Inexpensive Skin Care for Brown Skin

Importance of Nutrition: "Salmon, green leafy vegetables, carrots and olive oil are some food items that you should work to regularly include in a well balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in cold water fish, or, if vegan, found in vitamin supplements, can help to improve dryness and itching. Adequate Vitamin D is very important to skin and overall health. Lastly, there's no clinical evidence to definitively support that drinking eight glasses of water helps the skin, but, it certainly cannot hurt!"

Take Care of Your Body: "Diet, exercise and hydration are all vital to healthy skin, as is a good night's sleep (at least 8 hours) and some relaxation time."

Use Your Bath: "There is a definite mind-body connection between taking care of your skin and your sense of well-being. ... There are many affordable ways to pamper yourself. Start again in the bathtub – sit for 20 minutes and calm your senses by using a soothing body wash. Let a loved one massage you from head to toe with your favorite warmed moisturizer. Lastly, focus on your feet with a 30 minute foot wrap using any household plastic wrap and a warmed clinically proven moisturizer for some at-home pampering."

Visit a Dermatologist Yearly: "Brown skin needs sun protection all year round, but especially as we enter spring and summer. Wear sunscreen daily that has a sun protection factor of at least 15. In addition to examining your own body, use this time of year to visit your dermatologist for an annual total body skin exam. Any new or changing moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist. We, too, as African-Americans can get skin cancers, but in places that you might not expect such as the sole of your foot."

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Lotions With Rich Ingredients: "Post-shower or bath time, pat yourself dry and liberally apply a clinically proven moisturizer. A favorite of mine is Suave Advanced Therapy Body Lotion – it soothes, softens and relieves severely dry skin. Be sure to carry a travel-size moisturizer with you because ashy hands and feet are difficult to hide!"

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Moisturize: "The single most important element is moisturizing! Low humidity in the air, dry heat in the home or office and not hydrating skin properly can all lead to dry, itchy, cracked and uncomfortable skin. African-Americans must moisturize at least daily (twice daily is preferred) to avoid dull, ashy looking skin or hyperpigmentation (dark spots from constant scratching). Discoloration from rashes on African-American skin tends to linger for many months. That's why it is crucial that we nurture our skin before persistent dark spots appear."

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Use Silk Scarves: "African-American women must also remember our hairline. Wool scarves, hats and coats can lead to breakage of the hair -- so don't forget your silk scarf under your hat, scarf or coat [to prevent dryness and breakage]."