It’s the time of year, we’ve been waiting for to show off our glowing complexions. But is our beautiful Black skin really ready for summer? How many boxes can you tick from our list?

Sunscreen and sunblock – UV rays can penetrate deep into your skin’s layers and trigger genetic mutations that can grow into melanoma tumors.

In a 2012 Ebony.com interview, New Jersey-based and board certified professional, Dr. Jeanine Downie cautioned ethnic minorities against the very real dangers of skin cancer – the most common form in the US.

According to the article, “Caucasians survive melanoma cancer at a better rate than African Americans do because they’re diagnosed and offered treatment more quickly. For this reason Dr. Downie says, ‘…with skin cancers in particular, everybody every day should wear an SPF 30 rain or shine, January through December, regardless of their ethnicity.’

Opt for a high quality, oil-free sunscreen formulated for our needs, and which nourishes and protects. You’ll be dipping in the pool and/or ocean and sweating, so make sure your sun protectant is also water resistant. Not only will you protect your largest organ but fight aging too.

 Glam Hatter – Look chic while you protect your neck, ears and face from the sun in a wide brim.

Moisturizer – Ashiness is never cute, especially when baring more in your halter or crop tops and swimwear. Retain moisture and softness every day, by slathering on cream, lotion, oil or butter immediately after drying after bathing. Opt for natural creams and lotions with non-comedogenic ingredients which soothe like chamomile, oatmeal and aloe.

Before And After Shave – Try using coconut oil in lieu of alcohol infused shaving creams. Coconut oil’s unique fatty acids soothe inflammation, maintain hydration and act as an antibacterial agent to prevent infection. Waxing is another alternative to removing hair from your legs and armpits. Make sure that razor is sharp, as dull razors will only pull at the hair rather than removing it and result in strawberry legs – dark pores or dots, i.e. ingrown hairs on your legs.

Sunburn remedies – It’ll probably happen if you’re a sun worshiper, but don’t fear. There are some great remedies as close as at hand as your kitchen for relief. Just one of many is honey, a popular hydrator for skin. Applying honey to burned skin will prove to be soothing and calming. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil will speed up the healing process and combat scarring.

Cellulite Reduction – Coffee can be used to lessen the appearance of unattractive dimples in your thighs. Mix 1/2 cup of brewed coffee grounds, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of olive oil. Before you hit the beach, gently massage the mixture into your thighs for approximately three minutes, then rinse. The caffeine in the coffee grounds draws excess water from your skin, helping it to appear temporarily tighter. The sugar in the mixture helps to increase with blood flow and exfoliates dead skin cells, while the olive oil hydrates and plumps your skin showing fewer lumps.

Medical help – Some skin problems may require a professional dermatologist’s diagnosis to be solved. Being treated by a doctor familiar with the special needs facing people of color will likely help you find answers more quickly.

How many summer-ready items did you cross off? See how easy it is to gear up for summer?

As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care