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.

Poll finds that many ethnic women are not satisfied with their skin care regimen

A recent poll that was conducted in the Long Beach, California area assessed women's satisfaction with their current skin care products. Approximately 60 percent of respondents reported dissatisfaction with their current skin care regimen.

The poll gathered data from than 1,000 women of varying ethnicities. Whether their ethnic background was African American, Asian, Middle Eastern or Hispanic, many of these women were disillusioned by their current skin care regimen, and several respondents did not understand that their skin color should not deter them from choosing an SPF that is typically used among lighter skinned individuals.

Darker skin color does not protect individuals from the sun, as many individuals believe. Sun exposure may lead to discoloration of the skin in the form of blotches and dark spots. In fact, darker skin is actually more susceptible to changes in color and texture than lighter skin, according to African American dermatologists.

A large percentage of women who participated in the survey said they would invest in more products if it could satisfy their skin care needs.

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.