Black skin is beautiful—it’s rich with melanin, full of life, and capable of a truly unmatched radiance.
But let’s be honest, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges.
We’re talking about hyperpigmentation that lingers for months, dryness that turns our beautiful complexions ashy in a flash, and breakouts that leave dark spots long after they’re gone.
The good news? Clear, glowing skin isn’t a far-off dream; it’s definitely achievable with the right routine.
And you don’t need to follow a complicated 20-step routine or buy the most expensive products.
By simply practicing a few smart, consistent habits, you can get the beautiful skin you desire.
Think of this as your personal glow-up guide. You’re going to discover simple, practical, and easy things you can start doing today to transform your skin from the inside out.
Here are 17 skincare hacks every black woman should know:
1. Eat healthy and avoid junk food
Let’s start with a foundational truth: Your skin reflects what you put into your body.
A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can trigger inflammation throughout your body, which can show up on your face as breakouts.
For black women, these breakouts almost always lead to those stubborn dark spots we work so hard to get rid of.
On the other hand, antioxidant-rich foods—like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and salmon—fight inflammation and nourish your skin from the inside.
Think of it less as dieting and more as fueling your glow. Swap that sugary soda for a glass of green juice, and that bag of chips for a handful of almonds. Your skin will thank you!
If you struggle to eat enough greens, fruits, and veggies daily, these powder blends offer an easy way to add more nutrition to your daily skincare routine:
• Bloom Nutrition Greens & Superfoods Powder
• Amazing Grass Super Greens Powder
You can easily prepare them by mixing into beverages or recipes.
2. Drink plenty of water every day
This hack might seem obvious, but it’s one we often forget.
Hydration is key to keeping every single cell in your body healthy, and your skin is no exception.
When you’re dehydrated, your skin can look dull, tired, and ashy.
Drinking enough water helps to flush out toxins, keeps your skin plump, and aids in cell regeneration.
Aim for at least eight glasses a day. If you find plain water boring, infuse it with fruits like lemon, cucumber, or berries.
A cute water bottle can also be a great reminder to sip throughout the day.
3. Avoid bathing with hot water
There’s nothing like a hot, steamy shower to warm you up on a cold day, but it’s one of the worst things you can do for your skin.
Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping it moisturized and protected.
This can lead to severe dryness, itchiness, and a compromised skin barrier. For black skin, that often means instant ashiness and a dull look.
Instead, opt for lukewarm water. It’s warm enough to be comfortable but not so hot that it damages your skin’s natural protective layer.
Your skin will feel softer, look more supple, and you’ll be able to lock in moisture much more effectively after your shower.
4. Use a gentle cleanser or body wash
Your cleansing step is the foundation of your entire skincare routine, so you have to be careful of the products you use.
Many soaps and body washes contain sulfates and harsh ingredients that strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it tight, dry, and irritated.
This irritation can lead to more breakouts, and for black women, more breakouts mean more dark spots.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free cleanser for your face and body.
Look for words like “hydrating,” “gentle,” or “creamy.” These will get rid of dirt and bacteria without stripping your skin.
You should never feel “squeaky clean” or tight after washing your face; it should feel soft and comfortable.
For oily and combination skin, oil-free deep cleansers are your best bet.
5. Use a toner that’s suitable for your skin type
Toners have come a long way from the astringent, alcohol-filled liquids of the past.
Today, a good toner can be a secret weapon for balancing your skin’s pH and prepping it to absorb your serums and moisturizers more effectively.
If you have oily or combination skin, a facial toner with ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid can help to control oil and minimize the appearance of pores.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a hydrating toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rose water.
Avoid toners with alcohol, as they can be drying and irritating.
6. Use a facial serum daily
If you’re only using a cleanser and moisturizer, you’re missing a crucial step for targeting specific concerns.
A facial serum is a concentrated dose of active ingredients designed to penetrate deep into your skin to deliver powerful results.
For black women, the key is to find serums with ingredients that fight hyperpigmentation, brighten, and hydrate. Look for:
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and protects it from environmental damage. If you have uneven skin tone, try TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum for Brighter-Looking Skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): It reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and inhibits melanin transfer, which helps to fade dark spots. If you have oily skin, Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Face Serum is a great option.
Hyaluronic Acid: A moisture magnet that draws water into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. If you have dry or itchy skin, choose Neutrogena Hydro Boost Ultra Hydrating Face Serum.
7. Moisturize right after showering
This is a non-negotiable hack for preventing ashiness. Your skin is most receptive to moisture when it’s slightly damp.
The steam and lukewarm water from your shower open up your pores, making it easier for products to penetrate.
Within a minute or two of getting out of the shower, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still a bit damp.
This helps to trap the water on the surface of your skin and lock in hydration.
Don’t rub your skin dry with a towel; gently pat it to leave a little moisture behind. Here are some great products that are suitable for:
Oily or combination skin=> Equate Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer
Dry, itchy skin=> CeraVe Face & Body Intensive Moisturizing Lotion
Sensitive skin=> The Honest Company Baby Face + Body Lotion
Acne-prone skin=> Clean & Clear Essentials Dual Action Acne Facial Moisturizer
8. Seal in moisture with body oil
This is the ultimate hack for that deep, lasting glow, especially if you have dry, itchy skin. After you’ve applied your lotion or moisturizer, seal it all in with a body oil.
It creates a protective barrier on your skin and prevents moisture from escaping.
A good body oil will glide on effortlessly, feel luxurious, and leave you with a radiant sheen that lasts all day.
Look for natural oils like jojoba, grapeseed, almond, or shea butter oil.
They are lightweight, non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores), and packed with nutrients.
This simple two-step process—lotion followed by oil—will banish ashiness for good.
9. Wear sunscreen daily
Let’s debunk a major myth right now: Black women do need sunscreen.
Our melanin gives us some natural protection, but it is not enough to prevent sun damage.
Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature aging and, for us, it’s a major trigger for hyperpigmentation.
The sun will make those dark spots you’re trying to fade even darker.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Look for formulas that don’t leave a white or gray cast.
Many brands now offer tinted mineral sunscreens or clear chemical options that blend seamlessly.
Make it a daily habit to apply sunscreen before going outdoors, even on cloudy days. Here are my sunscreen recommendations:
For oily or combination skin=> Neutrogena SPF 50 Clear Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin
For dry skin=> Mad Hippie Hydrating Facial SPF 25 Plus 2 oz Sunscreen
For sensitive skin=> Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50 Lotion
10. Exfoliate at least twice a week
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
This is a crucial step for revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath.
When dead skin cells build up, they can make your skin look dull, clog pores, and prevent your products from penetrating effectively.
For black skin, it’s best to stick to gentle exfoliation to avoid irritation.
You can use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like a low-percentage glycolic or lactic acid) or a very fine physical scrub.
Aim for 2-3 times a week, and always be sure to moisturize well afterward. This will help with cell turnover and fading dark spots.
For women with oily skin, oil-free scrubs that offer deep exfoliation are the most suitable.
Consider adding these products to your skincare routine:
For oily or combination skin=> Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil-Free Exfoliating Face Scrub
For dry skin=> St. Ives Soft Skin Exfoliating Face Scrub
For sensitive skin=> OGX Sensitive+ Rose Water & Pink Sea Salt Body Scrub
For acne-prone skin=> St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Exfoliating Face Scrub
11. Avoid touching your face throughout the day
Think about all the things your hands touch throughout the day: your phone, door handles, table tops, your keyboard etc.
Your hands are a magnet for germs, bacteria, and oil. Every time you touch your face, you are transferring all of that to your skin, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
If you have a habit of resting your chin in your hands or picking at your skin, be mindful of it.
Make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your face to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your skin clear. The less you touch, the healthier your skin will be.
Instead of popping pimples on your face, use an overnight acne patch to absorb the gunk and shrink the pimple within a few hours.
12. Get enough sleep daily
They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing! When you’re sleeping, your body goes into repair mode.
This is when your skin cells regenerate, your collagen production gets a boost, and your skin has a chance to heal from the day’s stressors.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol (the stress hormone), which can lead to inflammation and breakouts.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Your skin will look more refreshed, vibrant, and plump in the morning.
If you often struggle to get a good night’s rest, the Homedics Sound Spa and White Noise Machine provides soothing nature sounds to help you sleep better.
13. Never go to bed with makeup on your face
No matter how tired you are, never, ever go to bed with makeup on.
Throughout the day, your makeup mixes with dirt, oil, and bacteria from your environment.
Leaving it on overnight clogs your pores, which can lead to breakouts and dull-looking skin.
Use a makeup remover wipe or a cleansing oil to break down your makeup, then follow with your gentle facial cleanser.
A double cleanse is the ultimate way to ensure your skin is perfectly clean before you sleep. Don’t forget to moisturize afterward.
14. Wash your bath towel and bedsheets weekly
Bath towels and bedsheets collect oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
Every time you use a dirty towel to dry your face or lay your head on a pillowcase you haven’t washed in weeks, you’re re-introducing all that grime back onto your skin.
Wash your bedsheets, pillowcases, and bath towels at least once a week. Your face towel (if you use one) should be washed every 2-3 days.
This simple hygiene hack can make a huge difference in preventing acne.
15. Sleep on silk pillowcases
Silk pillowcases are a total game-changer for both your skin and your hair.
Unlike cotton, which can be rough and absorbent, silk is smooth and non-absorbent.
Silk sheets reduce friction, which can help to prevent wrinkles and the fine lines you get from sleeping on your side.
It also doesn’t absorb the oils and products from your hair and face, so they stay where they belong—on your skin.
Silk also helps to prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles, which is especially beneficial for our textured hair.
16. Tie your hair back at night so oils don’t clog your skin
If you have a night routine that includes hair oils or butters, you’ll want to make sure they don’t end up on your face.
Oils and heavy hair products can easily transfer from your hair to your pillowcase, and then from your pillowcase to your skin.
This is a common cause of breakouts, especially around the hairline and forehead.
Tie your hair back at night in a loose bun or wrap it up with a satin or silk scarf.
This simple step will keep your hair off your face, preventing product transfer and saving your skin from unnecessary breakouts.
17. Clean phone screens and wash makeup brushes regularly
Think about how many times a day your phone touches your face, especially when you’re making or answering calls.
That screen is a hotspot for germs and bacteria. Make it a habit to clean your phone screen with an antibacterial wipe at the end of each day.
Your makeup brushes also pick up bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells from your face every time you use them.
This can lead to a cycle of re-applying bacteria to your skin, which can cause breakouts.
Ensure you wash your makeup brushes with a gentle soap or brush cleaner at least once a week.
Conclusion
And there you have it—17 simple, powerful hacks to transform your skin from the inside out.
The glow up journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about being intentional, consistent, and committed to looking your best every day.
Don’t feel like you have to try all these hacks right away. Start with one or two that feel the most manageable.
Maybe you’ll commit to drinking more water, or maybe you’ll swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk one. Small, consistent changes are what lead to big results.
Remember, your skin is unique and beautiful. Treat it with the care it deserves, and watch your natural glow shine through.
Recommended reading:
30+ Clear Skin Tips For Black Women
How Focusing On Your Skincare Can Improve Your Self-Confidence