Working to keep skin under control during pregnancy

While your body is adjusting to the changes associated with pregnancy, you may see some differences in your complexion as well. Many women experience things such as acne or discoloration, which can add stress to a period of time when women need to be relaxed. It is possible, however, that the right combination of skin treatment and African American skin care products can help you achieve that true "pregnancy glow." 

WebMD spoke to dermatologists about what to do to keep your skin under control while you're preparing for a baby. One concern they discussed was how to get rid of dark patches on the skin and other pigment changes.

The experts recommended avoiding too much sun exposure, since the sun can make skin changes more prominent. Also, don't try and cover up these spots with a concealer that doesn't match your skin tone - this will only make your complexion look more blotchy.

TLC also offered some tips on this subject, and they agree that staying out of the sun is key to avoiding discoloration.

"Using sunscreen daily - rain or shine - is the best way to avoid this discoloration. If you know you're going to be out in the midday sun or at the beach, protect yourself with a sunblock of SPF 30 or higher," according to the news source.

 

Just because it's cold doesn't mean you don't need sunscreen

Now that that winter is coming, it's important to remember that just because you don't find yourself sweating from the of the sun doesn't mean that it isn't a danger to your skin. This is why it's important to use an African American skin care product with SPF year-round. 

Beauty-tips.net reminded readers that the sun shines regardless of what moth it is, so you need to stay protected against skin cancer.

"In the winter, the sun’s heat is less due to the angle of sunlight, but the ultraviolet A and B rays are still strong enough to cause skin damage. When your skin is exposed to these rays it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. The ultraviolet rays can cause permanent skin damage," according to the beauty site.

The Mayo Clinic states that snow reflects the sun's rays, so even if you feel cold it's still possible to get a sunburn. They organization recommends that individuals wear sunscreen on any exposed areas of the body, and that people wear lip balm that contains a sun protective factor as well.

 

Healthy skin comes from positive habits

The best way to have clear, smooth skin throughout your entire life is to start taking care if it as soon as possible rather than waiting till the signs of damage show up. Using the right African American skin care products is a good start to achieving healthy skin, but it's also important to develop positive habits.

For example, knowing your particular skin type is the key to knowing how to take care of it. Most products are designed for oily, dry or normal complexions and you want to use the ones that will be most effective for you. Another habit you should get into is using sunscreen.

Regardless of your skin type, it's important to use sunscreen to protect against the harmful UV rays produced by the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology offers an answer on their website for who should regularly apply products that contain SPF.

"In a word: Everyone! More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in more than 2 million people annually. Many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer," stated the organization.  

Magazine experts discuss how to get the look Hollywood and runway stars

Recently, Allure Magazine spoke to celebrity makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen, who has worked on over 20 Oscar-winning actresses, to get some cosmetics tips. The expert offered some advice use your African American skin care product to create a Hollywood look and discussed the difference between "glamour" and "fashion" makeup. 

Glamour makeup is what you see when you look at a star on the red carpet or in the movies. It's that naturally flawless look that most women are trying to achieve. Reiss-Andersen said the key to this look is to layer, but not look overdone.

"Keep it sheer by only applying foundation where you need it, but then build it up in [problem areas of the face]," said Reiss-Andersen, quoted by Allure.

Fashion makeup is the wild and fun look that the runway models have. It's a little less natural than glamour cosmetics, and more of a nighttime look. Marie Claire Magazine says that the key to this is to go bold, using bright colors and blush. Sometimes, it can be fun to wear that color lipstick that you always thought was too bright or that fabulous glittery eyeshadow.