Black Girl Tips And Tricks For Transitioning Your Skincare Routine Into Spring

By D'Shonda Brown ·March 26, 2021March 26, 2021

You’d be lying if you said that your skincare routine hasn’t been thrown for a loop since COVID-19 hit. That’s right, we’re talking to you! Whether it be maskne (acne caused by wearing masks often or wearing the same masks) or dull skin from lack of Vitamin D and quarantining inside, our skin has definitely been suffering in more ways than none. It feels like we’ve just got a handle on our skincare routine during the brutal winter months by managing our hydration levels and making sure that we don’t leave room on our beautiful melanated faces for any pimples that may spring on us.

Speaking of spring, skincare for spring seasons is a whole new ball game than the winter. Switching to lighter cleansers, using water-based serums, and tossing out old makeup products and brushes may be a no-brainer for some, but we tapped someone in the field to share her wealth of expertise with ESSENCE readers.

47% of dermatologists express that their medical training didn’t prepare them to treat Black skin, while only 3% of practicing dermatologists identified as Black and 4.2% identified as Latinx, according to the New York Times. We want to better equip you with the knowledge you need as young Black women and women of color to live your best clear, healthy skin life!

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Dr. Elyse Love is a board-certified dermatologist trained in the wide spectrum of medical and cosmetic dermatology and has a specific interest in the quality of life impact of dermatologic conditions and methods to modernize dermatology visits. Dr. Love has contributed to Byrdie.com and offered her expertise to exfoliatingingredients a little bit easier. You still want to start 2-3 times a week and slowly increase that into the routine, but those with naturally oily skin will naturally tolerate those. I’m a little bit on the controversial side when it comes to the debate about people with naturally oily skin need a moisturizer. If you do your routine and your skin feels normal, especially because most people are using hydrating serums, I don’t think you 100% need moisturizer. If you do your routine and the goal is to normalize your skin, you may need a moisturizer because of all the active ingredients you’ve had in your routine.

For people with oily skin, spring can be a very frustrating time especially in places where it’s warmer. When adding any type of exfoliating ingredient like glycolic acid, retinol or vitamin C, add it into your routine one at a time and very slowly. Sandwich those products in between more gentle products like a hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer.

Dr. Love’s Skincare Secret?

“I love prescription retinoids. They’re the gold standard for achieving a glowing complexion. Obviously, not everyone has easy access to a dermatologist but there are some excellent over-the-counter alternatives.”