Skin Care Tips For Black Women During This Hot Weather

It’s official I have witnessed the hottest season here in Nigeria.There are few protective measure’s that we need to take now when it comes to our skin.One of the most common misconceptions around brown skin is that we can't get skin cancer because our melanin doubles as built-in SPF. We've said it many times and we'll say it again: this is completely false! 

The importance of protecting the skin from the harsh rays of the sun cannot be over emphasized in short aside from all the other tips we are about to give out, you must make sure that you are well protected from harmful exposure – a sun hat and shade should be with you always. There is an importance of adjusting with the times and protecting your skin all year round, from the food you eat to the temperature of the water you bathe in and the type of cleansers you use here are a few bad habits that you need to rid yourself off this hot season;

• Hot Showers

Even in the middle of a sticky and hot day, nothing feels better than the steam from a hot shower. Unfortunately, that simple pleasure is also a killjoy for healthy skin. 

Taking a hot shower compromises the skin barrier as. Keep it lukewarm to avoid overly irritating or drying the skin. Also do not use soaps that tend to strip the skin of natural oil. Instead, consider using a non-soap cleanser 

• Over-Exfoliation

Speaking of showers, it's also imperative that you don't go overboard with exfoliation. We love a Clarisonic or loofah as much as the next person, but like soap, it can also lead to irritation and inflammation. Over exfoliating can lead to discoloration, especially in brown skin. I recommend using a gentle exfoliant once a week.

• Eating High Glycemic Foods

No one wants to hear that some of the yummiest food are also the unhealthiest, but it's the cold, hard truth. As the season approaches, check in with your refrigerator to make sure that it's fill with foods. 

If it is not good for the heart, it is not good for the skin, and also Diets high in glycemic index (breads, pastas, sweets, etc.) increase cortisol levels in the blood. In turn, this creates an environment whereby the skin is more likely to be inflamed. Remember: eat everything in moderation! Diets in high glycerin shouldn’t be taken much of instead, store food that would kick your glow into high gear instead.

• Incorrect Use of Anti-Aging Products

One of the most common skin care issues among women of color is uneven complexion or discoloration. These can result from pre-existing conditions such as acne or eczema. On the other hand, nasty habits, like picking at pimples, will also leave you with dark spots. Get into the habit of letting blemishes heal on their own time and be more cognizant of the anti-aging products you're using. Retin-a treatments, which are vitamin a derivatives that help increase collagen production and decrease collagen breakdown, can be particularly irritating for Black skin. 

This makes acne go away and wrinkles, too. You can get them over the counter or by prescription. There is no one size fits all here - they come in creams, gels , lotions, serums and different strengths. Always consult with your dermatologist so you can identify which is best for you, if any. For oily skin, one may want a gel. For dry skin, a cream may be more effective. There are definitive nuances and if used the wrong way, irritation and discoloration can result."