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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

FDA approves new method for spider vein removal

Laser treatments to eliminate spider veins have been known to cause irritation, pain and inflammation. Moreover, the process is not appropriate for all types of skin and may not be effective on larger veins.

However, experts at JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York have recently developed a method called Asclera, a sclerotherapy treatment that involves an injection into the vein, which causes it to die and eventually disappear.

"We have found that the arrival of Asclera has been a welcomed solution to a very common and bothersome problem for patients," said Bruce Katz, dermatologist and director of JUVA.

Since women with ethnic skin have unique cosmetic needs, it's best to seek out a dermatologist or healthcare provider who specializes in African American skin to avoid scarring.

Individuals whose spider veins are still minor may want to try using compression stockings to apply even pressure to the veins, which may help minimize their appearance.

Additionally, skin care products for black skin - especially leg bronzers with a little bit of shimmer - may help to disguise any unsightly marks instantly.  

Pomegranate shown to have anti-inflammatory effects

In a year-long study of more than 100 dialysis patients, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered that drinking pomegranate juice effectively helped the participants to reduce markers of inflammation in the body as well as lower levels of harmful free radicals.

Additionally, these patients experienced fewer instances of infection when compared to a control group.

Studies like this one have made pomegranate products very popular in recent years, as they have time and again been shown to have significant health benefits.

An article on HealingLifestyles.com reports that pomegranate extract and the oil from the fruit's seeds are becoming popular ingredients in skin care products.

In additon to being high in omega-5 conjugated linoleic acid, pomegranates have been shown to improve the effectiveness of SPF.

"I am not one of those dermatologists that jumps on every bandwagon. I certainly don't advocate for consumers to spend their savings on potentially unproven claims, but there is something to say about the wealth of goodies found in the seed oil and the fruit extract of the pomegranate," said Los Angeles dermatologist Vicki Rapaport, quoted by the source.  

Eating fruits and vegetables may help brighten skin

They key to a glowing complexion may be as simple as eating more brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, according to researchers at The University of Nottingham.

The carotenoids found in carrots and tomatoes are antioxidants that do more than rid the body of harmful free radicals, since their pigments also help give all skin tones a healthy golden cast that has been shown to be preferable over color derived from sun tanning.

"We found that, given the choice between skin color caused by suntan and skin color caused by carotenoids, people preferred the carotenoid skin color. So, if you want a healthier and more attractive skin color, you are better off eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables than lying in the sun," said lead researcher Ian Stephen.

The authors of the study noted that while the difference in color may be more pronounced in lighter skin, African Americans, Latinas and Asians can all benefit from the positive effects of carotenoids.

In addition to eating a plant-rich diet, people of color may also want to consider seeking skin care products that are tailored to their needs. African American skin care is available for those looking for a more even tone.