When you have olive-colored skin, you tend to care just a little more about your tan. It’s light enough to reveal blemishes, yet rich enough to make skincare feel like a balancing act. Still, olive skin is nothing short of exquisite. It fuses golden undertones with an earthy warmth, creating a sun-kissed radiance that practically glows under the right light. This skin tone doesn’t simply fit into a single shade category—it transcends borders. It flows through Afro-Caribbean communities, stretches across North and East Africa, and appears vibrantly in Afro-Latin and mixed-heritage families. It’s nuanced. It’s bold. And without a doubt, it’s stunning.
Yet, like all skin tones, olive skin comes with its own set of care needs, especially during summer. While it’s true that melanin offers a layer of protection, that’s only part of the story. Olive skin can be unexpectedly reactive to the sun. Hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, sunburn, excess oil, and stubborn marks left by breakouts or insect bites are all common concerns. So, how do you keep your olive skin thriving, glowing, and protected in the thick of summer heat without dulling its natural beauty?
Check out easy ways to care for your olive-colored skin this summer…
#1. Have good knowledge of your undertone
Summer turns up the heat, and your skincare shade game needs to keep pace. Olive skin isn’t just “warm.” It has that elusive cool-green-meets-warm-gold balance that most mainstream products still don’t quite get. So, if you’re reaching for tinted sunscreen, BB creams, or mineral foundations this season, be selective.
Steer clear of shades with overly peachy or pink undertones as they tend to oxidize and go patchy fast in heat and humidity. Instead, look for labels that say “olive-neutral” or “golden-neutral.” These tones work with your complexion, not against it, keeping you fresh-faced whether you’re at a beach day, a rooftop BBQ, or pulling a Lagos-to-Accra weekend. Bottom line? Your shade should flex with you, not fight you.
#2. Consider sun blocking
By now, you know we don’t play when it comes to sunscreen. Because melanin, while magical, is not immune. Olive-toned skin needs daily sun protection, no exceptions—even if you’re not beach-bound. UV rays don’t discriminate, and though your skin may not burn as easily, it’s still highly susceptible to sun damage, dark spots, and stubborn hyperpigmentation. The fix? A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Luckily, today’s formulations are better than ever, with options that blend seamlessly into various tones—no chalky cast in sight. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your morning routine. Whether you’re running errands or catching rays outdoors, sun protection should be your everyday sidekick.
#3. Glow up
Let’s talk about the sudden ashiness—that dull, lackluster vibe that seems to appear out of nowhere. Olive skin, with its higher melanin content compared to fair skin, is a blessing. But it’s not immune to fatigue, dehydration, or environmental stress. When that glow goes missing, resist the urge to grab harsh exfoliants or, worse, whitening products (please, don’t). Instead, reach for glow-boosters that actually respect your melanin.
Niacinamide is that girl. It brightens without bleaching, controls oil without over-drying, and leaves you looking radiant, not raw. Vitamin C is another classic, but go for oil-based formulas or gentler versions like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. These ingredients play well with your natural undertones, so the glow feels authentic, not forced.
#4. Balance the oils
Olive-colored skin often skews oily-combination, especially among those with African heritage. But here’s the thing: oil isn’t your enemy. In fact, trying to strip it away can backfire, triggering even more sebum production and congested pores.
The key is balance. Start with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that lifts dirt and impurities without robbing your skin of moisture. Then, lock in hydration with a lightweight facial oil like jojoba or rosehip—both mimic the skin’s natural oils and help regulate shine without clogging pores. For extra support, layer in a niacinamide serum. It minimizes the look of pores, controls excess oil, and evens tone without lightening or dulling your skin’s rich, natural hue.
#5. Consider Afro-inspired ingredients
Our culture is a goldmine of time-honored skincare remedies—ones that don’t just care for olive-colored skin, but also connect us to our roots. These ingredients are more than trends; they’re traditions that have stood the test of time. Baobab oil, for instance, delivers feather-light hydration while shielding the skin with antioxidants. At night, shea butter steps in as a rich restorative, soothing dry patches and calming irritation with its natural healing power.
For dark spots and inflammation, few combinations rival a turmeric and honey mask. And when your skin craves a gentle reset, papaya enzymes offer a natural exfoliation that brightens without stripping. These Afro-inspired staples have cared for our skin for generations, and they still do the work beautifully.
#6. Incorporate a gentle skincare routine
Olive-colored skin may not wear its sensitivity on the surface, but it often reacts deeply to inflammation. Whether it’s a bug bite, an allergic flare-up, or a run-in with a harsh product, the aftermath can linger as stubborn marks. That’s why a calm, minimalist skincare routine is key.
Stick to soothing, fragrance-free formulas, and always patch-test before introducing anything new. And if irritation does happen, don’t wait it out. Early treatment can make all the difference in preventing long-term hyperpigmentation. Incorporate brightening yet gentle ingredients like licorice root extract, vitamin C, or alpha arbutin. Over time, they help fade discoloration and bring clarity back to your skin—no harshness required.
#7. Make it a lifestyle
Skincare isn’t just about what’s on your shelf. It’s a lifestyle. The way you eat, sleep, and manage stress shows up on your face, often before you realize it. Summer can be exhilarating but also draining, and fatigue has a way of dulling your glow. Prioritize rest. Make space for sleep. Guard your peace. Skin reflects balance, not just beauty.
Whether you’re hopping between cities, powering through work, or enjoying quiet moments with loved ones, nurture yourself from the inside out. Your radiance is rooted in how you live, not just what you apply. Let your glow be the result of alignment, not effort.
Bonus Tips to Keep the Glow Going
Summer already gives your skin a natural exfoliation cocktail—sun, sweat, and product buildup—so there’s no need to go in with harsh peels. Instead, ease up and switch to PHAs (polyhydroxy acids). These gentler exfoliants, like gluconolactone or lactobionic acid, offer all the smoothing benefits without the sting or sun sensitivity of stronger acids like glycolic. They work quietly behind the scenes to refine texture, fade post-acne marks, and maintain that healthy summer glow. No irritation, no drama.
And let’s bust a myth: sweating more doesn’t mean you need less moisture. In fact, skipping hydration is one of the fastest ways to throw your skin off balance. Olive-toned skin can look patchy, ashy, or prematurely aged when it’s dehydrated. Instead of going bare, layer your hydration wisely. Begin with a hydrating mist or toner, follow with a lightweight hyaluronic serum, and seal it in with a gel-based moisturizer. If you’re spending time in extreme heat or hitting the gym, refresh midday with a facial mist. The goal? Juicy, not greasy. Dewy, not shiny.
Conclusion
Olive-colored skin is layered in richness—melanin, heritage, and resilience. It deserves skincare that honors both science and tradition. This summer, love your skin back with practices that protect, nourish, and celebrate its brilliance. Because your glow isn’t just seasonal. It’s ancestral.
Featured image: Micaiah Carter for ELLE USA Magazine
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