Viola Davis goes au natural for Los Angeles Times Magazine

 

Actress Viola Davis has rightfully been in the spotlight since the release of her hit film The Help. Now, people are beginning to pay attention to her for more than her acting abilities, as Los Angeles Times Magazine recently ran a spread that showcases her natural beauty.

Davis appears on the cover with short, natural hair – a far cry from the smooth, bobbed wigs she typically dons on the red carpet.

She told US Magazine that she's "not a glam woman," and that preparing for industry events is actually a bit of a chore for her.

"My biggest fear is that paparazzi with some like lens is going to come in my backyard and see me when I get in my pool!" said Davis, quoted by the news source."That would be very unfortunate!"

When looking at her magazine spread, one has to conclude that the stunning actress is being modest. Her sparse makeup and black, high-fashion wardrobe do far more than flatter her gorgeous African American skin, they make her look like the star she truly is.

 

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.