National Black Guide - Sista Circle

Sista Circle

TC, a native Washingtonian, is known for her work in the television, radio and print mediums. She's been featured nationally on Live with Regis and in Essence magazine. TC can be seen hosting shows on DC's Cable TV-13, and she is CEO of her public relations company "TCB Publicity," promoting entertainment events across the DC metro area. She has penned articles for the national Black Elegance magazine and columns for publications in major cities across the country, including Houston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. She gives back by producing her award-winning website as a vehicle for women's empowerment at www.SistaCircle.com. Send email to tc@sistacircle.com

Spring-Tuning Our Skin: Bye-Bye ash!

We are now into April and you know what that means. Well, it should mean spring-like weather. Yet, around the country we anxiously await the warmth of spring, while gearing up for a bit more cold weather yet to come. Unfortunately, cooler temps can often equal, for many people, dry skin.

Black women know about skin that cracks and loses moisture. Not that we're the only race to get ashy skin. It's just that the condition is more visible on African Americans because it clashes with our skin tone. Haven't we been fighting it all of our lives? I remember my mother had a saying, "no child of mine is going to be ashy." This statement was usually followed by a heavy slathering of Vaseline (sometimes mixed with Jergens lotion), with extra attention paid to my rusty elbows and knees. after her inspection, I could be seen by the world again. I'd be so greased down that at Sunday school, I would just about slide off the pew! That was fine by mom. Better to get blinded by the glare off my legs, than to spot the least bit of ash. Back then, we didn't know much about preventing dry skin, nor getting rid of it.

"One of the most important things is to exfoliate," says Aesthetician Keisha Thomas, of Washington, DC. "Moisturizers cannot do their job if dead skin isn't removed first." For the body, use salt scrubs and your facial scrub should be a gentle formula.

Thomas offers more solutions:

* Watch your water temps! We all love long, hot showers but it's dehydrating to the skin. Use warm water instead.

* Moisturize. While skin is still damp, apply moisturizers. Thomas' favorites include jojoba, grape seed and sesame seed oils.

* Protect. Sunscreen is a must! Remember, the sun is still damaging in cooler months. Black skin still burns and can become damaged and aged from the sun's rays, even while not directly in the sun (driving, etc) and even on overcast days.

* Humidify. It's a good idea to keep a humidifier in your bedroom. You'll reap the benefits while you sleep. Remember to close the heating vent that is nearest to your bed to minimize dryness in the air.

* Replenish. Drink lots of water to build moisture within your body.

And what about mom's beloved petroleum jelly?

"It's not bad, " says Thomas, "but it has no moisturizing benefits because it only seals in moisture that is already there. It basically just covers the ash."

Good enough. After all, THAT was mom's mission.

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Breastfeeding Mamas - The new reality


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	Sista Circle TC, a native Washingtonian, is known for her work in the television, radio and print mediums. She's been featured nationally on Live with Regis and in Essence magazine. TC can be seen hosting shows on DC's Cable TV-13, and she is CEO of her public relations company "TCB Publicity," promoting entertainment events across the DC metro area. She has penned articles for the national Black Elegance magazine and columns for publications in major cities across the country, including Houston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. She gives back by producing her award-winning website as a vehicle for women's empowerment at www.SistaCircle.com. Send email to tc@sistacircle.com Spring-Tuning Our Skin: Bye-Bye ash! We are now into April and you know what that means. Well, it should mean spring-like weather. Yet, around the country we anxiously await the warmth of spring, while gearing up for a bit more cold weather yet to come. Unfortunately, cooler temps can often equal, for many people, dry skin. Black women know about skin that cracks and loses moisture. Not that we're the only race to get ashy skin. It's just that the condition is more visible on African Americans because it clashes with our skin tone. Haven't we been fighting it all of our lives? I remember my mother had a saying, "no child of mine is going to be ashy." This statement was usually followed by a heavy slathering of Vaseline (sometimes mixed with Jergens lotion), with extra attention paid to my rusty elbows and knees. after her inspection, I could be seen by the world again. I'd be so greased down that at Sunday school, I would just about slide off the pew! That was fine by mom. Better to get blinded by the glare off my legs, than to spot the least bit of ash. Back then, we didn't know much about preventing dry skin, nor getting rid of it. "One of the most important things is to exfoliate," says Aesthetician Keisha Thomas, of Washington, DC. "Moisturizers cannot do their job if dead skin isn't removed first." For the body, use salt scrubs and your facial scrub should be a gentle formula. Thomas offers more solutions: * Watch your water temps! We all love long, hot showers but it's dehydrating to the skin. Use warm water instead. * Moisturize. While skin is still damp, apply moisturizers. Thomas' favorites include jojoba, grape seed and sesame seed oils. * Protect. Sunscreen is a must! Remember, the sun is still damaging in cooler months. Black skin still burns and can become damaged and aged from the sun's rays, even while not directly in the sun (driving, etc) and even on overcast days. * Humidify. It's a good idea to keep a humidifier in your bedroom. You'll reap the benefits while you sleep. Remember to close the heating vent that is nearest to your bed to minimize dryness in the air. * Replenish. Drink lots of water to build moisture within your body. And what about mom's beloved petroleum jelly? "It's not bad, " says Thomas, "but it has no moisturizing benefits because it only seals in moisture that is already there. It basically just covers the ash." Good enough. After all, THAT was mom's mission. Previous Articles Breastfeeding Mamas - The new reality Copyright 2008 TCB Enterprises. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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