Love your skin tone, love your life

Embracing who you are may lead to a better life. A recent study shows that African Americans who embrace their racial identity tend to be happier. 

Michigan State University researchers surveyed African American adults and found that the ones who claimed that being black was important to them also appeared to be happier with their overall lives.

The scientists who conducted the study suggested that the positive feelings may be attributed to a strong sense of belonging. African Americans who feel a strong connection to their racial identity feel as though they are part of a group, and develop a strong sense of community. This can boost a person's self-confidence, and help them feel supported by and connected to those around them.

Lead researcher Stevie C.Y. Yap claims that this study is the first to produce these kinds of results.

"This is the first empirical study we know of that shows a relationship between racial identity and happiness," said Yap, adding, "This sense of belongingness is especially important for happiness in women."

Women looking to embrace their African American skin should consider using skin care products developed for black women. These products encourage women to feel confident and proud by creating a product geared towards their specific skin needs.  

VIVmag to feature beauty tips and Garcelle Beauvais this month

The all-digital luxury magazine VIVmag will offer helpful summer beauty tips in its July/August issue. The magazine will also feature fasionista Garcelle Beauvais who opens up to readers about her life and her struggle to overcome stereotypes as a Haitian woman living in the U.S.

Editor-in-chief Anne M. Russel said a statement that this issue with deal with important topics relevant to the summer, and also inspire readers during the hottest months.

"VIVmag is about staying beautiful, both inside and out, and cover girl Garcelle radiates confidence and beauty as she opens up about her lust for life, healing from a broken marriage, grieving for her home country of Haiti and overcoming stereotypes," said Russel.

Beauvais is no stranger to heartache, the actress divorced last year and is still recovering from the loss of her mother. She's seen as an inspiration for her ability to remain a strong and beautiful woman in the face of adversity.

“Women feel so much pressure to multitask all the time,” the actress told People magazine. “I’m trying really hard to be in the present and not be worrying so much about what I should have done or what I’m going to do.”

Women looking to get glowing skin like Garcelle Beauvais should consider using African American skin care products.  

Melanoma may be more deadly in African American skin

Skin tone is relative to the amount of melanin in the body. While this pigment does provide a modicum of protection for individuals with brown skin, skin cancer may be much more severe when it does develop in this population.

Researchers at the M.I.T. in Cambridge, Massachusetts have found that when melanoma cells are deprived of leucine, it may be lethal to these cancerous cells.

Leucine is among the nine essential amino acids that humans do not synthesize naturally, but must ingest through diet. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins used in all cellular functions. Nutrients such as amino acids are regulated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. When there is a low level of an amino acids, this pathway is turned off, which initiates the autophagy process.

Autophagy functions to elevate the amino acid levels by the break down of protein into its smaller constituents. However, in the absence of leucine, autophagy is not activated in melonoma cells. A nutrient shortage is registered, which results in cell death. This holds promise for therapeutic remedies.

While more melanin adds one layer of protection against the sun, compared to individuals with less pigment, the use of sunscreen for dark skinned individuals cannot be overemphasized. Dr. Susan Taylor, African American dermatologist, recommends a minimum of SPF 15 for everyday use. 

Essential tips for proper ethnic skin care

There exist many misconceptions about ethnic skin care. Whether your skin is a very dark or its tone is lighter brown, the rules of thumb are similar.

The best advice is pure and simple - choose skin care products that are designed for ethnic women. General facial care supplies may induce discoloration that may linger for months or even years. Darker skin is much more sensitive, and it can be quite reactive if treated improperly.

Another useful tip is to cleanse your face daily with ethnic skin care products. Depending on whether your skin type is oily or dry, you will need to wash it more or less frequently.

One of the most common misconceptions about darker skin is that it's not affected by the sun. While higher levels of melanin provide an additional layer of protection, skin cancer - if it develops - can be more dangerous in deeper toned skin. A minimum of SPF 15 for everyday wear is suggested by Dr. Susan Taylor, African American dermatologist.

Darker skin's sensitivity stems from not just environmental factors, but also hormonal and chemcial changes in the body. These alterations include, but are not limited to, menstruation, stress and medications.

These tips may be readily adapted to any skin care routine. Its important to concentrate on ethnic skin's unique attributes in order to care for it properly.