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

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How does it work?

The mist used in spray tanning contains DHA, a chemical reacting with the outer layer of skin and dyeing it brown. Technically it works just like tanning lotions, but the booth and sprays assure that all the body will be equally covered with DHA. Spray tanning does not require any additional sessions ? one visit is enough to get a suntan you need.

How long does it last?

Because spray tanning works only in the outer layer of the skin (the "dead" one), the effects can last only as long as a week, and they usually disappear in four or five days. As you see spray tanning is an excellent method to look very good for a short time. But of course, you can visit a spray tanning saloon once a week and retain your skin color almost indefinitely.

Can I make it last a little longer?

Well, the skin replacement process is unavoidable, but you can increase the lifespan of you tan if you do a few things before beginning the spray tanning process. Here are they:

(1) Moisture your skin with some water-based moisturizer prior to spray tanning. It will help DHA to propagate itself into your skin and will add to tan’s lifespan.

(2) Exfoliate - clear your skin’s outermost layer from those dead cells that are already about to fall off. The mist will dye only those cells that are supposed to last longer than a few hours.

What about the tan color?

Due to the chemical processes caused by DHA, it is impossible to get an improper tan color ? it will be always a shade of brown. Of course, spray tanning lets you choose the right shade ? by spraying the right kind of mist, you can acquire all the palette of browns ? from very light brown to almost black ones. It does not change the session time.

Can spray tanning be dangerous for my health?

Spray tanning eliminates most health hazards typical for UV-tanning methods, so skin aging and cancer are no longer problems. The only possible hazard of spray tanning is an allergy for DHA, but as with kinds of allergy, this does not usually threats your life, like cancer does.

Is spray tanning dangerous for my clothes?

No, it isn’t. Spray tanning method rely on chemical reactions in your skin and DHA isn’t by any means paint! Even if mist has been used in excess, spray tanning does not create any stains and remains perfectly safe for your clothes (and people you shake hands with J).

Does it leave any odor?

It depends. While most waterborne sprays are odorless, many spray tanning saloons use oil-based mist and it leave some starchy odor, so it is not recommended to go to spray tanning saloon right before a date. The scent vanishes completely after a few hours.

Linda Smith owns Luxury Tanning.com, a site devoted to the latest in tanning

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Buying sexy lingerie for your lover can be really romantic or really tragic. Intimate underwear is a gift for the two of you. If you get it right it shows that you really care, really pay attention to her and have put effort into thinking about her style.

It can also be very hazardous to your relationship if you bring home something that is more bordello than bedroom.

Get it right, guys, and there are some MAJOR brownie points to be earned.

Get it wrong, well…that is where I come in…don’t ever get it wrong again!

Before you even leave the house or start surfing the net to buy anything make sure you remember the cardinal rule of lingerie buying IT IS NOT FOR YOU!! OK - maybe in a roundabout way it is - but you are not wearing it. Remember who is wearing it. If you buy a strappy leather cupless crotchless number for the lady who has never worn anything except plain jane the chances are slim she is going to feel comfortable in it. Chances are she will tell you to wear it!

Think of her style - you can never go wrong with lace and the nice stretchy mesh. If it is your first time buying stick with something basic but different - you can always get more daring next time if she responds to your choice.

For the most part women want lingerie that says “I love you” NOT “Let’s do it”

The second thing you want to do is do some research - DO NOT try to guess her size - unless you find the couch and dog a more comfortable night than your bed and a nice lady in lingerie. Look into the things she already has and get the size of something similar to what you plan to buy. Women’s sizes vary by manufacturer. Meshes and stretchy materials tend to be more forgiving and range sizes (something marked Small/Medium) are a better bet than something marked Size 4. Bra sizes tend to be true or at least close.

Pay attention to things she comments on when watching movies and such - does she go gaga over the things the girls in Sex and the City wear or does she just HAVE to have that dress Mrs. Cleaver was wearing? Note the colors and styles of her regular lingerie - there is usually a difference between a black lingerie lover and a red lingerie lover. Remember, you want to buy something she will wear for you and something that will cause her to think about you when she wears it - so you want it to be her style.

THINGS TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!

Avoid anything marked “Control” or “Slimming” These are to suck in bellies and hide excess weight - not the sexiest message in the world, eh?

Gel filled, water filled and cleavage enhancing bras - Okay if it is her style, but otherwise No No No - she may feel like you wish she were larger on top.

Kinky stuff in general doesn’t generally work as an “I love you” kind of gift unless it is something you two have talked about and decided you wanted to try out. It is not the kind of thing you want to just buy on your own but more of a joint decision.

A word or two about presentation: Handing her the bag from the store with the receipt attached takes some of the romance out of the gift. Most stores will have a gift-wrapping service for a couple of bucks. After all of the thought you put into the lingerie, it is well worth it - otherwise, you can go to any card and gift shop and get a nice gift bag and tissue paper and a sexy card and make your own pretty package.

Shopping online: One of the great things about shopping for lingerie online is that there is a ton of information available that you simply cannot find in a lingerie store. When browsing an online lingerie retailer take a look at their gift ideas, top sellers list et cetera for ideas of what are popular choices.

KEEP THE RECEIPT Even after all of your hard work and dedication she just may prefer something else - always keep the receipt in a safe place and you can go back together to pick out a replacement. Use it as a learning experience to find out what she liked or did not like and next time you can make an even better choice.

Copyright 2005 http://www.katieroseintimates.com/

Katie Rose is the owner of Katie Rose Intimates Sexy Costumes and Lingerie at http://www.katieroseintimates.com/ A fine lingerie shop featuring sexy costumes, fantasy clothing, leather and lace and intimate apparel in sexy, erotic, romantic and unique styles - with special attention for the plus size woman.

ATTENTION WEBMASTERS and EZINE PUBLISHERS - Permission is granted to publish this article on your site or in your Ezine but ONLY if my bio paragraph is included and all links are hyperlinked. I would also appreciate a note letting me know that you are using it, although it is not mandatory, I just like to see where my work is being used.

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Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style. It became available in large quantities during the 30s.

Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones. By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials. Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made. Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class. This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable. And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.

There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s. Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. By World War II, gold was popular again but in short supply, since it was vital to the war effort. What gold was available was made into very thin sheets and usually bonded to silver (called vermeil) before being turned into jewelry. By the 1930s rhinestones popularity was ever increasing in Europe. It was not available to the Americans until the 1940s. As a result, many of the pieces from this period tend to feature lots of metal and a single stone or a small cluster of tiny rhinestones.

Today is certainly not much different from past times. We still have fine jewelry, semi precious jewelry, and of course costume jewelry available to us. Costume jewelry can add the finishing touch and show your fashion sense. Costume Jewelry styles of past years are now becoming very fashionable and many are being reproduced. Even with costume jewelry there is a difference in quality. Many of the new pieces do not have the vibrance in the stones or the weight of the older pieces.

Antique and vintage costume jewelry are both fun to collect and fun to wear. No longer is costume jewelry simply “collectable.” It is “in style, and” “fashionable,” and a terrific conversation starter. Dress to impress!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

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The first ingredient listed in skin care products is the largest percent of what that product is made of. What is the first ingredient in your skin care products? Mineral oil, petrolatum or lanolin oils are commonly used in skin care products. These ingredients are considered "skin suicide" because over a period of time they can actually dehydrated the skin. They also speed up the aging process because it causes toxic to build up in the skin. Think about that? You would not want to accelerate the aging process. We age enough with stress.

What about the "drying" alcohols and the harsh chemicals? SD alcohol 40 is a drying alcohol that cause the "lipids" of the skin to flatten out, causing the skin to lose its contour (similar to a balloon losing air.) A lot of products use fragrances or artificial FD&C dyes that causes allergic reactions to the products.

Alcohols such as Isopropl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40 and Ethyl Alcohol dissolves the body’s own natural moisturizers and strips the skin of it’s own protection, leaving it vulnerable to infection. They destroy the skin’s pH balance and since they absorb water, speed up wrinkling of the skin.

Waxes such as beeswax, carnauba wax, candela wax or paraffin waxes are fillers which can clog the pores creating blackheads, and whiteheads. They smother the skin which over a period of time can create enlarged pores.

Petrolatum sometimes known as "paraffin jelly" or "petroleum jelly" is not absorbed by the skin and suffocates the pores. All petrochemicals pollute our water and destroy marine life. Avoiding them is essential for the health of humans, animals, fish, water, land and air.

Did you know that some skin care products use "acetone" in their products? Tell me, WHY would you use a product on your skin that takes off fingernail polish? Acetone is used most often used in astringents, fresheners or clarifying lotions. It is extremely toxic and will dehydrate the skin, speeding up the aging process. Ever feel that burning sensation?

Borax (Sodium Borate and Boric Acid) used in baby powders, bath powders, eye creams, skin fresheners, protective creams and moth washes as a preservative. It is rapidly absorbed by the kin. Borax is still widely used despite repeated warnings from the American Medical Association.

D & C colors are usually synthetic, coal tar colors. They’re toxic and should be avoided when at all possible.

I find it very interesting to see that many products today claim to be "natural. When reading the ingredient list on labels you will find that there are more chemicals in the product than vitamins, herbs or botanicals. Most of the natural ingredients are usually at the end of the ingredient list which often means that the amount contained in the product is minimal and therefore having ineffective results.

When purchasing your skin products do your research. You don’t want to speed the aging process or prevent the aging process for as long as possible?

Betty Lynch, author of "It’s All About You" is a Professional Skin Care consultant with over nine years of direct sales experience. She leads a large successful team with L’Bri Pure n’ Natural Skin Care, which is an Aloe Vera based skin care company. Visit her web site at http://www.bettyl.lbrionline.com If you have any questions or if you would like to receive a 5-piece mini skin care set, feel free to email Betty at cmclynch@prodigy.net

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