(Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com)
Summer is a challenging time for African American skin because of the drying effect of the sun. Extended time outdoors can lead to a loss of moisture that causes crackling, discoloration (ash) and dry lines. For this reason, it’s important that African Americans alter their skincare regimen when the temperatures heat up.
Here are a few tips:
Step 1:
Always put lotion on your skin after you bathe or shower. Hot water removes more than just germs; it also removes precious moisture from African American skin. You need to add it back.
Step 2:
Purchase skin lotions that are compatible with African American skin. These are ones that do not include alcohol because alcohol tends to add dryness to African American skin, even if it initially appears to be adding moisture. Select lotions that include vitamin E and shea butter. These ingredients add life (and moisture) back into African American skin.
Step 3:
Don’t forget about moisturize throughout the day. This tip is especially important to African Americans who work in an office and handle a lot of paper or work outside exposed to the elements. Both paper and the sun dry out the skin, so keep a bottle of lotion with you at all times, so you can add moisture to your skin if it starts to look and feel dry.
Step 4:
Mix moisture-adding potions to get the right combination for your skin. This trick is one that is employed by a few savvy African Americans. If regular lotion isn’t intense enough to moisturize your skin, add a dab of baby oil or petroleum jelly to it. This Mix it up in the palm of your hand, then apply it until your skin is soft and moist. You’ll see that the skin stays more moist and supple longer.
Step 5:
Always seek shade or shelter on hot days. Besides being at risk for heat stroke, if you plan on being outside in the extreme summer heat for extended periods, seek shade or shelter. This step will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and also dryness.
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Tips & Warnings
Drinking at least 8 ounces a day of water is also a way of adding moisture to the skin.
Don’t forget to use sunblock
