Habits that may be ruining your skin

 

Have you ever found that even if you moisturize, exfoliate and use the best African American skin care products on the market, you're still not getting the skin you want? This could be because even if you have a strict skin care regimen, you could still unknowingly be engaging in habits that are damaging your skin. CoolHealthTips.com has a list of these every days things that could be leaving you with a dull complexion.

First, while a glass of red wine may help the skin because of the antioxidants in this beverage, drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate the body and leave skin dry.

Next, sleeping with your makeup on can cause blocked pores and breakouts, so be sure to wash your face before hitting the hay.

Also, the news source pointed out that smoking can do a number on your skin. The Mayo Clinc supports this theory, stating that smoking can speed up the normal aging process of the skin, leading to premature wrinkles.

Finally, you may be eating foods that are damaging you skin. For example, too much salt has been shown to dehydrate the skin. Try to eat more vegetables and fruits, especially those that have antioxidants like pomegranates.

Start thinking about stocking up on summer products

 

Many women have already begun thinking about what African American skin care products they will use in the summer, especially considering how mild the winter has been. As the seasons change, so do your skin care needs, and you want to have makeup for each particular time of year. Recently, Beauty-Tips.net released a list of some of the must-have makeup products for the 2012 beach season.

First, the news source recommended getting new primer, since the heat and humidity can cause you to sweat and turn your makeup into a mess.

"To keep the face from melting off, it’s great to use a primer that fills in pores, fine lines, and also holds onto makeup for longer wear. Makeup primer should be applied before any tinted moisturizer, foundation, bronzer or blush to be able to enjoy the sun more while worrying less about makeup look," according to the information provider.

Next, Beauty-Tips suggested getting a foundation with SPF to protect from the sun. While it's important to wear SPF all year round, since the sun can still damage your skin even in winter, it's particularly important in the summer.

Finally, blotting papers are a good tool to keep around in the summer, since sweat can cause your skin to look oily and these papers can soak up excess oil.  

Work some pink into your Valentine's Day makeup

 

Valentine's day is coming up, which can be a fun time to incorporate a little pink into your African American skin care products. If you're worried about looking like a little girl by wearing pink cosmetics, then never fear because Bold Sky recently offered their readers some ways to wear pink makeup like the adult that you are.

First, the news source said that pink can be a fun eye shadow color, it's just important to blend.

" It is important to use a combination of pinks instead of flat bubblegum pink for for your eyes. Your eye makeup ideas are important because that will be the focus of your face. Try a base of flesh tone pink or peach layered with a brighter shade like Barbie pink. This combination will bring depth to your eyes because normally pink is a pretty flat colour," according to Bold Sky.

Next, the news source suggested using a pink eyeliner on your top lid. This little hint of pink will be just enough to make your eyes pop.

Of course, there's also pink lipstick. Cosmopolitan Magazine recommends that African American women try darker pinks with a hint of purple in them.

Skin cancer can strike anyone at any time

 

Do know your risk of skin cancer? Many women probably think that they are protecting themselves against this potentially deadly disease by simply wearing sunscreen in the summer, but they would be incorrect. Skin cancer can strike any time of year, and can affect women of all skin tones.

Recently, DailyGlow.com offered its readers a quiz to determine their personal risk of skin cancer. The news source also spoke to dermatologists who explained the risk factors of this disease.

First, the beauty website pointed out that African American women still have a risk of developing skin cancer, even though it's a common misconception that they can't.

"Skin cancer is less common in those with darker skin, but it's still a threat," said Jessica Wu, M.D., quoted by the news source. "In fact, skin cancer tends to be more aggressive and advanced when it's diagnosed in African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans."

Next, Daily Glow stated that even if you never burn or rarely go out into the sun, the sun's UV rays can still affect your skin, even through windows when you're indoors. This is why it's important to wear an African American skin care product with added SPF.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds people that the sun can also damage eyes and the skin surrounding them, so be sure to protect your eyes with some cool shades when going out.