Don't let the summer leave you with breakouts

 

The summer can take a real toll on your African American skin. Being outside in the heat can leave you with pimples and burns, so it's important to spend extra time on your skin during the warmer months. Recently, Real Buzz published an article explaining some simple ways to keep your skin clear during the summer.

First, the news source said you should avoid contact with bacteria whenever possible.

"Your pillow comes into contact with makeup, skin oils and saliva, making it a breeding ground for bacteria that can worsen acne. Likewise, unwashed makeup brushes can spread bacteria to your skin. To minimize your skin’s contact to bacteria, make sure you wash makeup brushes every two weeks and change your pillowcase regularly," according to the news source.

Next, the website recommended following a balanced diet filled with fresh, skin-friendly fruits and vegetables.

Everyday Health states that in the summer, you want to keep your hair out of your face whenever possible to avoid the oils that  penetrate your skin and cause acne. So if you're hitting the gym or the beach, be sure to wear your hair up. 

Considering a summertime wax?

It's beach season, which means you need to grab the sunscreen, some waterproof African American skin care products and maybe take care of some unsightly hair that you let go unchecked during the winter. Many ladies go for waxes in the summer to get themselves beach-ready, but you want to protect your African American skin while doing this. The Houston Chronicle spoke to esthetician Lisa Lazzara for advice about waxing.

First, the expert said that if you've been shaving regularly, then you should wait three to four weeks before waxing to get smooth, long-lasting results. Next, once you do start a waxing routine, give up the razor.

"Avoid shaving between appointments. Shaving will negate all the positive benefits of waxing and can irritate hair follicles," said Lazzara, quoted by the news source.

Women's Day also has some tips for making the waxing experience better. The news source said if you're worried about pain, then you might want to take ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. Also, if you experience painful swelling and redness than apply a little cortisone cream to the area.

Which sunscreen should you use?

 

With summer right around the corner, you've probably been hearing a lot about how important it is to protect your African American skin with sunscreen. Of course, there are so many different SPF brands and products on the market, it can be very overwhelming when you have to choose which one works for your skin. Recently, Reporter News, a Texas information provider published an article explaining how to pick the right sunscreen for you.

The news source explained that the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation falls into two categories: ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B.

"Many commercial sunscreens only focus their protection efforts on ultraviolet B rays - the kind that causes sunburns (an easy way to remember: "B" is for "burn"). But they do little to shield against ultraviolet A, which does the real damage - contributing to skin cancer and early skin aging," according to the news source.

The Reporter News stated that products labeled "broad spectrum" protect against both A and B, so you'll want to look for those while you're shopping.



According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, while African Americans have a lower risk of skin cancer than their light-skinned counterparts, they tend to be diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, decreasing their chances of surviving. This is why it's important to protect your African American skin from the sun.

Survey shows young people in the dark about skin cancer

 

As the weather gets warmer, it's important for you to do everything you can to protect your African American skin against the sun's UV rays. Recently a survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology found that many young adults are unaware of the dangers of tanning beds or spending time in the sun without sunscreen.

According to the results of the survey, nearly half of the respondents agreed with the statement, "I prefer to enjoy sunshine and not worry about what I should do to protect myself from it." Furthermore, 24 percent of individuals were not aware that tanning beds are not safer than spending time in the sun, and 31 percent did not know that prolonged sun exposure can cause wrinkles.

The researchers said that these findings may offer clues as to why melanoma is the most common form of cancer among young adults between 25 and 29 years old and the second most common form for people between 15 and 29 years old.

The results of this survey suggest that more needs to be done to spread awareness among young people of the dangers of skin cancer. If you're planning on spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, be sure to wear a hat or protective clothing and an African American skin care product containing SPF.