Stay protected from the sun this summer

 

Spring is here, and summer is fast-approaching, which means that it's time for you to make sure your African American skin care product contains SPF to help protect against skin cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that although melanoma is much less common in African Americans than in whites, when it does appear it is particularly deadly, which is why it's important to protect yourself.

In preparation for summer, Memorial Healthcare System offers some tips on how to stay safe in the sun.

First, you should cover up as much as possible. This includes wearing a hat when possible, one that has at least a two-inch brim.

Next, sunscreen is the key to protecting the skin against UV rays.

"Sunscreen helps protect you against the sun’s harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30," according to the healthcare provider. 

Finally, you should wear sunglasses and limit direct exposure to the sun in the early afternoon, when the UV rays are the strongest.

When is it time to call the dermatologist?

 

Now that spring is here, it may be a good time to schedule a visit with your dermatologist to make sure that your African American skin is in top shape. Recently, NorthJersey.com spoke to dermatologist David Bonney, who offered his tips on what you can do to make sure that your skin stays in good condition during the upcoming spring and summer months.

First, the doctor said that it's important to moisturize and wear sunscreen every day, regardless of what season it is. This is because skin damage accumulates over time, from exposure to UV rays on a regular basis.

Next, the news source asked the dermatologist how people can tell if a mole on their skin is something they should be concerned about.

"I tell my patients to check for the ABCD's. 'A' is for asymmetry – if it looks very different and isn't round or oval. 'B' is for border irregularity. 'C' is for color. Is it multiple colors? Does it start to get blacker? 'D' is for diameter. Is it growing quickly?" said Bonney, quoted by the news source.

Discovery Health recommends that people visit the dermatologist at least once a year. Depending on the condition of your skin and whether you have a family history of skin cancer, the doctor may suggest you come more often.

 

Get rid of dry skin before summer

 

The days are getting longer and warmer, which means that it's time to update your African American skin care routine for the new season. The cold winter weather and harsh winds may have left your skin feeling dry, itchy or flaky and you don't want to bust out the short-sleeve shirts and mini skirts until your skin is in tip-top shape. Recently, the Rapid City Journal offered some tips for eliminating dry skin.

First, the news source said that while a long, hot shower can feel nice after a long day, it can rob your skin of natural oils, leaving skin dry. Instead, take a lukewarm shower with a moisturizing body wash instead of soap.

Next, the information provider said you should be using lotion at the right time.

"After getting out of the shower, gently pat your body dry. This leaves a few droplets of water on the surface of your skin. Lotions and other moisturizers do not actively hydrate your skin; rather, they prevent moisture from evaporating. For best results, apply a skin balm within a couple minutes of getting out of the shower to lock water droplets next to your skin," according to the news source.

Daily Glow states that the key to eliminating dry skin is to exfoliate often to get rid of dead skin cells by using a body scrub. 

Stop unwanted shine in its tracks this summer

While it may be desirable to have light-catching shine on the lips, when an oil slick crops up on the forehead, nose or chin, it can cause embarrassment. Now that we're entering the warm seasons, ladies may want to be more cognizant of this beauty disaster.

One way to avoid this is to make sure you're using the right African American skin care products. Using one that is too heavy is sure to leave you with an oily T-zone, but not getting enough moisture from a lotion may also result in excess oil if your skin tries to overcompensate for dryness.

Also, consider the foundation and blush you're using. Are they oil-based? If so, it may be time to switch products to minimize shine. Additionally, using a translucent powder after applying foundation may help curb oiliness.

Carrying blotting papers in your purse is also a good idea, as these tiny sheets of paper quickly soak up excess oil – and you don't even need a mirror to use them. Keeping a powder compact in your purse may also give you easy access to a quick fix.