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Everything you Need to Know About Melanated Skin

Want to know more about melanin-rich skin and how to care for it? Read our guide below.

29 May '25

What is Melanin?

Melanin is a pigment that gives color to your skin, hair and eyes. We all have melanin in our bodies, but people with deep complexions produce higher levels of melanin.

Skin Concerns for Melanated Skin

Melanated skin can be prone to dryness and dehydration, which can make it harder for skin care products to absorb deeply into your skin. Plus, when melanin-rich skin is overexposed to the sun’s UV rays, it can cause inflammation and scarring.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

If you have a melanin skin tone and dark spots, it could be caused by hyperpigmentation, where an overproduction of melanin makes certain areas of the skin darker. These can be a light brown, dark brown, purple and gray-brown color and are most commonly found on your face, arms, chest, hands and back.

How to Build a Skincare Ritual for Melanin-rich

Step this way for hydrated, radiant skin.

1

Wash Your Skin

Rinse your skin with lukewarm water to help retain its natural oils and moisture levels. You’ll want to stay clear of hot water, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and weaken its moisture barrier.
2

Apply Your Body Wash

Squeeze a generous amount of Dove Melanin Radiance Body Wash or Melanin Even Tone Body Wash onto your palms, loofah or sponge, then massage all over your body. Infused with a 5% pro-ceramide serum and pH balanced formula, they work to renew melanated skin for long-lasting softness and radiance.
3

Exfoliation Time

Next, it’s time to buff away dead skin cells and smooth skin with an exfoliating body scrub. Massage it into your skin in circular motions, then rinse it off to reveal beautifully radiant, pampered skin. Use up to 3-4 days a week as part of your regular skin care ritual.
4

Deeply Moisturize

As melanin-rich skin is prone to dryness and an uneven tone, you’ll want to try Dove Hyaluronic + Hydration Cream Serum, an all-over body serum with hyaluronic acid that boosts skin with 72 hours of moisture. Or choose our Niacinamide + Even Tone Cream Serum that visibly reduces dark spots and uneven tone to reveal revived, more radiant skin. Top tip: apply body lotion when your skin is damp to lock in more moisture.
5

Apply SPF

Remember to wear a sunscreen or moisturizer with a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 daily - this shields your skin from the sun’s UV rays (even on a cloudy day) and helps to prevent any unwanted hyperpigmentation.

Knowing how to care for melanin-rich skin means you can give your skin the nourishment and hydration it needs on a daily basis. And once you’re armoured with our melanated skin must-haves, from our Serum Body Washes to our Cream Serum range, you can pamper your skin whenever you please.