Former model shares beauty secrets

Few people know more about beauty than models, who spend most of the careers dedicated to looking their best. Recently, the Huffington Post interviewed Peggy Dillard Toone, the second African American model to ever be on the cover of Vogue, and founder of Turning Heads Salon in Harlem, New York City, which helped create the first natural black hair care curriculum for licensing in New York State. The model turned African American hair care pioneer discussed what beauty means to her.

According to Toone, she saw beauty everywhere she looked growing up, and her family used to use the natural ingredients found in their backyard such as red clay for skin care purposes. As she got older, she felt there was a need for a beauty salon that would encourage African American women to make the move from chemical to natural hair.

Next, the Post asked her to describe her beauty rituals.

"Take time with yourself. My philosophy is to incorporate the elements into a beauty regimen. Drink enough water, breath enough air, walk on the earth and get enough sun, or heat. My favorite rituals always involve water. I love baths for spiritual and physical purposes," said Toone, quoted by the news source.

Today, the website for Turning Heads Salon states that it now includes a day spa, making it Harlem's only full service salon and spa. 

Dermatologist offers tips to avoid drying out this winter

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to winter skin care is dryness, since the winter weather can rob skin of moisture. Recently, dermatologist Channing Barnett offered some tips for how to keep your complexion hydrated during the colder months. 

First, the doctor reminded readers that dry skin, from some, is a year-round problem and people who experience it during the summer need to take extra precautions in the winter. The expert said that it's things like harsh winds, central heating and skin care products that are overly fragrant are connected to dry skin. She made some suggestions for avoiding this problem.

"A few simple things can make a big difference in hydrating the skin," said Barnett. "Bathe or shower in lukewarm water, because hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your bathing time to fifteen minutes or less. Bathing should be done no more than once a day (every other day is even better). Avoid using harsh soaps and stick to fragrance-free products."

Finally, Barnett recommended getting a humidifier for the home if you feel like your heating system is draining your skin of moisture.

Luckily, it can be simple to find an African American skin care product with natural ingredients such as soy and green tea extract that can help you glow without drying out the skin.  

Do you have rosacea?

 

While your African American skin care product can help you cover up any discoloration on your face, sometimes a little redness is actually the sign of the skin condition called rosacea. While this condition is most common in fair-skinned people, the National Rosacea Society states that African Americans can also develop the skin irritation.

The organization added that if an African American person suspects that they have rosacea, then the individual should seek treatment immediately, since it can lead to hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin in the areas where the inflammation has appeared.

Recently, Everyday Health ran an article explaining the signs that you should look for if you're concerned that you may have rosacea. First, you may find yourself "flushing" after eating spicy foods, drink a hot beverage, or go out in the cold. While you may think this is normal blushing, if it comes on very easily then it may be a sign of the condition.

Next, the news source spoke to dermatologist Clare Pipkin, M.D., who said bumps on the face, which you may shrug off as adult acne, could actually be rosacea. Also, broken blood vessels may be a sign.

"With repeated flushing, blood vessels can become dilated, most prominently on the cheeks and nose," Pipkin explained, quoted by the news source.

If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, you may want to visit the dermatologist. 

Feeling sick doesn't mean you have to look bad

Winter is cold and flu season, which can wreak havoc on your body, as well as your complexion. Luckily, your African American skin care product is here to help, and TheSitr.com recently offered some tips fro how to use your makeup to help you stay gorgeous even when you're feeling under the weather. 

The site first suggested using concealer to hide puffiness on your face, especially on the nose. Next, the news source recommended skipping the foundation for some face cleanser instead.

"You're dehydrated when you're ill, so using heavy foundation will just look cakey. Wash with an exfoliating face cleanser and lather on the moisturizer. Use a sticky, glossy blush to add some color back into your face - avoid blush that's powdery," according to the site.

BeautyBroadcast.net states that when you're sick it can be difficult to make your eyes look alert, especially if they're watering due to allergies or a cold. Instead, try to focus on the lips (unless they're chapped) to avert attention away from the eyes. Try bold colors that will pop and give you a fresh appearance.