Nearly everyone has suffered from a pimple or two. Though the causes and severity of acne varies from person to person, we can all relate to the moment a zit, blackhead, whitehead or, even worse, a nasty outbreak emerges from our skin. But for Black women, the effects of acne can last much longer once the pimple or lesion disappears. This lasting effect is what dermatologists and beauty gurus refer to as “hyperpigmentation.”
According to Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham of Downtown Dermatology in Columbus, Ohio, hyperpigmentation is a discoloration or darkening of the skin, due to high levels of melanin. The more inflamed the pimples, Dr. Hicks-Graham suggests, the longer it takes for scarring and acne lesions to “fade away and resolve.”
Though we always recommend seeking the help and advice of a dermatologist, especially for severe skin conditions, sometimes it’s comforting knowing there are other women out there suffering from the same acne struggles. Enter YouTube.
Seeing a vlogger be open and honest about their hyperpigmentation and the home remedies and products they’ve used to remedy their acne woes is refreshing and relatable. If you yourself are suffering from dark spots or hyperpigmentation, here’s some down-to-earth advice for treating your skin, courtesy of seven beauty vloggers we found on YouTube.
1. This vlogger’s seven-step beauty routine helped to clear her hyperpigmentation in just a few months. Two things she recommends that are often overlooked in skin care are probiotics and sunscreen.
2. Tea tree oils and bareMinerals spot treatment are the secrets to her poppin’ melanin.
3. This Ghanian beauty vlogger swears by an exfoliating spin brush, turmeric soap and vitamin E moisturizer to maintain a radiant and even complexion.
4. Yes, the struggle with skin discoloration is real. This vlogger incorporates various drugstore facial cleansers to even out her skin.
5. When combined to form a facial mask, plain yogurt and the miracle spice, turmeric, can help get rid of dark patches around the eyes and mouth.
6. Who knew two ingredients found right in your kitchen pantry—a potato and lemon juice—could help with treating dark spots?
7. If you can’t afford an electronic skin brush, this vlogger recommends a cheap alternative: an electronic toothbrush. She also uses black soap to combat hyperpigmentation.