This time of year, yes at the time of this writing, it’s winter.  And despite the Antarctic weather, your skin may feel as parched as a desert.  Dryness, dullness, flaking and roughness is a sign from your beautiful black skin that it’s time to give it some attention.  Don’t stop taking care of your skin just because it’s cold outside and finding the right skin care products will be key.

When caring for African American skin, in order to brighten dull skin,  give it a treatment that will also nourish it.  Tiny flakes also known as dead skin cells, can trap any light that your skin may get causing it to appear dull.  It also means that your skin can possibly be losing water and makes it feel rough.  Most of the time when you see flakes and dry skin, your thought is to add tons of moisturizers or oils but you need to remove the dead skin cells first with an exfoliant.

Gentle exfoliation is the key, you don’t want to irritate your skin.  Then you can apply a moisturizer that will hydrate the new cell and plump and brighten your dry skin.  Adding your moisturizer to your face while it’s still damp forms a barrier that will allow  your skin to stay hydrated.

Winter invites skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (a common inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as your scalp and inside your ears) and eczema (a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes).  The change in temperature and dry indoor air means that your skin looses its water and can cause flare ups with dermatitis and eczema.  Anti-inflammatory antioxidants, like Green Tea and Vitamin C can help in calming things down.

Even though much of your skin is protected from the elements by layers of clothing, it’s still susceptible to low humidity, dry indoor air and in winter you have a tendency to shorten your skin care regimen by cutting down on the steps of your routine.

It takes twenty one days for new skin cells to grow on your face and twenty eight to forty days on your body.  So whether it’s flaky skin on your face or body, choose gentile exfoliating products that are made for each, your face and your body.  Don’t use products on your beautiful black face that are meant for your body.

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel,

Founder/Esthetician/Publisher

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

http://www.nyrajuskincare.com