The Don'ts of monthly breakouts

It’s that time of the month. You have cramps, you feel bloated and moody and now your skin is breaking out. If your period is served up with a side of acne every month, here are some don’ts to help you reduce breakouts.

Don’t Over-Cleanse

Over-cleansing can actually cause excess drying and skin irritation. Washcloths can be abrasive and easily spread bacteria. Your best bet is to use a gentle, non-soap cleanser that’s made specifically for acne-prone skin and to wash your face with your bare hands, twice daily.

Don’t Pop Pimples

Popping your pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, causing infection, skin discoloration or even a scar. It’s wiser to apply appropriate treatment and wait it out.

DON’T Use Soap

Keeping skin hydrated is one key to preventing acne. The drying action of most soap bars can strip your skin of much-needed moisture. Use a mild cleanser, preferably on that was designed specifically for acne-prone skin. Gentle cleansing is exactly what your skin needs to retain moisture, fight off acne-causing bacteria and reduce irritation.

DON’T Overload Your Skin With Products

There can be a tendency to get into a “try everything” mode when you’re suffering an intense breakout. Fight the urge. The ingredients in different acne treatments can cause irritation when mixed together. Don’t let dueling ingredients fight it out on your skin.

African American skin and cancer – What to look for

While the pigment in our brown skin provides us with some natural sun protection, you should not let it lead to a false sense of security that you are immune to cancer. Women and men with higher levels of melanin must still be aware that we are indeed at risk for skin cancer and that early detection is important. 

Tips for early detection and prevention

Once every month, examine your skin from head to toe, paying particular attention to your hands, fingers, feet, toes, nails and mouth, where melanoma-type skin cancers are more likely to appear in individuals with darker skin tones.

Look for dark brown or black spots in these areas, no matter how small, and be aware of any new spots or spots that change. The change can be an increase in size, shape or color or a raised bump that develops within the spot. A bump on the foot or toe that is sore or does not heal is another tip off for skin cancer. Be on the lookout for dark streaks or lines along one fingernail or toenail only.

If you find anything unusual, any area that you think might have changed or any particularly dark or irregular spot, see your dermatologist right away.