I get so many emails regarding products for the hair, and not as many for skincare and I wanted to address some things. As we know in our adult age, routine and habits are forms early in life (although we may not take them as serious until later)! Let’s talk about products for the skin and why they are important. We can stress healthy hair until the end of time but when you look at BlackHairAndSkinCare it is a rounded line that offers hair and skin care😊 Let’s talk about it…………

Why is it important to have a skincare routine? Not only is it the first thing people see when they see you, it plays a huge role in how you see yourself. Some refer to skin as our “armor” and the body’s largest organ, as it is a barrier that protects us from the environmental elements as well as toxins, germs, and bacteria. The same manner that we see quality hair products to be an investment, “Investing early in the health of your skin, with regular skin care, will not only better protect it from the harsh effects of winter, but also keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the year,” says Steven Nwe, DO, a dermatologist with Northwestern Medicine. “The key to skin resiliency is knowing your skin and treating it well.” Now let’s talk about what makes up a good skincare routine:

Cleanser

Cleanser is used to wash your face. It is important that you are gentle in washing your face then rinse with warm water, because hot water removes natural oils and causes your skin to become dehydrated. Be mindful of the ingredients of your cleanser. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to use one without alcohol or fragrance. If your skin tends to be oily, you’ll want to look for an oil-free option, and you may want to consider using a toner as well.

• 100% Authentic Raw African Black Soap Bar- African black soap does have a natural & pleasant fragrance that won’t irritate even the most sensitive of skin types. Traditional African black soap made by local women is made from the following ingredients: plantain skin ashes, cocoa pod leaves/powder, palm leaves, palm oil/palm kernel oil & shea/cocoa butter.

Authentic Raw African Black Soap Bar– BlackHairandSkincare

Toner

Toner is applied after washing your face and can smooth, soften and calm skin. Toners often contain ingredients that replenish and restore nutrients to your skin and can diminish redness and dry patches.

Moisturizer

Like cleansers, moisturizers are for everyone and should be used every time you wash your face. Moisturizers prevent your skin from drying out, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth. In the winter, it’s all about extra moisturizing. The cold weather contributes to dryness (as does the heat from radiators) and wind can chap skin too. You may want to shift to a more moisturizing cleanser to supplement your daily moisturizer.

• Skin Clearing Body Butter- Made With Raw Organic Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E, to fade dark marks, acne scars, stretch-marks, and over all skin care. Melts in your hands to go smoothly on your body. Use Head to Toe for Beautiful, Smooth Skin. Smells Yummy!

Skin Clearing Body Butter– BlackHairandSkincare

Organic Sunscreen

Make sure your organic sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Your body needs sunlight without it our organs cannot function without it! Sunlight can help in the healing process as the sun’s UV rays help your body make this nutrient, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. It also helps you take in and use certain minerals, like calcium and phosphorus.

If skin cancer and sun damage aren’t enough to convince you, UV exposure is also the number one cause of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness and aging signs. Organic sunscreen is a staple for all seasons, but it’s fair to adjust to a lighter weight for daily use in the summer months – just be sure to bring out the heavy-duty stuff for any concentrated time spent in the sun. Sunlight helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin, and that can give you more energy and help keep you calm, positive, and focused. Doctors sometimes treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other types of depression linked to low levels of serotonin with natural or artificial light. But regular, small amounts of ultraviolet light may help ease the symptoms of certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

Good skin care is essential at any age and healthy habits in your 20s and 30s can strengthen and prepare your skin for the effects of aging down the road. Skin has strong collagen and elastic production in your 20s and 30s. Cleanser and SPF moisturizer will be fixtures in your routine, and some dermatologists may recommend an over-the-counter retinol product or antioxidant serum as a preventative measure to stimulate collagen production. While you may associate collagen with keeping skin looking plump, it also gives skin its strength and structure and plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells. As women enter the period before menopause (perimenopause) and menopause, their hormones are in flux and the natural forms of aging begin to kick in. While serums and creams that support collagen production may be added to their skin care arsenal, the foundation will remain a gentle cleanser and a strong moisturizer. Many factors can affect your skin and your skin – as your largest organ and first line of health defense – deserves to be protected. When considering skin care, you’ll want to be aware of your environment and daily health, such as diet, stress and fitness. Still, at the end of the day, a skin care routine involving cleanser and moisturizer can go a long way.

Tips for Healthy Skin

Good skin care doesn’t have to involve a complex routine. Basic steps go a long way to giving your skin the pampering it deserves, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Protect it — The sun is one of the leading causes of skin damage and aging. To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and a hat, and seek shade when the sun is strongest — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hydrate it — Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for a healthy complexion. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.

Be gentle — Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, are the building blocks of a good skincare routine. Avoid using harsh products when cleansing. They can strip your skin of its natural oils. Use a toner to help balance your skin’s pH and a moisturizer to hydrate.

Sleep — Sleep is important for overall health, including the health of your skin. During sleep, your body repairs itself, including your skin. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help your skin look its best.

Eat right — What you eat has a direct impact on your skin. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can cause inflammation and breakouts.

Don’t smoke or drink too much — Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the health of your skin. Smoking can cause premature aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion, while excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin and lead to redness and puffiness.

Relax — Remember that your skin is an organ and stress can trigger negative responses. In the case of skin, that includes breakouts and other problems. Maintain a healthy state of mind, set reasonable limits, and do things for yourself.