Simple lifestyle changes for healthier skin in 2012

Did your new year's resolutions include improving the health of your skin? If not, they should have, since your complexion is the first thing that many people notice when they first meet you. There are many ways to improve your skin, from using the best African American skin care products to making simple lifestyle changes.

First, drink more water. This will improve your overall health and the elasticity of the skin. Eight, eight-ounce glasses a day is recommended to replenish the cells. Next, eat a healthy diet that gives the body the antioxidants you need. Some substances that contain these helpful nutrients can also be found in African American skin care products, such as green tea and pomegranate.

Try to do things to relieve stress. Anxiety can cause breakouts and other skin issues such as psoriasis.

Finally, use the right skin cleansers for your particular complexion type. If you're not sure which one is right for you, than consult with a dermatologist who can offer you a professional opinion. 

Women have more antioxidants to reduce their skin cancer risk

It's important to wear an African American skin care product with added SPF to protect against the sun's harmful UV rays to lower your risk of developing skin cancer. Ladies should be encouraging their male partners to slather on the sunblock as well, since men are three times as likely to get a common form of skin cancer than women. 

Recently, researchers from Ohio State University set out to try to figure out why men are developing this and other cancers at a higher rate. What they discovered is that male mice appear to have lower amounts of an important skin antioxidant, and a higher amount of cancer-causing inflammatory cells.

"The findings suggest that women may have more natural antioxidant protection in the skin than men," said study co-leaders Gregory Lesinski and Tatiana Oberyszyn.

Researchers are hoping that the discovery of this disparity could lead to new targets for cancer treatments.

For women who want to give their skin even more antioxidants, there are many skin care products for black skin that contain green tea and pomegranate, both of which are antioxidant-rich.

 

Skin care routines differ for men and women during winter

Ladies, you wouldn't share your African American skin care product with your guy, so why share the same winter skin care routine? Recently, Health News Digest spoke to dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, who explained some of the different issues men and women run into with their skin during this time of the year, and what the best methods for dealing with them are. 

"Men have more testosterone hormone and hair follicles, so they tend not to be as prone to dryness in the winter as women, but men tend not to moisturize as part of their routine, so their skin can still get dry from the winter weather," said Baxt.

She warned that men can get seborrheic dermatitis in the winter. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disorder affects the scalp, making it itchy and causing dandruff. Baxt recommended specialty shampoos and over the counter anti-fungals.

For women, Baxt says that moisturizers are the best defense against the winter cold. She added that if you're short on cash, Vaseline is an inexpensive way to help keep chapped areas hydrated. Finally, Baxt reminded readers that the sun can still be damaging in the winter, so be sure to use a product with added SPF.  

Resolve to have better skin in 2012

 

It's almost 2012, and while you're making your New Year's resolutions, why not add "get healthier skin" to the list? One way to do that is to buy the best African American skin care products on the market, but there are also some lifestyle changes that can be done to improve your complexion.

For example, try drinking coffee, if you don't already. Studies have shown that coffee beans can help you get tighter skin by producing elastin. Next, drink more water. If you stay hydrated on the inside, then you'll have a better chance of having moisturized skin.

Getting more sleep is a good idea to improve your energy levels, work performance and the appearance of your skin. Sleep can eliminate those dark circles under your eyes, especially if you get 8 to 10 hours a night.

Finally, if you haven't bought new cosmetics in a long time, it may be a good idea to start off 2012 with some fresh African American skin care products. Be sure to get ones that go along with whatever your unique needs may be, whether you're trying to eliminate dark spots or get rid of dry skin, you'll find the product that works for you.