A good moisturizer is key to an effective skincare routine. It protects the skin’s barrier and provides hydration that keeps the skin balanced and healthy. For African Americans, it is vital that they find a great moisturizer that is targeted towards their skin’s specific needs.
Read on to learn more about finding the best moisturizers for African American skin.
What Moisturizer Should You Use on African American Skin?
It is important to note that there isn’t one single moisturizer that will work for all African American skin. Just like with anyone of any ethnicity, for African Americans, there is a wide range of skin types.
These skin types include:
- dry
- oily
- acne-prone
- combination
- sensitive
When looking for the best moisturizer for African American skin, the key is to look for one that specifically fits your skin type. Once you’ve found your perfect match, you can implement it into your daily skincare routine to get the best possible results.
6 Best Moisturizers for African American Skin
Once you know your skin type, you can look for a moisturizer that best fits your needs. The following are some of the best moisturizers for African American skin. The list is broken down by the skin type each product serves. All of the products are suitable for use on the face. A few options are also suitable to use on both the face and body for all over hydration and skin health.
1. CeraVe PM (Normal to Oily Skin)
Best for: using on the face (normal to oily skin types)
The CeraVe PM moisturizer is lightweight but delivers excellent hydrating benefits, making it a great choice for normal and oily skin types. This drugstore moisturizer contains niacinamide, which calms the skin. It also contains ceramides, which strengthen the skin’s barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. The lotion is marketed towards nighttime use. However, you can use it day and night.
2. Paula’s Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion (Normal to Oily)
Best for: using on the face (normal to oily skin types)
This super light lotion is barely detectable on the skin. It has what is described as a “light-as-water” formula. The formula contains a variety of powerful antioxidants which work to soothe the skin and reduce the effects of environmental stressors. This moisturizer also contains glycerin and sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), which moisturize the skin. It doesn’t clog the pores, making it great for those worried about breakouts, and it has a matte finish.
3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (Combination to Oily Skin)
Best for: using on the face (combination to oily skin)
Dermatologists developed this impressive lightweight gel lotion. It is oil-free and absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish that is perfect for oily and combination skin types. The formula contains a mix of hydrating and skin barrier strengthening ingredients, including sunflower seed cake, barley extract, and cucumber fruit extract. It also contains sodium hyaluronate, which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid.
4. Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer (Dry Skin)
Best for: using on the face (dry skin)
This moisturizer has a creamy texture that replenishes and hydrates dry skin. It contains plant oils and antioxidants that restore the skin’s radiance, provide protection from environmental stressors, and fight against the effects of free-radicals on the skin. The moisturizer also has peptides, which help with anti-aging, and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin. You can use this luxurious moisturizer both day and night.
5. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (Normal Skin, Face and Body)
Best for: using on face and body (normal to dry skin)
This lotion provides 24 hours of hydration, making it an excellent option for people with normal and dry skin to use on the face. People of all skin types can also benefit from using it on the entire body. It is lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. The lotion contains ceramides, which restore the skin’s natural barrier. It also has hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin. You can use the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion both day and night.
6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Dry Skin, Face and Body)
Best for: using on the face and body (dry skin)
This dermatologist-created thick cream, also known as “CeraVe in the tub”, is excellent for those with dry skin to hydrate both their face and body. Those with oily and acne-prone should avoid using it on their face, as the thicker texture may be uncomfortable and can contribute to breakouts. People who are prone to acne on their body should also use with caution, as it may lead to breakouts. The formula contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the protective barrier and attract moisture. It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and free of fragrances and oil.
FAQs
What is the best face moisturizer for African American skin?
When looking at some of the best moisturizers for African American skin, the key is assessing your skin type. Skin types include dry, combination, sensitive, oily, and normal. Once you know you skin type, you can find a moisturizer that is well-suited for your skin’s needs. A moisturizer that is tailored to your skin type will give you the best results.
How do you keep black skin moisturized?
In order to keep black skin moisturized, it is important to find lotions for both the face and body. When looking for a face moisturizer, you should choose one that is suited for your skin type. To maintain moisture levels in the skin, it is vital that you are consistent with applying moisturizer. Aim to use a facial moisturizer twice a day, and a body lotion at least once a day – or as often as needed.
Does black skin need a moisturizer?
Black skin does need moisturizer, regardless of skin type. A good moisturizer increases hydration levels, protects the skin from stressors, and reduce aging’s visible effects on the skin. Even those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin need to use a moisturizer. Skin that isn’t properly hydrated often ends up getting dried out. This is especially true when you are using other products, like a spot treatment for acne. When the skin is dried out, it overproduces oils. This can clog the skin and cause more breakouts.
Summary: Best Moisturizers for African American Skin
- CeraVe PM (Normal to Oily Skin)
- Paula’s Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion
- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (Combination to Oily Skin)
- Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer (Dry Skin)
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (Normal Skin, Face and Body)
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Dry Skin, Face and Body)
The Bottom Line
- A good moisturizer is essential for hydrating and protecting the skin, as well as strengthening the skin’s barrier.
- The key to finding some of the best moisturizers for African American skin is determining your skin type and choosing a product formulated for your skin.
- There are a variety of options people can find in the drugstore and online for moisturizing both the body and the face.
