Black Women aging. Talking to a group of Black Women about aging this week and they kept telling me: “Honey my Black Don’t Crack!”
Is this phrase spoken in denial about aging or in confidence about how good they look and feel about their skin? It could be both.
Aging is a natural process that happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it. We all want to hold onto our youth for as long as possible, and sometimes that means going to great lengths to deny the realities of aging.
One way we do this is by using phrases like “black don’t crack.” This phrase is often used to describe how Black Women age gracefully, without the visible signs of aging that other races experience.
While it’s true that Black Women do tend to have better skin than other races, this phrase is often used as a way to deny the aging process altogether. It’s a way of saying, “I don’t have to worry about wrinkles because I’m Black.”
This is harmful for a few reasons. First, it perpetuates the false idea that Black Women don’t age. This is simply not true. Everyone ages, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Second, it puts unrealistic pressure on Black Women to maintain a youthful appearance. We already deal with enough pressure to look a certain way, and this just adds to it.
Lastly, it can make Black Women feel bad about themselves when they do start to show signs of aging. We should be celebrating the fact that we’re aging gracefully, not hiding it away.
A popular saying amongst the black community, but is it really true?
As we age, our skin goes through changes. The collagen and elastin in our skin starts to break down, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
While it’s true that black people tend to age gracefully, there are still some things we can do to help our skin look its best.
Here are a few tips:
1. Use sunscreen: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin and accelerate the aging process. Make sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re in the sun.
2. Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated is important for all skin types, but it’s especially important for aging skin. Look for a moisturizer or serum that contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to bind moisture to the skin.
3. Exfoliate: Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, which can make your skin look dull. Look for an exfoliator that contains jojoba wax beads, glycolic, or lactic acid.
4. Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, but it’s also important for the health of your skin. When you’re well-rested, your skin has a chance to repair itself.
5. Eat Healthy Meals: Eating a healthy diet is good for your overall health, and it’s also good for your skin. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Following these tips can help you keep your skin looking its best as you age. Remember, your black may not crack, but a good skin care routine can always help!
The phrase “black don’t crack” is often used to deny the aging process. But the fact is, everyone ages and Black Women are no exception.
So, if you want to age gracefully, take care of your skin and don’t buy into the myth that “Black Don’t Crack.” Your skin will thank you for it!
That’s it for this week. Like what you’ve read? Share it with your friends on social.
As always,
Dedicated To Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher,