"BLACK DON'T CRACK"
by Rachel Odem, Licensed Beauty Expert
Have you ever heard the statement Black Don't Crack? Mostly when people say this, they are referring to black skin and how it seems to age at a slower pace than people of other races. This is partly true due to the fact of blacks having more melanin. Melanin helps to protect the skin from UV rays. This brings me to an important skin care myth amongst the black community, because we do have increased melanin. Many blacks do not believe they need to wear sunscreen. While the increased amount of melanin in the skin will help to protect from the sun, in today's environment the risk of skin cancer is a very real risk when you go without any sun protection. Also 80 to 85% of aging is caused by the rays of the sun. I love seeing a woman of color whose real age is closer to 60 but her skin looks the age of a 30 year old. I take the risk of sun damage very seriously and so should you. Here are some thing you can use to protect your skin from the sun.1) If you prefer a natural look, try a tinted moisturizer. As a busy mom this is one of my favorite products to use but it has the multiple uses of sun protection and daily moisturizer. On the high end of the price range I recommend Bobbi Brown Extra Moisturizer (SPF 25), on a lower end budget I like Black Opal Resurfacing Moisturizer (SPF 15).2) Stay away from the sun during peak hours. This is usually between 10am and 3pm.3) When shopping for sunscreen products, be sure to look for a SPF minimum of 15.4) Wearing a foundation will help to provide an extra layer of protection. Look for products like mineral powders that contain titanium dioxide.5) Don't forget children under the age of six months should avoid being exposed to the sun. Obviously this is next to near impossible for some, so please just do your best to give babies a hat and some type of protective clothing.