Skin therapist discusses the importance of antioxidants

While many women are looking to get different things out of their cosmetics, most can agree that healthy, clear skin is a worthy goal. For African American women, there are many skin care products for black skin that contain antioxidant extracts, which have been shown to potentially protect skin from the pollutants that come with everyday life.

Recently, skin therapist Louise Thomas-Minns discussed the importance of having these natural ingredients present in your makeup and daily life. She also mentioned that even though the summer is ending, it's important to protect yourself against the sun year-round.

"Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare and diet will protect the skin from further damage and can work to reverse some of the damage if used in higher levels," she stated, quoted by MyPure.com.

The expert reminded people that the best way to choose the right product for you is to consult a makeup professional. Reading the ingredients on cosmetics can also help you determine which ones will be the best protection against pollutants and the sun's UV rays. Pomegranate, green tea and soy can be found in many African American skin care products, and are high in antioxidants.

The National Institutes of Health state that antioxidants may protect skin cells from pollutants caused by smoking, radiation and other things that can cause disease. 

Prone to breakouts? The problem may be more than skin deep

Whether your skin is too dry or too oily, it can be difficult to decide what technique may help make improvements. For African American women, there are a variety of skin care products for black skin that can moisturize without causing breakouts and improve the overall look of the skin.

Sometimes cosmetics aren't enough though, and when that happens the problem may be psychological. The Huffington Post offered tips for keeping the skin calm when the mind is all over the place.

First, the news provider said that stress can have a serious impact on skin, so try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing. WebMD calls the connection between emotion and skin psychodermatology, and the medical site agrees that a person's stress levels can affect their appearance.

"A lot of nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wraps around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they can be expressed through the skin just as stress can be expressed through gastrointestinal symptoms, increased anxiety or hypertension," psychiatrist Karen Mallin told WebMD.

Next, the Post suggested remaining active and keeping a positive attitude. Exercise increases endorphins, which can improve the mood. Keeping optimistic can lower stress levels, and potentially improve the look of the skin. 

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.