Hormonal disorders, like Missy Elliot's, may require extra attention to skin care for black women

Popular rapper Missy Elliot revealed to the public recently that she has been battling Grave's disease. This is an endocrine disorder that over-activates the thyroid and may increase anxiety, irritability, metabolism and affect sleep.

Although not to the same extent as Missy Elliot faces with Grave's disease, the skin of ethnic women has higher sensitivity to any type of change including that caused by hormones as well as emotional and environmental triggers.

Missy Elliot is determined to make a come back and has made a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle that includes weight loss. Hormonal disorders can wreak havoc on the skin, but even healthy women have to battle similar hurdles. High quality ethnic skin products are a good solution not just to those with hormonal disorders but also to all ethnic women.

According to African-American dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, brown skin is very susceptible to developing uneven skin tones that may be brought on by stress or other health issues. In addition, darker skin may be readily irritated by many skin care products. Potential ingredients to watch out for include propylene glycol, alcohol and lanolin. In order to safeguard yourself against such compounds, you may consider using ethnic skin care products.  

Beyonce chooses her own destiny...

Beyonce Knowles has been resilient through some tough trials with her record studio, as indicated by FoxNews.com. Throughout this process, she has continued to glow radiantly and has not missed a beat when it comes to shining from head to toe.

All African American women should know that to look this good requires attention to detail. They need to understand facts such as the unique nature of their skin. African American dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor points out that ethnic skin is more susceptible to changes in the weather, environment and stress levels. These may induce changes in pigmentation.

Taylor, director of the Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia, believes the most common problem is pigmentation disorders, which includes discoloration, dark marks and uneven skin tone.

African American women have the power to control their own skin care destiny by selecting skin products for black women. Just like Beyonce, you too can shimmer from head to toe with confidence as you move forward through all types of challenging endeavors.

Jada Pinkett Smith: Balancing work, family and beauty of African American skin

Popular actress Jada Pinkett Smith turns 40 this fall and does so under the constant pressure of balancing work and family. Smith was crowned Miss Maryland in 1988, according to the Internet Movie Database. However, the years have not tarnished her appearance despite the growth of her family, career and business ventures.

As she approaches 40, the mother of two, successful actress, businesswoman and wife, Pinkett Smith undoubtedly shares many women's experience of trying to keep all aspects of her life in balance. African American women have extra work involved in this process as their ethnic skin is more sensitive to both mental and physical changes. These include emotional or stressful times and variations in weather.

Dr. Susan Taylor, an African American dermatologist, has found that the most difficult struggles these women have are associated with pigmentation, or uneven skin tone, that may change on a daily basis. Taylor recommends skin care for black women to combat these uncertainties.

Find balance in your life with a strategic approach. Whether it is raining or shining, outside or inside, ethnic skin may be best prepared for any challenge with the use of black skin care products. 

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.