Basic skin care facts to keep in mind

 

If you use the best African American skin care products, then you probably did your research before choosing a cosmetic. While it's important to understand what makeup to use to make your skin look  its best, you should also understand some of the basic facts about general skin care.

Recently, FeelgoodStyle.com published an article with some interesting skin care facts that any lady who wants a healthy complexion should know.

First, while drinking water is a good way to hydrate your skin from the inside out, water alone is not enough to truly benefit your skin. You should also be eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, as this nutrient can help keep your skin supple. In fact, The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a sign of omega-3 deficiency is dry skin.

Next, the news source states that while moisturizing is important, moisturizing and exfoliating is the key to eliminating dry skin.

"Think about this, would you add a layer of paint to a cracked wall? Of course not. The paint would peel off in no time...It's a similar principle when treating dry,cracked skin," according to the website.

Finally, the news provider recommends using a humidifier in your room at night during the winter, since your skin is more prone to dehydration in the colder months. 

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.