What Is Native American Skin Tone? (With Pictures)

Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Do you want to know what Native American skin tone looks like? How exactly can you describe a person who has native American skin? Get to know the answers to these questions in this article.

What is Native American skin tone? Native American skin tone can generally be described as light brown. Native American skin tone also may have red or reddish-brown undertones.  

Read on to learn more about what exactly is Native American skin tone, as well as tips for those who have Native American skin tone.

What Is Native American Skin Tone? (With Pictures)

There are approximately 550 indigenous tribes in the United States alone. The skin color of these people is generally similar, ranging from light to dark brown.

Generally, Native Americans have brown skin (see image below). On the Fitzpatrick scale, Native American skin color falls in Type V. To add, people with Type V skin tend to easily tan but rarely burns.

Also, Native Americans have a warm skin tone, specifically in the peach and cream category, with a somewhat orangey or red undertone. A rich and deep, warm bronze or copper accentuates their dark eyes and hair.

Take note that not all Native Americans have dark hair, skin, and eyes. It should be noted that there are also Native Americans who are pale and olive-toned.

Others may have blue or green eyes and blonde or brown hair. In TV shows, Native Americans are often portrayed as having reddish-brown skin.

Celebrities with Native American Skin Tone

1. Wes Studi

Wes Studi

Wes Studi is a Cherokee American actor famous for his roles as a Native American in several films. He is also a film producer, aside from being an actor.

2. Buffy Sainte-Marie

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie focused her work on issues regarding the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Aside from being a singer-songwriter, she is also a composer, visual artist, and social activist, among others.

3. Ashley Callingbull-Burnham

Ashley Callingbull-Burnham

Ashley Callingbull-Burnham is the first Canadian and the first indigenous Canadian woman to win the Mrs. Universe title in 2015.

4. Martin Sensmeier

Martin Sensmeier

He is an American actor who starred in the film, The Magnificent Seven, wherein he played one of the seven, alongside Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Byung-Hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Vincent D’Onofrio.

5. Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs

Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (also known as Devery Jacobs) played the lead role in the film Rhymes for Young Ghouls. She was recognized and nominated for Best Actress at the 2nd Canadian Screen Awards for her performance in this movie.

6. Russell Charles Means

Means was an activist, actor, writer, and musician. In 1992, he started his acting career. As a writer, he published his autobiography called, Where White Men Fear to Tread. Aside from these accomplishments, he was also a member of the American Indian Movement.

Plants Used in Traditional Native American Skin Care

traditional skin care for native american skin tone

Below are the plants used by some Native Americans in the past to maintain their complexion and healthy skin. Whether you have Native American skin tone or not, you can use these plants to improve the health and appearance of your skin.

1. Aloe Vera

To soothe and heal skin, Native Americans used aloe vera. This plant can also be used for sunburns.

2. Bearberry

A plant used to treat an itchy scalp, skin sores, and baby rashes.

3. Blue Corn

Native Americans exfoliate first before conducting important ceremonies using ground blue corn.

4. Creeping Juniper

The berries from this plant were used to make tea, which was then used to wash problematic skin. At present, this plant is used as an ingredient for hair products.

5. Sweetgrass

Native Americans utilize this plant to make their hair shiny and fragrant. It can also be used for windburn and chapped skin.

6. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba, a shrub, has excellent moisturizing properties that can reduce wrinkles and promote cell growth.

7. Marigolds

Marigold is a bright yellow and orange flower used for its moisturizing properties. Aside from its moisturizing feature, this flower also has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties that help maintain the Native Americans’ skin glow.

8. Agave

When mixed with salt, agave is an effective antimicrobial treatment for different skin conditions. Agave can also soften your skin and moisturize your hair.

Tips for Better Native American Skin

skin care for native american skin tone

If the plants above are not accessible to you, you can always take care of your skin by doing the following: 

1. Stay Hydrated

While it may be a cliché, drinking lots of water can do magic to your Native American skin tone. So, drink lots of water to boost your skin and overall health.

2. Green Tea over Coffee

If you need caffeine, consider drinking green tea instead of coffee. The former is said to prevent collagen damage. Opt for a cold tea, though, because hot green tea can induce redness and rosacea.

3. Get Adequate Sleep

While skincare products can do an excellent job in making your skin glow, getting enough sleep and rest can help you attain that natural Native American look.

4. Manage Your Stress

Some studies suggest that those under pressure are more prone to acne breakouts. The reason behind this is that during a stressful day, your body produces more cortisol, which makes your skin oilier.

5. Avoid Polluted Places

Polluted places can take a toll on your skin. So, if possible, avoid areas with excessive smoke from vehicles. Having an air filter inside your home can also help lessen air pollution.

6. Wear Sunscreen

Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, whether you are inside or outside your home, regardless of the season. The reason is that UV rays can penetrate your windows at home or might even come from fluorescent lamps and computer screens.

7. Consult a Dermatologist

Find someone knowledgeable about your Native American skin tone. Have yourself checked every year for skin cancer and other skin problems.

8. Avoid Tanning Beds

Using tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer. Aside from tanning beds, also avoid UV curing for gel manicures.

9. Start an Anti-Aging Regimen

While you are still young, help your skin fight the signs of aging by following an anti-aging regimen.

10. Wear Hat and Sunglasses During Summer

Wear a hat and a pair of sunglasses to block out the sun’s UV rays. Wearing a hat will also protect your eyes and face. 

Skin Care Products for Native American Skin Tone

People with Type V skin (Fitzpatrick scale Type V – brown), such as Native American skin tone, are more susceptible to scarring and hyperpigmentation. So, how can you avoid these two conditions?

If you have this skin tone, you should carefully pick products that are gentle on their skin because their skin is sensitive and more prone to discoloration.

We have picked three amazing products that can help you prevent having the two skin conditions mentioned earlier and maintain your lovely Native American glow.

1) VENeffect Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15

As previously mentioned, having an anti-aging regimen while you are still young can benefit your skin.

The VENeffect Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 Cream is a good starting product. You can already tell from its name that your skin will reap excellent benefits from it due to its anti-aging, moisturizing, and sunscreen properties.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a multifunctional skincare product designed to address various signs of aging while providing sun protection.

As an anti-aging moisturizer, it aims to target common concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. The inclusion of broad-spectrum SPF 15 helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, preventing further damage and contributing to a more youthful appearance.

This fragrance-free formula caters to those with sensitivities to scents, offering a comprehensive solution for daily skincare with anti-aging benefits and sun protection.

2) Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum is an award-winning, age-defying serum crafted to address key signs of aging.

Formulated with a combination of multi-tasking peptides, antioxidants, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, this serum is clinically proven to deliver results that combat the effects of aging.

Satisfied customers have reported improvements in skin firmness, moisturization, and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

The positive outcomes stem from a single-blinded 12-week clinical study involving 35 subjects who applied the PolyPeptide Firming Serum twice daily.

The product is free from animal testing and boasts a blend of quality ingredients, including peptides, a cosmetic growth factor analog, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, ceramides, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.

To maximize benefits, it is recommended to apply the serum twice daily, using 7-10 drops on clean, dry skin of the face, neck, and décolleté.

3) Erno Laszlo Hydraphel Skin Supplement – Hydrating Toner

As I mentioned earlier, scarring is pretty common for people with brown skin, including those who have Native American skin tones.

In Skin Care Geeks, we believe that prevention is better than cure, so before your acne causes scarring, use a toner to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup from your face.

Aside from removing excess dirt, a toner also balances your skin’s pH. Usually, a toner is applied before moisturizing and followed by a cleanser.   

The Erno Laszlo Hydraphel Skin Supplement – Hydrating Toner is a toner that can remove excess dirt while leaving your skin hydrated.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Aside from these two functions, this toner can reduce dullness, inflammation of your skin, and maintain your natural glow because it contains provitamin B5. Moreover, this product is alcohol-free, which makes it very gentle on your skin. 

ConclusionWhat Is Native American Skin Tone?

Again, what is Native American skin tone? Native American skin tone is brown, but most people think that they have red or reddish-brown skin. In some instances, this impression may be true. However, it may not apply to all other Native Americans.

On the Fitzpatrick scale, Native American skin tone falls on Type V. In general, people with Type V skin tans easily but rarely burns. This kind of skin color is also considered sensitive and susceptible to discoloration, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, so care must be taken when choosing skincare products.

Native American skin undertones may be described as orangey or red, while others describe the undertones as peach, cream, or brown. Native American skin tone with dark hair and eyes stands out with rich and deep, warm bronze or copper color.

However, as I said earlier, not all Native Americans have dark hair, skin, and eyes. There are also Native Americans who are pale and olive-toned. Others even have blonde hair and blue eyes, including black hair and green eyes.

Related reading:

What Is Ivory Skin Tone? (With Pictures)

Porcelain Skin Tone Defined (With Pictures)

Beige Skin Tone – What is It? (With Pictures)

Mocha Skin Tone Defined (Plus Care Tips)

Asian Skin Tone and Foundations (With Pictures)