The Truth About Black Skin

Black skin can and will burn with prolonged hours of sun exposure. Though black people have high levels of melanin (the substance which gives skin its color and some level of protection from the sun), they still need sunscreen. If you plan on hanging out at the beach or lounging around the pool, load up on sunscreen, just like everyone else.

Tip: Grab a chemical sunscreen that contain chemical compounds like Avobenzone and Octinoxate. These sunscreens are usually more pleasant to use, light-weight, less greasy, and do not leave the “whitening” or ashen effect on brown skin the way some physical sunscreens do.

Black people can get skin cancer!

Don't be fooled. Though, on average, black skin has a natural  SPF of 13, and the likelihood of getting skin cancer are far less than lighter skinned people – Yes! – getting skin cancer is still possible. Melanoma is the deadliest of all forms of skin cancer, particularly for people of color because it isn't always  caught in time.

Tip: Look for a broad spectrum sunblock with UVA and UVB protection, and a SPF rating of at least 30. These are generally gentle enough to use daily.

5 Beauty Myths Debunked!

Myth 1: You can shrink facial pores

No, you can not! Though pores can appear larger if they’re clogged with dirt, oil and bacteria, they never really grow or shrink. Retinol and alpha hydroxy products can make them appear smaller. Try using a pore minimizer that contains salicylic acid and alpha lipoic acid. These ingredients gently exfoliate and tighten the skin while removing dirt and oil.

Myth 2: You can get rid of cellulite.

Ladies, save your money. It doesn't matter whether you're curvy or skinny. THERE IS NO WAY TO ELIMINATE CELLULITE ―not even liposuction! Cellulite is fat deposits that are trapped between the fibrous bands that connect the skin's tissues. These bands squeeze the fat under the skin, resulting in that orange peel texture. You can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite with firming creams that contain caffeine to tighten and smooth the skin, a basic moisturizer will also work to hydrate and swell the skin, making cellulite a little less obvious. Also, darker skin camouflages cellulite so try using a self-tanner.