N Skin Care Alert

Skin tips for women of color

Although black women are 20 times less likely than whites to have melanoma, and the extra melanin in darker skin tones offers some protection, women of color still need to be concerned about the aging effects of the sun.

Many African-American women complain of facial skin that's significantly darker than their necks and chests after years of early sun exposure. That's why it's been oft repeated that a daily sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 be applied, whether you are indoors or outdoors.

Another concern is hyperpigmentation or dark spots and splotches caused by UV exposure. Use a skin lightener such as Godiva Licorice Whitening Cream to get rid of dark spots and blotchiness and even out your skin tone.

ü Tips 'n tricks to better skin

Facial Exercises

A good laugh is probably the best way to relax a tense face. However, the following facial exercises also help to tone the face muscles:

1. Scrunch up your whole face for a few seconds so that your nose is wrinkled, your forehead furrowed, and your eyes and mouth are tightly closed.

2. Do the opposite. Open your mouth and eyes as wide as you can.

3. Close your mouth again, purse your lips, and push your mouth up to the left, then push to the right.

4. Grin as if from ear to ear and open your eyes wide again.

5. Hold and repeat the grin, but this time, tuck in your chin to tighten your neck muscles.

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