Researchers working on topical treatment for melanoma prevention

The melanin that is present in higher concentrations in ethnic skin tones provides a degree of natural protection from the sun. While the most serious type of skin cancer - melanoma - is less likely to occur in African Americans and other individuals with dark complexions, it is most often fatal when it does develop in these populations.

Now, a team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have developed a topical treatment which they believe could be effective at preventing melanoma.

The ointment, called ISC-4, works by inhibiting a certain protein that has been associated with the development of serious skin cancers.

The "addition of agents such as ISC-4 to sunscreens, body lotions or creams could have a profound impact on this market for preventing melanoma," said lead researcher Gavin Robertson, Ph.D.

While the study authors report that further research on ISC-4 is needed before it can be marketed and sold, they said that natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables - like broccoli and Brussels sprouts - also help to inhibit the cancer-causing protein.

In the meantime, African Americans should be sure to wear skin care products for black women that contain sunscreen.  

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.  

Women with severe wrinkles may want to consider getting bone density screening

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine recently found that women with more severe facial wrinkles also tend to have lower bone density than their counterparts with smoother skin.

The team of scientists examined the health data and skin texture of 114 post-menopausal women in their 40s and 50s. The participants were less than three years into menopause and none were on hormone therapy during the trial.

"This information may allow for the possibility of identifying postmenopausal women at fracture risk at a glance, without dependence on costly tests," said lead author Lubna Pal, M.D.

The results showed that women with smoother skin tended to have stronger bones, while those with multiple deep wrinkles had lower bone density - even after taking into account age, body composition and other factors that have been known to relate to bone density. Moreover, skin texture appeared to correlate with bone strength in all skeletal sites.

Results of this study suggest that women who struggle with wrinkles may want to consider getting a bone density test. Additionally, skin care products for black women could help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  

Blackout Awards to honor accomplished African American women

Sponsored by Covergirl's Queen Collection, the 2nd Annual Blackout Awards will take place on June 12 to give recognition to the hair stylists, makeup artists, photographers and fashion experts behind celebrity style.

The ceremony will also pay homage to accomplished African American women in other fields.

For Colored Girls playwright Ntozake Shange and Inside Edition and BET journalist April Woodard will be awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award, respectively.

Shange and Woodard will be among many other honorees, including the first-time winner of the Blackout Humanitarian Award, HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent.

"Each year we set the bar higher because this awards ceremony is about giving back through philanthropy and appreciating the artists who work so diligently," said Yancey Edwards, founder of the awards and hairstylist.

The event will take place at the Hilton Newark Gateway Hotel in Newark, New Jersey and will be hosted by Grammy Award-winning makeup artist Karen Dupiche.

The Covergirl Queen Collection is inspired by Queen Latifah and is formulated to complement various shades of ethnic skin. Products for black skin may be better able to keep dark complexions looking healthier than those produced for the general market.