Winter foods benefit your skin

 

Many women stock up on moisturizers and other African American skin care products designed to hydrate the skin during winter, since this time of year can be treacherous for your complexion. The colder months aren't all bad, however, as The Huffington Post recently spoke to Kerri-Ann Jennings, associate nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine, who pointed out some foods that are ripe and in season in winter and that can be great for the health of your skin.

First, pink grapefruit is still in season during the colder months, and contains lycopene, which is a natural substance that has been shown to potentially keep your skin smooth. Next, the expert suggested eating carrots, which also deliver lycopene and other helpful nutrients.

"Carrots contain the carotenoids beta carotene and lycopene - both of which may shield your skin against UV damage. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50 percent less skin reddening after they drank about 1 2/3 cups of carrot juice," said Jennings, quoted by the news source.

Along with eating these foods, there are other things you should do to protect your skin in winter. The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds people that skin carcinomas can still strike during the cold months, so be sure to wear sunscreen if you're going to be outside. 

Give your man the gift of skin care

 

This holiday season, when you're adding the best African American skin care products to your wish list, you might want to pick up some for the guy in your life as well. According to a recent article in the New York Times, men are changing their attitudes about beauty routines, and are buying expensive skin care products more often.

"The man today purchasing these products is so different than [he was] eight years ago," said skin care expert Celeste Hillings, quoted by the news source. "These guys who always thought it was vain or too metrosexual [to splurge on beauty products], now think it’s almost a badge they wear to say, 'I’m a modern guy because I care about my skin.'"

The Times stated that men like products that multitask, such as moisturizer that works as a sunscreen or toners that double as conditioners.

AskMen.com reports that even though men tend to care less about their skin care routine than women do, they participate in many outdoor recreational and work activities that can damage their complexion. If nothing else, men need to remember to always wear sunscreen, even in winter, if they are going outdoors.

Experts offer tips for keeping your skin healthy while traveling

 

This holiday season, millions of people will be traveling to visit their loved ones. Recently, The Houston Chronicle spoke to skin care expert Kate Sommerville who offered some tips on how to care for your skin while getting from A to B.

First, Sommerville said it's important to be conscience of your overall health while on a plane. This is why she brings antibacterial wipes to clean the airplane seating area and food trays.

Next, she said women shouldn't wear makeup on a plane, to keep skin fresh when they land.



Also, she recommended a gentle cleanser and a heavy moisturizer during the colder months to keep sin from dying out. She also suggests exfoliating two to three times a week in the shower.

Glamour Magazine warns that if you're traveling to a warm, humid place, then you might break out when you get there, so be sure to bring an oil-free facial cleanser, especially if you have oily skin. The news source also recommends drinking water on the plane because humidity levels can be low in the cabin.

Tips to help your guy look as good as you do

Ladies, have you ever gotten ready for a big night out by buying a new dress and putting on the best African American skin care products only to see that your guy looks like a total slob? While this certainly isn't true of every man, some guys are still at a loss when it comes to personal grooming. This could be due to a lack of resources for men on how to take care of their skin. 

Dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio is a men's skin care expert, and he recently made some suggestions for guys who want to pay closer attention to their complexions.

"Grooming and skin maintenance aren't just for women - there are simple things that guys can do that will visibly improve the look and feel of their skin," said Benabio.

The first recommendation the doctor made was to stop using soap and switch to a men's body wash. Soap can dry out the skin and cause irritation and itchiness. Next, Benabio suggested that men examine their exercise clothes. Cotton fabrics absorb moisture, and working out in sweaty gear can cause infections. Instead, look for materials like polyester or microfiber.

Finally, the dermatologist reminded men to think of their skin on game day. Whether they're simply wearing face paint to support their team or actually playing in the game, guys need to remember that it's important to wash the face after engaging in such activities.