From: www.stanleybeautycare.com
Blackheads are so common, yet many of us do not know what they are. We know even less about dealing with them. However, they can be controlled and even prevented by taking regular care of the skin.
Blackheads are caused by over active sebaceous glands (the oil producing glands of the skin). The excess secretion of oil expands and thickens the pores of the skin. The oil collects in the pores and hardens into a plug. The pores are then clogged with hardened sebum or oil. Since the pores are open, the tip of the clogged grease is exposed to the air and oxidizes, turning black. Hence, blackheads are formed.
Oily skins naturally tend to attract dirt and grime from the environment and these pollutants also collect in the pores with hardened oil. Blackheads cause the pores to be further enlarged and people with oily skins end up with a skin texture that is coarse and trough. Apart from the fact that blackheads look unsightly, they are the cause of acne. When a pore is fully blocked, the oil gland can get infected resulting into a pimple. Therefore, the control of blackheads is one way of preventing acne.
Blackheads not only appear on the face, but on the back, chest and other areas that are rich in sebaceous glands.
Blackhead extraction is a professional job and it should be left to people who know exactly know how to do it.
Never pick at them. Tampering with the skin by forcing blackheads out brutally can damage the skin tissue by destroying the inner layer. The counter part of the blackhead is the whitehead, which is also caused by collection of sebum in the pores, but in this case the pores are not open and the sebum is not exposed to the air.
Effective methods for removing Blackheads:
It is most important to keep the skin scrupulously clean.
1. Use an oatmeal or almond mask thoroughly to cleanse your face. Mix either oatmeal or almond powder with enough rose water to make a soft paste that spreads easily on the skin. Rub it on your skin with your fingertips, paying special attention the problem areas. Leave to dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
2. Apply undiluted lemon juice, two to three times a day, on the affected areas.
3. A solution made out of one and a half cups of hot water and half a tablespoon of boric powder is an ideal concoction for blackheads, Saturate a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin, repeat twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and sterilized cotton wool. Pat on an astringent.
4. Warm a little honey and apply on the trouble spots. Wash off after 10-15 minutes.
Try out these home remedies for cleaning out your blackheads yourself or get in touch with a qualified beautician.
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5.01.2008
ACNE Treatment
From: www.stanleybeautycare.com
Never go to bed without cleansing your face. This is a big no-no. Left over makeup can form zits on face. Use a facial cleanser, not soap. Soap will irritate the skin. Don't pick at your face. This will cause the healing time to slow down and may form scares on the face.
To dry out pimples overnight , try using toothpaste (not gel) directly on the pimple. Egg whites also work in the same manner and make a great face mask.
So your zit is red, try using a little hydrocortisone cream directly on the zit.
Never go to bed without cleansing your face. This is a big no-no. Left over makeup can form zits on face. Use a facial cleanser, not soap. Soap will irritate the skin. Don't pick at your face. This will cause the healing time to slow down and may form scares on the face.
To dry out pimples overnight , try using toothpaste (not gel) directly on the pimple. Egg whites also work in the same manner and make a great face mask.
So your zit is red, try using a little hydrocortisone cream directly on the zit.
How To Care For Your Skin Everyday! - Daily Cleansing, Toning & Moisturizing(CTM routine)
From: www.stanleybeautycare.com
How To Care For Your Skin Everyday!
The general rule of thumb is to follow the CTM routine.
1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. MoisturizeCleanse-
Cleansing your face should be a daily routine especially if you wear makeup. If you have been reading through the skin care tips you'll find that we have stressed this fact at every turn. Be sure to remove all makeup. Yes, this includes mascara. Sometimes we remove blush, foundation and eye shadow but forget to get the mascara. Your skin should be totally clean before you check in for the night.
Tone- Toners will remove all traces of dirt and makeup that your cleanser didn't get. Be sure to get those problem areas of your skin such as around the nose, chin and forehead.
Moisturize- Our skin needs moisture to remain soft and young looking. Don't skip this step, it's very important to keep your skin hydrated.
How To Care For Your Skin Everyday!
The general rule of thumb is to follow the CTM routine.
1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. MoisturizeCleanse-
Cleansing your face should be a daily routine especially if you wear makeup. If you have been reading through the skin care tips you'll find that we have stressed this fact at every turn. Be sure to remove all makeup. Yes, this includes mascara. Sometimes we remove blush, foundation and eye shadow but forget to get the mascara. Your skin should be totally clean before you check in for the night.
Tone- Toners will remove all traces of dirt and makeup that your cleanser didn't get. Be sure to get those problem areas of your skin such as around the nose, chin and forehead.
Moisturize- Our skin needs moisture to remain soft and young looking. Don't skip this step, it's very important to keep your skin hydrated.
How To Take Summer Skin Care?
From: www.stanleybeautycare.com
Tanning
*Although a tan may look nice, in the long run the sun's rays will do lots of damage to your skin, not to mention the possibility of skin cancer.
*An alternative to looking tanned is to choose a tanning cream. These creams can be found at any cosmetics counter and are easy to use and safe on your skin.
*If you use a tanning salon to start out your tan, that does not mean it is any safer to go out in the sun.
Sun Prevention
*If whenever possible, stay out of the sun.
*If you are out and about, protect your skin by using a sunblock on not only your face but also your hands. Not only does the sun contribute to dryness and wrinkles, but it can also contribute to skin cancer.
Tanning
*Although a tan may look nice, in the long run the sun's rays will do lots of damage to your skin, not to mention the possibility of skin cancer.
*An alternative to looking tanned is to choose a tanning cream. These creams can be found at any cosmetics counter and are easy to use and safe on your skin.
*If you use a tanning salon to start out your tan, that does not mean it is any safer to go out in the sun.
Sun Prevention
*If whenever possible, stay out of the sun.
*If you are out and about, protect your skin by using a sunblock on not only your face but also your hands. Not only does the sun contribute to dryness and wrinkles, but it can also contribute to skin cancer.
How To Take Winter Skin Care?
From: www.stanleybeautycare.com
During this cool season we still have to make sure that we are doing all that we can to make our skin the best it can be. To protect it from the harsh weather changes that are happening at this time of year.
*Even though it isn't summer any longer and the sun isn't out that much anymore, it is still a good idea to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside, especially on your face.
*Don't forget to wear lip balm on your lips, because the cool temperatures and the wind can make your lips chapped and sore.
*Don't forget to wear moisturizer on your face and hands. The cold can make them feel dry and tight so protect your skin with a good moisturizer.
If you have dry skin, consider changing your moisturizer to one that heightens moisturization - especially women who participate in winter sports or spend time with children outdoors.
For those with oily skin, we don't recommend much of a change in regimen, unless you're being exposed to harsh outdoor elements.
Stay with a light moisturizer, whose gentle exfoliating properties lift away dull skin for a more radiant complexion even when skin is irritated by environmental factors. However, do not exfoliate with scrubs or masks as frequently as in warmer months.
As the area around the eyes can become dryer too, make sure they are receiving optimal moisturization. Use a good eye cream for this.
Improving Your Skin By Shedding It
By Cori Chong
Out of the throws of a generally young person's dilemma has come one of the most popular treatments for aging skin: skin peels.
Tretinoin is used for treating acne. When applied on a regular basis it promotes peeling where it has been applied and unclogs pores. Doctors often prescribe this medicine for renewing aging skin and you should consult your dermatologist or pharmacist with questions that you might have.
Tretinoin is also found under the brand labels as Avita, Retin, Retin-A, and Renova. These products are prescribed in a cream, liquid or gel form to be applied to the skin at bedtime, waiting 2 to 3 days between applications. If you decide to see your doctor about getting this product you should ask a lot of questions and you should follow his instructions including the amount of the product to be used and how often to apply it.
Chances are in the first seven to ten days your condition will worsen, including an increase in acne sores (if you have them prior to using the cream) and red peeling skin. However, you should keep using it and the sores will eventually disappear. It may take up to six weeks of regular use for results but you could see them in two to three weeks.
During this time your skin is obviously going to be more sensitive so if you are going to use cosmetics you should only use those that are not medicated and only on clean skin. And for certain don't use anything that might irritate sensitive skin like alcohol, astringents or shaving lotions. The result will be painful, stinging skin. Also ask your doctor about any other topical medications that you might be using.
You should make sure and tell your doctor and pharmacist what other drugs or vitamins/ herbs, minerals or any type of supplements you are taking to make sure there is no interaction.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using any of these brands, call your doctor.
After the top layer of skin has peeled off the results are generally very good and one can expect to look younger with less visible fine lines and age spots. It is VERY important that during the time you are using these treatments (for some it could be the rest of your life) to stay out of the sun. You are exposing very tender undamaged skin with these peels and letting it see the sun is a big mistake. Wear a hat and for extra protection you may also use a sunscreen as prescribed by the doctor.
Out of the throws of a generally young person's dilemma has come one of the most popular treatments for aging skin: skin peels.
Tretinoin is used for treating acne. When applied on a regular basis it promotes peeling where it has been applied and unclogs pores. Doctors often prescribe this medicine for renewing aging skin and you should consult your dermatologist or pharmacist with questions that you might have.
Tretinoin is also found under the brand labels as Avita, Retin, Retin-A, and Renova. These products are prescribed in a cream, liquid or gel form to be applied to the skin at bedtime, waiting 2 to 3 days between applications. If you decide to see your doctor about getting this product you should ask a lot of questions and you should follow his instructions including the amount of the product to be used and how often to apply it.
Chances are in the first seven to ten days your condition will worsen, including an increase in acne sores (if you have them prior to using the cream) and red peeling skin. However, you should keep using it and the sores will eventually disappear. It may take up to six weeks of regular use for results but you could see them in two to three weeks.
During this time your skin is obviously going to be more sensitive so if you are going to use cosmetics you should only use those that are not medicated and only on clean skin. And for certain don't use anything that might irritate sensitive skin like alcohol, astringents or shaving lotions. The result will be painful, stinging skin. Also ask your doctor about any other topical medications that you might be using.
While common sense should be your guide here are a few tips:
- Wash your hands and skin area well with mild soap -- nothing that will irritate the skin.
- Wait 30 minutes for your skin to completely dry before proceeding with the cream.
- Either use clean fingers or an applicator such as a cotton swab or cotton pad and be careful not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or corner of your nose.
- Use a thin layer of the cream and don't overdo it.
You should make sure and tell your doctor and pharmacist what other drugs or vitamins/ herbs, minerals or any type of supplements you are taking to make sure there is no interaction.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using any of these brands, call your doctor.
After the top layer of skin has peeled off the results are generally very good and one can expect to look younger with less visible fine lines and age spots. It is VERY important that during the time you are using these treatments (for some it could be the rest of your life) to stay out of the sun. You are exposing very tender undamaged skin with these peels and letting it see the sun is a big mistake. Wear a hat and for extra protection you may also use a sunscreen as prescribed by the doctor.
4.30.2008
Skin Care
Skin Types And Skin Care:
It is really important for you to be able to identify your skin type.This is to enable you to look after your skin correctly.Also the selection of your cosmetics is, to a considerable extent, influenced by your skin type.Although no two skins are exactly similar most have characteristics which enable them to be grouped into one of the following types:Dry skin, Normal skin, Combination skin and Oily skin.
To determine your skin type, wash your face with a mild face wash.Then, after 30 minutes, press a clean tissue against your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.If the tissue shows no trace of oil, then you have dry skin.Dry skin looks rough and is prone to premature fine lines and wrinkles.If your skin is oily in some parts but dry in others, then you have combination skin.Normal skin usually looks smooth and is not prone to break outs.Oily skin feels oily to touch and tends to shine.Oily skin is also prone to blackheads and pimples.A sensitive skin needs special care, as it may be sensitive to some ingredients found in popular cosmetics.Those with sensitive skin should always use beauty aids that are hypoallergenic to protect their skin from allergic reactions.A regular skin care programme, adapted to the needs of your particular skin type, goes a long way in keeping your skin radiant and problem free.
- Dry Skin:Dry skin needs extra care, as it is prone to fine lines and wrinkles.This is especially true during the winter months when it feels even drier and may feel too taut or may even flake.A few measures help alleviate dryness and keep your skin supple and, at the same time, guard against premature aging.
1.Always wash your face with a mild, soap-free face wash.Never use soap, as that would further strip your skin of natural oil.
2.Always use a moisturiser during the day.Use upward,circular motion to lightly massage the moisturiser into your face.Make sure not to pull or tug your skin.
3.You should consider using a night cream before going to bed at night.It is advisable to use a cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids(or AHA's, as they're commonly known).AHA's are derived from sources such as milk, fruit and sugar-cane.These acids gently exfoliate the dry, dead, outermost layers of skin while they moisturise the newly revealed layers.They greatly benefit complexions that look dull, dry or flaky and they give your skin a beautiful glow.
4.Both AHA and Vitamin C help reduce fine lines and other signs of aging.Thus, you may get good results quickly by using a moisturiser or cream that contains Vitamin C during the day and an AHA-based night cream.Most known brands have moisturisers and creams that contain these.
5.If you have dry skin that tends to flake off, looks red and has some itchy patches that scab, consult your doctor to rule out eczema.Eczema, also known as atopic dermititis, is generally considered to be a hereditary condition that can occur throughout the year.Other causes of eczema can be fabrics such as wool, some skin-care products or detergents etc.Your doctor may prescribe a cream to soothe the redness and irritation.Non-irriating fabrics such as cotton also help avoid flare-ups.
6.Many people suffer from weather-related dry skin. If the weather in the winter months is normally drier and this tends to dehydrate your skin, regular use of moisturiser will keep your skin hydrated and supple.
- Normal Skin: Nomal skin is usually trouble-free and needs simple care to keep it healthy and glowing.Normal skin also tolerates most popular lotions and creams as well.A regular skin-care program combined with a balanced, healthy diet helps keep normal skin stay supple and young.Regular care for normal skin should include a few simple steps.
1.Cleansing, toning, and moisturising daily keeps normal skin in great shape for a long time.It is advisable to use natural products on your skin.
2.It's easy to take trouble-free skin for granted.But, if neglected, it will begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles.So always remember to nourish and moisturise your skin.
3.Creams and lotions that contain vitamin A, C and E help improve the texture of your skin, making it smoother and softer.Moreover, these vitamins counter the effects of free radicals.
4.Even if your skin is normal, you still have to give it regular care.Your skin, like any other skin type, is constantly assaulted by free radicals.Free radicles are molecules formed in the skin when it is exposed to the environment, pollution, or sunlight.
It is really important for you to be able to identify your skin type.This is to enable you to look after your skin correctly.Also the selection of your cosmetics is, to a considerable extent, influenced by your skin type.Although no two skins are exactly similar most have characteristics which enable them to be grouped into one of the following types:Dry skin, Normal skin, Combination skin and Oily skin.
To determine your skin type, wash your face with a mild face wash.Then, after 30 minutes, press a clean tissue against your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.If the tissue shows no trace of oil, then you have dry skin.Dry skin looks rough and is prone to premature fine lines and wrinkles.If your skin is oily in some parts but dry in others, then you have combination skin.Normal skin usually looks smooth and is not prone to break outs.Oily skin feels oily to touch and tends to shine.Oily skin is also prone to blackheads and pimples.A sensitive skin needs special care, as it may be sensitive to some ingredients found in popular cosmetics.Those with sensitive skin should always use beauty aids that are hypoallergenic to protect their skin from allergic reactions.A regular skin care programme, adapted to the needs of your particular skin type, goes a long way in keeping your skin radiant and problem free.
- Dry Skin:Dry skin needs extra care, as it is prone to fine lines and wrinkles.This is especially true during the winter months when it feels even drier and may feel too taut or may even flake.A few measures help alleviate dryness and keep your skin supple and, at the same time, guard against premature aging.
1.Always wash your face with a mild, soap-free face wash.Never use soap, as that would further strip your skin of natural oil.
2.Always use a moisturiser during the day.Use upward,circular motion to lightly massage the moisturiser into your face.Make sure not to pull or tug your skin.
3.You should consider using a night cream before going to bed at night.It is advisable to use a cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids(or AHA's, as they're commonly known).AHA's are derived from sources such as milk, fruit and sugar-cane.These acids gently exfoliate the dry, dead, outermost layers of skin while they moisturise the newly revealed layers.They greatly benefit complexions that look dull, dry or flaky and they give your skin a beautiful glow.
4.Both AHA and Vitamin C help reduce fine lines and other signs of aging.Thus, you may get good results quickly by using a moisturiser or cream that contains Vitamin C during the day and an AHA-based night cream.Most known brands have moisturisers and creams that contain these.
5.If you have dry skin that tends to flake off, looks red and has some itchy patches that scab, consult your doctor to rule out eczema.Eczema, also known as atopic dermititis, is generally considered to be a hereditary condition that can occur throughout the year.Other causes of eczema can be fabrics such as wool, some skin-care products or detergents etc.Your doctor may prescribe a cream to soothe the redness and irritation.Non-irriating fabrics such as cotton also help avoid flare-ups.
6.Many people suffer from weather-related dry skin. If the weather in the winter months is normally drier and this tends to dehydrate your skin, regular use of moisturiser will keep your skin hydrated and supple.
- Normal Skin: Nomal skin is usually trouble-free and needs simple care to keep it healthy and glowing.Normal skin also tolerates most popular lotions and creams as well.A regular skin-care program combined with a balanced, healthy diet helps keep normal skin stay supple and young.Regular care for normal skin should include a few simple steps.
1.Cleansing, toning, and moisturising daily keeps normal skin in great shape for a long time.It is advisable to use natural products on your skin.
2.It's easy to take trouble-free skin for granted.But, if neglected, it will begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles.So always remember to nourish and moisturise your skin.
3.Creams and lotions that contain vitamin A, C and E help improve the texture of your skin, making it smoother and softer.Moreover, these vitamins counter the effects of free radicals.
4.Even if your skin is normal, you still have to give it regular care.Your skin, like any other skin type, is constantly assaulted by free radicals.Free radicles are molecules formed in the skin when it is exposed to the environment, pollution, or sunlight.
Know Thy Brown Skin
From Dr. Susan C.Taylor
Susan C. Taylor, M.D., author of Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair, and Nails, is a Harvard-trained physician and an internationally recognized expert in dermatology and ethnic skin disease. She lectures worldwide, has appeared on the Today show and Weekend Today, and has been featured in Essence, Good Housekeeping, Heart and Soul, and other publications. Below is an excerpt from her book.
As a woman of color, you've always desired radiant, even-toned skin and healthy, fast-growing hair, but you may not have always had the facts and the guidance you need to look your best. Few books and magazines offer details about the skin and hair of women of color. The books that do offer only superficial, and sometimes inaccurate, information. To get the skin and hair you long for and deserve, you first need to become better acquainted with the skin you're in. As a woman of color, the better you understand what makes your skin and hair unique, the better you'll be able to care for your looks and uncover your natural beauty. In this chapter, you'll begin to learn about skin-of-color characteristics. Skin of color is quite different from white skin in many respects. Also, among women of color there is great variety of skin tones and types. As you gain a better understanding of the differences between skin of color and white skin, and what makes your skin distinct, you'll be able to make wiser decisions about your skin's care. With this knowledge you'll gain the power to look your best.
In Black and White: What Makes Skin of Color Different?
The distinctions between your skin of color and white skin are numerous.
The most notable differences include:
Although all people have the same number of melanocyte cells, people of color have melanocytes that are capable of making large amounts of melanin. This increased melanin is what gives skin of color its warm shade.
But there is no one type of skin of color. Among individual women of color, the amount of melanin varies dramatically, so that a woman with an abundance of melanin will have deep chocolate-brown skin tone, while a woman with less melanin will have vanilla skin tone. There are numerous shades -- an estimated thirty-five shades among women of African descent.
Melanin is not a static substance. That is why our skin changes color in response to various stimuli. Our melanocyte cells can produce more melanin if stimulated by the sun, medications, or certain diseases. The most obvious example of this is tanning, which occurs when our skin produces more melanin after sun exposure. Our skin may also darken in response to certain drugs such as minocycline, which is commonly used to treat acne, or in response to certain medical conditions such as Addison's disease (see "Melanin and Medicine," page 14, and "Melanin and Your Health," page 15, Our skin can also produce less pigmentation, or lightened areas, after a burn or other injury.
The melanin in our skin offers us certain other characteristics that are superior in many respects to white skin.
Have you noticed that you look ten years younger than many of your White friends of the same age? This is because of your skin's greater melanin content. Our melanin has many significant health as well as beauty benefits. The most terrific advantage to having large amounts of melanin in the skin is that it protects skin from the damaging impact of the sun. It guards the skin from short-term effects such as severe sunburn (although our skin can burn under certain circumstances). Our melanin also guards our skin from long-term damage associated with aging -- the development of deep wrinkles, rough surface texture, and age spots (sometimes called liver spots).
Another advantage to having more melanin is that people of color are less susceptible to developing skin cancer, particularly the more common types known as basal and squamous cell skin cancers. The rate of skin cancer among African Americans, though significant, is many times lower than the rate for Whites. As women of color, we also have the advantage of possessing the naturally warm, glowing skin sought after by White women without having to go to the beach or a tanning salon.
However, we must accept the down sides as well. A disadvantage to having more melanin is that it makes our skin more "reactive." That means almost any stimulus -- a rash, scratch, pimple, or inflammation -- may trigger the production of excess melanin, resulting in dark marks or patches on the skin. These dark areas are the result of what is called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Less commonly, some Black women will develop a decrease in melanin or postinflammatory hypopigmentation in response to skin trauma (burns, etc.). In either case, the dark or light areas may be disfiguring and devastating for women who experience them, especially because the discolorations may take months or years to fade.
Susan C. Taylor, M.D., author of Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair, and Nails, is a Harvard-trained physician and an internationally recognized expert in dermatology and ethnic skin disease. She lectures worldwide, has appeared on the Today show and Weekend Today, and has been featured in Essence, Good Housekeeping, Heart and Soul, and other publications. Below is an excerpt from her book.
As a woman of color, you've always desired radiant, even-toned skin and healthy, fast-growing hair, but you may not have always had the facts and the guidance you need to look your best. Few books and magazines offer details about the skin and hair of women of color. The books that do offer only superficial, and sometimes inaccurate, information. To get the skin and hair you long for and deserve, you first need to become better acquainted with the skin you're in. As a woman of color, the better you understand what makes your skin and hair unique, the better you'll be able to care for your looks and uncover your natural beauty. In this chapter, you'll begin to learn about skin-of-color characteristics. Skin of color is quite different from white skin in many respects. Also, among women of color there is great variety of skin tones and types. As you gain a better understanding of the differences between skin of color and white skin, and what makes your skin distinct, you'll be able to make wiser decisions about your skin's care. With this knowledge you'll gain the power to look your best.
In Black and White: What Makes Skin of Color Different?
The distinctions between your skin of color and white skin are numerous.
The most notable differences include:
- More melanin, or brown skin pigment, resulting in a warmer skin shade
- Greater natural protection from the sun and lower risk of skin cancer
- Fewer visible signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots
- Potential problems with pigmentation, or uneven darkening or lightening of skin
- Greater risk of keloid (raised, often large scars) development
- Skin of Color Characteristics
Although all people have the same number of melanocyte cells, people of color have melanocytes that are capable of making large amounts of melanin. This increased melanin is what gives skin of color its warm shade.
But there is no one type of skin of color. Among individual women of color, the amount of melanin varies dramatically, so that a woman with an abundance of melanin will have deep chocolate-brown skin tone, while a woman with less melanin will have vanilla skin tone. There are numerous shades -- an estimated thirty-five shades among women of African descent.
Melanin is not a static substance. That is why our skin changes color in response to various stimuli. Our melanocyte cells can produce more melanin if stimulated by the sun, medications, or certain diseases. The most obvious example of this is tanning, which occurs when our skin produces more melanin after sun exposure. Our skin may also darken in response to certain drugs such as minocycline, which is commonly used to treat acne, or in response to certain medical conditions such as Addison's disease (see "Melanin and Medicine," page 14, and "Melanin and Your Health," page 15, Our skin can also produce less pigmentation, or lightened areas, after a burn or other injury.
The melanin in our skin offers us certain other characteristics that are superior in many respects to white skin.
Have you noticed that you look ten years younger than many of your White friends of the same age? This is because of your skin's greater melanin content. Our melanin has many significant health as well as beauty benefits. The most terrific advantage to having large amounts of melanin in the skin is that it protects skin from the damaging impact of the sun. It guards the skin from short-term effects such as severe sunburn (although our skin can burn under certain circumstances). Our melanin also guards our skin from long-term damage associated with aging -- the development of deep wrinkles, rough surface texture, and age spots (sometimes called liver spots).
Another advantage to having more melanin is that people of color are less susceptible to developing skin cancer, particularly the more common types known as basal and squamous cell skin cancers. The rate of skin cancer among African Americans, though significant, is many times lower than the rate for Whites. As women of color, we also have the advantage of possessing the naturally warm, glowing skin sought after by White women without having to go to the beach or a tanning salon.
However, we must accept the down sides as well. A disadvantage to having more melanin is that it makes our skin more "reactive." That means almost any stimulus -- a rash, scratch, pimple, or inflammation -- may trigger the production of excess melanin, resulting in dark marks or patches on the skin. These dark areas are the result of what is called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Less commonly, some Black women will develop a decrease in melanin or postinflammatory hypopigmentation in response to skin trauma (burns, etc.). In either case, the dark or light areas may be disfiguring and devastating for women who experience them, especially because the discolorations may take months or years to fade.
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