As an ethnic beauty, you walk in your skin every single day—and that skin deserves to be nourished, protected, and celebrated. Yet, in a beauty industry that often centers one skin tone or texture, the needs of melanin-rich skin are frequently overlooked or treated as an afterthought.

This lack of inclusion can lead to confusion, frustration, and neglect when it comes to skincare routines and product choices. It’s time to change the narrative.

Caring for ethnic skin isn't just about beauty—it's about self-respect, health, and empowerment. Melanin-rich skin has unique characteristics, including a greater tendency toward dryness, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity to certain products. That means it requires specific care, not just general advice or generic products.

Understanding Melanin-Rich Skin


Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for your skin tone, and while it offers some protection against the sun, it doesn’t make you immune to UV damage.

In fact, sun exposure can worsen dark spots, cause uneven skin tone, and accelerate aging. Ethnic skin also tends to have more active melanocytes (cells that produce melanin), so any inflammation—whether from acne, eczema, or even a scratch—can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

This is why prevention, protection, and nourishment are key.

1. Cleanse Gently, Don’t Strip




Use a gentle cleanser that maintains the skin’s natural oils. Harsh soaps and overly drying cleansers can strip melanin-rich skin, causing irritation and dullness. Look for sulfate-free cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula.

2. Exfoliate Smartly


Ethnic skin benefits from regular exfoliation to remove dead cells and reveal a brighter complexion—but over-exfoliation can lead to irritation and dark marks. Choose a mild chemical exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid or mandelic acid once or twice a week. Avoid aggressive scrubs that scratch or tear the skin.

3. Moisturize Daily




Melanin-rich skin is prone to dryness, especially in cooler weather or dry climates. Moisturizers that include humectants (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid), emollients (like shea butter or jojoba oil), and occlusives (like squalane or ceramides) are ideal. Moisturize morning and night to keep skin supple and hydrated.

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen




One of the biggest myths about ethnic skin is that it doesn’t need sun protection. But UV rays can still damage deeper skin tones, leading to premature aging and worsening of hyperpigmentation. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day—even when it's cloudy. Look for formulas that don’t leave a white cast.

5. Treat Hyperpigmentation Gently

Instead of harsh bleaching agents, choose treatments with ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root, azelaic acid, or vitamin C to help even tone and fade dark spots without irritation.

6. Embrace the Ritual

Skincare is self-care. Take time to get to know your skin’s unique rhythm, listen to what it needs, and give it love—consistently.

Summing Things Up ...

Your skin tells your story. It holds your history, your beauty, your resilience. Caring for it is not about vanity—it’s about honoring who you are. When you walk confidently in your skin, you remind the world that beauty comes in every shade, and yours deserves to be seen, valued, and protected.

That’s it for this week.

Juliette's Website

Nyraju Skin Care