Have skin allergies? There's an app for that

Nearly 8 million Americans experience dermatitis, a skin condition that can cause itching, redness and swelling. For this population, finding cosmetics that are gentle enough to work with their skin can be nearly impossible.

Recently, a mobile phone and web-based application called Contact Allergen Replacement Database (CARD) was released. This is designed as a tool to help people look up the ingredients in their cosmetics, moisturizers and facial cleansers to see if they could potentially produce an allergic reaction.

"Our goal in making CARD available to patients and providers is to help prevent the need for an unnecessary doctor visit," said James Yiannias, M.D., chair of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and developer of the allergen database.

For ethnic women that may experience this condition, there are a variety of African American skin care products that contain natural ingredients, such as green tea extract, that may not irritate sensitive skin. When in doubt about how a particular substance might affect the you, this tool could serve as a simple way to put your mind at ease.

 

Look beautiful at the office without re-applying makeup

For ethnic women, beautiful skin is something that can be simple to achieve if you're using the right African American skin care products. Let's face it though, not everyone has the time to put on layers of makeup when trying to get to the office. For the busy woman, there are some simple ways to look good throughout a busy day at the office. 

SkinCareNews.com reports that if you're running out the door and don't have time for foundation, keep some oil-blotters in your bag so that you can still keep skin from looking shiny throughout the day. There are also many dry shampoos on the market that can remove excess oil from the hair without having to take a shower.

The beauty news source also recommended keeping hand moisturizer at your desk. There are many skin care products for dark skin with added moisturizers for the face, but that's not the only skin on your body that needs protection from drying out.

"Hands go through the wringer on a daily basis: multiple washes, harsh temperatures and everyday dirt. So hydrate them with a hand cream that nourishes with [natural] ingredients," according to SkinCareNews.

UK news source The Daily Mail also recommends trying to avoid touching your face repeatedly. This will cause the oil from your hands to spread to the face and contribute to breakouts.

 

Discovery channel offers tips for African American skin care

Brown skin is unique, and requires its own kind of care. This is why a variety of African American skin care products exist especially for darker skin tones. Discovery Health published an article detailing things that ethnic women should consider when taking care of their skin to ensure that they are doing all they can to keep themselves healthy.

First, the health news provider recommended washing your face daily with gentle cleansers that don't try out the skin. Second, Discovery suggested making sure that the skin care products you use are made for your particular skin type. For example, if you have oily skin don't use heavy amounts of moisturiser.

Finally, the health site stated that your medication could be affecting your skin.

"Many drugs increase sun sensitivity, making it especially important to apply sunscreen or avoid the sun altogether. Among these medications are birth control pills, antibiotics, acne medicines and cancer drugs," according to Discovery.

The Skin Cancer Foundation adds to this point about African Americans and sun exposure by stating on their website that everyone is capable of getting skin cancer, regardless of their race, and ethnic women should get regular check-ups from their dermatologist.

 

For Halloween, costumes are important but don't forget about makeup

Halloween is right around the corner, so it's time to find the right African American skin care product to complete your look. While many people think the costume is the only important thing about this holiday, the right makeup can make you really stick out at parties this year. 

AdultHalloweenCostumes.com offered some tips to women for how to enhance their Halloween costume this year through using the right makeup.

"A witch might want to go with a slightly green foundation, add in shading, heavy eyebrows or go for a more glamour make-up. A vampire would want a more living dead look with a grey, ashen foundation to build on," according to the costume website.

TV star Martha Stewart gave out some advice of her own on how to look unique on Halloween. She suggested trying a cosmetic that as a glittery affect to go along with an angel, princess or sorceress costume. She also said that flesh-toned makeup, which many women have in their bag already, can be used as a base for a basic cat look.