Melanin-Rich Skin: How to Celebrate It and Care for It in 2023
Because healthy, glowing skin starts with understanding the beauty within.
The year is 2023—and we are proud of the skin we’re in.
For those with melanin-rich skin, knowing how to care for it means unlocking one of nature’s most powerful gifts. But first, let’s break down what melanin really is—and why it matters so much when it comes to skincare.
So, What Is Melanin?
To keep it simple—melanin is nature’s paint. It’s the pigment responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. Produced by special skin cells called melanocytes, melanin also plays a protective role: it helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
The more melanin your skin produces, the deeper your tone—and the greater your skin’s natural resilience to sun damage. But don’t be mistaken: even melanin-rich skin requires proper care, including sun protection, gentle exfoliation, and a nourishing skincare routine.
5 Must-Follow Skincare Tips for Melanin-Rich Skin
1. Moisturise After Every Shower
Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils—and melanin-rich skin is naturally more prone to dryness and ashiness. To keep your glow intact, moisturise immediately after showering while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in hydration and keeps your skin soft and supple all day long.
Tip: Use nutrient-rich oils like argan oil for deep hydration and added antioxidant benefits.
2. Be Gentle When Exfoliating
Darker skin tones can be more sensitive to over-exfoliation, which may lead to irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Use a gentle exfoliator just once or twice a week, and monitor how your skin responds.
Traditional Tip: Use a Kessa glove—a time-honored Moroccan beauty tool—for soft, effective exfoliation without harsh chemicals.
3. Prioritise Your Beauty Sleep
Cell renewal happens while you sleep—so when you skimp on rest, your skin pays the price. Prioritise a regular sleep routine to help prevent premature aging, dullness, and under-eye circles.
Your evening skincare + a good night’s sleep = the ultimate beauty duo
4. SPF, Always
Yes, you read that right. Even though deeper skin tones are less likely to burn, they are still vulnerable to UV damage, which can lead to:
- Premature aging
- Uneven skin tone
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin cancer
Make SPF 30 or higher part of your daily skincare—rain or shine, summer or winter
5. Feed Your Skin from Within
Your diet plays a direct role in your skin’s health. Choose foods that are rich in:
- Vitamins A, C, and E (for skin renewal and brightness)
- Healthy fats (like avocado and nuts for hydration)
- Whole grains and lean protein (for strength and elasticity)
Minimise processed, greasy foods that can trigger breakouts and inflammation. Great skin is a reflection of what you nourish yourself with.
The Bottom Line
Melanin is a gift—one to celebrate, understand, and protect. While it’s true that deeper skin tones have built-in resilience, they also require thoughtful, gentle care to avoid issues like dryness, sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation.
With the right skincare routine, clean ingredients, and a holistic approach to health, your melanin-rich skin will stay glowing, youthful, and full of life.
So love your skin. Moisturise it. Protect it. Feed it well. And never forget—your glow is powerful.
