Nov 26, 2025
Bad habits black men do that cause their skin to breakout
Image Source: Freepik AI
Ladies and gentlemen, and particularly my melanin-rich brethren, let's have a real "man-to-mirror" moment right now. And let’s make it about something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough — skincare for black men. Beyond biology, we forget that our habits also impact our skin.
Unique Skin Properties of Black Men
Before we discuss habits, let's talk about the things peculiar to male skin.
Thicker Skin
For starters, your skin is on the thick side. But up until recently, that's just been an assumption. It's not an unimportant evolution, though. Thicker skin is generally tougher, more resilient, and better at warding off physical injuries. Now, let's not get too excited! Thicker skin doesn't mean invincible skin, and preventative skincare routines are still necessary.
Increased Oil Production
Next, we approach a slightly sticky subject, lipid secretion. To put it plainly, men have excessively oily skin. The sebaceous glands in your skin are quite busy, causing oil production to skyrocket. On the one hand, this can make your face look shiny, giving you that always youthful glow. On the other hand, this oil can also clog your pores and give rise to acne. Let's keep it balanced, shall we?
Melanin Rich Skin
Did you know that your skin is a natural sunscreen? Yes, true! Black men's skin is rich in a pigment named melanin, which helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Moreover, it's partly thanks to this melanin richness that your skin can better adapt to environmental changes and resist some types of damage. However, don't abandon your regular sunscreens just yet. Despite the melanin's efforts, overexposure to the sun can still be damaging.
Skin Problems Among Black Men
While the unique properties of black men's skin offer certain advantages, it's unfortunately not all rosy. Men of colour are more prone to skin problems like acne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema. Remember our previous talk about the excess oil? Well, that oil can make you more susceptible to hair bumps and acne breakouts. Hyperpigmentation can cause certain areas of your skin to darken more than others, leading to an uneven skin tone. And eczema, while not directly linked to melanin, is more strongly prevalent in black people than in other ethnic groups. So don't be passive; keep your skincare routine effective and consistent.
Whether it's your skin's thickness, oil levels, melanin power, or the potential downsides, understanding these traits is key to taking better care of your unique complexion. Your skin may be delivering some unique challenges, but with a little knowledge and a lot of self-care, you can face the day confidently, knowing what you're made of. So, remember these words, gentlemen!
-
Bad Habits Contributing to Skin Breakouts
Now let's talk about the habits. If you're constantly wrestling with a pimple or two, or suffering the indignity of a full-on acne attack, this section is going to rock your world! It's high time we got to the bottom of the breakout issue. You may be surprised to discover that some everyday habits could, in fact, be the treacherous culprits behind your skin's rebellious behaviour.
Here are some significant offenders that may be disrupting your skin's picture-perfect dreams!
Improper Skincare
Exactly how many of us actually knew how to properly wash our faces before someone told us? Quite a handful, weren't we? No, dunking your head in water doesn't count! If you're being too harsh while scrubbing away dirt or ignoring a regular cleansing routine, because 'Hello! Natural oils!', you're quite literally asking for breakouts.
Improper skincare often leads to painfully uncomfortable (and totally visible) manifestations such as ingrown hairs and acne. If your skin starts to throw tantrums, that's your cue to rethink your skincare routine.
Frequent Shaving
Shaving often does give you that smooth, fresh look, true. But overdoing it can feel like you've invited a horde of angry, red, mini skin volcanoes - not cool (and often downright hot!). Frequent shaving can also pave the path for ingrown hairs and acne, transforming your face into a battlefield. Remember - moderation is key.
Not Moisturising
Just like a plant wilts without proper hydration, so does your skin (minus the dramatic droop). If you're committing the skincare sin of not moisturising because of some misguided oily skin fear, let's put an end to that narrative right now.
Dry or dehydrated skin overcompensates by producing excess oil, leading to - you guessed it - breakouts. It's high time you found your moisturising match and stick to it, dutifully.
The Effects of Environmental Insults
Daily environmental insults can also take a toll on our skin. These constant assaults can lead to premature ageing, uneven skin texture, and even skin cancer.
Pollution: Pollution particles are tiny enough to penetrate the skin's outer layer, leading to inflammation, dehydration, and skin ageing. It's like having a covert operative slipping past our skin's defences!
Sun Exposure: Sunlight is crucial for the body's vitamin D production. But too much exposure can cause tremendous harm, accelerating the skin's ageing process and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Extreme Temperatures: Both icy winters and scorching summers can dry out the skin. Dry skin can lead to cracks, which may open the doorway for infections. It's an understated battle that our skin takes on to keep us safe.
As you can see, your skin deals with a lot on a daily basis and does so brilliantly. Nonetheless, it’s mandatory to treat our skin with Tender Love and Care to keep it functioning optimally. After all, who doesn't want a naturally radiant glow as their battle victory trophy!
Our Best sellers
SHOP NOW
