Television and magazines showcase picture-perfect and camera-ready skin. Although models and celebrities have a roster of beauty weapons at their disposal, professional makeup artists and airbrushing included, they do invest in the proper skin care. For black women, having a smooth and even complexion can be obtained even without being a celebrity.
Beautiful skin essentially begins inside, so a healthy diet is vital. Celebrities know the importance of eating foods that are good for the body and saving treats like sugar for special occasions. Famous model Iman swears by having fruits and vegetables as a large portion of the daily intake. Avoid fatty or fried foods whenever possible. Instead, bake, grill, or broil your food to minimize oil that can manifest in the skin.
Also, the significance of water cannot be over emphasized. Celebrities know that water is a large part of black skin care. Drink at least eight cups of water a day and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as these tend to dry out your skin.
Exercise is also a good component to the black skin care of celebrities. Regular workouts not only keep your skin toned, but it also has the effect of hydrating your skin because of the liquids that are drank during exercise. Cardiovascular workouts such as running, walking, and biking are the best for improving your skin because the toxins found in your body are sweated out.
Celebrities always talk about the importance of moisturizers because dark skin has the tendency to appear ashen when it is dry. These products are best applied after a shower because damp skin is able to hold in moisture. Moisturizers need not be the overly expensive brands. For your face, it is best to use a moisturizer made specifically for what it needs. Some women have dry skin while some have a combination of both dry and oily. Identify your type of facial skin in order to use products formulated towards the particular need.
A facial cleanser should be used in African American skin care, especially at night to wash off cosmetics and grime. Singer Mary J. Blige makes sure to take off all the makeup at the end of the day. Dry skin tends to work better with non-soapy cleansers since soap can be drying. On the other hand, oily skin thrives on the use of gels. Just like moisturizers, there are different kinds of cleansers to choose from. Just make sure to use clean hands to wash the face. If washcloths or sponges are used, these items must be clean and changed daily to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria, which can lead to skin problems.
It’s always back to the basics when it comes to caring for your beautiful black skin. Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize and you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to your skin.
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Publisher
NYRAJU Skin Care – Providers of Natural Skin Care Products for the African American Market