5 Black-Owned Australian Skincare Brands You Should Know About

Find out which Australian black-owned skincare brands will transform your skin now and forever…

It’s safe to say that for many years the beauty and skincare industry has created products for white skin which has neglected the skincare of others who have a different type of skin tone and pigmentation.

Everyone’s skin is different and can benefit from a tailored care routine. Black skin contains more melanin than lighter skin. Melanin-producing cells may be more susceptible to the effects of inflammation and injury, which may be more noticeable in dark skin than in light skin.

Different skin care routines benefit different skin colours. This is due to variances in the structure and function of the skin.

In this article, we cover five top tips to care for black skin and the four top Australian Indigenous beauty brands that are using centuries-old ingredients in their body bars and shampoos. You'll find skin, hair and body products that feature modern and traditional botanical extracts. Each business is owned and operated by, or in support of, local Aboriginal communities in Australia. 

1. Cleanse and moisturise daily

To keep skin bright and supple, it is best to cleanse and moisturise it daily, ideally right after showering.

Massage the cleanser into the skin with clean fingertips, then rinse it off with warm (not hot) water and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Some research suggests that black skin loses moisture quicker than some lighter skin tones.

Avoid moisturisers with fragrances, as these can irritate some people’s skin. Moisturisers that include creams or ointments are preferable to lotions.

Do not use a loofah or other similar exfoliating product on the skin. Also, avoid abrasive scrubs. A Clay Combo perfect for sensitive skin by Bush Medijina helps keep your skin’s body pH balanced:

BODY CLAY COMBO

Bush Medijina Clay Combos provide all the gentle cleansing properties of soaps, with the added benefit and the natural detoxifying properties of kaolin clay. They collect Dumburumba (Native Sandalwood) leaves, combine them with gentle clay and oatmeal soap base, and add a touch of fragrance with organic peppermint oil to create a product which is both refreshing and pampering.

INGREDIENTS

• Oatmeal and Organic Natural Soap Bases

• Coconut Oil (Refined) Certified Organic ACO

• Larsenaikia Suffroticosa (Native Sandalwood Tree) Extract

• Australian Kaolin Clay

• Peppermint Oil 100% Organic ACO/USDA

Australian Aboriginal owned Indigiearth’s facial cleanser below works wonders:

Founded by Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman from Western NSW, Indigiearth.

Native Sacred Collection Facial Cleanser with Kakadu Plum, Quandong & Lilly Pilly.

Formulated to soothe and moisturise the skin whilst effectively removing impurities. Our luxurious creamy cleanser will leave your skin feeling clean, nourished and well hydrated. 

2. Always wear sunscreen

One of the biggest myths about black skin is that it does not burn, and that black people do not need to wear sunscreen. This is untrue, and everyone should use adequate sun protection.

Although people with black skin are less likely to get skin cancer from sun exposure, they are more likely to die from the condition if it does develop. This may be because it is more difficult to notice and diagnose.

Sun exposure can also cause dark spots, such as those typical of melasma, to develop on black skin. It can also make existing spots darker.

The AAD recommend using a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that protects against both ultraviolet (UV) A and UVB rays. This is called broad spectrum protection.

People should apply sunscreen all year round to all areas of exposed skin, even on cloudy days, when in the shade, and in the winter.

Many regular moisturisers contain SPF, including facial moisturisers. Sun protection is especially important on the face, as it is often the only part of the skin that gets sun exposure all year round.

Waanyi Kalkadoon woman Alana Kennedy, creator of Ochre Sun has developed Australian SPF Sunscreen from Australian Native ingredients.

3. Consider treatments for hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or areas of skin discolouration, can affect people with any skin tone.

Although sunscreen can prevent new patches of hyperpigmentation from developing, it does not get rid of existing dark spots. That said, it can prevent existing dark spots from getting darker.

To reduce the appearance of existing dark spots, people can use a specialized product. These typically include ingredients such as:

• Retinoids: Trans-retinoic acid is a natural form of vitamin A naturally found in rosehip seed oil which promotes healthy skin cell rejuvenation, reduces the depth of wrinkles, fades fine lines, and lightens age spots.

• Vitamin C: Some research suggests that vitamin C, an antioxidant, can reduce hyperpigmentation, protect against sun damage, and increase collagen levels. Clay masks such as Halo Glow Pink Clay Mask contains Kakadu Plum which contains high levels of vitamin C (1000 times more vitamin C than oranges), will be suitable for all skin types, reduce pigmentation, protect against sun damage and increase collagen levels. Halo is the New Black supports and uses Australian native botanicals in their products.

4. Treat acne early

Treating acne early could prevent the condition from getting worse. It may also prevent the formation of dark spots on the skin, which is part of a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These spots are not scars.

Establishing a gentle daily skin care routine can help stop acne, as can using noncomedogenic, oil-free products.

People should also try to avoid irritants, such as scented laundry detergent and skin products with heavy perfumes. It is important for a person to see a dermatologist to learn about the products that may be appropriate for their specific type of acne.

Juddarnje’s Skin Harmony Cream is a unique formulation to soothe dry, itchy and inflamed skin and reduce the appearance of redness and scaling. Cider Vinegar restores the pH balance to allow the skin to maintain a healthy barrier and put the skin at ease. Anti-inflammatory properties found in Banana Skin water and Nettle Chamomille and Calendula Teas soothe and calm stressed skin. Soothing Lavender and Amber combine with richly nourishing Avocado Cocoa and Shea Nut Butters to promote healing of damaged skin in addition to amazing Tamanu Oil which penetrates all three layers of the skin to promote deep tissue rejuvenation. Alpha-hydroxy acids in Goat's milk break down and remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface leaving behind new cells on the surface that appear smoother and more healthy. A great cream to improve the appearance of challenged skin. Good results can be seen after only one application.

5. Eat a balanced diet

Good skin care starts on the inside. To give skin the nutrients it needs to form and repair itself, eat a healthful diet rich in:

• fruits and vegetables

• whole grains

• lean protein sources, such as fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu

• healthful fats, including nuts, avocado, and olive oil

Avoiding processed and sugar-filled foods and limiting alcohol intake may also help improve skin health. Alcohol may make certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, worse.

People with a skin condition such as acne or eczema should speak with a dermatologist to determine whether there are any foods that may make symptoms worse.

Summary

Establishing a good skin care routine can help keep black skin bright, supple, and clear.

As well as performing a gentle daily routine and adopting a healthful diet, people with black skin should aim to avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals and fragrances.

Specific skin issues, such as acne and dark spots, benefit from swift treatment and preventative techniques.

To prevent the formation and worsening of dark spots and more serious health concerns such as skin cancer, experts recommend that everybody use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.

For more amazing Australian Bush products:

To support Native Secrets, visit: https://nativesecrets.com.au.

To support Jummi Factory, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thejummifactory/