Dark spots on black skin may be a condition called melasma

 

Many women experience melasma, whether it be the result of sun exposure, pregnancy, hormonal changes or age. But what exactly is this condition that appears as dark spots on black skin and patches of discoloration on women of all skin colors?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), melasma is a purely cosmetic condition – meaning that it's not a symptom of something more serious – that typically affects the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip.

Women who think they may have melasma should visit a dermatologist who can provide a diagnosis, as well as rule out other conditions, the NIH reports.

While the spots may fade on their own over time, there are several treatments for melasma available. For instance, a number of over-the-counter cosmetics and creams are aimed specifically at fading dark spots on the skin. In more serious and permanent cases, a doctor may recommend laser treatment.

An article on melasma on SkinInc.com reports that the condition may be prevented by staying out of the sun and regular application of SPF.

 

In honor of Mother's Day, some beauty tips from moms

 

Mother's Day is soon, and you may want to consider getting mom a spa gift certificate or some products to take care of her African American skin. In honor of this occasion, Allure magazine asked its contributors to share the best beauty secrets their mothers have given them.

Beauty writer Liz Siegel told the news source that when she was younger, her mother tried to get her to wear blush. She resisted, and told her mom that she already had enough redness and didn't want more.

"She responded with some of the best makeup advice of all time: Every woman needs to wear a little blush. She's right. It immediately makes you look healthy and more awake. Now, it's the first thing I put on after foundation. I would never wear makeup without it," said Siegel, quoted by the news source.

BettyConfidental.com also asked for beauty tips from moms. One mom made a very smart suggestion: She said to always wear sunscreen and a hat when you're going to be in the sun for a long time. Not only will this help keep you safe from skin cancer, it will also keep your skin from getting burned and ruining your complexion.

Octavia Spencer's makeup withstands teary Oscar acceptance speech

 

Perhaps the only thing more captivating than Octavia Spencer's performance in The Help was the emotion and sincerity behind her acceptance speech for the best supporting actress award at the 2012 Oscars - not to mention that her flawless makeup managed to stay put during her teary dedication.

So, what kind of African American skin products was she wearing? Essence magazine spoke with Spencer's makeup artist Valerie Noble on how she achieved the fabulous look.

"We used two different foundations and just blended it. I do the same with the powder - I use one that’s a little bit lighter on the T-zone and darker around the jaw line," said Noble, quoted by the news source.

In order to highlight Spencer's cheekbones, Noble instructed the actress to make a "fish face" before sweeping a dark pink blush on the apples of her cheeks.

Let's not forget about Spencer's gorgeous gown, which the Huffington Post reports was designed by Tadashi Shoji. The sparkly silver gown had a cap sleeve and was ruched at the bodice for a flattering silhouette. 

Esperanza Spalding may single-handedly bring the Afro back

 

Singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding has long been a proponent of natural African American hair, routinely sporting a full kinky-curly 'do. But when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2012 Oscars, she stunned in a different look which could be described as a modern take on an Afro.

The juxtaposition between her voluminous hair and her sleek, baby blue gown was perhaps one of the more memorable looks from this year's Academy Awards.

To top it all off, Spalding gave a flawless performance of Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World during the show's In Memoriam segment.

The singer wisely kept her makeup look simple with a sweep of black liquid eyeliner and raspberry-toned lipstick. She also looks as though she has little more than a sweep of bronzer on her cheekbones to accentuate her mocha complexion.

Ladies looking for a face as flawless as Spalding's may want to look into skin care for black women that contains antioxidant-rich ingredients and hyaluronic acid, which helps gently brighten and even out skin tone.