The truth? Skincare isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what’s right for your skin. Below, I’m breaking down six signs that your routine might be sabotaging your progress — and how to reset with clarity.

1. You’re Over-Exfoliating Without Realizing It

Those daily acids, gritty scrubs, and resurfacing toners might feel satisfying — but overdoing exfoliation breaks down your skin barrier. This can lead to irritation, redness, sensitivity, and even worsened hyperpigmentation.

What to do instead:
Exfoliate 1–2x/week max, and always pair it with barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and panthenol. If your skin feels tight or looks shiny-but-irritated, hit pause. Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

2. You’re Layering Too Many Products

10-step routines can be fun to film, but in real life? They often do more harm than good. When you layer too many active ingredients — like vitamin C, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, peptides — they can cancel each other out or irritate your skin.

What to do instead:
Simplify. Your routine only needs four essentials:

A gentle cleanser

A targeted treatment (like a retinoid or brightener)

A moisturizer

And broad-spectrum SPF

Everything else is optional.

3. You’re Treating Symptoms, Not the Root Cause

Let’s say you’re hyper-focused on fading dark spots — but you’re still breaking out weekly. Or you’re using calming serums for redness, without understanding what’s triggering it. You won’t see lasting results this way.

What to do instead:
Zoom out. Start by identifying the root issue — whether it’s inflammation, acne, or barrier disruption — and treat that first. Your skin will thank you with fewer flare-ups and more consistency.

4. You’re Skipping SPF (Even If You Have Melanin-Rich Skin)

No matter your skin tone, UV exposure affects you. Without daily sunscreen, your skin can’t truly heal — and any treatment you’re using for dark marks or texture? UV rays can undo that progress in a matter of days.

What to do instead:
Find an SPF that blends well and feels good to wear. Use it every morning. No exceptions. It’s truly the foundation of any routine that works.

5. Your Skin Always Feels Tight or Stings

That “squeaky clean” feeling after washing? Not a good sign. Tightness, tingling, or stinging are red flags that your barrier is compromised — often from harsh cleansers or overuse of actives.

What to do instead:
Prioritize hydration. Stick to:

Gentle, low-pH cleansers

Fragrance-free moisturizers

Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid

Think soft, not stripped.

6. You’ve Seen No Progress After 4–6 Weeks

You’ve tried the serums, the masks, the oils — but your skin looks the same… or worse. Sound familiar? It’s not you. It’s the noise of the skincare world getting in the way of a clear, effective plan.

What to do instead:
Pause. Simplify. And if you’re stuck, get expert support. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your skin is less.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

If any of these signs sound like your current routine — you’re far from alone. Most people are unintentionally overwhelming their skin while trying their best to help it. The good news? It doesn’t take a 12-step routine, viral products, or guesswork to get back on track.

It takes a personalized plan that actually meets your skin where it is.

Ready to Reset Your Routine?

I offer virtual dermatology consultations for residents of Texas — no insurance required. Just expert, compassionate care from the comfort of your home.

Click here to book your consult.

Let’s get your routine working for you — not against you.

black skincareskin of colordermatologist for black skin

The post Why Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working — And What To Do About It appeared first on Dr. Tara Akunna.

Hyperpigmentation is simply excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, showing up in specific areas. This leads to dark patches or spots that contrast with your natural tone.

People with deeper skin tones are more prone to this because their melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) are more reactive. That means:

A breakout?

A rash?

Over-exfoliating?

Any of those can trigger pigment. That’s why treating both the cause and the pigment gently is key.

“In deeper skin tones, hyperpigmentation is more reactive and more stubborn — but with the right care, it absolutely improves.”

My Treatment Philosophy: Calm. Fade. Prevent.

When I treat hyperpigmentation — whether through my virtual clinic TaraMD or in person — I focus on three pillars:

Calm the skin — Inflammation control is the first step.

Fade the pigment — Safely reduce melanin with proven actives.

Prevent future damage — Sun and irritation are repeat offenders.

This isn’t a “quick fix” moment — it’s a healing process. We’re playing the long game with your skin.

My Go-To Treatment Plan: Step by Step

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

Your cleanser should support your skin barrier — not strip it. I recommend:

Fragrance-free formulas

Ingredients like ceramides or glycerin

Creamy or gel textures (depending on skin type)

Step 2: Target Inflammation

Before treating pigment, we reduce any active inflammation.
Some go-to ingredients:

Azelaic acid – calming, pigment-fighting, acne-friendly

Niacinamide – barrier-loving and soothing

Short-term antibiotics or steroid creams (if medically appropriate)

Step 3: Treat the Pigment

I usually introduce just one active at a time. My top picks:

Tranexamic acid – melasma, dark patches

Vitamin C – brightens and protects

Kojic acid / Licorice root – natural pigment blockers

Retinoids (tretinoin or retinol) – for cell turnover, introduced slowly

“I start low and go slow. Too many actives too fast is a recipe for rebound pigmentation.”

Step 4: Moisturizer

Hydration is non-negotiable — a compromised skin barrier makes pigment worse.
Look for:

Ceramides

Hyaluronic Acid

Step 5: Daily Sunscreen

This is essential — every single day. Even indoors. Even in winter.
Choose:

SPF 30 or higher

Broad-spectrum protection

Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides (they protect against visible light too)

Optional: In-Office Treatments I May Add

If home care hits a plateau or faster results are desired, I sometimes recommend:

Chemical peels – Mandelic, lactic, or glycolic acid (carefully selected)

Microneedling – Safe, no-heat pigment-friendly collagen boost

Lasers – Only pigment-safe devices like low-fluence Nd:YAG

In-office treatments always complement — not replace — consistent at-home care.

What I Avoid (and What You Should Too)

When treating melanin-rich skin, certain practices can worsen pigment.

Skip:

Over-exfoliation – especially scrubs or daily acids

DIY hacks – lemon juice, baking soda, ACV

Unsupervised hydroquinone – potent, but risky without medical guidance

Final Thoughts: Skin Healing Is a Journey
Hyperpigmentation in deeper skin tones takes time — but it can absolutely improve with the right care.

Here’s what I tell every patient:

Be gentle.

Be consistent.

Be patient — real results take weeks, not days.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. I offer one-on-one, virtual dermatology consultations through TaraMD, built to give you the personalized, evidence-based skincare support you deserve.

Book your consult here
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This guide was made to be saved, bookmarked, and shared with someone who needs it. If your skincare routine has felt overwhelming, I hope this gives you a place to begin — softly.

The post How I Treat Hyperpigmentation in Melanin-Rich Skin appeared first on Dr. Tara Akunna.

Let’s be honest: skincare has never been more confusing.

From TikTok trends to “clean” marketing to shelves full of actives, it’s easy to overdo it — even with good intentions.

Most of the patients I see with persistent irritation aren’t doing anything “wrong.” They’re just using too much, too fast, or the wrong combinations for their skin.

“Healthy skin isn’t tight, red, or constantly ‘purging.’ It’s calm, balanced, and resilient.”

Here’s what I look for when I suspect a routine might be doing more harm than good.

7 Signs Your Skincare Routine Is Hurting Your Skin

1. Tightness After Cleansing

If your skin feels tight or squeaky after washing, your cleanser is likely too harsh. It’s stripping your skin’s natural oils.

Swap in:

• A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser
• Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides

2. Burning, Stinging, or Persistent Redness

Skincare should never burn. A little tingling is okay with actives — but ongoing discomfort is a sign of inflammation, not “adjusting.”

Common culprits:

• Overuse of acids (AHAs/BHAs)
• Strong retinoids
• Fragrance or essential oils

3. Peeling (Without Retinoids)

Flaky skin without a known irritant? That’s your barrier crying out. Over-exfoliation and harsh toners can quietly compromise skin.

What to do:

• Pause exfoliants
• Focus on hydration and barrier repair

4. Breakouts That Don’t Make Sense

New breakouts after starting a product — especially in areas you don’t usually break out — may signal irritation or comedogenic ingredients.

“Not every breakout is a purge. Sometimes your skin is just overwhelmed.”

5. Oily Yet Dehydrated Skin

This combo usually means your skin is compensating for lost water by overproducing oil.

Fix it with:

• A humectant serum (think hyaluronic acid)
• A barrier-repairing moisturizer — not just oil-free gels

6. Too Many Actives in Rotation

If your routine sounds like:
Vitamin C at 8 AM → Salicylic acid at noon → Retinol at 9 PM → Peel on Sunday…

That’s too much. Skin gets confused. Inflammation builds.

Try:

• One active at a time
• New products every 2–3 weeks max

7. You Keep “Resetting” Your Skin

If you frequently stop your routine to “let your skin breathe,” that’s a sign your skin is stressed — not healing.

“Skincare shouldn’t require recovery periods. If it does, your skin is telling you something’s not right.”

What’s Really Going On? Barrier Damage

The root of most of these symptoms? Barrier damage.

Your skin barrier is its natural armor — keeping hydration in and irritants out. When it’s disrupted, you’ll see:

• Redness
• Flakiness
• Sensitivity
• Breakouts
• Tightness

And what causes it?

• Over-cleansing
• Skipping moisturizer
• Layering too many harsh actives

The Soft Reset: How to Fix It

If you’re in this cycle, here’s how I guide my patients through a reset:

1. Simplify to 3 Steps

Stick with:

• Gentle cleanser
• Barrier-supporting moisturizer
• Broad-spectrum SPF

2. Pause Actives for 1–2 Weeks

Let your skin breathe — truly. No acids, retinoids, or exfoliants during this phase.

3. Reintroduce Slowly

Start with one active, used 2–3 times a week, and build from there only if tolerated.

4. Moisturize Generously

When in doubt, hydrate. Dryness, flaking, and irritation are all signs your skin needs more moisture, not less.

Final Thoughts: Your Skin Isn’t Broken

Trendy routines and viral products can make you feel like your skin just isn’t trying hard enough. But your skin is trying — to protect you.

If something feels off, don’t push through. Take a step back. Reset. Rebuild.

“Healing isn’t a setback — it’s a signal that your skin is ready for better care.”

And if you’re feeling lost, I offer one-on-one consults through my virtual dermatology practice. We can build a routine that honors your skin’s needs — not what’s trending online.

Book a consult with me here
Read more skincare resets on A Soft Reset

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If this post helped you recognize your skin’s SOS signals, save it or share it with someone who needs a gentle reset.

Your skin deserves to feel calm, cared for, and at peace — every single day.

The post 7 Signs Your Skincare Routine Is Hurting Your Skin appeared first on Dr. Tara Akunna.

Before we talk products, pause for a moment and reflect:

• Is my skin oily, dry, combination, or sensitive?
• Am I looking to treat breakouts? Dark spots? Uneven texture? Fine lines?

You don’t need to have a perfect answer. But tuning in to your skin’s patterns will help you build a routine with intention — not imitation.

Your skin deserves something built for it, not borrowed from someone else’s “favorites” list.

Step 2: Build Your Bare-Minimum Routine (3 Simple Steps)

At the heart of every effective routine are just three steps: cleanse, moisturize, protect.

Cleanser [→ Click here for examples]
Purpose: To gently remove dirt, oil, and buildup — without stripping your skin.

• Try gel or foaming cleansers for oily/acne-prone skin
• Choose creamy or hydrating cleansers for dry/sensitive skin
• Avoid harsh scrubs and bar soaps

Use morning and night. It should leave your skin feeling clean, but never tight.

Moisturizer [→ Click here for examples]
Purpose: To hydrate and support your skin barrier.

• Opt for lightweight gel creams if you’re oily
• Go for richer creams if your skin leans dry or mature
• Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid

Use right after cleansing, AM and PM.

Sunscreen [→ Click here for examples]
Purpose: To protect your skin from UV and visible light — the top drivers of dark spots, aging, and skin cancer.

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
• Mineral or chemical is up to your preference
• For deeper skin tones, consider a tinted SPF with iron oxides for pigment protection

Apply every morning — even on cloudy days or while working indoors.

This is your foundation. If you only do these three steps daily, you’re already doing a lot.

Step 3: Add Treatments (Only If You Need To)

Once your basic routine feels solid and your skin is calm, you can slowly layer in actives — one at a time, based on your goals.

Vitamin C (AM) [→ Click here for examples]

• Helps brighten, even skin tone, and boost sun protection
• Apply after cleansing and before moisturizer/SPF
• Start 2–3 mornings a week

Retinoids (PM) [→ Click here for examples]

• Great for acne, texture, and signs of aging
• Start 1–2 nights a week and increase gradually
• Moisturize before or after to reduce dryness

Exfoliants (1–2x/week) [→ Click here for examples]

• Use glycolic or salicylic acid to help with texture or congestion
• Never layer on retinoid nights
• Overuse can weaken the skin barrier — less is more

Hydrating Serums [→ Click here for examples]

• Optional step if your skin feels tight or dehydrated
• Look for hyaluronic acid or other humectants
• Layer before your moisturizer

Reminder: Actives are tools, not shortcuts. Give your skin space — usually 2–3 weeks — before adding something new.

Step 4: Keep It Simple — Here’s Your Product Order

Morning

1. Cleanser
2. Optional: Vitamin C or hydrating serum
3. Moisturizer
4. Sunscreen

Evening

1. Cleanser
2. Optional: Retinoid or treatment
3. Moisturizer (or barrier repair cream)

That’s it. Let your skin exhale.

Step 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you ease into your new routine, here are a few things to gently steer away from:

• Starting too many new products at once
• Skipping moisturizer because of oiliness
• Only using SPF in summer or on sunny days
• Giving up on products too quickly
• Believing that “more” always means “better”

Skincare isn’t a race. Your skin prefers rhythm over reinvention.

Final Thoughts

There’s beauty in starting small. When it comes to skincare, clarity is powerful. A few well-chosen steps, practiced consistently, often bring the most meaningful results.

To recap your soft-reset skincare routine:

1. A gentle, non-stripping cleanser
2. A barrier-supporting moisturizer
3. Daily sunscreen
4. Optional treatments (like vitamin C or retinoids) introduced slowly and intentionally

If you’re unsure where to begin or want guidance tailored to your skin type, I offer virtual consults through my teledermatology practice. Together, we’ll build a routine that works with your life — not against it.

[→ Book a virtual appointment here.]

[→ Book a Skin Product Consultation here.]

Your Routine, Your Rhythm

Skincare is a practice, not a performance.
There’s no perfect product or magic routine — just a gentle, ongoing relationship with your skin.

If this guide helped you pause, rethink, or reset — feel free to share it with someone who’s starting their own skincare journey.

With calm and care,
Dr. Tara
Board-Certified Dermatologist | Founder, TaraMD

The post How to Build a Skincare Routine from Scratch appeared first on Dr. Tara Akunna.

You’re cleansing, toning, layering vitamin C, exfoliating, adding niacinamide, retinol, and finishing with a sleeping mask — all in one night. Sound familiar?

This kind of “kitchen sink” routine often leads to breakouts, irritation, and a stressed-out skin barrier. In our pursuit of glow, we sometimes forget that skin thrives on balance — not overload.

Try this instead: Focus on function. A gentle cleanser, a nourishing moisturizer, daily sunscreen, and one active ingredient at a time is more than enough. Introduce new products slowly, and give your skin space to respond. Consistency is more powerful than complexity.

2. Neglecting Your Skin Barrier

Many of us get caught up in what I call “correction mode” — constantly chasing brightness, smoothness, or clarity. But in doing so, we can forget to support the foundation of healthy skin: the barrier.

When your barrier is compromised, your skin may feel raw, flaky, or inflamed. It might sting when you apply products. And even trusted favorites can suddenly feel like too much.

Try this instead: Choose a non-stripping cleanser and use it with intention (not aggression). Moisturize with ingredients that repair — think ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids. And if your skin feels like it needs a break from actives, honor that feeling. Rest is part of the routine.

3. Skipping Sunscreen

I hear this more often than you’d think:
“I work from home.”
“I don’t burn easily.”
“I have melanin — I thought I didn’t need SPF.”

But here’s the truth: UV rays and visible light affect everyone. They contribute to hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and yes, even skin cancer — regardless of skin tone.

Try this instead: Make SPF 30 (or higher) a non-negotiable part of your morning ritual. For melanin-rich skin, look for a tinted sunscreen with iron oxides — it adds protection against visible light and can help with pigment control. Think of sunscreen as a daily act of protection, not perfection.

4. Treating Every Breakout Like an Emergency

A pimple appears — and suddenly, it’s war. Acids, spot treatments, toothpaste… we’ve all been there. But this reactive approach can backfire, leaving behind more irritation and sometimes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Try this instead: Acne isn’t an emergency. It’s a chronic skin condition that deserves a steady, preventative plan. That might include a gentle exfoliant 2–3 times a week, a calming retinoid routine, or simply staying consistent with your basics. Focus on soothing and strengthening the skin, not punishing it.

5. Having No Real Plan

One product from TikTok, another from Sephora, a third you saw in someone’s GRWM… but nothing is tailored to yourskin. It’s easy to end up with a shelf full of products and no clarity on what’s helping or hurting.

Try this instead: Build a routine that matches your skin goals and lifestyle. Are you targeting acne? Sensitivity? Uneven tone? Start with the basics, add one active at a time, and be intentional about tracking your skin’s response. If it feels confusing, working with a professional can save you months (or years) of trial and error.

A Gentle Reset

Skincare isn’t about chasing every trend — it’s about learning what your skin needs, and meeting it with care.

Let’s recap:

1. Don’t overdo it with actives
2. Support your skin barrier
3. Wear SPF every morning
4. Avoid panic-treating breakouts
5. Build a thoughtful, consistent routine

If your skin feels overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A simple routine can be transformative. Through my virtual dermatology practice, I help women of color build routines that are simple, sustainable, and effective — no guesswork required.

You can learn more about one-on-one consults [here → insert link].

Closing Thoughts

Healthy skin isn’t perfect skin. It’s skin that feels supported, respected, and balanced.

If this post helped you take a step back and breathe — even just a little — I’m glad you’re here. Feel free to share it with someone who could use a soft reset of their own.

With warmth,
Dr. Tara
Board-Certified Dermatologist | Founder, TaraMD

The post 5 Skincare Mistakes I See in My Practice (and How to Gently Fix Them) appeared first on Dr. Tara Akunna.

And yet, far too often, people of color are overlooked in dermatology spaces. Diagnoses are missed. Treatments are ineffective. Concerns are dismissed.

That’s why seeing a Black dermatologist in Texas — or a provider with experience treating skin of color — isn’t just a preference. It’s powerful. It’s protective. And in many cases, it’s necessary.

Here’s why it matters — and how to find culturally competent care that truly understands your skin.

Why Representation in Dermatology Matters

Dermatology, like many fields in medicine, has a representation gap. Studies have shown that fewer than 5% of dermatologists in the U.S. identify as Black — and many medical textbooks still lack images and case studies featuring darker skin tones.

The result?

• Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea may look different on melanin-rich skin — and sometimes go unrecognized
• Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) is a major concern in communities of color, but often treated improperly
• Conditions like hyperpigmentation, traction alopecia, and hair/scalp disorders are more common in Black patients — but not always addressed with the right care or nuance

In short, culturally competent dermatology isn’t optional. It’s essential.

What Culturally Competent Dermatology Looks Like

Culturally competent care isn’t just about knowing what a condition looks like on deeper skin tones — it’s about:

• Understanding how cultural hair practices impact scalp health
• Knowing how to approach laser treatments or chemical peels safely for darker skin
• Respecting the lived experience of patients who may have been dismissed or misdiagnosed in the past
• Addressing concerns like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with empathy and evidence-based tools

It also means making space for your voice in the treatment plan — not just your symptoms.

Why Virtual Care Can Make a Difference

Access to a virtual dermatologist for skin of color has made culturally competent care more accessible than ever. Whether you’re in a small Texas town or a major city, you no longer have to travel far to find a provider who gets it.

• Virtual dermatology can help with:
• Acne and hyperpigmentation
• Eczema, melasma, and other chronic skin conditions
• Hair and scalp issues
• Personalized skincare routines tailored for Black and brown skin

At TaraMD, I offer online consultations focused on skin of color, with a gentle, no-pressure approach. You can book from the comfort of your home, on your schedule — no waiting rooms or long drives required

Book your virtual consultation here to get started.

How to Find a Black Dermatologist in Texas

If you’re searching for a Black dermatologist in Texas, here are a few tips:

1. Use trusted directories like the Skin of Color Society, Health in Her HUE, or BlackDerm Directory
2. Check credentials — Look for board-certified dermatologists with clinical or telemedicine experience
3. Look for patient-centered language — You want someone who listens, explains, and educates
4. Ask about experience with melanin-rich skin — Don’t be afraid to ask providers directly

And if you’re open to virtual care, your options open up even more.

Final Thoughts: Your Skin Deserves Better Than a Guess

You don’t need to settle for generic advice or trial-and-error routines.
You don’t need to feel rushed, ignored, or unseen.

Your skin deserves care that honors your tone, your texture, and your story.

Whether you’re managing chronic breakouts, struggling with dark spots, or just want to simplify your routine, finding a provider who understands Black skin — medically and culturally — can make all the difference.

Ready to take the next step?

Click here to book your consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who’s experienced, compassionate, and here to support your skincare journey — virtually, across Texas.

With warmth and clarity,

Dr. Tara
Board-Certified Dermatologist | Founder of TaraMD
Specializing in skin of color, virtual dermatology, and simplified routines that work

The post Why It Matters to See a Black Dermatologist — And How to Find One in Texas appeared first on Dr. Tara Akunna.