Celebrating Black History Month with Inclusive Skincare Insights
Celebrating Black History Month with Inclusive Skincare Insights
February marks Black History Month—a time to honour the achievements, contributions, and rich heritage of Black communities worldwide. It’s also an opportunity to shed light on inclusive practices within the beauty industry. At Sugarmoon®, we believe everyone deserves personalized care, especially when it comes to skincare and hair removal. Below, we address some of the most common concerns for those with deeper skin tones, along with our commitment to ensuring every client feels seen, celebrated, and well cared for.
HYPERPIGMENTATION IN DARKER SKIN
Hyperpigmentation—uneven darkening or discoloration of the skin—is often more pronounced in deeper skin tones. This can be triggered by acne scars, ingrown hairs, or sun exposure. To help reduce the appearance of dark spots, we recommend:
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PFB Ultra: A targeted formula designed to exfoliate and brighten areas prone to ingrown hairs and dark marks.
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Bush Balm Brightening Oil & Scrub: A two-step system that gently exfoliates and nourishes, ideal for bikini lines, underarms, or other delicate areas.
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Kaia Brightening Bar: A gentle cleanser that helps lift and even out discoloration over time.
Pro Tip: Always follow your brightening routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect newly treated areas from further UV damage.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR DARKER SKIN
Laser hair removal for darker skin tones has always been so limited. Many people were told that laser would not be an option for them, or had bad experiences due to the lack of proper technology and experience. At Sugarmoon® we use the Health Canada approved ALPHA Laser, along with its innovative Milo Melanin Reader, to assess melanin levels in the skin. This allows us to deliver safer and more customized treatments for darker skin tones.
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Pros: Long-lasting hair reduction, fewer ingrown hairs, and smoother skin overall.
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Cons: Lower settings are required for lasering dark skin to prevent burning and discoloration, therefore achieving your desired result may take longer.
At Sugarmoon, we offer safe and effective results for every skin tone!
Did You Know? The ALPHA Laser includes a cooling feature to prevent heat damage and reduce the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.
WHY SUGARING IS OFTEN BETTER THAN WAXING FOR DARKER SKIN
Sugaring can be an excellent option for individuals with curly, coarse hair—often seen in those with deeper skin tones. Here’s why:
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Same-Direction Removal: Sugar paste is removed in the direction of hair growth, reducing breakage and minimizing ingrown hairs.
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Gentler on Skin: It adheres more to hair than skin, leading to a less abrasive experience.
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Less Irritation: Fewer broken hairs means fewer chances for them to curl back under the skin’s surface.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT SUN CARE
A common misconception is that darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen. In truth, everyone—regardless of complexion—benefits from sun protection:
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Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+: Shields against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
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Daily Use is Essential: Apply sunscreen daily, even in colder months or on cloudy days.
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Chemical vs Mineral: Mineral sunscreen can be great but they may also leave behind a white cast on darker skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to absorb into the skin better leaving no residue.
At Sugarmoon® we have a variety of chemical and mineral sunscreen options
Did You Know? Sugarmoon® one of the few Canadian retailers of the best selling Black Girl Sunscreen! This Black owned suncare brand was made for people of color, and comes in a variety of formulas including Kids, Mens, & Matte Finishes.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE CARE
The beauty industry still has a long way to go when it comes to acknowledging and producing inclusive products & services for darker skin tones. Understanding the individual needs of the different skin tones and hair types of the clients we see in our salons, is something that we pride ourselves in. At Sugarmoon®, we’re here to provide expert guidance on hyperpigmentation, laser hair removal, and sugaring—all tailored to your specific needs. If you have questions about the best products or services for you, book an appointment or contact us anytime. We’re committed to helping you feel confident, empowered, and beautiful every day.
By prioritizing inclusive practices and ongoing education, we aim to honour the spirit of Black History Month and the diverse needs of our clients—because beauty truly knows no boundaries.