Time to toss those old cosmetics

When you find that perfect African American skin care product, you may be tempted to hold on to it forever. It's important to remember though, just like food, cosmetics have expiration dates, and you want to replace each product when the time comes. RealBeauty.com has a guide explaining when each different piece of makeup should be tossed. 

First, liquid foundation should be replaced every six months. The beauty site recommends storing this product in a cool, dry area as heat can cause lotions and potions to separate or spoil.



Next, the news source made recommendations on blushes and bronzers.

"Powdered blushes and bronzers are good for six to nine months. The key here is to replace your brushes and applicators when you replace your compacts," according to Real Beauty.

Fitness Magazine offered another suggestion for how to make foundation last a little longer. Always using a sponge when applying this cosmetic instead of using your fingers could help keep harmful bacteria out of the bottle and give foundation a longer life.

 

Researchers find gene to help protect against skin cancer

It's important to use an African American skin care product with SPF, especially considering that when African Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer it is often in the late-stage, according to the National Cancer Institute. This type of cancer may be prevented by taking proper measures, such as using sunscreen an wearing protective clothing when going into the sun. 

Now, there may be new hope in combating squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the skin, one of the most common forms of the disease. Researchers from Monash University's Department of Medicine at the Alfred Hospital in Australia have discovered a gene in the body that helps protect against the form of skin cancer, which could lead to a new target for treatment and prevention methods.

"Virtually every SCC tumour we looked at had almost undetectable levels of this particular gene, so its absence is a very profound driver of these cancers," said researcher Stephen Jane.

The scientists are hoping that this could lead to new prevention methods, such as incorporating supplements that act as in similar manner as this gene into sunscreen or skin care products. 

Websites discuss common makeup mistakes

Finding the perfect African American skin care product doesn't mean you're not at risk of making some of the most classic makeup mistakes when you're applying it. Nothing ruins good cosmetics like layering on too much or pairing the wrong colors together. LifeScript.com explains some of the most common blunders that women make with makeup and how to avoid them.

First, wearing too much foundation is something that every woman has probably done at least once. The news source reports that heavy foundation can suffocate the skin and highlight the problems you're trying to cover up.

"Mix in a little moisturizer with your foundation, which will prevent the formula from seeping into the lines," said LifeScript writer Carly Young.

TotalBeauty.com also reported on common cosmetic mistakes, and said that many women are wearing the wrong shade of foundation. The site reminded readers that foundation isn't meant to give you a bit of a tan, that's what bronzers do. Instead, try to find a color that is closest to your natural skin tone.  

Dermatologist offers cold weather tips

As the temperature changes, so do your skin care needs. Using an African American skin care product that contains an added moisturizer is one way to protect skin against the colder months, but more effort is needed if you want to keep from drying out. Recently, a North Carolina dermatologist offered some suggestions for keeping skin healthy in the coming weather. 

First, the expert suggested monitoring the temperature inside your house.

“If your home or workplace temperature is warm enough to make it feel like a sauna, you might be drying out your skin," said Rita Pichardo-Geisinger, M.D., of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center dermatology department.

Next, the dermatologist suggested using a fragrance-free soap and detergent for clothes. Perfumes can dry out the skin and lead to flaking, while people with very sensitive complexions may find that detergents with additives cause skin irritation.

Finally, Pichardo-Geisinger encouraged women to not forget about their feet. Cracked heels can be unsightly, and there are plenty of creams available to help combat this problem.

These tips may help keep your skin looking moisturized through whatever the coming winter months will bring.