The basics of everyone's skin are the same. Each person's skin is made up of the same types of cells and the same three layers. It is melanin that gives skin its color; people with dark skin have more melanin that people with light skin. Melanin not only affects the color of the skin but can also result in skin that is sensitive to the use of a number of products.

In order to look after dark skin in the most effective way possible, it is important to understand how your skin works. The pigmentation of the skin can make it extra sensitive and can result in unexpected reaction when an unfamiliar product is used. Reactions can include discoloration of the skin that can last for months or even years in more extreme cases. Therefore, it is essential to be careful when using new products directly on to dark skin.

The good news about dark skin is that the melanin tends to slow the aging process down. This is why many women of color tend to age better than those with lighter skin. As with all different skin types, once you have a proper understanding of how to care for your black skin it is easy to keep it looking beautiful whatever your age.

Although black skin tends to age better than white skin, this does not mean that you can skip the sunscreen. Using sunscreen diligently and avoiding prolonged periods in the sun will help keep any skin type looking younger for longer. As well as the cosmetic implications, sunscreen also protects against skin cancer. Although the high amount of melanin present in black skin absorbs UV rays and helps to reduce the risk, this does not mean that black people are immune to skin cancer.

Acne is no more common in black skin than it is in white skin and the same treatments work on both skin colors. However, the after effects of acne, namely scarring can be more problematic with deeply pigmented skin. After the acne has cleared up it can leave temporary dark spots called post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Dark skin is more likely to be affected by these spots which can take a good few months to disappear. Always treat acne gently and try not to pick or squeeze.

Dryness isn't more common in black skin than white, but it is more noticeable. Dry skin can make the face look ashy or gray; anything but radiant. Like acne, extreme dry skin can lead to large areas of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation which is very hard to shift. Black skin needs to be well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and choosing a good moisturizer that best suits your skin type.

Black skin is susceptible to a condition called dermatosis papulosa nigra or "flesh moles" as it is sometime known. These take the form of dark brown bumps which are harmless but can look unsightly and become irritating. These are most common on the forehead and jaw area but can appear anywhere.

If you are considering any sort of cosmetic procedure that involves laser treatments you need to be careful with black skin and only use someone who has experience dealing with black skins. The risk of skin discoloration from laser treatment is higher in dark skin that light due to the increased pigmentation.

Keeping your black skin looking great is easy when you know how!