“This isn’t about makeup per se – it’s about the message that ‘being fresh faced’ – or baring our true selves – is REALLY what makes us beautiful and confident.”

–National No Makeup Day on Facebook

Nyraju Skincare has always embraced the ideal that beauty comes from self-confidence and from within, while incorporating a healthy lifestyle. This holistic approach includes nurturing your beautiful Black skin. We admire our African American beauties, like Alicia Keys, Gabrielle Union and those of you, boldly leading the charge in shifting the paradigm in the natural beauty movement. So, in recognition of National No Makeup Day on April 25th, we offer you some suggestions while you’re letting your skin breathe:

Relish your regimen of cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Cleansing removes dirt, oil and dead skin cells, all of which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. A good cleanser is gentle, nourishes your skin and doesn’t strip it of its natural oils.

After you cleanse your skin, you’ll want to tone it. Toners correct the pH balance of your skin after you clean it, as well as delivering beneficial ingredients to your skin, like essential oils, rose being one of the best of them.

Moisturizers are so critical! They help to hold moisture in your skin and act as a barrier to prevent the loss of water  Your largest organ needs this protection from within and on the surface. A great way to moisturize and fortify your skin is with a good face oil or serum. You’ll want to find oils like jojoba, olive, avocado and sweet almond that can be used with your skin type.

Get your masque on! It will remove dead skin cells, cleanse your pores and boost the texture of your skin while reducing fine lines. The circulation  within your skin and retention of moisture levels will also improve. Masques also provide much-needed vitamins and minerals to your skin as well as antioxidants for strengthening and renewing collagen. Treat yourself once or twice weekly.

Different masques perform different jobs. The performance of certain elements is impacted by your skin type. Some remove excess oil, dirt and blackheads like a vitamin C and clay masque, while others add extra hydration. Hydrating face masque recipes include ingredients like honey, avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, cocoa butter or simply one with yogurt and banana together. You could also opt for an all natural prepared masque like the Honey Masque For Black Skin.

We dare you to feel stressed out while you have a masque on!

Exfoliators or scrubs are used to gently remove dead skin cells from your upper skin layer. You’ll find ingredients such as sugar, finely ground salt, potent powdered herbs, ground nuts, pulverized apricot kernels and jojoba wax beads.  Some benefits include:

• Removal of dead skin cells
• Fading blemishes
• Reduction of discoloration
• Softening of skin
• Polishing away uneven dry patches for an even tone
• Reduction of the appearance of enlarged pores, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles

For our mature women of color, note that as your skin matures, the process by which your cells renew themselves is slowed down. Instead of new cells replenishing every 28 to 30 days, it can take up to 40 days and sometimes longer for new cells growth. So exfoliate those dead cells just sitting on your skin waiting for new ones to push the old ones out, resulting in gray, ashy and dull skin. A fruit peel or gentle scrub will have your skin looking glowing and renewed.

Take the opportunity for spring cleaning. Get rid of products and make up more than 6 months old. Remember there will be a build-up of bacteria which leads to clogged up pores and dull skin. Don’t forget your makeup brushes and sponges, which should be washed with soap and water.

Go out and show off your fresh-faced beauty while enjoying your makeup-free day!

As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care