued skin tones. Her years of research culminated to the creation of Specific Beauty, a range of affordable, skin care products designed for brown skin.
How?
Using breakthrough skin brightening technology, Specific Beauty attempts to even skin tone without hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent). Instead, the line is formulated with natural ingredients such as Licorice and Ginger Root Extract and doesn't contain fragrance and/or paraben free (both which can irritate skin). Having been using these products for about a week, I wanted to give you guys my preliminary thoughts on the line and if I'm seeing what we all want - results.
Daily Gentle Cleanser
Described as: An ultra gentle cleanser designed to maintain and replenish the skins' natural hydration.
My Thoughts: this cleanser is REALLY gentle. It does not foam up like most products we (or at least I) tend to use on a daily basis, which took some getting used to. The consistency is rather creamy and it applies smoothly on the face. I found that it did not really remove all of my makeup and it normally took 2-3 washes for me to see and feel that everything was completely off. OVerall, not my favorite product.
Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths
Described as: Dual-sided to carefully exfoliate the skin, while providing a deep clean to remove impurities, all without the need to rinse with water.
My thoughts: I LOVE these cloths! After washing with the cleanser, if I felt like my face wasn't fully cleaned, I would simply wipe my face with one cloth and instantly felt better. These are ideal for any night time routine to remove makeup and dirt and it works. One cloth goes a LONG way and it doesn't leave your face feeling sticky, dry or greasy. On one side the cloth are textured beads for exfoliation. On the other side, the cloths are smooth for easy and gentle makeup removal. Fragrance, oil and alcohol free, these cloths contain a blend of aloe, green tea, and Vitamin E to soothe and calm the skin.
Skin Brightening Serum
Described as: a special multi-benefit complex of licorice, antioxidants, retinol and niacinimide - to provide the skin with the ultimate brightening benefits.
My thoughts: I typically stray from anything labeled "brightening." In all honesty, hyperpigmentation isn't one of my major concerns, more like acne and oil! While I've been using this daily right before my moisturizer, I've been known to skip a day or two. As I've only been using this for about a week, I can't say I've noticed a dramatic difference.
Daily Hydrating Lotion SPF 30
Described as: Daily moisturizer that provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30.
My thoughts: Super lightweight, I love using this every morning before putting on my makeup. Unlike most lotions with sunscreens, this isn't heavy so your face doesn't feel clogged and trapped underneath a layer of muck. Additionally, it doesn't leave a grey or white cast over your face so if you don't wear makeup on a daily basis (and it's summer, who wants that?!), you're good to jst head out the door asap.
Night Treatment Complex
Described as: Lightweight skin brightening formula that helps improve skin texture while you sleep.
My thoughts: Again, I think Specific Beauty's strength lies in their lotions. This night cream has quickly become one of my favorites. Immediately after using the cleansing cloths (and if I remember to put the brightening serum), I apply about two pumps of the night lotion and head to bed. Non greasy, lightweight and hydrating, I highly recommend this product.
My face feels a great deal smoother and I haven't had any major breakouts yet this week. Since the products are all so gentle, this line seems to be great for those with sensitive skin concerns.Again, I'll be interested to see how my skin looks after two months of testing to really see what the effect is. For those like myself, whose main skin concern tends to be acne, the line also has a Clarifying Wash Acne Treatment which I'm eager to try out.
Now here comes the fun part! Specific Beauty and I have teamed up to give ONE lucky reader/Twitter follower the entire products listed above (minus the acne wash). Follow me on Twitter (click here) or visit http://bit.ly/k3YaNr for the official rules.
Disclosure: products submitted for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
