Spring forward: skin care for a more beautiful you

Ebony, March, 1997

Like a butterfly from a cocoon, your skin is emerging from a long, cold winter into spring -- delicate and in need of protection.

Winter's frigid temperatures, lower humidity and icy winds leave skin dry, ashy and scaly.

Before winter's hawk gives way to spring's gentle breezes, there is still time to prepare for the season's skin-revealing fashions. This is important for your appearance as well as your health because your skin is your body's largest organ. It weighs on the average nine pounds and covers approximately 20 square feet. The skin helps to transmit nutrients to hair and nails, helps to regulate body temperature and even gets rid of wastes and toxins through perspiration. If, as the saying goes, the eyes are the windows to your soul, then the skin is the mirror of your emotions and your environment. Diet, hormones, drugs, emotions, health, physical trauma and winter weather all affect your sensitive skin.

"Your face takes the brunt of winter weather. Its out there and exposed more than the rest of your body," says Dr. Rene Martin Earles, a Chicago dermatologist. "Winter weather decreases circulation and perspiration in the skin. The skin's naturally shedding outer layer does not turn over in cold weather as fast as in warm weather. This results in a decrease of suppleness in the skin; its drier and feels rough."

Starting today you can make up for the harsh winter months by gently pampering this vital protective covering.

Beginning at the beginning, you are what you eat -- or at least your skin is reflective of your diet. Healthy, smooth and supple skin begins with a balanced diet. If your winter diet relied heavily on the snackers' major food groups of "fries, fats and fudge," now is the time to rediscover fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut back on your fat, cholesterol and salt intake. Protein-rich foods help to prevent premature aging, and Vitamin A is good for dry skin. Healthy and attractive skin also requires an adequate supply of Vitamin B-complex. Don't forget to drink plenty of water to moisturize from the inside!

Also, be a skin detective and notice how your skin reacts to certain foods and products. Contrary to popular belief, Black skin can be extra sensitive. Notice how your skin reacts to certain foods and products such as chocolate, caffeine, citric acid, shellfish and soft drinks. Some people experience allergic skin reactions after exposure to those things.

Current research is yielding some interesting results relating to Black skin. While White and Black complexions seem to respond exactly the same under normal conditions, Black skin is more likely to react when exposed to stress. For a beautiful complexion, then, try to reduce stress in your life.

Develop a simple regimen and stick to it. Never go to bed with makeup on, as that can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Cleanse your face daily to remove soot, grime, old makeup and the skin's own constantly shedding outer layer. Cleanse daily and cleanse gently.

Your skin is not the enemy, thus there's no need to attack it like Holyfield fighting Tyson. Rough scrubbing can leave Black skin raw and abraded, which is why experts recommend gentle handling with products formulated for your skin type.

Identify your skin type -- oily, dry, combination or normal -- and adopt a basic skin-care regimen that is right for you. Never use harsh anti-bacterial or deodorant soaps on your face.

If you have oily skin, cleanse your face at least twice daily and gently exfoliate your entire body to remove dead skin cells and prevent blackheads and other blemishes. After washing with a mild soap designed for oily skin, apply an astringent to remove all traces of soap. Apply a light moisturizer, avoiding oily spots, and throughout the day use powder or oil-blotting tissues to keep the shine down.

For dry skin -- moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Stay away from drying soaps, and use a creamy cleanser, followed by a toner and a good moisturizer. Apply moisturizer when your skin is damp to trap moisture in the skin. For people with sensitive skin, fortunately, there is an abundance of skin-care and makeup products made especially for sensitive skin.

And don't forget the rest of your body. Smooth moisturizers on special trouble spots including the hands, knees, elbows and feet to keep your skin soft and supple. The skin in those areas is among the driest of your body.

Now is also the time to prep your hands and feet for summers maximum exposure. Treat yourself to a professional manicure and pedicure and learn how to care for your nails yourself. Put your best foot forward for summer sandal duty by taking care of rough, cracked feet now. Lavish rich lotion or petroleum jelly on your feet and cover them with soft cotton socks overnight. You'll awaken ready for summer -- from head to toe.