Black Skin and Sunscreen

Believe it or not, sun burn can occur in black skin of any complexion. This reality is especially likely when we travel to countries closer to the Equator where the sun is more intense. For this reason, it is important to pack the sunscreen! Even if you don't plan on traveling south of the continental United States, it is still a good idea to wear protection this summer. Oxidative stress caused by sun exposure can lead to premature aging of the skin, including early onset of wrinkles. "Black will eventually crack", and it will do so at a faster pace without UV protection. Shield that face this summer with a moisturizer containing a minimum SPF of 15 and broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) protection. (Many dermatologists actually recommend a minimum of SPF 30.)  To repair any sun damage incurred during the day, be sure to apply a nightly moisturizer containing retinol. It is also imperative to eat foods (such as carrots, green tea, etc.) that are high in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress.

*Though it is rare, black skin can develop skin cancer as well. This is yet another reason to wear protection in the form of sunscreen.

SOURCES:
ANTIOXIDANTS & OXIDATIVE STRESS
SKIN CANCER
SUN DAMAGE & AGING
BLACK SKIN & SKIN CANCER

Chlorine and Summer Hair

Strands can become dry and brittle after long exposure to chlorinated water. Aside from the sun, don't let the pool ruin your tresses this summer. Before jumping in, protect your hair with one or more of the following methods:

* Wet hair with tap or distilled water
Because the strands have been filled with water, chlorinated water is less able to penetrate them.
* Apply conditioner to hair (an inexpensive one will do)
Conditioners can form a barrier between chlorinated water and the hair.
* Wear a swimcap
Prevents chlorinated water from reaching the hair. You can also use certain oils or butters instead.

After you've enjoyed your swim for the summer day, be sure to:
* Rinse and condition your hair

OR

If chlorinated water did interact with your strands:
* Wash your hair with a shampoo (e.g., chelating, certain clarifiers) designed to remove chlorine
* Follow up with a deep conditioner

Enjoy your summer!

SOURCES & OTHER READS:
PROTECTING HAIR FROM CHLORINE DAMAGE
HOW CHLORINE AFFECTS OUR HAIR

Hyperpigmentation in Black Skin

Your acne or wound disappears, but you are left with a dark spot. This spot is the result of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation - darkening of the skin due to an increase in melanin after cells have been injured. Several dark spots or regions on the skin, particularly on the face, can impact one's self esteem and confidence. As a result, some people turn to concealer and foundation as a fix. Using makeup to hide blemishes is your personal choice, but understand that it may not be your only option. Here are some methods for treating hyperpigmentation that may work for you:

*Prevent/reduce acne via a good skin care regimen
*Use creams with skin lightening ingredients, such as soy, licorice, or vitamin C
*Use creams containing retinol, which is involved in skin renewal
*Try a homemade treatment using citric acid from lemons (see related story below)
*Wear sunscreen to prevent further darkening of hyperpigmented regions
*Exfoliate regularly
*Exfoliate with brown sugar
*Use microdermabrasion
*Get a chemical peel
*Act fast & speak with a dermatologist, especially for deeper pigmentation issues
*NOTE: try to avoid hydroquinone as a skin lightening agent; it may act as a carcinogen (see source below)

Many of these treatments take time to work before you notice visible improvement. Patience is key.

SOURCE & MORE READS:
HYDROQUINONE
CHEMICAL PEELS
MICRODERMABRASION
SOY, LICORICE & VITAMIN C
RETINOL
ACNE TREATMENT
Essence Magazine, MAY 2008 Issue
HYPERPIGMENTATION STUDY

Hair and Sun Damage

Summer arrives. Your hair color gets lighter. Your strands feel weak and brittle. If you notice any of these transformations in the season of sun, then you might be experiencing ultraviolet (UV) damage. Protecting your hair from excessive sun exposure is an important component to maintaining healthy hair.

THE FINDINGS:
*UVB radiation affects the cuticle and is responsible for protein (particularly keratin) breakdown in the hair
*UVA radiation penetrates to the cortex and is responsible for melanin degradation, or hair color changes
*Sun exposure can lead to color fading in those with color treatments, including semi-permanent through permanent
*UV rays are also attributed with "speeding up the aging and thinning process in hair follicles"
*UV radiation "affects hair lipids, making photodamaged hair dull and dry"
*Sun exposure can cause "dryness, reduced strength, rough surface texture, decreased luster, stiffness and brittleness of the hair"
*A yellowish tone to the hair may indicate sun damage
*Gray hair is more susceptible to sun damage since it contains less melanin -- a natural filter of UV radiation

LOO's HYPOTHESES:
*Bleached or lightened hair may be more susceptible to sun damage since melanin -- a natural filter of UV radiation -- has been previously removed
*Vaseline (petrolatum) has been shown to increase the penetration of UV rays into the skin -- this may or may not have an implication to hair; If it does, application of products containing petrolatum (and perhaps mineral oil) should be avoided on the hair

PROTECTION:
*UV filters are the first defense line because they reflect/filter the UV rays
*Antioxidants are the second defense line because they reduce the damage process (by reducing the amount of free radicals generated in the hair)
*Apply hair products containing UV filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide or benzophene photo filters *Look for hair products containing sunscreen (beware of marketing ploys)
* BEST PROTECTION: Wear hats that cover the hair entirely when in long-term sun exposure, or sit under an umbrella. (Wearing scarves may work as well depending on the type of material, thickness, etc.)
*Simply stay in the shade
*Natural oils as UV filters: coffee bean oil
*Natural oils as antioxidants: vitamin E oil

Enjoy your summer! Chlorine and hair talk coming later.


SOURCES:
UV FILTERS IN HAIR CARE
UV DAMAGE
HAIR & UV PROTECTION
HAIR DAMAGE
COFFEE BEAN OIL & UV
VITAMIN E & UV
COLOR TREATED HAIR & UV
GRAY HAIR & UV
VASELINE & UV