Black women's leadership symposium to be held in Chicago

This year's Executive Leadership Council Black Women's Leadership Symposium will be held in Chicago on July 19th. The event will host 125 black women managers who have become pioneers in their fields.

The theme of this year's event is the impact African American women have on public policy. Topics will include the media's influence on politics, along with black women in politics and their influence of on the creation of new legislation.

The goal is to encourage discussions about how to increase African American women's participation in the political scene and how to create more black female executives.

The event will offer a free panel that is open to the press on black women on public policy and will feature four female business leaders in the black community. The panel will be targeting junior to mid-level African american women executives who have potential to become leaders in their companies.

Alaina Beverly of The Raben Group will also host a panel called "Have You Seen Her?" a discussion on black women in politics today.

African American women are changing the business and political scenes and now have the perfect make up to help them look great while doing it. Products for black skin can help give women that perfect skin tone to take on any challenge with confidence, knowing they look professional.

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.  

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. 

New resource will help women share beauty secrets for African American skin

A newly launched online resource, Essence.com, recently updated their website to include celebrity resources and features that are revised daily.

Essence.com will enable African American women to connect with their favorite supermodels and businesswomen who share their common beauty interests and may offer personal insights that range from skin care to relationship advice.

The editors hope to instill a sense of inspiration for the African American woman. By reaching a wide array of individuals, the goal is to promote positive feedback and empower women on a large scale. Although the range of women is certain to vary, the common threads of interest and inquiries amongst them most likely will not. As such, the site will foster a greater sense of camaraderie amongst African-American women.

There will be blogs available for any African-American woman to express her thoughts and/or questions to their peers. Whether the objective at hand is relationships, black skin care or lifestyle changes, this website provides a platform to discuss these ideas amongst African American women.

Beauty experts share tips on new interactive forum

A national pharmacy chain has announced the launch of Beauty Board, a panel of experts in the cosmetic and fashion world who will offer tips and interactive content on skin care concerns and trend advice.

Experts to be featured on the forum include Mickey Williams, celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist, Nichelle Pace, editor of blog StyleMom, and Keiko Lynn, an up-and-coming fashion designer.

"The introduction of the Beauty Board allows us to expand the beauty benefits by offering interactive expert advice for our members' specific beauty needs. The Beauty Board is the latest enhancement in our effort to personalize the beauty experience for our customers," said Cheryl Mahoney, VP of beauty care for CVS/pharmacy.

Available on the the drugstore's Facebook page, the forum might prove to be a useful resource for individuals with ethnic skin, who tend to have unique skin care issues.

Women who seek skin care products for black skin as well as cosmetics that flatter darker complexions have more options now than ever, making finding the right creams and makeup difficult. Those who want to lighten dark spots on black skin should consider using products with natural ingredients over those that contain hydroquinone.  

FDA rules on sunscreen labeling

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently ruled that a sunscreen must protect against both UVA and UVB rays in order for it to be labeled "broad spectrum." Additionally, such products may also include labels that inform consumers about the cancer-preventing benefits of broad spectrum sunscreen.

Dermatologist Julie Pena said that many people are unaware that UVA rays may be even more dangerous than the sunburn-causing UVB rays, which almost all sunscreens protect from.

“SPF has nothing to do with UVA protection,” said Pena. “UVA does everything bad UVB does and more. It causes skin cancer and aging of the skin.”

Additionally, the FDA proposed a ban on labeling sunscreens as having an SPF of higher than 50, since these products have not been shown to offer any protection.

African American women may have a tendency to forego sunscreen because they feel as though their ethnic skin gives them adequate protection from the sun. While the prevalence of skin cancer in this population is lower than among Caucasians, the disease tends to be more deadly for people with dark skin. Skin care products for black skin that include sun protection may help these individuals to avoid melanoma and other carcinomas.  

Anti-aging properties found in tree leaf bud

Research has suggested that skin care products that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients like soy or pomegranate may help to stave off wrinkles and dark spots on black skin that may occur with age.

Now, French scientists have discovered that the leaf bud of the poplar tree may be an effective addition to skin creams that promise anti-aging benefits.

"The collective antioxidant properties and transcriptional effect of this extract suggest potential anti-aging properties which could be utilized in cosmetic and nutraceutical formulations," said study authors.

In a clinical trial on cell cultures, the researchers found that extract from poplar leaf buds appeared to have antioxidant and anti-aging effects.

For some time, compounds found in the plant buds have been used to treat the common cold, sinusitis, sunburns and arthritis. Additionally, propolis, which is found in beehives and derived from poplar buds, has been shown to have similar properties.

Results of this study suggest that skin care products for black women that contain plant-derived antioxidants may be an effective, natural way to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and spots from age.  

Global study finds that women link beauty with happiness

Pharmaceutical company Merz Aesthetics recently surveyed 2,939 individuals from five different countries and found that physical beauty is important, and may even affect a person's sense of happiness.

A total of 70 percent of the survey respondents said that when they are happy, they feel beautiful. Moreover, 89 percent said that feeling beautiful causes contentment, and the same percentage reported more confidence on days when they are satisfied with their physical appearance.

"Whether she is in Seoul, Seattle, Sao Paulo or Stockholm, today's woman is clearly interested in products and procedures that enable her to create a more beautiful, and more confident, but not necessarily younger looking version of herself," said Merz CEO Steve Basta.

One optimistic finding was that 70 percent of the respondents reported feeling more confident as they aged.

However, a staggering 95 percent of the women said they would like to change a facial feature, and 78 percent said that they think cosmetic procedures are reasonable.

Women who want to look more beautiful without the use of scalpels or needles may want to consider using skin care products for black women, which are specially formulated to keep ethnic skin looking its best.  

Premiere of Beauty Culture exhibit draws in Halle Berry, Alek Wek

An exhibit at Los Angeles' Annenberg Space for Photography called Beauty Culture opened recently, attracting models, actresses and the aesthetics-conscious to view photos that demonstrate the many shades of beauty as well as the ugly side of the modeling industry.

Beauty Culture includes everything from portraits that feature glowing African American skin, to frighteningly thin models, to teens being measured at weight loss camp, according to the Vancouver Sun.

The source reports that the exhibit also offers documentary screenings to accompany about 500 photos. Beauty Culture demonstrates the wide range of beauty, including models and actresses of all ethnic skin tones, to emphasize that grace comes in all shades and sizes.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the exhibit drew in many famous faces, including model Alek Wek and actresses Halle Berry and Sophia Bush.

“I think it’s so great we’re celebrating so many different perspectives on what is beautiful,” Bush said, quoted by the news source.

Beauty Culture, which features the work of about 100 photographers, is scheduled to run until November.  

Synthetic skin may make animal testing for cosmetics a thing of the past

Animal testing causes undue suffering for many types of creatures around the world. When it comes to testing for things like skin care products, it's difficult to justify such cruelty just so that people can improve their complexions.

Fortunately, researchers at Ohio State University have developed a type of synthetic skin that may be as good as animal skin for testing skin care products. Moreover, the material may also be useful in the future for individuals in need of skin grafts.

"In addition to ethical issues, animal skin is hard to obtain, expensive, and gives highly variable results because of individual skin variability," said Bharat Bhushan, lead study author.

In a clinical trial, the synthetic skin was shown to absorb and react the same way that rat skin did when the researchers tested a skin care product on it.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) reports that an estimated 100 million animals in the U.S. are killed each year in laboratory testing.

Those who are concerned with issues of animal cruelty should be sure to seek skin care products that are not tested on our furry friends.  

Cosmetic surgeons look into skin care techniques to supplement practices

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently put together a panel of professionals charged with the task of looking into how the industry can provide patients with better outcomes using topical skin care products and techniques like chemical peels.

Titled 'Skin Care - Lotions and Potions for Wrinkles: What Really Works?,' the panel will perform research on current and developing techniques and then educate plastic surgeons on the best products and practices.

“Skin is a living organ and is constantly changing,” said panel moderator Renato Saltz, M.D. “For the best surgical results, it is important to think about the quality of the skin and what we can do to improve it, which may mean incorporating skincare techniques into our practice.”

Focusing on medicine that has been backed up by rigorous clinical trials, the panel hopes to separate mere trends from truly effective skin care products. Additionally, they hope to develop an algorithm to help treat sun damage for an array of complexions.

The ASAPS reported that an estimated 20 percent of cosmetic surgeons currently offer spa treatments or have partnerships with medical spas to supplement their offerings.  

New makeup line for African American skin launched

Cosmetic company JAFRA Color has recently announced the launch of a makeup line that features a wide variety of highly pigmented eyeshadows, lipsticks and blushes for darker skin as well as concealers and a vitamin-infused mascara.

Inspired by world-renown makeup artists Sergio Lopez-Rivera and Aliesh Pierce, the line will be available in countries around the globe to help women of color look and feel their best.

"Feeling good on the outside is incredibly empowering," said Janice Jackson, senior VP and chief marketing officer at JAFRA Cosmetics International. "We made a conscientious effort to create a line that offers women a vast array of gorgeous shades that enable them to satisfy their beauty needs with confidence."

Powder cosmetics like eyeshadow and blush are triple-milled for even, rich application. Lipsticks contain vitamins C and E in addition to rich pigmentation, to promote smooth, soft lips while adding vibrant color. JAFRA's mascara contains vitamins B5 and E to nourish the eyelashes while a patented cotton extract helps them retain a curl.

Additionally, the new line will include 11 new shades of nail polish. 

Cosmetics that will help you feel beautiful inside and out

Many women feel guilty when indulging in the purchase of a new eyeshadow or a pricey tube of lipstick. Some companies are making the splurge more justifiable for consumers by donating a portion of their proceeds to charity.

The New York Times reports that makeup artist Laura Geller recently came out with a limited edition kit called Bring on the Bronze to benefit the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. It includes a copper-toned makeup bag filled with a makeup primer, body bronzer, an eyeshadow duo, eyeliner and a lip gloss for $55, with 20 percent of the cost going toward the charity.

DivineCaroline.com suggests purchasing LUSH's Give PAWS soaps to support the Vancouver Humane Society. Featuring red paw prints, the soaps have an earthy fragrance of sandalwood, bergamot and neroli oils. The full $5.95 cost goes toward helping animals at the shelter.

Additionally, the lifestyle website recommends the entire PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics line, which is set up to benefit women living in poverty. All profits from the sale of these products goes toward advocacy and human rights groups.