Why is skin so important?

 

Skin is the largest organ of the body, which is why it's so important to take as good care of it as you would your heart, lungs or other organs. Recently, the Huffington Post ran an article explaining the role of skin and how to properly care for it. Proper treatment of the skin can help stave off the signs of aging and keep you healthier.

First, the news source reported that skin is the protective barrier that keeps all of the harmful pollutants you encounter every day. Furthermore, skin protects and preserves internal fluids and organs.

"Skin is the body's natural heating and air conditioning system. It regulates our temperature, helping us prevent over heating and freezing by maintaining consistent inner body temperature regardless of the outside temperature," according to the news source.

The Mayo Clinic offers a few tips for the best way to take care of your skin. First, wear sunscreen regularly, since a lifetime of sun exposure can cause age spots, wrinkles and increase your chance of getting cancer. Next, don't smoke, since smoking can damage collagen and elastin, which are fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity.

Finally, be sure to use the best African American skin care products with added SPF and moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin looking it's best.

Even stars don't always look perfect

 

It's award season, and stars such as Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer from The Help have been stepping out in fabulous gowns and showing off flawless African American skin. Have you ever wondered how celebrities always seem to have perfect skin? Well, according to celebrity dermatologist  Karyn Grossman, stars run into skin problems just like the rest of us. She recently shared some common skin issues that even celebs can't hide from.

First, Grossman said that some stars, just like the rest of us, forget that it's necessary to wear SPF whenever you're going out.

"While starlets regularly protect and work on their faces, skin-baring dresses often reveal neglected sun-damaged chests, backs and arms," said Grossman, quoted by the news source.

Next, the dermatologist said that many celebrities struggle to get a natural look, and often end up looking overly "Hollywood." She said that many stars are afraid of being immortalized on a "before" and "after" page in the tabloids, so it's important to remember that too much makeup and too many skin care procedures can leave anyone looking cheesy.

Marie Claire magazine also recommends making sure you don't overdo it on makeup, as many stars have done. For example, if you are going to wear a bright red lipstick, don't do that and a smoky eye, you should pick one. 

Makeup styles for New York fashion week

 

Do you strive to keep up on all of the latest trends in clothing, hair and makeup? Do you buy all the best African American skin care products in preparation for each new season? If so, then you probably keep up with all of the styles that emerge each year at New York City's fashion week. Recently, DNAinfo.com reported on some of the makeup trends we can expect to see at this year's show.

The news source spoke to makeup designer Yuui Ogawa on what makeup she expects to see on the runway models, this year. She should know, since Ogawa has worked backstage for many famous designers, and will be behind the scenes at the show this year.

First, Ogawa said that there will be a lot of bold colors this spring, such as orange. The expert recommends applying orange lipstick with a lip brush, accentuating the curves of your mouth with even strokes. If orange is too much for you, then the Los Angeles Times recommends trying coral makeup, you can combine peach and orange lip gloss to get a new shade.

Next, the makeup designer said that the fall looks will include a lot of gold in eye shadows and bronzers.

"A lot of people think that gold is the color of summer, but it actually looks really rich," Yuui said, quoted by the news source. "It's really the perfect look for fall. Gold shows more glamour -  the economy is getting better, and we've been struggling, but women still need to feel sexy and luxurious."

Top looks from African American stars at the 2012 SAG Awards

 

The 2012 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards happened recently, with many stars showing up flaunting their best outfits and African American skin care products. While the stars of the 1960s era drama The Help took away multiple awards for acting, they just as easily could have won a few fashion trophies as well with their stunning looks.

Harper's Bazaar reported that Viola Davis, who won the award for lead actress in a drama, looked stunning in Marchesa dress. She paired the outfit with a Judith Lieber clutch and Jimmy Choo shoes.

According to FabSugar.com white dresses were in this year, with both Davis and Zoe Saldana winning "top dressed" spots in their chic white gowns. Octavia Spenser, who also took home an acting award for her role in The Help was seen in a a silver Tadashi Shoj combination with an intricate floral-applique top and wrap skirt.

As for hair, Davis kept it simple, choosing to leave her hair down and with loose waves. Spenser went the opposite route, however, and chose and intricate high bun. Both ladies were considered by many fashion magazines to be among the best dressed of the night.