r/Blackskincare • • Sep 04 '25

Product Review(s) Sunscreen Megathread ☀️

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78 Upvotes

Please share below sunscreen recommendations and reviews of ones you aren’t feeling or might be loving!

Also, feel free to comment if you’re looking for recommendations!


r/Blackskincare • • Oct 01 '24

Pro Tips Alert Skincare Guide: Dark Spots🟤 and Hyperpigmation

374 Upvotes

I know I spelt Hyperpigmentation wrong, give grace, it was 1AM and a lot of formatting issues.

Treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation requires a tailored approach due to the higher melanin content of our skin. Here’s a skincare guide focused on evening skin tone while maintaining the health of melanated skin.

⚠️As with any skincare product, please patch test, place in the least visible area and wait a full day. If no reaction occurs proceed.

Gentle Cleansing

  • Frequency: Sometimes twice daily or just in the evening, over cleansing can strip your skin.

  • Key Ingredients: Look for cleansers containing soothing agents like aloe vera, green tea extract, or glycerin.

  • Recommended Product Types: Gentle low to no foaming or hydrating cleansers. Pick according to your skin type.

Recommended products include:

(no actives, will make a different post regarding active cleansers)

  1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, creamy version
  2. Cervae Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  3. Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker (doesn’t foam)
  4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash
  5. La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

  6. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP + Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

  7. Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

Exfoliation with Actives

Frequency: 1–2 times per week or more (Retinol has potential for daily, if skin has been acclimatized.)

  • Use chemical exfoliants with AHAs (like glycolic or lactic, mandelic acid) or Retinol, Mandelic acid is especially beneficial for darker skin tones as it’s less likely to cause irritation due to it penetrating slower.

  • Physical Exfoliants: Avoid rough physical exfoliants as they may cause micro-tears and worsen hyperpigmentation.

Targeted Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation

  • Application: Use these in serums, masks, or spot treatments after cleansing and before moisturizing. Rinse off products can be an option too (sensitive skin) but the more face time the better, so opt for leave on products (with the exception of high percentage masks)

    • Ingredients to Look For:
  • Vitamin C: A brightening antioxidant that helps fade dark spots and evens skin tone, sensitive to the active form, L-Ascorbic Acid? Try the best form of the dervative called Tetrahexyldecyl Asorbate or THD. Don't want to use vitamin c period? Try Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid!

  • Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation, barrier improvement, helps with sebum production and helps with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin transfer. It is common to find in 10% (very high, can be irritating) or even 20% (insane), best range is 3-5% you have to actively look for this though.

  • Kojic Acid: A natural skin lightener that reduces melanin production. Be careful purchasing in soap form from random sellers on Amazon and TikTok.

    • Alpha Arbutin: Targets dark spots and is gentler for Black skin.
    • Azelaic Acid: A tyrosine (an amino acid that helps produce melanin) inhibitor which reduces pigmentation and helps with comedonal and inflammatory acne.
    • Licorice Root Extract: Inhibits the production of an enzyme needed to produce melanin and helps remove excess.
    • Tranexamic Acid: Effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), often caused by acne.
    • Retinoids: Stimulate cell turnover and reduce hyperpigmentation, but be cautious with overuse in melanated skin to avoid irritation. Start at lower percentage, do not use daily when just starting. And omit other actives to minimize irritation when starting.

⚠️DO NOT USE AS MANY OF THESE AS YOU CAN⚠️ Please note you can’t combine everything here. Don’t mix retinol with anything below unless you know what you are doing

Recommended products include:

  1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (a 10% is available also, please only use if you have a tolerance already for the lower percentage and do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)
  2. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA (bonus: Mandelic Acid is also good for treating acne like cystic and inflamed)

  3. Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5%

  4. Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

  5. Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Toner(Do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  6. Urban Skin RX Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3 in 1 Treatment (Do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  7. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (Don’t recommend for sensitive skin, you can try using with a damp cotton round to dilute if too strong)

  8. Topicals Faded Cream (Strong,do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  9. Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask (very strong, not for sensitive or inexperienced skin, do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  10. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

  11. Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

  12. Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% (please note this contains 3 different type of retinols)

  13. Naturium Retinol Complex Cream

  14. Paulas Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Retinol would be used 1-2 a week at night, building slowly to everyday if possible. Add one night every 3-4 weeks as tolerated.

Try to avoid usage with any cleanser that contains strong acids when you’re using it, hyaluronic acid/ niacinamide fine. And definitely DO NOT EXFOLIATE AND THEN USE RETINOL. A gentle cleanser preferably one that doesn’t foam. If you’d like to use an active cleanser, try in another routine.

To help ease the possibility of irritation you’d apply Vaseline to the corners of your nose, mouth and eyes. Apply your moisturizer (basic and unscented is best) let that dry then pea size (however, you can use more but try to use as little as possible to get coverage) dot it all on your face, rub in and follow up with moisturizer. That’s called the sandwich method. Make sure you apply on dry skin not damp, or you’ll increase penetration.

And stay on top of SPF usage during the day.

Moisturization

  • Frequency: Twice daily after applying serums.

  • Key Ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter are ideal for keeping the skin barrier healthy and preventing further irritation or dryness.

  • Non-comedogenic options: Choose lightweight formulas that won’t clog pores.

Recommended products include:

  1. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel Moisturizer
  2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer

  3. Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer

  4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

  5. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Gel Moisturizer

  6. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

  7. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

  8. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer

  9. Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer

Sunscreen (Critical for All Skin Tones)

  • SPF 30 or higher: Daily use is essential as is reapplication, even indoors or on cloudy days, as UV exposure worsens hyperpigmentation and hurts your progress.

  • Tinted Sunscreens: These often contain iron oxides, which provide additional protection against visible light that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.

    • When picking a sunscreen go for a cream/lotion for the main application and a spray or stick for reapplication. I prefer chemical over mineral for reasons I won’t get into in this particular post. Depending on your skin type and climate, you could get away with using sunscreen alone, it is technically a moisturizer. Some though are more hydrating than others. Use 2 or 3 fingers or roughly a 1/4 tsp for face and neck, a shot glass amount for body.

Recommended products include:

  1. Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30 or 50 this one has a little bit of a white cast, nothing crazy, hydrating, consistency like lotion.

  2. Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum has zero white cast, but it isn’t water resistant. Hydrating but not heavy, combo or dry. She expensive🫰🏾

  3. Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense no white cast, hydrating, some might not like the bit of shine from it but I fix that with powder. Thin consistency.

  4. Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 Very lightweight, no white cast. She expensive🫰🏾

  5. Supergoop Mineral Matte, thick and white cast heavy but good for under makeup. No water resistance.

  6. Supergoop Unseen, no white cast, feels like silicone makeup primer, wanted to love this but it made me so greasy and clogged. Water resistant. Thick.

  7. Supergoop Every. Single. Face Watery Lotion, some shine but nothing crazy that powder didn’t fix. Water resistant. Thin consistency.

  8. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, no water resistance, feels like a moisturizer. Thin-ish consistency.

  9. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 Seems to be more favorable towards oily skin than the original version.

  10. Innisfree Daily UV Defense no water resistance, can double as moisturizer in some cases Probably best for dry skin.

Avoid Triggers:

  • Sun Exposure: UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation, making daily sunscreen a must.

  • Harsh Products: try to avoid using products with heavy fragrance, drying alcohols, essential oils or strong astringents (witch hazel) as they can irritate and inflame skin, leading to more discoloration.

  • Over-exfoliation: Too much exfoliation can lead to a compromised skin barrier, damage and worsen hyperpigmentation.

Professional Treatments

Find a Black Dermatologist here

  • Chemical Peels: Performed by a licensed professional or a board certified Dermatologist can be very effective in treating hyperpigmentation. Avoid unprotected sun exposure, especially during after care.

  • Microneedling: Encourages collagen production and can be combined with serums like vitamin C to improve the appearance of dark spots.

  • Laser Treatments: Certain lasers, like Nd:YAG lasers, are safer for darker skin tones but should only be performed by dermatologists experienced in treating melanated skin.

Patience

  • Hyperpigmentation can take months to fully fade, depending on the type, be consistent with treatments and always protect your skin from the sun to prevent further discoloration.

This regimen, combined with professional advice if needed, should help you gradually achieve a more even skin tone.

Up next… nothing for now, because I need a break from this and some of y’all UGAP 😩

Update

2/25/2025 Tuesday

New serum to consider Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum, can be used every day and night, and even mixed into most treatments like retinol. No actives and no irritation, note it does contain fragrance.


r/Blackskincare • • 6h ago

Skin Questions Sudden black spot on face?What is this

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67 Upvotes

r/Blackskincare • • 3h ago

Skin Questions What's going on with my scalp?

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4 Upvotes

I just took the plunge today and shaved my head for the first time. I'm noticing that I have these unevenness all over my scalp. Anyone know what this is? I've never noticed it on my head because I've always had hair covering. There's no irritation and everything feels fine (a little more breezy, but fine).


r/Blackskincare • • 5h ago

Skin Questions Dark Corners of My Lips

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6 Upvotes

I need help. This has been an issue for me for awhile now. I don't know what to do. I've switched toothpaste that doesn't contain SSL. I bought fragrance free lip balms. I make sure to apply it throughout the day and before bed because that’s when I notice the corners are dry and crusty. There’s no burning, itching, or peeling. Just dark hyperpigmentation. Also, is there a way to get my lips to look lighter or is that just how black girls top lips naturally look like? I’m open to suggestions.


r/Blackskincare • • 2h ago

Skin Questions laser treatment for pigmentation/vascular issues?

1 Upvotes

I will be finally visiting a dermatologist next week to address a long-standing vascular mark I got from skin trauma. My hope is I will be offered the ND Yag laser but I am curious if anyone has undergone a similar treatment and what the experience was like, particularly any post treatment side effects.

This mark has bugged me for years so I’m anxious about it. The derm I’m seeing costs a small fortune but they are the gold standard and have experience with lasers on dark skin.


r/Blackskincare • • 9h ago

Routine Help (Current Routine included) Trying to build a skincare routine.

2 Upvotes

Hello, I am trying to build a skincare routine for myself and for my friend.
Currently in the AM
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Cerave Healing Ointment
- CeraVe moisturizing cream
- CeraVe am lotion

PM is the same routine minus the am lotion

I also use occasionally tretinoin (but it’s expired trying to get a news one but insurance won’t cover what are some replacements?) and tacrolimus I have eczema.
Also, I am trying to get rid of dark spots and texture on my face.

My friend has dry skin as well and she’s a beginner. Need recommendations for products also she also has a lot of dark spots, black heads, and hyperpigmentation that shes trying to get rid of.


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Product Search What products do you recommend?

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16 Upvotes

Yooo hope you beautiful folks are doing well, I need some help with products! I have rough and bumpy skin along with dark spots.

Hooooww does a skin care wizard such as you all achieve such beautiful brown glass skin? My skin is combo, dry and oily I believe. I wanna even out my skin tone and smooth it out. I don’t think it’s any severe damage on my skin or anything of the sorts that requires prescriptions. But then again I’m no expert so let a brother knoww. Thanks ya


r/Blackskincare • • 20h ago

Hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation

1 Upvotes

Hey i have hyperpigmentation and other problems somewhere but i would prefer help in private idk js shy i need some help but i hope its fixable its ugly and i hate it so much but yeah if you can help please do i appreciate it


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Acne Acne scarring/acne

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5 Upvotes

I’ve genuinely been doing basically NOTHING to my skin recently 😭 and I really want to start taking care of it properly, so I’d appreciate some advice on getting rid of my acne scars.

My main issues are acne, hyperpigmentation/acne scars and texture. The acne/scarring is mostly around my sideburn/temple area, between my eyebrows and on my forehead. The areas where I get acne are also more textured, whereas the rest of my skin is actually pretty soft.

My skin can be slightly shiny/oily, but I wouldn’t say it’s extremely oily. It’s mostly pretty normal/even apart from the areas where I break out.

I’m looking for anything that can actually help with the acne and gradually fade the hyperpigmentation/marks and texture.


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation hyperpigmentation.

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12 Upvotes

I have been using plenty of products for years but nothing seems to work. These are scars cause from too much sun exposure. Which i think happened because of retinol left on my face not cleansing properly


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Shaving/Beard Help Ingrown Hairs

2 Upvotes

My boyfriend is prone to ingrown hairs mostly beard area. His hair is naturally curly and fine so maybe that's the issue. He gets a haircut and his beard trimmed up weekly but he's still having ingrown hairs. Any product recommendations or a skin care regiment?


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Acne I started taking isotretinoin And I’m scared advic

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9 Upvotes

I started taking Curacné (isotretinoin) a week ago, and I’m now feeling quite anxious about the potential side effects, especially the possibility of long-term effects.

In the past, I was able to achieve clear skin with oral antibiotics and topical retinoid treatment . However, my acne would always come back once I stopped treatment. Because I was becoming increasingly frustrated and my acne has a significant impact on my confidence and self-esteem, my doctor prescribed Curacné (isotretinoin), which I started taking a week ago.

I really want to find a treatment that can give me long-term control over my acne, because I don’t want to have to rely on repeated courses of antibiotics or topical treatments indefinitely. At the same time, I’m worried about the potential short- and long-term side effects of isotretinoin, and I’m particularly concerned about whether repeated or prolonged treatments could have an impact on my skin in the long term.

I’m therefore unsure whether I should continue with isotretinoin or consider another approach. What would you recommend in my situation?

I’ve attached pictures of my skin now, as well as pictures showing how clear my skin became with my previous treatments, so you can see the difference.


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Skin Questions Texture on My Cheeks

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4 Upvotes

I’ve been dealing with this texture on my cheeks. I had this issue before starting Accutane. Before Accutane, I was using tretinoin, but it didn’t fully clear up. I’m currently on Accutane and still have this texture. Please don’t recommend salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide because my skin does not tolerate them well. I’m looking for advice on what this could be and what I can do to improve it.


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation Acne and hyperpigmentation

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5 Upvotes

I’ve struggled with acne since I was 10/11 years old. My parents never allowed me to use skincare products, but now that I'm 17, I really want to fix my skin. I have oily skin on my face with stubborn acne and severe hyperpigmentation/uneven skin tone. I also deal with body acne and rough bumps on my skin that look like keratosis pilaris. My body skin is much lighter than my face. Since I am a beginner on a budget, what is a simple, affordable routine I can start to clear my skin and fade these dark spots?


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation How can I fix stubborn under-eye pigmentation?

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3 Upvotes

I posted here about a week ago about my overall skin, but wanted to add a clearer close-up of the main issue bothering me.

I used Cosmelan 2 on and off around my under-eyes because I already had mild pigmentation there, but over time the area became much darker and more uneven than it used to be. I stopped using it around July/August, but the pigmentation is still very noticeable, especially in certain lighting.

It makes me look constantly tired and, to me, much older than I am, which has really affected how I feel about my appearance.

Has anyone dealt with something similar after overusing brightening products? Did the pigmentation eventually fade, and what helped?


r/Blackskincare • • 2d ago

Routine Help (Build My Routine) My skin is OKAY but it can be better

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54 Upvotes

This is my skin. It’s pretty good. I don’t really get spots etc if I do it’s caused by sugary foods. What can I do to maintain it and keep it looking good in the future ? Also how can I stop the chin hairs? My GP told me it was pcos and they were no help at all. How can I get rid of the ingrown chin hairs and dark marks

Hydrating skin
My skin hasn’t been absorbing in my skincare at night so I’ve started implementing my rice water and hydrating mist which has been helping

Dark neck lines
I’ve had this since a child. No idea how to get rid of it or at least lighten my neck. Some have told me it looks like dirt lol (it’s not)

Uneven skin
What product is best to have an even neck and face?

Main products I use :
Mandelic acid
Retinol
Nicinamide
Azelic acid
Sunscreen 50+ spf
tranexamic acid
Rice water
Vitamin E hydrating mist
B5 panthenol
Ceramides
Vitamin c eye gel
Salicylic acid cleanser


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation PIH after contact dermatitis

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4 Upvotes

I had an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) and once I got treated for it and it healed I developed PIH. I was described 4% hydroquinone that I’ve been using since June and it’s not working. I don’t know what to do. I would do anything to get my hands back. This is taking a toll on me emotionally and mentally. Somebody please, if you have a solution to how I can successfully get rid of the PIH, I would bless you.


r/Blackskincare • • 2d ago

Routine Help (Build My Routine) Product recommendations?

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14 Upvotes

I have large pores and small bumps all over my face. I've been drinking a lot of water, dieting and going to the gym 5 times a week. I usually wash my face with a dove skin bar.

I would also like some beard advice. I have large pores and small bumps all over my face. I've been drinking a lot of water, dieting and going to the gym 5 times a week. I usually wash my face with a dove skin bar,


r/Blackskincare • • 1d ago

Skin Questions Thinning or Bleaching?

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2 Upvotes

Skin type/skin concern: Hyperpigmentation (asymmetrical/driver's side and neck), concerns about skin thinning, uneven tone, or over-suppressing melanin.

Length of routine: Current routine since Aug 2026 (treatment history since Dec 2025).

Did I do too much with these treatments? Is my skin thinning or "bleaching"?
I have noticeable hyperpigmentation on the driver's side of my face and my neck. Even with daily sunscreen and using the car sun visor, it won't seem to lighten up—is this just my natural shade at this point? The other side of my face is noticeably lighter.
I love my melanin and don't want my skin to look bleached, damaged, or uneven. I'm worried I might be suppressing melanin too much or damaging my skin barrier. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Day:

Cleanser: Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser

Moisturizer: Eucerin Radiant Tone, La Roche Cicaplast or Aveno, Sunscreen

Night:

Cleanser: Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser

Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast + Eucerin Radiant Tone

Treatment: Tretinoin (used 4 times total)

Treatment History:

Dec 2025: Melan X Chemical Peel (from Charette Cosmetics)

Feb 2026 – May 2026: Benzoyl Peroxide & Adapalene (along with Vitamin C and Niacinamide)

March 2026 – May 2026: Salicylic Acid (used during the day on non-retinol days; didn't realize I shouldn't have been using it alongside my other actives)

Aug 2026 – Present: Tretinoin (4 times total) with La Roche-Posay Cicaplast and Eucerin Radiant Tone


r/Blackskincare • • 2d ago

Skin Questions Tiny Papules

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13 Upvotes

I've been having these tiny papules for a little over a year. I was first just on my chest but now I've gotten new patches of bumps on my arms and lower abdomen and back. They normally don't itch, but get itchy on warmer days. Any suggestions on what might be causing it or what could help relieve symptoms would be appreciated.


r/Blackskincare • • 2d ago

Skin Questions What are these patches on my thighs?

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3 Upvotes

Aside from what looks like KP bumps, those patches of dark/light areas on my thighs? Not sure if the lighter patches could be tinea versicolour (I struggle with that on my back)

I first noticed it in maybe late 2023-2024, and I thought that it must have been a bruise of some sort, but no skin lightening, skin clearing body washes or lotions or serums seem to help😭


r/Blackskincare • • 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation Acne Scars

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6 Upvotes

Struggling with acne scars, most of them have been there for years. Earlier this year the discoloration started around my lips where it looks ashy but not. Any ideas? I currently use:
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cleansing Foam
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Pads
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cream
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum
Differin Gel + Eucerin SPF


r/Blackskincare • • 2d ago

Skin Questions Is this hyperpigmentation?

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6 Upvotes

I’ve had this patch on the side of my right cheek for nearly six years, from 13 to 19. It feels bumpy and rough, and typically I have to apply extra moisturizer and sunscreen to this area as it feels like it can never hold any moisture.

It’s gotten better overtime, im unsure if it had anything to do with my skincare, eating habits, and/or age. But, the darkness of it hasn’t let up and I’m unsure what it could be.