Let’s talk honestly. If you were trained without learning how melanin behaves, you were trained incompletely. 👇🏽 Drop a comment and tell me— Which myth did YOU hear first in esthetician school or online? A. “Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen” B. “Chemical peels aren’t safe for melanin” C. “Hyperpigmentation is just genetic” D. “Play it safe—do less on melanated skin” ⚠️ These myths don’t just slow results. They create fear-based treatments, under-treatment, and unnecessary damage. We’re unlearning. We’re correcting. We’re elevating. Let’s discuss. If this cheat sheet made you pause, save, or rethink how you treat melanated skin—good. This is the difference between offering services and producing results. 📌 Inside Skool, we go deeper—from advanced treatment protocols to scaling your esthetics business into a true spa transformation. 💬 Esthetics industry calls are now open —from solo providers to multi-room growth strategies. 👉🏽 Link dropping in the comments.

- Spot Treatments: Use targeted acids and serums carefully to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. - Layering Actives: Niacinamide + SPF = better even tone, reduces irritation risk. - Mask & Massage Combo: Hydro-jelly or clay masks followed by light massage improves absorption and circulation. - Client Education: Always explain why steps matter — builds trust and compliance. - Ingredient Awareness: Avoid harsh AHAs/BHAs without prep; melanin-rich skin is sensitive to over-aggressive treatments. 💡 This is your hub for skincare techniques, myth-busting, and best practices — check back regularly as we update with the latest trends and research for Fitzpatrick 4–6 skin.

1. Double cleansing – Remove oil and impurities without stripping the skin. 2. Barrier-supportive moisturizers – Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and soothing botanicals. 3. Targeted serums – Vitamin C, niacinamide, or other pigment-correcting actives. 4. Gentle exfoliation – 1–2x per week to reduce hyperpigmentation risk. 5. Consistent sun protection – SPF 50 daily, tinted if desired for ease of use. 💡 Small, consistent steps create lasting results for darker skin.

1. Darker skin doesn’t get sun damage — ❌ it does. 2. You don’t need moisturizer — ❌ hydration is essential. 3. Bar soap is enough — ❌ it strips the skin barrier. 4. Hyperpigmentation fades on its own — ❌ treatment + SPF is key. 5. Darker skin doesn’t age — ❌ signs show later but still appear. 6. Oils alone replace moisturizer — ❌ oils support but don’t hydrate fully. 7. Picking pimples isn’t harmful — ❌ leads to dark spots & scars. 8. Exfoliating daily is safe — ❌ over-exfoliation inflames skin. 9. Only expensive products work — ❌ consistency matters more than cost. 10. Razor bumps are inevitable — ❌ proper prep and techniques prevent them. 💡 Pro Tip: Knowing the myths vs. facts helps you make better product choices and educate clients or peers effectively.

Even darker skin needs daily sun protection. SPF 50 isn’t just for pale skin — the sun still causes damage to Fitzpatrick 4–6 skin. Here’s what the sun can do: - Cause hyperpigmentation and dark spots - Trigger inflammation and irritation - Accelerate premature aging - Increase the risk of skin cancer - Reduce effectiveness of treatments for acne or pigmentation Implementation Tips: - Apply SPF 50 every morning, regardless of weather - Use formulas that blend well with melanin-rich skin (tinted or sheer) - Reapply every 2–3 hours if outdoors 💡 Skincare is protection first. Daily SPF is the cornerstone of healthy, even-toned skin.