More education needed to prevent skin cancer

Minorities have a history of not getting treated for skin cancer while it's still in its early stages. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, African Americans and Asian Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer in later stages, when there are less treatment options. CNN recently reported on this problem.

According to the news provider, it is a common and dangerous misconception that darker skinned people do not have a risk of skin cancer. Dermatologist Heather Woolery Lloyd explained that melanoma can be very treatable in it's early stages, but it becomes more difficult to treat over time.

"The need for proper education and skin cancer screenings is crucial. Increased awareness this will ensure that the African American and Hispanic population doesn't fall victim to a very preventable disease," said Lloyd.

The Skin Cancer foundation reports that the number of women under age 40 diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (one of the common forms of skin cancer) has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Ethnic women looking to possibly reduce their risk of skin cancer should consider using an African American skin care product with SPF for sun protection.  

Hyaluronic acid's benefits on the skin

Hyaluronic acid is present in a variety of skin care products for black skin. Many women may not understand what this particular substance is or the benefits that it can have on the skin. The Cleveland Clinic website details the effects of skin products containing hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a polymer that is found naturally in the skin cells that reduce with age. Preserving this substance has been connected to having younger looking, firmer skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times it's weight in water, making it a natural skin moisturizer. The substance stays on the surface of the skin, moisturizing the top layer, rather than just being absorbed immediately after being applied.

The website also mentioned that loss of hyaluronic acid is one of the main causes of wrinkles, which suggests that providing the skin with more of the substance may reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

WebMD states that hyaluronic acid has also been used to treat burns and heal skin ulcers and wounds and it also acts as a cushion and lubricant in tissues in the body. 

Skin care linked to U.S. culture

Taking proper care of skin has recently been connected to becoming a part of American culture. A recent study suggested that among Latinos living in the United States, those who are more comfortable speaking English and have been in the U.S. longer are also more likely to use sunscreen on hot days.

Background information collected before the study found that skin cancer is a major concern for U.S. Latinos. According to the findings, there are 4.5 incidents of melanoma per 100,000 Latinos, which represents an increase of 28.6 percent since 1992.

Researchers found that Latinos who have been living in the U.S. for a long period of time and are confident in their understanding of the English language have a more positive association with sunscreen use than those who have not been in the country long and may not understand the language.

This suggests that a better understanding of U.S. culture and language makes it easier for immigrants to educate themselves on health matters such as skin cancer and the importance of protecting the skin against sun damage.

Sunscreen use is important for all individuals, and ethnic women looking to protect their skin should consider a skin care product for black skin with SPF.

Green tea may protect inside and out

Lately there has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of green tea. Packed with antioxidants, green tea has been shown to have a variety of possible health benefits and disease reducing properties. Recently, an article on the U.K. site iVillage discussed the possible benefits green tea can have on the skin.

According to the news source, the antioxidants in green tea help protect the body from particles associated with aging, along with damage that can be caused from sun, smoking and other pollutants that can harm the skin. The website recommends using skin care products that contain green tea extracts to remove toxins from the skin and create a smooth texture.

Discovery Health reports that antioxidants benefit the skin from the inside out, protecting in ways that sunscreen cannot. Along with protecting against toxins, antioxidants encourage tissue and cell growth, helping skin repair sun damage that has already been done.

Ladies, while going about the busy day and running into pollution from traffic, harsh sun rays and all of the other toxins that can be encountered throughout an average day, be sure to remember proper skin care. Using an African American skin care product with green tea extract can help protect the skin while keeping it radiant.