Sun safety myths exposed

While advice to wear sunscreen has become ubiquitous over the years, confusion and myths about keeping skin safe in the sun remain and may cause some individuals to put themselves at risk of cancer, wrinkles and dark spots on black skin.

Allure and Fitness magazines have busted some of the most prevalent misconceptions about the sun and SPF.

Allure reports that many African American women or individuals with dark, ethnic skin believe that they don't need sunscreen since they don't tend to burn. However, this is untrue. People with darker complexion still experience damage from the sun, and skin cancer has been shown to be less prevalent but more deadly in these populations.

Additionally, the magazine reports that some women believe that foundation helps to protect their skin from the sun. This is not true, and the source recommends wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen beneath makeup.

Fitness magazine reports that 5 to 10 percent of skin cancers occur on the eyelids, so it's important to cover every inch of the body. The source said that individuals should look out for creams with SPF that are specially formulated for the face.

 

How to conceal pimples, scars and hyperpigmentation

While skin problems like blemishes, scars and patchy discolorations make no impact on a woman's all-important inner beauty, they can still be a source of grief for those who endure them.

Concealing and treating such skin issues may help an individual look as lovely as she feels.

If the problem is a pimple accompanied by inflammation, it may be best to choose a concealer that has a green tint to it, since the pigment may help to counteract any redness, according to Skincare-News.com. If the blemish is large, look for a skin care product that is thick enough to provide the desired coverage.

To help cover up scars, look for a cream or serum that promotes smoothing, to reduce any uneven texture. Use the product in conjunction with a favorite concealer to help treat scars while hiding them.

The website also recommends using a serum to reduce the appearance of dark spots on black skin beneath foundation. Much like with scars, this will help to fade hyperpigmentation while also evening out skin tone.

AgingSecrets.org reports that vitamin C and skin care products that contain the nutrient may be effective in staving off blemishes and keeping complexions looking healthy.  

Oprah honored with Broadcasters Award during her show's final season

Over the past 25 years, Oprah Winfrey has been hosting her own daytime television show that features a wide array of topics of interest to women - from domestic violence to skin care.

Now, in the last season of her eponymous program, NBC reports that Winfrey will be inducted into the Illinois Broadcasting Association's (IBA) Hall of Fame for maintaining high television standards and gaining an impressive number of dedicated viewers throughout the years.

Dennis Lyle, president of the IBA, said Winfrey is the "epitome of broadcasting excellence," quoted by the source.

Her last show will air on May 25, and is planned to be a surprise even for Winfrey, since producers are keeping the guest list a secret.

Winfrey has become such a force in the media that each book she features for her book club, every skin care product she recommends and every person she interviews soon becomes a household name. While The Oprah Winfrey Show is coming to a close, her fans will still be able to benefit from her advice and entertainment through her television network, website and magazines.  

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.