Summer Protection for Your Skin

The summer season is officially here! Although it is true that women of color usually do not burn as easily when in the sun, it is important to take the proper precautions when outside for long periods of time.  Whether you are hitting the beach or hanging out at the park, we have a few tips to keep your skin protected and beautiful while enjoying your time in the sun.

Use Your Sunscreen

As a woman of color your skin contains increased levels of melanin, however it is important to protect your skin from sun damage.  It is recommended that you use at least a SPF 15 sunscreen for minimal protection from the sun’s rays. Our Age Block Broad Spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen plus anti-aging formula not only protects against sun-related hyperpigmentation but also helps skin look years younger by enhancing texture, elasticity and hydration.

Cover Up

We know you have been working all winter to show off your summer body but grab some stylish sunglasses and a hat for added protection in the sun.  We suggest wearing UV-blocking sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent absorption to protect sensitive skin around the eyes. When choosing a hat make sure the brim is big enough to shield your ears and neck, two areas that are often forgotten. Visit our pinterest page for Stylish and protective fashion picks that will keep you gone with the wind fabulous.

Hydrate

Drink lots of water. We cannot say this enough. Being dehydrated is not fun and will quickly put an end to a fun day in the sun. If you’re thirsty reach for some water instead of a soda or juice. Dehydration can lead to fatigue dizziness, and muscle weakness. The summer time is also a great time to incorporate a diet high in antioxidants. Bulk up on vegetables, fruits, and super foods such as broccoli, collard greens, kale, blueberries and sweet potatoes. 

Get Your Rest

Beauty sleep isn’t just for fairy tales and television. Insufficient sleep can make you irritable, forgetful, and drowsy.  According to research those that have a good night’s rest appear more attractive. Ample rest also helps your skin and body recover from your day’s activities. In addition to looking your best you’ll also feel better, be more alert, and less irritable.

Create lasting memories and beautiful skin this summer.

Why You Should Never Use Hydroquinone

What price would you pay for beauty? Would you put chemicals on your skin that are used to develop X-ray films or used as additives for industrial monomers?

We hope not. Yet, thousands of women with darker complexions do exactly that — many without even realizing it — when they use products containing a chemical called hydroquinone in an attempt to lighten and brighten their skin.

The results aren’t always beautiful. In fact, according to the Food and Drug Administration, and multiple studies, hydroquinone sometimes produces very ugly side effects.

The FDA claims that the chemical has been associated with yellow growths on the skin, discolored spots and a condition known as ochronosis.

Even worse, The Environmental Working Group has classified hydroquinone as a carcinogen, an immunotoxicant as well as a developmental and reproductive toxicant.  

In addition to its possible carcinogenic effects, the chemical bleaches the skin, stripping away naturally protective melanin and making its user more susceptible to skin cancer. In studies, hydroquinone has been shown to contribute to tumor growth in mice.

The health dangers associated with hydroquinone prompted CampaignForSafeCosmetics.org to issue warnings about the use of products containing the chemical and calling it one of the most harmful substances that can be put on the skin.

Hydroquinone has already been banned in Japan, Europe and Australia, yet remains legal — and widely used in skin products in the U.S., especially those marketed to women with brown skin. The FDA did propose a ban on hydroquinone in 2006, but industry lobbying groups successfully blocked the effort.

Today, there are still dozens of products available that contain this harmful chemical. We want you to be aware that it’s out there, and to know the dangers so that you can protect yourself and the people you love.

Always check product labels and ask about the ingredients in any salon treatment before allowing it to be used on your skin. And tell your friends, too … because Hydroquinone just isn’t worth the price.

 

Serums, Lotions & Creams — What’s Best for Your Skin?

There’s a lot of confusion about the differences between facial serums, lotions and creams. Is one better for your skin than the others? Do you need all three?

First of all, no — one is not better than the others. They just serve different purposes. Deciding whether you should use all three depends on your skin’s needs.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the three primary differences between serums, lotions and creams:

1. Consistency/texture: Serums are water-based/liquids. They are lightweight and absorb quickly and easily into skin. Lotions are a bit denser and creams as the name suggests, are thick in consistency. Some creams are oil based and feel heavy or gooey on the skin.

The difference in consistency is not just superficial — it actually affects the delivery of functional ingredients. Since serums are thinner, they penetrate deep into the skin and are very effective in delivering actives. For this reason, serums are usually highly concentrated and extremely potent.

2. How and when you apply them: This is pretty simple — always go from thinnest to thickest. In other words, serum first, then lotions, and finally creams. Apply in layers. Wait until each product absorbs (dries) so that you don’t wipe away the functional ingredients, then apply the next product.

3. What they do: Serums usually have specific functions; for example, reducing the appearance of skin redness, discoloration or sagging skin. They help to repair skin damage, especially pigmentation issues and wrinkles due to aging and sun exposure.

Lotions are often focused on prevention, such as exfoliating acne lotions.

Creams work excellently to moisturize skin and lock in functional ingredients — both in the cream itself as well as the actives from serums and lotions you’ve applied earlier in your skincare regimen.

Treat skin allergies with these natural remedies

Skin allergies are most commonly caused when something you’re allergic to, such as a certain fabric, soap, lotion or perfume, touches your skin.

While most skin allergies clear up on their own with time, the itching, burning and irritation they cause is annoying, and the scratching often leads to a secondary infection, so here are few natural remedies to help you get rid of allergic rashes and treat the related symptoms.

#1. Wash the affected area with chamomile or green tea
The chamomile herb has anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent the release of histamine, the chemical that causes itching, swelling, and redness. On the downside, chamomile can produce its own allergic reaction, so you’ll first want to test a small amount on an isolated area such as your forearm. 

You can also opt for green tea. While it doesn’t boast the anti-histamine properties of chamomile, green tea does have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to relieve itching and reduce infections.

How to do it: Submerge a tea bag in water for about 3 minutes. Wring out excess water and place bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to cool. Place bag directly on affected area.

#2. Take an oatmeal bath

Oatmeal is one of the best body rash treatments due to its calming and soothing properties.

How to do it: Place a handful of rolled oats in a blender or food grinder. Add the powder in a warm (not hot) bath and soak in the solution for at least 20 minutes.

#3. Use a banana peel

The antioxidants and potassium in banana peels can help reduce inflammation and irritation associated with skin allergies.

How to do it: This one couldn’t be simpler. Just peel the banana and place the inside of the peel against your skin.

#4. Apply a mixture of cod liver oil and vitamin E
Oil from the liver of the codfish contains large amounts of Vitamins A, D and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties that are effective in treating skin inflammation. When combined, these nutrients can provide relief to dryness, swelling and itchiness related to skin allergy rashes.

How to do it: Combine cod liver oil and vitamin E gel into a mixture, then rub this mixture directly on your skin rash using cotton balls.

#5. Try poppy and lime

In tropical counties, poppy seeds are often used to treat dry, itchy skin because of their high linoleic acid content. Ground to a paste with lime juice, poppy seeds are an effective remedy for the dry itch.

How to do it: Crush one tablespoon of poppy seeds, mix with one teaspoon of water and one teaspoon of lime juice and apply to affected area.

#6. Treat infected skin with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic properties that work wonders on skin rashes, infections and related swelling. Keep in mind that tea tree oil has potent medicinal qualities and may not agree with everyone’s skin. If you have very sensitive skin, be sure to spot-test before generally applying tea tree oil.

How to do it: Apply the oil directly to the affected area with a piece of natural cotton, several times a day.