New York Times explores the new generation of skin lighteners

There was a time when fade cream for black skin was aimed at lightening the complexion overall, resulting in an unnatural appearance, discoloration and lesions due to the harsh chemicals that these African American skin care products contained.

But black skin care products have come a long way. They allow men and women to flaunt their gorgeous complexions while evening out dark spots on black skin and reducing the appearance of scarring.

Recently, the New York Times ran an article about some of these products and how they're being marketed worldwide.

"In Asia, there are a lot of whitening products, and that's what the category is called, which is in reference to the pearl-white skin that they aspire to have. In the U.S., it's different because it's more about evening the complexion, and it's for all ethnicities. We call it brightening. It's not about the color of the skin," said Christine Dagousset, an executive vice president for Chanel cosmetics, quoted by the news source.

In decades past, many skin lightening products for African Americans contained a chemical called hydroquinone. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the chemical is a potential carcinogen and has been linked to a number of skin conditions, including ochronosis, which results in thick, dark patches of skin.

How does Kim Kardashian get her glow? With foundation primer

 

Ever wish your brown skin care products could transform you into Kim Kardashian or one of the many other beautiful celebrities that you see on the covers of magazines and on TV? Well, while your makeup may not put you in the magazines, there are certainly tips and tricks you can take from celebs that may help your skin look camera-ready.

According to The Daily Mail, the secret behind Kardashian's glowing skin is foundation primer. The news source published a picture of the star with yellow primer all over her face. This product is used underneath foundation to help even out the color of your skin.

Oprah Magazine offers some tips for how to apply cosmetic primer.

"A light gel or lotion, primer makes foundation go on more evenly and last longer by creating a smooth base for the pigment to adhere to. Massage a pea-size amount onto your face. Let it absorb before you apply foundation," according to the news source.

The information provider also recommends that if you use a concealer, apply it after primer but before foundation. The news source said this is also a good way to conceal black skin dark spots. 

Liquid vs. Powder: Which foundation works for you?

 

When you're choosing an African American skin care product you might, like many women, wonder if you should go for a powder or a liquid foundation. As with most other makeup choices, this one comes down to your skin type and personal preferences. Makeup.com offers some things to consider while making this decision.

According to the news source, either choice holds the potential to give you a smooth and even look, but it all depends on how you apply the product. Liquid foundation should be applied using a damp sponge or a brush for the best results. If you do use a brush, then be sure to blend well to make sure that you don't leave any spots.

If you have oily skin, then avoid liquid foundations that have a dewy finish, and set the foundation with a translucent powder to avoid shine.

Powder foundation can be applied using a dry sponge, and tends to take less time than liquid. However, women with dry skin should avoid this type of foundation, since it will settle into areas of dryness on the face.

Oprah.com recommends using a powder foundation if you have a combination of dry and oily skin because it "allows you to distribute more of the oil-absorbing makeup where you need it and less where you don't, without leaving visible lines."

Fight off skin's worst enemies

 

If you use the best African American skin care products and moisturize every night, then you are already doing a lot for the health of your complexion. Recently, Hive Health Media ran an article explaining what your skin's worst enemies are and how to protect against them.

First, sun exposure is the number one thing that causes damage to the skin. The National Institutes of Health states that wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is the best way to avoid too much sun.

Second, a diet high in fatty foods can result in unhealthy skin.

"Dull and lifeless skin is a direct indication as to what is going on inside your body.  Fill your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, healthy fats, and essential fatty acids such as fish or krill oil to ensure that your cells are healthy and strong," according to Hive Health Media.

Finally, pollution can cause a lot of damage to the skin. This is why you should eat foods that contain antioxidants such as pomegranate and green tea, or use African American skin care products that contain these extracts.