Green tea protects the skin while potentially preventing cancer

For years, there have been studies about the benefits of green tea. From its possible cancer protecting abilities to its benefits with weight loss, it's clear that green tea is a unique kind of drink. What many people may not realize is the potential of green tea extract to protect the skin.

According to WebMD, an article published in the Archives of Dermatology found that skin care products that contain green tea extract can be beneficial to the skin.

"Of all the antioxidants known to mankind, the components of green tea are the most potent," said Hasan Mukhtar, PhD, quoted by the medical website. "Antioxidants are those agents which can counteract the effects of oxidant or 'free' radicals."

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that green tea extract has been used to help treat a variety of cancers including breast and skin. The organization reports that they support research to determine all of the potential benefits of green tea.

Ethnic women looking to get some of the benefits of this beverage while giving their skin a healthy glow should consider using African American skin care products with green tea extract. 

No matter what age, beauty is still important

Older women want to look their best, too. Just because a woman's getting older doesn't mean they are giving up on beauty. A recent study conducted at Baylor University found that greater body satisfaction in older adults reduces symptoms of depression.

The study found that increasing activity and taking care of appearance, along with having positive health benefits, can also improve a person's mood.

"It was interesting that even though body appearance satisfaction seems to be more important for younger populations, especially women, it is still important and relevant among older adults," said study author Dr. Renee Umstattd, assistant professor of health education at Baylor.

Although previous research had shown that as people age, bodily function becomes more important than appearance, these findings suggest that along with joint function, what individuals look like is still a key part of improving confidence and decreasing depression.

Older ethnic women interested in maintaining their glowing skin should consider using African American skin care products to boost their confidence at any age.  

Red wine may protect skin against sun damage

Recently, there have been reports regarding grapes and how they can protect the skin with the antioxidants they contain. Now, research is showing that drinking red wine in moderation can not only reduce the risk of skin cancer, but also help protect the skin against sunburn.

CBS news reports that the flavonoids found in red wine help stop the death of skin cells. The compounds work by blocking chemical changes that occur when skin is exposed to the sun.

"This study supports the idea of using these products (red wine) to protect the skin from cell damage and death caused by solar radiation," study director Dr. Marta Cascante, a biochemist at the University of Barcelona, quoted by CBS.

The Mayo Clinic states that red wine also contains a compound called resveratrol which has been proven to reduce blood clots and lower "bad" cholesterol.

For years, red wine has been touted as healthy due to the high concentration of antioxidants in the beverage. Ethnic women looking for the skin-protecting benefits of wine without the alcohol should consider using skin care products for black skin with antioxidant extracts such as green tea.  

Rihanna named woman of the year

Rihanna has perfected the art of looking great while performing as well as on the red carpet. The singer was recently named woman of the year in Italian Vouge for her talent and charity work.

The website NZCity reports that the singer was also recognized for her ability to overcome adversity in her personal life. Between the drama with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown to her father's drug addiction, Rihanna has had to struggle to maintain a positive attitude, which she does with grace and poise.

“Independent, energetic, the young Robyn Rihanna Fenty (only 23) is our woman of the year and not just by virtue of numbers and figures but also, and foremost, for her kind and fighting spirit. The same spirit that brought her from Barbados to the top of the music charts achieving a career which she has forged and mastered completely by herself." The magazine was quoted as saying,

The singer recently told Glamour magazine that she loves a challenge, and is never afraid to tackle adversity in her career or personal life. African American women who want to achieve Rihanna's look should consider trying skin care products for black skin.