Jill Scott inspires confidence and pride in being a woman

R&B singer and actress Jill Scott is talented, confident and never afraid to speak her mind. The Chicago Tribune recently profiled the African American singer, highlighting her remarkable ability to not let anything hold her back from being her true self, even during a performance at the White House.

At a recent White House event Scott preformed the poem "Womanifesto," making bold statements about the plight of being a woman.

“A woman is more than the sum of her parts,” Scott told the Tribune. “So I had an opportunity to present some work at the White House, I chose not just to talk about the sky, the planet, love or heartache. I wanted to actually be there, to place a mark on that moment.”

Billboard magazine reports that after going through two painful break-ups Scott channeled her emotions into her music to produce her new album, The Light of the Sun.

Women who want to gain Scott's confidence should consider starting with skin care products for black skin. Designed specifically for ethnic women, African American skin care products can help you feel confident on the outside and inside.

How soy can benefit the skin

For years there has been research conducted on the health benefits of soy. Along with being a good source of antioxidants and protein, soy can also be beneficial to the skin.

According the the Mayo Clinic, soy may improve the signs of sun damage to the skin. This includes discoloration, blotchiness and texture. Though more research needs to be conducted, there has also been preliminary evidence that shows that soy may help with skin aging by possibly reducing wrinkles.

The National Institutes of Health reports that a study conducted on hairless mice found that treating the rodents' skin with soy resulted in the skin having a better overall appearance and less wrinkles.

The study states in the conclusion, "it appears that isoflavones (soy) had an anti-aging effect on the UV-damaged hairless mice model."

Though more research needs to be conducted to determine the anti-aging effect that soy has on human skin, these results are promising. Women looking to improve their skin and minimize the appearance of black skin dark spots should consider using an African American skin care products that contains soy. 

Magazine offers simple tips for healthy skin

Ladies, looking for the secret to healthy, beautiful skin? Along with using skin care products for black skin with antioxidant extracts there are a few simple rules to follow to help get that healthy glow.

Shape magazine recently featured an article on some natural ways to keep skin looking healthy that include a few simple lifestyle suggestions.

The first suggestion the magazine made was to stay out of the sun. Shape claims that overexposure to the sun can clog pores and cause acne. Next, they recommended eating healthy and staying active to help regulate hormones that may cause breakouts and other skin problems to develop.

WebMD states that using moisturizers can help protect skin from becoming dry and flaky. They also suggest skin care products containing vitamins and antioxidants that can protect skin against wrinkles and even possibly help reduce the appearance of wrinkles that are already present.  

Sephora launches iPad app offering a new way to shop

Cosmetic provider Sephora recently announced that they're launching a new application for iPad users. The application is currently available to be downloaded onto any iPad.

The application will include regular updates on beauty news, including any posts on the Sephora Facebook and Twitter. It will also feature the company's newly updated YouTube channel, which will provide videos on new makeup trends and products.

The Sephora app will also have a shopping sections, where users can buy their favorite cosmetics online. There will also be an iPad-only catalogue that will talk about products that consumers can't find anywhere else.

“We’re extremely proud of Sephora’s App for iPad and consider it an immersive, educational and entertaining beauty retail experience,” said Bridget Dolan, Vice President of Interactive Media.

The application can be found on the Apple store website and can be downloaded for free.

Ethnic women interested in getting some beauty tips should consider looking to companies that specialize in skin products for black skin, such as RX for Brown Skin. These companies design products specifically for ethnic women, and can provide a unique perspective on black skin care.  

More education needed to prevent skin cancer

Minorities have a history of not getting treated for skin cancer while it's still in its early stages. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, African Americans and Asian Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer in later stages, when there are less treatment options. CNN recently reported on this problem.

According to the news provider, it is a common and dangerous misconception that darker skinned people do not have a risk of skin cancer. Dermatologist Heather Woolery Lloyd explained that melanoma can be very treatable in it's early stages, but it becomes more difficult to treat over time.

"The need for proper education and skin cancer screenings is crucial. Increased awareness this will ensure that the African American and Hispanic population doesn't fall victim to a very preventable disease," said Lloyd.

The Skin Cancer foundation reports that the number of women under age 40 diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (one of the common forms of skin cancer) has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Ethnic women looking to possibly reduce their risk of skin cancer should consider using an African American skin care product with SPF for sun protection.  

Hyaluronic acid's benefits on the skin

Hyaluronic acid is present in a variety of skin care products for black skin. Many women may not understand what this particular substance is or the benefits that it can have on the skin. The Cleveland Clinic website details the effects of skin products containing hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a polymer that is found naturally in the skin cells that reduce with age. Preserving this substance has been connected to having younger looking, firmer skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times it's weight in water, making it a natural skin moisturizer. The substance stays on the surface of the skin, moisturizing the top layer, rather than just being absorbed immediately after being applied.

The website also mentioned that loss of hyaluronic acid is one of the main causes of wrinkles, which suggests that providing the skin with more of the substance may reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

WebMD states that hyaluronic acid has also been used to treat burns and heal skin ulcers and wounds and it also acts as a cushion and lubricant in tissues in the body. 

Skin care linked to U.S. culture

Taking proper care of skin has recently been connected to becoming a part of American culture. A recent study suggested that among Latinos living in the United States, those who are more comfortable speaking English and have been in the U.S. longer are also more likely to use sunscreen on hot days.

Background information collected before the study found that skin cancer is a major concern for U.S. Latinos. According to the findings, there are 4.5 incidents of melanoma per 100,000 Latinos, which represents an increase of 28.6 percent since 1992.

Researchers found that Latinos who have been living in the U.S. for a long period of time and are confident in their understanding of the English language have a more positive association with sunscreen use than those who have not been in the country long and may not understand the language.

This suggests that a better understanding of U.S. culture and language makes it easier for immigrants to educate themselves on health matters such as skin cancer and the importance of protecting the skin against sun damage.

Sunscreen use is important for all individuals, and ethnic women looking to protect their skin should consider a skin care product for black skin with SPF.

Green tea may protect inside and out

Lately there has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of green tea. Packed with antioxidants, green tea has been shown to have a variety of possible health benefits and disease reducing properties. Recently, an article on the U.K. site iVillage discussed the possible benefits green tea can have on the skin.

According to the news source, the antioxidants in green tea help protect the body from particles associated with aging, along with damage that can be caused from sun, smoking and other pollutants that can harm the skin. The website recommends using skin care products that contain green tea extracts to remove toxins from the skin and create a smooth texture.

Discovery Health reports that antioxidants benefit the skin from the inside out, protecting in ways that sunscreen cannot. Along with protecting against toxins, antioxidants encourage tissue and cell growth, helping skin repair sun damage that has already been done.

Ladies, while going about the busy day and running into pollution from traffic, harsh sun rays and all of the other toxins that can be encountered throughout an average day, be sure to remember proper skin care. Using an African American skin care product with green tea extract can help protect the skin while keeping it radiant. 

Skin care is important for young adults

It's important to protect the skin at any age, but recent studies suggest that proper skin care is particularly important in the teens and 20s. An article in the Shreveport Times talks about the importance of skin care for young people.

According to the news provider, what young people do to their skin lasts well into adulthood, and the results are not always positive. The newspaper spoke to dermatologist Daniel Hogan who gave his opinion on skin care at an early age.

"I think it is important for the young people to know that some of these effects from the sun show up years later," he told the Times. "Some of the studies show that the sun damage you get in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood is the one that causes the most damage and increases your risk of skin cancer the most — particularly melanoma."

The Rhode Island Cancer Council reports that although melanoma in young adults used to be extremely rare, it has been growing and is becoming one of the most common cancers among people under 40. This could be for a variety of reasons, among them are the increased use of tanning beds and a lack of proper sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.

Women looking to protect their skin and get that sun-kissed glow at the same time should consider an African American skin care product with SPF for protection against the sun. 

Antioxidants shown to protect the skin and the body

Ladies, before running off to the beach this summer, be sure to remember to protect your skin. Along with African American skin care products, there are also foods that you can eat to protect skin against sun damage.

According to a Fox News report, foods rich in antioxidants may help protect skin aganist harmful UVA and UVB rays. Green tea, along with supporting the immune system and helping with weight control, can also protect skin cells. The news source explains that antioxidants called called polyphenol catechins aid in waring off harmful sun rays.

Other nutrient-rich foods the news provider mentioned include cocoa- which can protect skin and may lower blood pressure, ripe red tomatoes, blue and purple berries and colored peppers. All of these foods have the potential to provide skin care protection because they contain antioxidants

The National Institute of Health states that antioxidants protect the body against "free radicals." Free radicals are a type of molecule that occurs when the body is exposed to substances like tobacco smoke and radiation and also when food is broken down. They can cause serious health risk such as heart disease and cancer.

Women looking to protect their skin while obtaining that sun-kissed glow should consider black skin care products containing green tea extract.

Why do we really buy cosmetics?

Do cosmetics make us feel better on the inside as they're helping us look good on the outside? A recent study suggests that some people might be buying cosmetics for emotional reasons.

Scientists at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) surveyed 355 women and asked them questions regarding the emotional and physical functions that cosmetics serve as well as how satisfied they were with the products. They found that consumers were most satisfied when the product helped them feel better about themselves and brought about positive emotions.

"The study shows that both the emotional and utility aspect of cosmetic brands have a significant impact on consumer satisfaction, but that the emotional component has a greater effect", said Vanessa Apaolaza, a researcher from UPV and lead author of the study.

Researchers found that the largest emotional component involved in cosmetics buying was the positive feeling that comes from successful social interactions while wearing the products.

African American skin care products can help women boost their self-esteem by letting them know that they're buying a product that not only helps them look great, but contains healthy antioxidants to protect their skin.  

Protecting skin may benefit the immune system

Looking for any more reasons to keep skin healthy? New research suggests that dendritic cells, which are found in the skin, help the immune system function properly.

The study, which can be found in the journal Immunity, sought to explore immune response and may aid in the development of vaccinations and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

Scientitsts found that dendritic cells identify molecules that the immune system will respond to and alert other cells so that they can react. This is important because many immune cells cannot identify these molecules and need the dendritic cells to recognize them in order to start protecting the body.

"Our work demonstrates that dendritic cells in the skin promote distinct and opposing antigen-specific responses," explains lead researcher Dr. Daniel Kaplan.

Better understanding of how the immune system works helps scientists develop treatments that can mimic the effect of the immune system and aid those who experience autoimmune disorders.

Protecting the skin has many potential benefits. Using products for black skin with SPF for sun protection can keep skin healthy and looking great.  

Pomegranate may benefit skin and cells

The website AntioxidantSkincare.com details the benefits that antioxidants can have on skin. Recently, they explained the many ways in which pomegranate extract may help the skin.

The website reports that pomegranate extract may help increase the skin's collagen production. Collagen in the skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and gives skin a firm and youthful appearance. The site also claims that using a skin care product containing pomegranate extract may protect skin against the damaging effects of the sun. Pomegranate has been shown to possibly boost the efficacy of SPF in the skin.

Pomegranate extract may be a good source of antioxidants. According to the National Institutes of Health, antioxidants may protect your cells from toxins produced from certain foods and environmental factors. The Mayo Clinic reports that antioxidants may also help prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease.

Women looking to protect their skin and their bodies should consider using skin care products for black skin that contain pomegranate extract.  

Prepare for vacations with the right skin care products

Most women have a hard time packing for vacations. It can be impossible to know which accessories and how much make up to bring and trying to fit it all into a suitcase can be a nightmare.

The New Zealand Herald decided to tackle this problem by offering its readers some tips on what beauty supplies to take while traveling.

The news source recommended bringing an all purpose balm for lips, sore feet and bug bites. The also suggested waterproof eyeliner, mascara and a light moisturizer. Don't bring any make ups or creams that are too thick or heavy, especially if traveling to a tropical climate.

Finally, the Herald warned its readers to stick with what they know. A vacation is no time to be experimenting with different skin care products, and although the hotel may offer free shampoos and lotions, its still best for women to use the products that they already know work for them.

If going to a tropical climate, The Skin Cancer foundation recommends taking sunscreen to protect against potentially harmful UV rays. On their website they have posted the new FDA regulations regarding sunscreen, which can help people decide which product is the best for them.

Ethnic women should remember to bring African American skin care products with them when traveling to keep skin looking great wherever they go.  

New hope for stopping that pesky dandruff problem

Ladies, have you ever experienced the uncomfortable feeling that comes with having dandruff and how difficult it can be to find a quality anti-dandruff product for ethnic hair? A new study being conducted at Saint Louis University (SLU) will focus on the problem of dandruff in the African American community and what the best method is to solve it.

The trial will examine African American women who wash their hair once a week or less and will compare anti-dandruff foam and ant-dandruff shampoo to determine which works best for this demographic.

Jeaneen A. Chapelle, M.D., head researcher in the study, believes current dandruff products are not specially developed to meet the needs of ethnic skin and hair.

"Dandruff is a common problem and it is possible that the most commonly prescribed treatment, an anti-fungal shampoo, is under-treating a certain population of women who do not wash their hair often enough for the medication to be effective," said Chappell on the SLU website.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that the best way to avoid dandruff is by paying attention to proper skin care. Ethnic women looking to avoid developing dandruff or other problems caused by oily skin should consider using black skin care products.

Doctors can catch skin cancer in early stages

Summer is a time for ladies to show off their glowing skin, but it's also a time when skin care needs to be a top priority. Detecting skin cancer early is key to successfully treatment and new research has shown that physician screening is the best way to detect melanoma in it's early stages.

In the past, patients have usually been the ones discovering the spots on their bodies that turn out to be cancerous, but research has now shown that a physician is capable of detecting melanomas in far earlier stages than a patient can. The sooner a melanoma is detected, the sooner treatment can begin and the higher a patients survival rate is.

"It is crucial to emphasize that a combined strategy of physician detection and patient participation must continue to be implemented to ensure early melanoma diagnosis," study authors concluded.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that ethnic women often don't recognize a melanoma until the later stages due to their darker skin tones. Women looking to prevent skin cancer should consider using a African American skin care product with SPF for protection against the sun.  

Laura Geller to be sold in ULTA locations

Cosmetics brand Laura Geller announced recently that their products will be available at over 400 ULTA stores across the country. 

Beginning in August, all Laura Geller products including foundations and makeup primer will be available at the stores. Geller's "Baked" products feature self-adjusting pigments that change to match various skin tones. The products receive their name from the unique way they are made. The liquid makeup is poured onto terracotta pans and baked for 24 hours to produce the powder.

This process helps the product adjust to work with all different skin tones, from light to dark.

"Laura Geller Makeup is about providing all women with the tools needed for an effortless, fast, fun and fresh makeup application that works no matter what their age, where they're going or what they're doing," remarks Laura Geller.

The brand will also be participating in gifts with purchase events at locations where consumers can expect to get a generous gift with their purchase.

Women looking to reduce the appearance of black skin dark spots should consider a product that will get to the root of the problem, designed specifically for African American skin.  

Love your skin tone, love your life

Embracing who you are may lead to a better life. A recent study shows that African Americans who embrace their racial identity tend to be happier. 

Michigan State University researchers surveyed African American adults and found that the ones who claimed that being black was important to them also appeared to be happier with their overall lives.

The scientists who conducted the study suggested that the positive feelings may be attributed to a strong sense of belonging. African Americans who feel a strong connection to their racial identity feel as though they are part of a group, and develop a strong sense of community. This can boost a person's self-confidence, and help them feel supported by and connected to those around them.

Lead researcher Stevie C.Y. Yap claims that this study is the first to produce these kinds of results.

"This is the first empirical study we know of that shows a relationship between racial identity and happiness," said Yap, adding, "This sense of belongingness is especially important for happiness in women."

Women looking to embrace their African American skin should consider using skin care products developed for black women. These products encourage women to feel confident and proud by creating a product geared towards their specific skin needs.  

VIVmag to feature beauty tips and Garcelle Beauvais this month

The all-digital luxury magazine VIVmag will offer helpful summer beauty tips in its July/August issue. The magazine will also feature fasionista Garcelle Beauvais who opens up to readers about her life and her struggle to overcome stereotypes as a Haitian woman living in the U.S.

Editor-in-chief Anne M. Russel said a statement that this issue with deal with important topics relevant to the summer, and also inspire readers during the hottest months.

"VIVmag is about staying beautiful, both inside and out, and cover girl Garcelle radiates confidence and beauty as she opens up about her lust for life, healing from a broken marriage, grieving for her home country of Haiti and overcoming stereotypes," said Russel.

Beauvais is no stranger to heartache, the actress divorced last year and is still recovering from the loss of her mother. She's seen as an inspiration for her ability to remain a strong and beautiful woman in the face of adversity.

“Women feel so much pressure to multitask all the time,” the actress told People magazine. “I’m trying really hard to be in the present and not be worrying so much about what I should have done or what I’m going to do.”

Women looking to get glowing skin like Garcelle Beauvais should consider using African American skin care products.  

Melanoma may be more deadly in African American skin

Skin tone is relative to the amount of melanin in the body. While this pigment does provide a modicum of protection for individuals with brown skin, skin cancer may be much more severe when it does develop in this population.

Researchers at the M.I.T. in Cambridge, Massachusetts have found that when melanoma cells are deprived of leucine, it may be lethal to these cancerous cells.

Leucine is among the nine essential amino acids that humans do not synthesize naturally, but must ingest through diet. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins used in all cellular functions. Nutrients such as amino acids are regulated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. When there is a low level of an amino acids, this pathway is turned off, which initiates the autophagy process.

Autophagy functions to elevate the amino acid levels by the break down of protein into its smaller constituents. However, in the absence of leucine, autophagy is not activated in melonoma cells. A nutrient shortage is registered, which results in cell death. This holds promise for therapeutic remedies.

While more melanin adds one layer of protection against the sun, compared to individuals with less pigment, the use of sunscreen for dark skinned individuals cannot be overemphasized. Dr. Susan Taylor, African American dermatologist, recommends a minimum of SPF 15 for everyday use. 

Essential tips for proper ethnic skin care

There exist many misconceptions about ethnic skin care. Whether your skin is a very dark or its tone is lighter brown, the rules of thumb are similar.

The best advice is pure and simple - choose skin care products that are designed for ethnic women. General facial care supplies may induce discoloration that may linger for months or even years. Darker skin is much more sensitive, and it can be quite reactive if treated improperly.

Another useful tip is to cleanse your face daily with ethnic skin care products. Depending on whether your skin type is oily or dry, you will need to wash it more or less frequently.

One of the most common misconceptions about darker skin is that it's not affected by the sun. While higher levels of melanin provide an additional layer of protection, skin cancer - if it develops - can be more dangerous in deeper toned skin. A minimum of SPF 15 for everyday wear is suggested by Dr. Susan Taylor, African American dermatologist.

Darker skin's sensitivity stems from not just environmental factors, but also hormonal and chemcial changes in the body. These alterations include, but are not limited to, menstruation, stress and medications.

These tips may be readily adapted to any skin care routine. Its important to concentrate on ethnic skin's unique attributes in order to care for it properly. 

Mary J. Blige's big finish at the Essence Music Festival

July 3rd, 2011 was celebrated in style at the Lousiana Superdome in New Orleans during the Essence Music Festival. Towards the latter part of the evening, half the audience had taken a seat, according to www.nola.com. However, spirited singer Mary J. Blige led the show to a strong finish after getting most of the spectators back on their feet.

Although she has a track record of success and wealth, she readily taps into her painful past with purposeful lyrics from the heart, the news source reported.

And engage the audience she did, with her glimmering tone that resonated from her voice to the goosebumps on her skin.

You, too, can experience a transformation of your own. African American and other ethnic skin can experience increased tone, firmness and brightness that boost overall glow with proper skin treatments.

Any African-American woman can shimmer as brilliantly as Blige did as she celebrated the country's 235th birthday. By using high caliber black skin care products, you'll be able to unleash your inner diva wherever you set foot. 

Hormonal disorders, like Missy Elliot's, may require extra attention to skin care for black women

Popular rapper Missy Elliot revealed to the public recently that she has been battling Grave's disease. This is an endocrine disorder that over-activates the thyroid and may increase anxiety, irritability, metabolism and affect sleep.

Although not to the same extent as Missy Elliot faces with Grave's disease, the skin of ethnic women has higher sensitivity to any type of change including that caused by hormones as well as emotional and environmental triggers.

Missy Elliot is determined to make a come back and has made a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle that includes weight loss. Hormonal disorders can wreak havoc on the skin, but even healthy women have to battle similar hurdles. High quality ethnic skin products are a good solution not just to those with hormonal disorders but also to all ethnic women.

According to African-American dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, brown skin is very susceptible to developing uneven skin tones that may be brought on by stress or other health issues. In addition, darker skin may be readily irritated by many skin care products. Potential ingredients to watch out for include propylene glycol, alcohol and lanolin. In order to safeguard yourself against such compounds, you may consider using ethnic skin care products.  

Beyonce chooses her own destiny...

Beyonce Knowles has been resilient through some tough trials with her record studio, as indicated by FoxNews.com. Throughout this process, she has continued to glow radiantly and has not missed a beat when it comes to shining from head to toe.

All African American women should know that to look this good requires attention to detail. They need to understand facts such as the unique nature of their skin. African American dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor points out that ethnic skin is more susceptible to changes in the weather, environment and stress levels. These may induce changes in pigmentation.

Taylor, director of the Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia, believes the most common problem is pigmentation disorders, which includes discoloration, dark marks and uneven skin tone.

African American women have the power to control their own skin care destiny by selecting skin products for black women. Just like Beyonce, you too can shimmer from head to toe with confidence as you move forward through all types of challenging endeavors.

Jada Pinkett Smith: Balancing work, family and beauty of African American skin

Popular actress Jada Pinkett Smith turns 40 this fall and does so under the constant pressure of balancing work and family. Smith was crowned Miss Maryland in 1988, according to the Internet Movie Database. However, the years have not tarnished her appearance despite the growth of her family, career and business ventures.

As she approaches 40, the mother of two, successful actress, businesswoman and wife, Pinkett Smith undoubtedly shares many women's experience of trying to keep all aspects of her life in balance. African American women have extra work involved in this process as their ethnic skin is more sensitive to both mental and physical changes. These include emotional or stressful times and variations in weather.

Dr. Susan Taylor, an African American dermatologist, has found that the most difficult struggles these women have are associated with pigmentation, or uneven skin tone, that may change on a daily basis. Taylor recommends skin care for black women to combat these uncertainties.

Find balance in your life with a strategic approach. Whether it is raining or shining, outside or inside, ethnic skin may be best prepared for any challenge with the use of black skin care products. 

A not so fair-weather warning

Melanin is the pigment that determines skin color. The more melanin an individual has, the darker the skin tone. While there are certainly some protective effects of a greater amount of melanin, it is often misconstrued as being impervious to the sun's harmful effects.

Contrary to popular belief, African American women are not only able to develop melanoma, or skin cancer, but have been shown to be greatly affected when diagnosed.

A study conducted at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana looked at malignant melanoma and its prognosis as a function of skin color and gender. The subjects consisted of 41 female patients and 39 males. Black women were found to have the most severe form of melanoma. Severity of disease is often correlated with delayed diagnosis. However, it was established this was not the case in this study.

In order to take preventative measures during the summer months, it is best for African American women to choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and an SPF of 15 as recommended by Dr. Susan Taylor, director of Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia.

Do not let this warning go unheeded. Take precautions with black skin care products and reduce the risk of cancer during the warm weather months.