Sometimes the stress from  life’s big moments can have unfortunate side effects on your skin.  I know a woman who was engaged 4 times and each time her skin realized that marriage was a bad idea.  She would break out in a rash.  Red blotches would appear all over her arms, chest and stomach.  She eventually married “Mr, Right” when she realized that contemplating a life with him did not warrant massive doses of Benadryl.

If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone.  Sometimes the big events in your life- a new job, marriage, pregnancy or something as simple as a first date-can exacerbate a pre-existing condition or cause new ones to arise.

So how do you maintain calm when life has your African American skin under stress?

• A new job might bring out a zit or two, so wash every night with a cleanser that’s going to control the oil that comes to the fore front.  There’s nothing that a good green tea facial cleanser can take care of.  Typically when your skin is under stress, you will see pimples, eczema or psoriasis flare ups.  These are inflamed conditions that create excess oil under your skin even though eczema and psoriasis will have a dry appearance on the surface.  While any flare-up is likely to be temporary it will seem like it’s going to last forever.

• Getting married?  If eczema or psoriasis is a problem, it just might become an even bigger problem.  And spots, well they can be as routine as your dress fittings as the bride-to-be.  How do you avoid having blemishes attack you like a case of the measles so that you can wear that deep plunging neckline that looked so great on you at your fitting?   You have a routine solidly in place six months before your wedding.  A series of facials done by an esthetician that’s trained and understands how to work on African American skin, at least once a month – twice would be better.  At least three months  before your wedding begin a series of exfoliating treatments.  Every morning for your face unless you have sensitive skin and twice a week for your body.  Yes your declotte (that part of your chest that shows so nicely right above your breast) will want to look its best for that low plunging neckline you’ve chosen to wear.

• You’ve just found out that you’re pregnant!  Here are just a few things that can happen because of estrogen and progesterone fluctuations: pregnancy mask (a brown discoloration on your face), acne breakouts, spider veins … these are just a few of the beauties that will make an appearance when you find out you’re pregnant.  Now add to the fact that a number of skincare ingredients are off-limits while you are pregnant or breastfeeding,  this can be a tricky time.  It’s best to keep your regimen simple.  Pregnancy is a time of rapid cell growth ( stronger nails, longer hair and for most, more luxurious skin).  Your skin is also more sensitive so avoid abrasive exfoliants.

Life will give you challenges and it will bring your skin to a screeching halt.   But if you’ve maintained your skin with a regimen that’s kept it in great condition, you will bounce back quickly from any flare-ups that might occur.

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel,

Esthetician/Publisher

NYRAJU Skin Care-Providers of Natural Skin & Hair Care Products for People of Color

http://www.nyrajuskincare.com