Cool It Down
Cystic acne, or the presence of large and painful breakouts, is one of the most tramautic skin disorders among black women. Although treatment truly depends on the individual’s specific body chemistry, there is a quick and safe method for treating the blemish and avoiding a dark spot.“If you have a cystic pimple, hard nodule under the skin,” says Roff, “rub an ice cube on it three times a day for one to two minutes and take Advil every four to six hours to reduce inflammation and help it heal it faster.” After this, you should visit a dermatologist for more specific instruction and if necessary, a stronger medication.
Castor Oil Is King
Anyone with natural hair has probably experienced, or at least heard of, the benefits associated with Jamaican black castor oil. Experts typically cite it as a must-try all-natural product for stimulating hair growth in kinky, curly textures, but according to Lois Hines, cofounder and CEO of Tropic Isle Living, it can also be used to speedily heal sunburns. (Another myth worth debunking: Yes, black people sunburn, too.) “Aloe vera and Jamaican black castor oil are perfect to help remedy sun damage on skin,” she says. “After being exposed to sun for long or short periods of time, take a cool shower to cool off the skin, and then apply Tropic Isle Living Aloe Vera JBCO to the desired areas.” JBCO can also be applied to the skin after a shave to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
JAMO
Beauty
Toner Regulates Oil
One of the biggest complaints made by fellow brown beauties is that their skin is sometimes so oily that wearing makeup over it feels downright scary. To combat this all-too-common struggle, Jamyla Bennu, mixtress and creator, Oyin Handmade, recommends getting familiar with a skin-clarifying toner.
There are tons of options available on store shelves that you should consult with an expert about before using. But if you’re comfortable with DIYing and have properly researched what does and doesn’t work for you, Bennu says to blend eight to ten aspirin dissolved in 8 ounces (1 cup) alcohol-free witch hazel or a mixture of 1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup distilled/spring/filtered water. “Aspirin contains salicylic acid, also known as beta-hydroxy acid. It helps clarify pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and control oil—and is also an anti-inflammatory,” she says.
SPF, SPF, and More SPF
One of the biggest lies to ever be told amongst black women is that they do not need sunscreen. New York–based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, says that while the melanin in our skin is very protective, it is not perfect. Skin cancer in skin of color does have a lower incidence than in lighter skin types. However, our outcomes can be much worse, simply often because it’s usually diagnosed at a later stage, due to the lack of awareness. “I recommend that black women of all shades use a moisturizer with SPF 30 on a daily basis—not just when planning to be in the sun,” she says. “One of my favorites is the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30. It blends in seamlessly with even the deepest skin tones and doesn’t leave behind a chalky film. You’ll be left with a moisturized, glowing, and well-protected complexion.”
May 2018 - 42 - ISSUE