Summer is here in full swing and it's time to show some skin!
Backless shirts, spaghetti straps, those shorter than short shorts
are all a part of the fashion seen. (Not to mention those two
piece bikinis!) This is the second part to our two part series
on skin care.
There
were six sections for us to tackle: (And we'll continue with
4-6.)
We've already covered cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating.
4. Skin Protection
5. Skin Impurities/Conditions
6. Nourishing from the inside out
Skin Protection. Outdoor fun is always on the top
agenda for summer, but what most Black women don't know is that
regardless of the amount of melanin or pigment in our skin, long
term exposure to ultraviolet rays can put us at a higher risk for
melanoma (skin cancer.) Check your skin regularly to spot any
unusual spots or growths. Protect yourself by wearing hats,
sunglasses, and light colored clothing to reflect the sun's
rays. Most important: Always wear sun block.
Skin
Impurities/Conditions. Any changes with our skin deserve
attention. Too often we ignore our skin and the changes that
occur with our skin. If you notice changes in your skin,
contact a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Nourishing from
the inside out. Just like it is important for us to take
care of our skin from the outside, it is just as important to take
care of it from the inside. Your diet and lifestyle plays a
vital role in the condition of your skin. Smoking has been
proven to cause premature aging which includes fine lines and
wrinkles, and less than healthy looking skin. Alcohol
dehydrates you as well as your skin causing it to be dry and dull.
(And dry skin that is not moisturized is more prone to fine lines.)
High fat diets with little or no fruits and vegetables are bad for
your health as well as your skin. there has been research to
show how a healthy diet can improve the appearance of your skin and
minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Remember
the speech about needing at least 8-10 glasses of water a
daily? Well, it's true--water hydrates the skin, which is
exactly what you need. As you age, the skin becomes dry and
looses elasticity. So drink up!
--Beauty
Staff |
