Dermatologist Channing Barnett offers tips for keeping skin healthy in winter

The summer is coming to an end, and for many women the colder weather means dry skin. Luckily, for African American women, there are many skin care products for black skin with added moisturizers to keep the face looking fresh and hydrated all year long. Using these products is one way women can protect their skin in the winter months, and dermatologist Channing Barnett, M.D, recently offered some other tips for getting yourself ready for the season.

“A few simple things make a big difference in hydrating the skin,” said Barnett.

The doctor suggested bathing in lukewarm water instead of hot, because hot water can dry out the skin. She also recommended avoiding harsh soaps and products that contain strong fragrances, since these products are also known to potentially cause drying and. She also reminded people to exercise caution when using a washcloth or towel. It's better to pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it, which can cause redness.

Finally, Barnett said that the best time to apply moisturizers to the face is immediately after bathing. That way, the product will hold the moisture on your skin from the shower and will be potentially more effective.

The secret to anti-aging may be a combination of the right product and application

While women may have different concerns regarding the health of their skin, most can agree that they all want to reduce the signs of aging. Luckily for African American women, there are many skin care products for black skin that contain green tea and pomegranate extracts.

These substances contain antioxidants and, according to WebMD, these naturally occurring chemicals can protect against sun damage, a major cause of skin aging.

Recently, London magazine Hello! reported on other ways to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin. First, the news source said it's all about the right moisturizer. Using the wrong cream can cause more damage, so try out a few products to see what's best.

Next, the news provider said that products should always be applied to clean skin, rather than just applying them on top of other makeup from earlier in the day or the dirt and pollutants that women encounter on a regular basis. Finally, how you apply cosmetics does make a difference. Massaging the skin while applying moisturizer will bet the blood flowing, and allow the ingredients to better absorb into the pores.

Natural extracts may make for better skin care products

Women have many choices when it comes to African American skin care products, but not all cosmetics for black skin are the same. One way to distinguish between the variety of brands on the market is to look at the ingredients and see which products contain natural ingredients, such as soy, pomegranate and green tea.

Recently, makeup artist Sophie Chamings explained the benefits of choosing a makeup with natural ingredients in it.

"Natural ingredients are gentle but extremely powerful and finding the right natural product for someone is like magic," said Chamings.

The expert also mentioned that organic ingredients work naturally with the body to help skin stay clear and moisturized, without drying it out. While other products promise quick fixes to problems such as wrinkles, they may cause damage in the long run by drawing moisture away from the skin.

The website SmartSkinCare.com further explained what natural ingredients can do for the skin. For example, green tea, which can be found in many African American skin care products, has been shown to protect against UV rays from the sun, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Green tea may protect skin from inflammation and sun damage

With so many African American skin care products on the market, it can be difficult to know what separates one from the other. One thing to look for is the ingredients, since many products are filled with chemicals and nothing natural. Skin care products for black skin that contain green tea and pomegranate extracts may be a better choice for keeping skin healthy and looking great.

Researchers believe that green tea can benefit the body, but what about the skin?

"Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health," says Diane McKay, PhD, a Tufts University scientist who studies antioxidants, quoted by WebMD.

The Bellingham Herald recently ran an article from RetailMeNot.com stating that green tea may combat acne, infection and inflammation of the skin.

The news provider mentioned that green tea has also been shown to help protect against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Avoiding sun damage is one of the best ways to keep skin from aging, and using cosmetics with green tea extract may be one way to help your skin retain a youthful glow.