Knowing how to bring out the best in African American beauty is often told with more myth than truth. Black women have been told for years that in order to have radiant skin they would need to scrub daily with exfoliants, and that long, healthy hair comes from eating burned foods. By the time the average black woman discovers how to truly bring out her natural beauty, it can be after years of disastrous mistakes.
Healthy Eating
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services states on its website that African American women have the highest rate of obesity compared to any other ethnicity. While beauty is not based on being thin, it does promote maintaining a healthy body size.
Often times, when black women consider a healthy lifestyle, they immediately think about avoiding fried foods or saying no to some of their favorite pork dinners. Net Wellness, an online health source supported by three universities, suggests four proven techniques that create significant weight loss and help maintain a healthy body weight without eliminating enjoyable foods.
Step 1
Have a daily meal outline. This reduces the risk of eating high calorie foods on the go.
Step 2
Practice eating smaller portions, reducing your meal size progressively beginning at a fourth less, then a third less, until you are eating half your normal intake.
Step 3
Incorporate servings of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products into your daily snack and when possible, meals.
Step 4
Exercise for 30 minutes at least three times each week. These exercises should get your heart rate up and be enjoyable
Skin Care
Proper skin cleansing techniques help black women maintain their natural complexion, control acne breakouts and promote younger looking skin. If you're in the large percentage of black women who have dark spots from previous acne breakouts, you may be tempted to try skin bleaching creams.
While these creams may be easily available as over-the-counter purchases, the best solution is to seek prescription creams and follow a skin care regimen that can help prevent future spots.
In an article published by the "Tyra Banks Show," the dangers of over-the-counter skin bleaching creams proved to outweigh the benefits. Over exposure to mercury and absorption of chemicals found in film-developing products are just two of the side effects.
Dr. Susan Taylor, a Harvard-trained physician with a holistic approach to dermatology, recommends no more than 3 facial cleanses per day. Dr. Taylor advises African American women to use cleansers that are based on skin type: oily, normal, sensitive and combination. Not knowing what type of facial cleanser to use can cause an allergic reaction, overdrying of the skin and pigmentation loss. Facial cleansers should be applied by the finger tips in a circular motion. Products with alcohol, fragrances, essential oils, and propylene glycol should be avoided.
It's also important for black women to have a cleansing regime that includes a light daily moisturizer, specifically one that offers SPF protection
Hair Care
Carefair, an online source staffed by leading experts in dermatology, hair, and make up, recommends focusing on healthy hair rather than on pretty hair styles. According to Carefair, healthy hair comes from proper moisture, a clean scalp, and minimal exposure to chemicals.
For proper moisture these experts suggest natural oils. Jojoba oil is an excellent hair moisturizer that nourishes and conditions hair follicles. For a healthy, clean scalp shampoos that work on all types of hair clean the best. Products that only cater to color-treated or relaxed hair can keep that "thin" hair look that many black women struggle with.
Finally, when at all possible, avoid chemical treatments. Carefair stresses the importance of allowing your hair the best chance at growth by avoiding harsh treatments. When necessary, it's important to follow chemical processes with a strengthening conditioner
Healthy Eating
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services states on its website that African American women have the highest rate of obesity compared to any other ethnicity. While beauty is not based on being thin, it does promote maintaining a healthy body size.
Often times, when black women consider a healthy lifestyle, they immediately think about avoiding fried foods or saying no to some of their favorite pork dinners. Net Wellness, an online health source supported by three universities, suggests four proven techniques that create significant weight loss and help maintain a healthy body weight without eliminating enjoyable foods.
Step 1
Have a daily meal outline. This reduces the risk of eating high calorie foods on the go.
Step 2
Practice eating smaller portions, reducing your meal size progressively beginning at a fourth less, then a third less, until you are eating half your normal intake.
Step 3
Incorporate servings of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products into your daily snack and when possible, meals.
Step 4
Exercise for 30 minutes at least three times each week. These exercises should get your heart rate up and be enjoyable
Skin Care
Proper skin cleansing techniques help black women maintain their natural complexion, control acne breakouts and promote younger looking skin. If you're in the large percentage of black women who have dark spots from previous acne breakouts, you may be tempted to try skin bleaching creams.
While these creams may be easily available as over-the-counter purchases, the best solution is to seek prescription creams and follow a skin care regimen that can help prevent future spots.
In an article published by the "Tyra Banks Show," the dangers of over-the-counter skin bleaching creams proved to outweigh the benefits. Over exposure to mercury and absorption of chemicals found in film-developing products are just two of the side effects.
Dr. Susan Taylor, a Harvard-trained physician with a holistic approach to dermatology, recommends no more than 3 facial cleanses per day. Dr. Taylor advises African American women to use cleansers that are based on skin type: oily, normal, sensitive and combination. Not knowing what type of facial cleanser to use can cause an allergic reaction, overdrying of the skin and pigmentation loss. Facial cleansers should be applied by the finger tips in a circular motion. Products with alcohol, fragrances, essential oils, and propylene glycol should be avoided.
It's also important for black women to have a cleansing regime that includes a light daily moisturizer, specifically one that offers SPF protection
Hair Care
Carefair, an online source staffed by leading experts in dermatology, hair, and make up, recommends focusing on healthy hair rather than on pretty hair styles. According to Carefair, healthy hair comes from proper moisture, a clean scalp, and minimal exposure to chemicals.
For proper moisture these experts suggest natural oils. Jojoba oil is an excellent hair moisturizer that nourishes and conditions hair follicles. For a healthy, clean scalp shampoos that work on all types of hair clean the best. Products that only cater to color-treated or relaxed hair can keep that "thin" hair look that many black women struggle with.
Finally, when at all possible, avoid chemical treatments. Carefair stresses the importance of allowing your hair the best chance at growth by avoiding harsh treatments. When necessary, it's important to follow chemical processes with a strengthening conditioner
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন