A Black Girl's Guide to Gorgeous Skin

 
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Just because summer is long gone doesn’t mean we still don’t want to glow like J.Lo. So we sought out Kat Leverette, a licensed esthetician, ethnic skincare expert and owner of Clinically Clear Skin Rehab Center, for advice on achieving a glowy, even-toned complexion. Follow these tips for gorgeous, lit-from-within skin all year long.

Wash Your Face Before Bedtime

Cleanse your skin gently, especially at night, as a vital part of your bedtime routine. Unclogging pores of the day’s oil and grime is important for keeping skin clear.

Use a Low-Lathering, Sulfate-Free Cleanser

A gentle cleanser removes makeup and excess oil without stripping your skin. If your skin feels tight and dry after washing, you’re using something too strong. Opt for a creamy face wash, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

 

 Take It Easy

“Cleanse with your fingertips and rinse by splashing water on your face. Pat dry. Don’t roughly rub your skin dry with a towel. The pressure of a washcloth or towel and friction from sonic brushing may feel good and appeal to your desire to be squeaky clean, but can cause darker, uneven skin tone and aggravate acne. Instead, dry skin with small, gentle pats or let it air dry,” advises Leverette.

Noncomedogenic sunflower oil and table sugar blended together make an excellent all-over exfoliator. Apply in the shower before you turn the water on. Massage all over using gentle pressure. Rinse off and pat dry.

Try an Alcohol-Free Toner Mist

Spritz your face with a refreshing facial spray to hydrate skin and set makeup. On extra hot days, mist throughout the day to rehydrate. 

Hydrate From Within

If you are dehydrated, your skin will look dull. Leverette recommends drinking half your weight in ounces of water or non-caffeinated beverages like herbal tea for a healthy flush.

Hydrate the Skin with Hyaluronic Acid

Go Easy on the Oil

You want a glow, not an oil slick. “Resist the urge to slather your skin and scalp with heavy oils. If you’re acne-prone, you’ll pay the price with clogged pores, blackheads and pimples,” says Leverette. “Opt for fragrance-free Sunflower Oil for the same effect and clearer skin.”  

Moisturize

To keep your skin supple and soft, Leverette suggests using lotions and moisturizers that contain ceramides. “Ceramides are a major component of our skin’s surface that protect against moisture loss to keep your skin youthful, supple, moist and glowing.” Try Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion With Shea Butter For Dry, Sensitive Skin, Multi, Fragrance Free,

Get Even - Skin Tone

Dark spots and blotchy skin can mar a beautiful complexion. Look for products with skin-brightening ingredients, like licorice, mulberry, bearberry and kojic acid. These ingredients gradually fade hyperpigmentation and encourage an even, radiant hue.

Natural Camouflage Luminous Silk Foundation

If you need extra coverage, smooth on a luminous foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural, radiant finish. Or try light-diffusing BB creams for a photo-filtered effect.

Protect Your Skin

Lack of sun damage will keep your skin dewy and supple for years to come. “Yes, darker skin needs protection too, especially on overcast days because the UVA penetrates clouds and windshields. If your skin darkens at all, it’s sun damage in the making,” says Leverette. “Makeup with sunscreen added is not enough protection. Technology has made it possible for physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to go on sheer. Use SPF 30 and apply with a massage motion with the palm of your hand, gently working the sunscreen into the skin. But be cautious; sheer sunscreens use chemical sunscreening agents that provide less protection against the longer UVA rays.”

Go for the Glow

Take some loose pearlescent (not glittery) gold, peach or bronze eye powder shadow. Mix a tiny bit in the palm of your hand with a few drops of foundation, sunscreen or moisturizer. Apply to outer cheeks and brow bone for an extra touch of luminosity.

Eat Healthy

A low-sugar, antioxidant-rich diet consisting of colorful fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens), legumes and lean protein will ensure you’re healthy inside as well as out for a natural glow.

Work It Out

Working out gives you all the beauty benefits that money can’t buy. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day gets your heart pumping and increases circulation by bringing oxygen into your bloodstream. It’s the best way to achieve a youthful glow.

courtesy of thefashionspot.com

Best Ways to Straighten Curly Hair

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The process of the classic "press and curl" has come a long way from the hot-comb and hair-grease days. We're not talking about your average blowout here. Getting coarse, thick, or curly hair straight requires more than a round brush and blow dryer.

You need to know the proper technique and own several different hot tools to achieve a silky finish on natural textures — and even some pros can't do it without snapping a comb in half, popping the nozzle off the blow dryer, or causing permanent damage to your curls. Before you trust a blowout bar with your delicate strands, we challenge you to try straightening at home (you just might get better results).

We've enlisted the help of Johnny Wright, celebrity hairstylist and artistic style director of Amla Legend, to break down the 10 major mistakes you're making when you flat-iron your curls — with easy fixes. Plus, he reveals the frizz-fighting trick he uses on the first lady to keep her natural hair sleek after a workout.

The Mistake: Not Rinsing Out Conditioner Properly

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Ever put the flat iron to your hair and smoke appears? That's probably because you didn't thoroughly rinse all the conditioner from your curls or you applied too much product before blow-drying (more on this ahead). Johnny insists that the best way to prevent damage is by styling with little or no product. So make sure you rinse thoroughly before leaving the shower.

The Mistake: Working With Large Sections

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Sectioning is key to getting all of your hair dry, including the back (which tends to be the most coarse and hardest to reach). Larger sections might seem ideal for saving time, but working with small one-inch portions will ensure that every strand dries from root to ends.

The Mistake: Using a Comb Attachment on Your Blow Dryer  Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Get Straight Hair Naturally Coconut Milk and Lemon

We get it: using the classic comb attachment to tangle through our curls is easy, but the stiff tines can cause breakage. To get a faster, more precise blow-dry, use a concentrator nozzle (which focuses the heat directly where you want it) with a Denman brush. The flexible rubber brush will ensure you have a firm hold without pulling at your hair.

Before you pick up the blow dryer, grip your hair at the roots with the brush (bristles facing out). Place the nozzle on the bristles, and slowly pull both tools in a downward motion. Repeat on the same section a few times. The rubber bristles will carefully straighten your hair and make sure heat is evenly dispersed.

The Mistake: Blow-Drying in the Wrong Direction

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

At the crown of your hair, blow-dry in an upward and back motion to create volume. Use a downward motion on the back and side areas.

  

The Mistake: Buying a Flat Iron Without Temperature Control  Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

If your flat iron only switches on and off, it's time to invest in a new one. "You want to use one with a variation of heat because everyone's hair texture is different," Johnny said.

Most of the time, you don't need to work with your tool on the highest 450-degree setting. If you touch up daily, turn the dial down to help minimize heat damage.

The Mistake: Skipping a Comb When You Flat-Iron  Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Use a small rat-tail comb under your flat iron to keep hair detangled as you straighten and to create volume, otherwise you'll end up with that limp, lifeless look.

The Mistake: Burning Your Edges With the Wrong Tool Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

A one-inch iron is great for tackling the majority of your hair, but investing in a small half-inch flat iron will help you get closer to your roots without burning your skin.

Don't be afraid of using an edge control gel to tame pesky flyaways. But be sure to follow Johnny's number-one rule for styling product on straight hair: use sparingly. A little really goes a long way.

Photo 9 of 14  

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

The Mistake: Applying Too Much Product

Using too much of your favorite finishing oil can turn your satin-soft style into an oily, stiff helmet. Lightly mist on your favorite shine serum, like the Amla Legend Silkening Oil Mist($10), a few inches away from your hair for a healthy, glossy shine.

Photo 10 of 14  

The Mistake: Wrapping Your Hair Without Clips

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

There's nothing worse than spending an entire day styling your hair, only to wake up the next morning looking like a frizz ball. To keep your style sleek, wrap your strands at bedtime.

Brush the hair around the head, then use large styling clips to keep your hair in place. Place a scarf over everything to keep it secure all night. Then, remove the clips to prevent dents and bends when you take it down in the morning.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

The Mistake: Avoiding Dry Shampoo

A lot of curly girls make the huge mistake of leaving dry shampoo out of their blowout routine. Johnny insists that it is a key part to keeping your hair fresh throughout the week as it absorbs oil produced from your scalp and styling.

If you work out frequently, like his very important client First Lady Michelle Obama, dry shampoo will keep your hair fresh. Johnny's trick to keeping FLOTUS fresh is to spritz dry shampoo on before her trip to the gym. Then, he creates loose pin curls and unravels the style post-workout.

15 Home Remedies to Make a Pimple Vanish

                                                 DIY blemish treatments

You may have prayed for your pimples to go away when you were in high school, but the sad truth is that most adults still deal with blemishes from time to time. And if you feel like a zit only pops up when you don't have any store-bought acne treatments on hand, you're not alone. That's why we asked dermatologists for their favorite home remedies for pimples. These treatments use ingredients you probably already have on hand in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. 

Aspirin

The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid—the same key ingredient in many topical acne products. "Crush one aspirin in water and make a paste," suggests Debra Jaliman, MD, New York City-based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules. "Apply the paste directly to the pimple with a cotton swab and leave on for 10 minutes." Then rinse off with warm water.

Tea tree oil

"Tea tree oil is a mild antiseptic and mild anti-inflammatory," says Jessica Krant, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Put a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton pad, and then gently dab it onto your blemish, Dr. Jaliman suggests. "Leave it on for a few hours or overnight," she says. Try Now Foods Tea Tree Oil

Ice

Just as ice controls swelling on a sprained ankle, it can reduce inflammation in a pimple, says Dr. Jaliman. "Wrap an ice cube in a wash cloth and hold it on the pimple for a minute," she says. "It will vasoconstrict the blood vessels and take down the redness and swelling." 

Apple cider vinegar

For a DIY toner, dilute one part apple cider vinegar with three to four parts water (use four if you have sensitive skin), and then apply all over your face using a cotton ball or pad. "It may kill surface bacteria and give a mild chemical peel," Dr. Krant says. What's more, adds Dr. Jaliman, apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid—added to many over-the-counter acne products.

Lemon juice 

Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice contains citric acid. It also boasts L-ascorbic acid, a natural astringent and antioxidant, says Dr. Jaliman. "Wipe it across your pimples with a cotton ball and leave on overnight," she suggests.

Garlic   

You can't go wrong with garlic (well, besides the smell). "It has mild antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which may help when applied topically, and garlic in the diet is extremely healthy, with both anti-cancer and anti-clotting properties," says Dr. Krant. Crushed garlic also contains allicin, an antibacterial compound, says Dr. Jaliman. She suggests making a paste of crushed garlic and water, applying it directly to the blemish, and then washing it off after 5 minutes. 

Egg whites  

"Egg whites are an age-old beauty secret," says Dr. Krant. "The protein and vitamins in egg whites help to tighten and draw oils out of the skin, which may help unclog pores and reduce inflammation." Dr. Jaliman recommends smearing egg whites over your problem areas and leaving on 10 minutes before rinsing off with water.

Honey

Spot treat a pimple with a dab of honey, or use the sweet stuff as an all-over face mask. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse off with warm water, says Dr. Jaliman. But you won't want to use the regular teddy-bear honey you probably have in your pantry. "Raw, organic Manuka honey has been shown to aid in wound-healing with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties," explains Dr. Krant. "Regular honey may help, but it's not as proven medically." Try Wedderspoon Organic 100% Raw Manuka Honey

Baking soda

This kitchen staple has many surprising beauty uses, including as an acne-clearing facial cleanser and mask. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water and rub into your face with gentle, circular strokes. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. "Baking soda is drying and removes oil," explains Dr. Jaliman. "It also makes a great exfoliant." 

Banana peel 

"Banana peel applied with the inside layer against the skin has been a reported cure for plantar warts on the soles of the feet, so there's reason to think it may be helpful applied to pimples as well," says Dr. Krant. Gently rub the peel over the                                                                                          affected    area for 5 to 10 minutes, and                                                                                   then wash your face.

Raw white potato    Potatoes have been applied to bruises and wounds for a century; the tubers are anti-inflammatory and may also be antiseptic, says Dr. Krant. Plus, Dr. Jaliman adds, potatoes contain niacin, which may help lighten acne marks. She suggests applying shredded white potato to the skin like a mask and                                                                  massaging for 2 minutes.

Cucumber  

Ever put cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce puffiness? They may also help reduce the swelling associated with acne, says Dr. Krant. Cucumbers are cooling to the skin, hydrating, and full of vitamin C. "Take a cold cucumber slice and apply to the skin to hydrate and alleviate discomfort from acne," says Dr. Jaliman.

Orange peel

Orange peel can help improve your skin's all-over appearance, says Dr. Jaliman. Why? Because like the rest of the fruit, the peel contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that's essential for skin regeneration. "Grind the  peel with water to form a paste and rub onto the skin," she says. Rinse off after 10 minutes. 

Toothpaste  

Toothpaste may help spot-treat a pimple in a pinch, but be sure to use the kind that's all white. "The white part has the ingredients that help heal acne, which are baking soda and hydrogen peroxide," says Dr. Jaliman, who suggests leaving a dab of toothpaste on a pimple for a few hours. You'll want to refrain from using this treatment regularly, though—toothpaste is made for your mouth, not your skin, and anyone with sensitive skin may break out                                                                                in a rash.

courtesy of HEALTH.COM