Skin Care Tips For Dry, Black Skin
Let's face it, dry skin can be difficult to manage. I have had dry skin from time to time myself. Most people like skin that is soft, supple and moisturized, Dry, black skin can come from many things including the amount of water you drink, lack of sleep, smoking, caffeine, and alcohol consumption. I want to give you some simple skin care tips on how to deal with dry, black skin.
Sunscreen
Many african americans think that because of darker skin tones they do not have to use sunscreen. I have thought that for years, but recently realized that all skin can burn and even worse, black skin could be susceptible to melanoma, which is skin cancer. So, before going out into the sun put on sunscreen. All sunscreen is not alike, so it is best to choose one with ingredients like zinc, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl S. These ingredients are better to use, so that you don't run into skin problems.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and Alcohol can cause the skin cells and body to lose needed fluids. When these ingredients are consumed, the skin becomes dry because there are no fluids to moisturize your skin from the inside out.
Diet
Eat fruits that are orange and yellow like cantaloupes, oranges,carrots, and apricots. These foods are high in antioxidants and fight skin aging free radicals. Your skin will become healthier when consuming these foods.
Don't Smoke
Smoking cigarettes and cigars can dry out your skin. Smoking can speed up the skin aging process and cause dry skin. Smoking can also reduce moisture and collagen in the skin Collagen makes up 25% - 35% of protein in the body. Reduction of collagen in the skin can cause you to lose firmness and structure in your skin.
Sleep
It is important to get 7-8 hours of sleep daily, every night if possible. Skin cells renew themselves at night, so getting proper sleep will help your skin to be healthier.
Exercise
Exercise increases circulation and blood flow. It is recommended to exercise 30 minutes a day, so while you are doing your favorite exercises, you are also helping to eliminate dry skin.
Water
Drink plenty of water, like 8 glasses of water per day. Water intake helps to hydrate the skin and eliminate dry skin. Gabrielle Union drinks a gallon of water a day for her skin. On the flip side, do not shower with steaming hot water as this will dry the skin.
Facial Masks/Body Scrubs
Facial masks moisturize skin and make it soft to the touch. Using mashed up bananas or grounded oatmeal on skin makes for a good facial mask. Whole oatmeal mixed with your favorite skin cream will also help with dry skin. Leave these foods on the skin for 10-25 minutes and then wash it off. Do this weekly or twice a month. Avocados can also help.
For homemade recipes, try my Citrus Body Scrub, Super Moisturizing Lotion Recipe and my Hydrating Strawberry and Banana Facial Mask.
If using food on your skin is something you do not want to do, there also reputable skin care companies that have good products. Burt's Bees, Aveeno, and Neutrogena have a lot of products that you can try.
Using all of these tools together. can really pack a powerful punch against dry skin that black people, such as myself deal with at times.
Let's face it, dry skin can be difficult to manage. I have had dry skin from time to time myself. Most people like skin that is soft, supple and moisturized, Dry, black skin can come from many things including the amount of water you drink, lack of sleep, smoking, caffeine, and alcohol consumption. I want to give you some simple skin care tips on how to deal with dry, black skin.
Sunscreen
Many african americans think that because of darker skin tones they do not have to use sunscreen. I have thought that for years, but recently realized that all skin can burn and even worse, black skin could be susceptible to melanoma, which is skin cancer. So, before going out into the sun put on sunscreen. All sunscreen is not alike, so it is best to choose one with ingredients like zinc, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl S. These ingredients are better to use, so that you don't run into skin problems.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and Alcohol can cause the skin cells and body to lose needed fluids. When these ingredients are consumed, the skin becomes dry because there are no fluids to moisturize your skin from the inside out.
Diet
Eat fruits that are orange and yellow like cantaloupes, oranges,carrots, and apricots. These foods are high in antioxidants and fight skin aging free radicals. Your skin will become healthier when consuming these foods.
Don't Smoke
Smoking cigarettes and cigars can dry out your skin. Smoking can speed up the skin aging process and cause dry skin. Smoking can also reduce moisture and collagen in the skin Collagen makes up 25% - 35% of protein in the body. Reduction of collagen in the skin can cause you to lose firmness and structure in your skin.
Sleep
It is important to get 7-8 hours of sleep daily, every night if possible. Skin cells renew themselves at night, so getting proper sleep will help your skin to be healthier.
Exercise
Exercise increases circulation and blood flow. It is recommended to exercise 30 minutes a day, so while you are doing your favorite exercises, you are also helping to eliminate dry skin.
Water
Drink plenty of water, like 8 glasses of water per day. Water intake helps to hydrate the skin and eliminate dry skin. Gabrielle Union drinks a gallon of water a day for her skin. On the flip side, do not shower with steaming hot water as this will dry the skin.
Facial Masks/Body Scrubs
Facial masks moisturize skin and make it soft to the touch. Using mashed up bananas or grounded oatmeal on skin makes for a good facial mask. Whole oatmeal mixed with your favorite skin cream will also help with dry skin. Leave these foods on the skin for 10-25 minutes and then wash it off. Do this weekly or twice a month. Avocados can also help.
For homemade recipes, try my Citrus Body Scrub, Super Moisturizing Lotion Recipe and my Hydrating Strawberry and Banana Facial Mask.
If using food on your skin is something you do not want to do, there also reputable skin care companies that have good products. Burt's Bees, Aveeno, and Neutrogena have a lot of products that you can try.
Using all of these tools together. can really pack a powerful punch against dry skin that black people, such as myself deal with at times.
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