We’re not all blessed to have the type of flawless skin that people like Halle Berry and Arlenis make look so easy. Luckily I have five (yes, just five for now) simple steps you can start right now on your path to more beautiful skin.
1. Quit Smoking. Another point of motivation to kick your tobacco habit: smoking wrecks shop on your skin. Expect premature wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and dullness if you decide to continue your loyalty to Newport or Marlboro or whoever sells cigarettes these days. Smoking reduces the skin’s ability to regenerate itself and slows the flow of blood to the body’s largest organ. Studies are saying even just smoking a cigarette once decreases the flow of blood in the skin for up to 90 minutes. Folks, we need that blood flowing all up and through our skin.
2. Become BFFs with Sunscreen. Hopefully the scary rumor that Black folks don’t need to wear sunscreen has gone the way of the Tropical Fantasy and infertility rumor. No matter what, even in winter, we need to get down with the sunscreen. Remember how some of them would never blend into our skin properly giving an “ashy” appearance? Those days are way behind us now (Put that where? Back there). There’s so many formulas out there like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch that disappear right into our skin. No excuses. Especially since we’re prone to hyperpigmentation and going out sans sunscreen can make the spots even darker.
And to really drive the point home, though we don’t get skin cancers as often as our non-Black counterparts, when we do get it, it’s sometimes harder to detect and even more aggressive. So sunscreen and at least a yearly visit to the derm? Y-E-S!
3. Follow a Simple Daily Skincare Regime. A basic skincare regime includes a cleanser, a toner (maybe), a daytime moisturizer, a night time moisturizer, and a treatment depending on any skin issues you might have. You may need to switch the products in your routine from time to time especially for those who notice changes in their skin due to environment.
Shockingly though, more than half of us have our skin type wrong and are consequently using the wrong type of products. If you think this might be you, check out skintypesolutions.com and take a free 5-10 minute quiz to get your true skin type. You can also find out more information on the right products to use.
4. Get to Know Retinoids. Retinoids (or Vitamin A derivatives) are like super multi-tasking soldiers that fight acne, help to fade brown spots, reduce fine lines and aging, and help to improve the skin’s texture. They’re like The Headleys of skincare!
You can get a retinol cream from your local vitamin store for probably less than what you pay for lunch. If your skin needs something more effective, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to go over treatments for you. Keep in mind though some retinoids can be very drying so use them at night and be sure to use sunscreen during the day.
5. Eat and Live Right. While the jury is still out on whether eating fatty or sugary foods actually do cause skin problems, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can actually help improve the skin’s condition. Also not only is that Kanye Workout Plan good for your thighs, it could work wonders for your face as well by helping with circulation. Getting enough sleep is also needed to promote cell turnover and collagen production, so shut the laptop down and catch some zzzs. Turns out you really do need your beauty sleep.
Those are five simple steps to more beautiful skin. Feel free to add your own personal skincare tricks in the comments.
~Danielle
November 17, 2010 11:51 am
Drink plenty of water.
November 17, 2010 12:03 pm
i would also say that if none of these methods are improving your skin, visit a dermatologist and esthetician!
and i totally agree about sunscreen (the one i use is a combination daily moisturiser and sunscreen made by ambi) it has helped with me lightening dark spots by blocking out the sun which tans them. and i definitely agree about skin cancer. after having a skin cancer scare last year, i did research and found out that blacks are more likely to get the virulent kind of melanoma in less pigmented places (like toenails and the back of the hands) and that blacks are more likely to die from them because we are not on the lookout for melanomas and don’t protect our skin with sunscreen, so they are often not discovered until the point of no return.
November 17, 2010 1:01 pm
right on time…I’ve been thinking about this alot lately as I am 35 and have a new baby – so the skin has definitely changed…I started drinking about 3 liters of water a day and using a moisturizer and am already seeing a difference…This was right on time.
November 17, 2010 1:19 pm
Last time I got a facial my esthetician told me to cut the sodium in my diet, it was making me break out. I’ve been watching it ever since and I love how my skin looks! Now if I could just up the water intake…
November 17, 2010 1:29 pm
i need some retinol!
November 17, 2010 3:43 pm
Yes…I needed to read this post….I don’t smoke…I wear sunscreen…I have a routine…..I MIGHT need to eat more healthier<—lol #Foodie
November 17, 2010 3:44 pm
Forgot to add, The model in the third pic…Her and her skin are STUNNING! WOW!
November 17, 2010 4:01 pm
I totally agree with the post doing these things will make your skin look much better, but remember good skin doesn’t come in a bottle. I personally try to use natural/organic products whenever possible. I have used all sorts of moisturizers from high end to drugstore brands, the best ive used has been raw organic extra virgin coconut oil. It may be too oily for a daytime moisturizer for some, but it is absolutely perfect for a nightime moisturizer especially during the winter months. I even got my bf to use it! and his skin has cleared and scars have faded. Give it a try ladies. Remember to drink lots of H20 and eat a healthy diet rich in veggies and essential fats.
<3
November 17, 2010 4:17 pm
Model in 3rd pic is Ubah Hassan and she is beautiful
former face of Ralph Lauren http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG4697411/New-York-Fashion-Week-Ubah-Hassan-heads-Ralph-Lauren-collection.html
November 17, 2010 6:30 pm
great tips, lords know I need to find a good regimen
November 17, 2010 11:05 pm
I’m all on it. You should also sleep on your back and change your pillowcase every week.
November 18, 2010 5:11 am
Thanks @Bonifant for the info! Ubah Hassan is gorgeous.
November 18, 2010 7:59 pm
I have sensitive skin and ever sunscreen I’ve used in the past irritated it. Do you have any suggestions?
November 18, 2010 11:38 pm
Also probiotics have been shown to improve skin texture and clarity. I get mine from RAW vitamins. They’re the Vitamin Code for Women. I’ve tried a lot of different types of “all natural” vitamins and this one really does make a noticeable difference.
November 24, 2010 11:31 am
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