This season, protect the hands from cracking

 

There's been a lot of discussion lately about the damage that harsh winter winds can do to your complexion, but there is one part of the body that experiences the cold even more - your hands. While your African American skin care product can help protect your face from winter damage, it can't do much for the hands.

Recently, Fox News spoke to New York City-based dermatologist Anne Chapas about how to protect hands during the colder months.

"During the winter, the decrease in humidity, as well as the harsher winds, causes us to lose a lot of water in our skin, so that makes everything dry," explained Chapas, quoted by the news source.

She recommended using the creams and moisturizers liberally during winter, and limiting excessive hand-washing because antibacterial soaps can try out the skin. Instead, it may be best to use an alcohol-based sanitizer, but not too much, since that may also cause dryness.

USA Today suggests wearing gloves both indoors and out. This means gloving-up when you're headed outdoors, but also while washing the dishes, or even over moisturizer when you're sitting and watching TV.

 

Tips from makeup artist Francois Nars

 

Have you been feeling bored with your old makeup routine? It may be time to get new African American skin care products to help you shake up your look. Recently, Become Gorgeous spoke to renowned makeup artist Francois Nars about how to choose new cosmetics that will transform dull winter skin into an up-to-date, red-carpet-inspired look.

First, picking out the right shade of foundation is essential for an even appearance. Many women don't understand how to pick the color that's right for them, and end up looking unnatural. Nars suggests testing a product on your wrist and blending it thoroughly to ensure that it matches your skin tone before purchasing it.

Next, Nars said the keys to proper makeup application are densely packed brushes.

"These contribute to the perfect application of powder and other cosmetic formulas. Skip the use of low-quality brushes to save yourself from any meltdown," said Nars, quoted by Become Gorgeous.

Allure magazine also commented on the importance of choosing a high-quality makeup brush, stating that it can be the difference between years of flawless looking makeup, and years of mediocre applications. 

 

Keep skin hydrated throughout the winter

 

While your African American skin care product can keep you looking great throughout the cold months, winter winds may still leave you with dry, itchy skin. Recently, Straight.com, a Canadian news source, spoke to Rebekah MacLaren, an esthetician and skincare advisor at the Spa Boutique who offered some tips on how to get rid of cracked winter skin.

She said that people with drier skin may be able to use a face cream with oil in it. While most people avoid these creams for fear of breaking out, if you have dry skin you may be missing some natural oils that can help keep your skin moisturized. People that don't feel comfortable using oil, however, should try products with hyaluronic acid.

"[Hyaluronic acid] is an ingredient that actually holds up to a thousand times its weight in water, so that way, you’re using something that adds water to your skin, and not oil. That’s a good option for someone who has oiler skin," said MacLaren, quoted by the news source.

WebMD reports that some people have even referred to hyaluronic acid as a "fountain of youth" product that can reduce the signs of aging. While there is no scientific proof of this, the substance may have multiple benefits. 

Susan Taylor recommends foods to eat for a better complexion

If you care about your skin, you already know that you should wash your face regularly and use high-quality African American skin care products rather than cheap cosmetics that can cause irritation. What you may not realize, however, is that it's possible to improve your complexion by eating the right foods - foods that are good for your overall health as well as your appearance.

Dermatologist Susan Taylor has done extensive research on the best foods for the skin, and has some recommendations to offer for women who want a glowing, youthful-looking appearance.

“Eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking plenty of water so the skin stays hydrated should help most people improve the appearance of their skin," said Taylor, who added that following the USDA food pyramid is a good place to start for improving the health of your skin and body.

Taylor suggested eating fruits and vegetables that are a good source of vitamin A, such a spinach and mangoes, since this nutrient helps maintain and repair skin tissue. She also recommended vitamins C and E, which contain antioxidants that have been shown to help protect the skin against harmful sun rays and free radicals that are a result of pollution.