What to do about seasonal body acne

Beat body acne this summer

Skin Care How Tos

Every season, your African American skin faces different challenges. In the winter, your skin may feel dry and cracked, while the summer can bring about sweat and oil that can clog the pores. Recently, BangStyle published an article with tips on how to avoid developing body acne that may pop up as a result of the summer heat.

Back and Shoulders
If you find acne on your back or shoulders, consider using a medicated body wash. These products may help clean your pores and prevent bacteria from causing breakouts. Also, be sure to exfoliate and moisturize your whole body in the summer, not just your face.
"Just like your face skincare routine, it is really beneficial to exfoliate your body once a week to slough off dead skin cells that clog your pores. Don’t go overboard on the exfoliation because it can result in irritated and dry skin that can also lead to body acne. Be sure to moisturize for optimal skin health," according to the news source.

Neck, Chest and Forehead
Allure magazine has a very simple suggestion for avoiding body acne: wear your hair up. According to the information provider, wearing your hair down on hot days may cause the oil from your scalp to end up on your neck, causing breakouts. 

Survey shows women spend weeks applying makeup in a lifetime

How much time to do you spend each day applying your African American skin care products? According to a recent survey of British women, the average woman spends 91 hours a year applying makeup. That amounts to 43 weeks over the course of a lifetime.
The Daily Mail reported on the study, which also found that almost one-third of women surveyed would like to reduce the amount of time they spend each day applying makeup, but only 13 percent would be willing to leave the house with no makeup on. Furthermore, 8 percent of women admitted to spending at least 30 minutes a week altering images of themselves on social media sites.
"All the time spent worrying in front of the mirror could be spent having a good time with family or friends who will appreciate your company whether you're wearing makeup or not," said researcher Leah Doherty, quoted by the news source.
Bella Sugar reported on a 2010 study, which found that the average woman will spend approximately $15,000 on makeup in her lifetime and shop for makeup five times a year. These surveys show that clearly, women love their makeup. 

Tips to keep your summer makeup from slipping away

If you're like most women, then even when it's 100 degrees outside you probably wear makeup on your African American skin. However, it's important to remember that in the summer you need to change your skin care routine. Recently, the Los Angeles Times spoke to Allie Lapidus, a commercial makeup artist, who offered suggestions on how to switch up your makeup routine in the warmer months.

First, Lapidus said to use oil-free, highly pigmented concealers and moisturizers rather than foundation.

"When it's hot, makeup doesn't stick. It will literally slide off the face," said Lapidus, quoted by the news source. "In the summer, be sure to create a really good base so that everything stays on better."

The expert also recommended that in the summer, you put a little foundation primer on your eyelids before applying eyeshadow. Also, you might want to use a gel liner, instead of the more waxy, melt-prone pencils.

Real Beauty states that when it comes to eye makeup, bronze is the summer version of winter's black-and-silver smoky eye, so you should go for this golden color when getting ready for a night out. Also, to complete this look pick up some brown eyeliner to go with your bronze eyeshadow.
 

Treat your skin to a facial and some new moisturizers this summer

 

Do you know what colors you should be using on your African American skin this summer? If not, don't worry, there are many professionals out there who are here to help. Recently, KIVI, Idaho's ABC news source, spoke to professional makeup artist Meghan Saboori who talked about what's in and what's out this season.

According to the expert, coral is the color of the season, but different eye colors need different looks. For example, blue-eyed people look best in oranges, peaches and corals, while people with brown eyes can wear almost anything. Saboori also said that while wearing SPF is a good way to protect against the sun, you should also look into doing something to repair past damage.

"Aside from expensive medical treatments by a dermatologist, you should get a monthly facial by a licensed professional! Facials improve skin tone, texture, clarity and firmness of your skin. Not only that, it gives you an hour of pure relaxation," said Saboori, quoted by the news source.

WebMD recommends exfoliating during the summer to remove dry, dead skin cells that you may have acquired during the winter. The medical website also recommended looking for shave-minimizing moisturizers, since shaving more often in the summer may irritate your African American skin.