The vicious cycle of allergies and dry skin

Individuals who have dry, itchy skin also sometimes endure seasonal allergies or allergic conditions like eczema, and sources are unclear on which is the cause and which is the symptom.

An article in Skincare-News.com reports that a study published in the journal Trends in Immunology revealed that people with dry skin may be absorbing allergens through tiny cracks in their skin, suggesting that allergies are caused by an undernourished dermal layer.

The article recommends using skin care products with calming, natural ingredients. Using lotions may help to create a barrier between the outside world and your skin.

The Mayo Clinic reports that dry skin is actually caused by eczema and allergic reactions, which trigger itching.

The health source also recommends lotions and ointments to help hydrate the skin and alleviate discomfort.

Individuals with ethnic skin may want to consider specially made skin products for black women since they are formulated to address unique issues. Additionally, sun exposure has been known to cause dry skin, so be sure to wear a daily sunscreen with SPF.  

Get blemishes under control for National Acne Awareness Month

In June, dermatologists and skin care experts will help to spread awareness of the country's most common skin condition: acne.

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, more than half of women in their 20s experience mild to severe acne. The condition can be embarrassing, but a visit to the dermatologist and a new skin care product regimen may help to clear things up.

Linda Stein Gold, director of Henry Ford Health System's Dermatology Clinical Research department, says that acne is a condition that is greatly caused by genetic or environmental factors, and not merely a symptom of puberty. So it's perfectly normal for adults to experience acne.

Secondly, those who endure the condition should seek an appropriate healthcare provider. Ethnic skin has unique issues, so it may be a good idea to find an African American dermatologist who understands what dark skin needs.

Next, re-visit skin care product regimens. Be sure to cleanse, use topical ointments for blemishes and always use a moisturizer and sunscreen, since the sun can exacerbate scars or dark spots on black skin.  

Men need skin care too

Husbands and boyfriends all over the country are sneaking into their wives' or girlfriends' medicine cabinets to snag some of their creamy, luxurious skin care products.

Hide no more, boys. There's no need to be ashamed of wanting soft, healthy skin.

AskMen.com recommends a five-step method that begins with cleansing the skin with an effective yet gentle facial soap. Next, exfoliate the skin with a scrub to remove dirt hiding deep within the pores and to soften beard follicles.

Skin also needs to be moisturized. Try a brand with SPF to prevent age- and sun-related wrinkles. The source reports that most men begin looking their age when the skin around their eyes develops fine lines, so use an eye cream to help slow this. Finally, AskMen.com recommends using lip balm to prevent chapping.

According to WebMD, men can avoid getting dry skin by showering in lukewarm water as opposed to hot, and limiting shower times to five to 10 minutes.

Additionally, African American women are not the only ones who experience uneven tone or dark spots. Men with these issues should consider skin care products for black skin to help reduce the appearance of such discolorations.  

Texas ban of excessive hydroquinone raises questions

Recently, the state of Texas banned the use of skin-lightening chemical hydroquinone (HQ) in concentrations of 4 percent or more for skin care products for black skin.

The action has caused many to wonder about the safety of the chemical, which also has several industrial uses.

Cosmetic company founder Rhonda Allison said that use of the product should be left to professionals who can administer it properly and recommend treatments to keep the skin healthy after a HQ treatment.

"With the nature of HQ, or any corrective product, it's absolutely essential that it be paired with skin-building ingredients like epidermal growth factor, and protected with SPF 30," Allison said. "That said, there are also a number of HQ-alternative lighteners available."

Many natural extracts and acids can help to even out dark spots on black skin but are not as harsh or damaging as HQ. Additionally, using antioxidant-rich cleansers and moisturizers in conjunction with daily sunscreen may help to even out complexions.

HQ works by destroying melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives skin its color.