What ingredients are in your African American skin care product?

 

There are many cosmetics out there, so how do you tell apart the good from the bad? Well, one thing you may want to do is check the ingredients of African American skin care products before buying them. The ones that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients such as pomegranate and green tea are things you should be looking for, while there are certain ingredients you should avoid.

First, products that contain extracts of green tea and pomegranate (which are good sources of antioxidants) are particularly good for the skin. Discovery Health explains the benefits of these substances on their website.

"Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation - a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction," stated Discovery Health.

Those are the things you should be looking for, but what should you avoid? Products with hydroquinone may be damaging, so steer clear of them. This skin-lightening ingredient has been called a possible carcinogen and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on products that contain it in 2006, according to MedicineNet.com 

Skin care reminders for mid-winter

 

How has your skin been holding up this winter season? If you have been using the best African American skin care products with antioxidants and moisturizers, then you probably still have a glowing complexion. If you haven't been following some of the winter skin care basics, however, then you may be in trouble.

Recently, Forbes magazine offered some reminders for what people should be doing to protect their skin this season.

First, did you know that what you eat and drink can affect the skin, particularly in winter? The news source recommended staying away from too much soda or alcohol during the cold months and to stick with water.

WebMD adds that what you eat can be reflected in your skin.

"Your skin is a reflection of your underlying health, so good nutrition, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, staying hydrated, etc., all play a role in creating better-looking skin," said dermatologist Mark Rubin, quoted by WebMD.

Next, Forbes said that people should use a heavier lotion in the winter than they would in the summer, as the skin needs better protection during the cold months. Finally, remember to wear sunscreen as UV rays can still be harmful in winter. 

Viola Davis stunned in green at the 2012 Academy Awards

 

The 2012 Academy Awards ceremony recently happened, and, as always, one of the most interesting features of the night was the fashion. International Business Times reports that for the female stars, makeup was almost as important this year as the dresses since cosmetics really can make all the difference.

One actress who stood out was Viola Davis, whose African American skin care products matched her dress perfectly.

"Viola Davis showed off her natural locks at Sunday's Oscars and matched her makeup to her dress. Davis' closely-cropped hair was complemented by large emerald earrings, which matched her emerald Vera Wang gown. Davis' eye makeup went along with this color trend. Matchy-matchy is no longer a fashion 'no,'" stated the news source.

The Root reported that while her dress and makeup were lovely, what really stuck out was the fact that Davis chose to wear her natural hair instead of a wig, a move that most fashion reporters applauded.

Change your routine as your skin changes

 

If you love your African American skin care product, sometimes you might forget that it's important to get new products as the years go on. This is because, just as the rest of your body changes, so does your skin, and the moisturizer that worked when you were in your 20s may not be as effective in your 30s or 40s.

Recently, Sally Penford, education manager at the International Dermal Institute talked to MyPure.com about how as women age they may want to look for products that contain natural ingredients. Luckily, some of the best American American skin care products contain green tea, pomegranate and other natural extracts.

Next, Penford discussed incorporating new products into your regimen as you age.

"You can keep your basic regimen - your cleanser, toner and moisturizer might be suited to your skin type - but then over and above that you can throw in a booster or a serum, a mask or an exfoliant that can adapt as your skin changes," said Penford, quoted by MyPure.

Acne.com also recommends that as women get older they may want to find skin care products with natural ingredients to help them fight off free radicals, which are the types of pollutants people encounter every day that affect the appearance of skin.