Beauty Information

African American Skin Care


The fact is that any type of skin condition can happen regardless of the pigment of skin you have. When it comes to African American skin care and others with darker complexions however, there are a few skin care problems that are much more prevalent.

Here are five of the most common African American skin care issues?

Acne

Acne is a chronic disorder characterized by excess production of oil from sebaceous glands causing the hair follicles generally on the face, chest and back to become plugged. Pimples, papules, pustules and comedone, (black heads and white heads) cysts and infected abscesses can be treated in acne. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. In regards to African American skin care, acne may result in long lasting discolorations of the skin. Therapy is the same for all skin types but it is very important to use topical agents that minimize irritation of the skin.

Ingrown Hairs of the Beard (Razor Bumps)

Another African American skin care issue is Ingrown Hairs. African Americans have curved hair shafts and this is true of beard hair as well as other body hair. Often after a very close shave, the pointed hair may curl back into the skin and it may pierce the wall of the hair follicle, causing a reaction resulting in bumps called "pseudofolliculitis barbae." If you can, growing a beard is a viable option for helping this.

African American men should try different methods of hair removal if they suffer with ingrown hairs, which are also called razor bumps. Shaving with a special type of safety razor that does not permit a very close shave may help. Do not stretch the skin during shaving and don't shave on a daily basis. If hairs become ingrown, lift them up with an alcohol-cleaned needle (don't tweeze or pluck) just before shaving. Sometimes using a rough washcloth before shaving can help to loosen hairs about to grow inward.

Hair removal chemicals do remove hair but should only be used once a week. They must be wiped off promptly according to package directions and wash your face twice with soap and water immediately afterwards to guard against irritation.

Permanent removal of hair performed by an experienced Electrolysis Operator may be an effective solution and there are new medicated creams that may slow hair growth and help. Be sure to consult your dermatologist about treatment options.

Variations in Skin Color

African American skin has larger melanosomes (cells that determine skin color ) and the melanosomes contain more of the pigment melanin than those found in white skin. Because of the protective effect of melanin, African-Americans are better protected against skin cancer and premature wrinkling from sun exposure.

Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation is quite common in dark skinned individuals, even after minor trauma. An area of the skin may darken after an injury such as a cut or a scrape, or after certain skin disorders such as acne. To avoid or reduce post inflammatory hyper pigmentation, avoid picking, harsh scrubbing, and abrasive treatments. Darkened areas of skin may take many months or years to fade, although topical (surface) bleaching agents may help. Also chemical peels (using alpha and beta hydroxyl acids) and microdermabrasion can be helpful."

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common African American skin care condition where pigment cells are destroyed and irregular white patches on the skin appear. Many dermatologists think that the cause of this common disorder is an autoimmune process, where the cells of the body attack the pigment producing cells.

The extent of color loss differs with each person; some people lose pigment over their entire bodies. Some patients with vitiligo do not regain skin color, however some cases of vitiligo do repigment. See your dermatologist as soon as possible, as the extent of the disease will determine the appropriate treatment. .

Several skin care methods are used to treat vitiligo, but none have been perfected. Topical medications, including corticosteroids and new non-steroid anti-inflammatory preparations are commonly used. In cases where vitiligo affects most of the body, it is sometimes best to destroy the remaining normal pigment. A dermatologist can determine what treatment is best based on the extent of the disease.

Keloids

When the scar from a cut or wound extends and spreads beyond the size of the original wound, it is known as a keloid. Keloids may vary in size, shape, and location. They occur more often in brown or black skin making this a very common African American skin care issue.

Keloids are a common skin care issue on the ear lobes, neck, chest, or back, and usually occur after an injury or surgery. Occasionally they occur spontaneously, especially on the mid-chest area. Keloids often follow inflammation caused by acne on the face, chest, and back.

Keloids may be painful both physically and emotionally (from a cosmetic perspective), but it's important to address keloids primarily as a medical, rather than cosmetic condition.

Depending on the location of the keloid, skin care treatment may consist of cortisone injections, pressure, silicone gels, surgery, laser treatment, or radiation therapy. Unfortunately, keloids tend to return and even enlarge, especially after treatment with surgery.

Find more great information on not just African American skin care but all skin care needs. Find up to date and step by step skin care articles, resources, products and the latest skin care news. Visit us today at http://www.Skin-Care-101.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. Reports Solid Results for Fiscal 2008 ...
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
"Sally Beauty Holdings had solid results in fiscal 2008, ending the year with same store sales up 2.6%, gross margin expansion of 70 basis points, ...


eFluxMedia

"Beast" sure to be a 3-D beauty for Disney in 2010
Reuters - Nov 19, 2008
By Gregg Kilday LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Belle, the Beast and all the dancing silverware in "Beauty and the Beast" are getting a 3-D makeover. ...
'Beauty' gets 3-D makeover Variety
“The Beauty and the Beast” Gets 3-D Makeover from Disney eFluxMedia
Beauty and the Beast’ gets a 3-D makeover Monsters and Critics.com
AHN - Cinema Blend
all 158 news articles


Fresh News

Disney expands 3D movies with "Beauty", IMAX deal
Reuters - 16 hours ago
Disney has begun re-rendering in 3D the 1991 Oscar-nominated "Beauty" for a big-screen debut in 2010, bringing Disney's 3D slate for that year to 11 titles, ...
Disney Builds Upon 3-D, IMAX Initiatives TheHDRoom
Poll: Should Disney Make 'Pirates 4' in 3-D? Cinematical
Imax, Disney Re-Team With Five-Picture Deal CNNMoney.com
TheCelebrityCafe.com
all 282 news articles


UPDATE 1-Sally Beauty quarterly profit misses Wall St view
Reuters - 1 hour ago
N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), which distributes beauty supplies and hair products, posted a lower-than-expected fourth-quarter net profit on ...


TLC Traces Families in the Child Beauty Pageant Circuit with All ...
MarketWatch - 19 hours ago
Each week, TODDLERS AND TIARAS takes viewers inside the world of youth pageantry to witness the demanding lifestyles of these pint-sized beauties. ...


Beauty bargains: Stylish students can offer a bit of class
Newsday, NY - 6 hours ago
Long Island is home to several well-established beauty schools, where aspiring student cosmetologists, nail technicians, skin care aestheticians and makeup ...


Sally Beauty Holdings Q4 Profit Rises - Quick Facts
RTT News, NY - 2 hours ago
(RTTNews) - Thursday, Sally Beauty Holdings Inc. (SBH: News ) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $21.5 million or $0.12 per share, compared to $16.9 ...


10TV

Mixed Verdict Received On Man Accused In Beauty Shop Shooting
NBC4i.com, OH - 16 hours ago
Shalash owned a beauty supply store on Livingston Avenue on the city's Southeast Side. Cameron was facing an aggravated murder charge and two counts of ...
Mistrial Declared In Killing Of Store Owner 10TV
Mistrial declared in robbery-murder trial Columbus Dispatch
all 4 news articles


New York Times

Cutting Hair, While Cutting to the Chase on Clients’ Domestic Abuse
New York Times, United States - 21 hours ago
Divas Unisex Hair Salon in Inwood is one beauty shop where stylists are being trained to recognize signs of domestic abuse. By LESLIE KAUFMAN Martha ...


'Beauty and the Geek' could go to MTV
Hollywood Reporter, United States - Nov 18, 2008
By James Hibberd The CW's former reality show "Beauty and the Geek" is in negotiations to move to MTV. MTV wants a celebrity version of the show, ...
MTV eyes 'Beauty and the Geek' Variety
all 3 news articles

Beauty - Google News

home | site map
© 2006