By: Cameryn P.


Skin Care (Not all methods will work for everyone)

Do you want that clear, glowing, and luminescent skin everyone raves about? Well, visit Lime Green Giraffe for shipping, handling, and terms and conditions. 


There are four different types of skin: oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, and normal skin. Depending on varied factors such as genetics and internal/external factors our skin is subjected to, determines our skin condition. 

Normal Skin: This is healthy-balanced skin, neither too oily nor dry, just right, as Goldilocks said. Skincare products for normal skin include: Purity Made Simple Cleanser, Bare Essentials Escuentals Clay Chameleon, Freshy Soy Cleanser, Fresh Lotus Youth Cream, Shiseido Ibuki Moisture Enriched, BareMinerals Bare Haven, and many more.


Oily Skin: This is a skin type with substantial sebum production and overproduction of seborrhea. Oily skin has visible pores and a glossy exterior. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid or salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide, and hyaluronic acid are recommended ingredients in products to use for this skin type. Some products fit for oily skin include: S.W. Basics' Toner, BareMinerals Oil Obsessed Cleansing Oil, CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser, Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, Instanatural Vitamin C Serum, Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Face Moisturizer SPF 30, and more.


Dry Skin: This is a skin type with a deficit of sebum and lacks lipids for hydration and moisturization of the skin. Dry skin feels rough, tight, and looks dull. To treat dry skin, look for products containing shea butter and lactic acid. Some products to scavenge for include: Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser, Hydro Boost Gel-Cream,  Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream, Moisture Surge Sleep Mask, Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Face Cream, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and a multitude more.


Combination Skin: This is a mix of oily and dry skin. Oily skin is usually dissipated in the t-zone while dry skin is distributed on the cheeks. Some options for combination skin include: Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid, Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C, Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, and plenty more.


Skincare Tips

  • Despite the notoriety of a product, this does not subject you to buy that product. Many influencers promote products for capitalization and monetary concerns, which may delude the fact that the product can be detrimental. Also, some may promote products that treat their skin type only, not helping others.

  • Natural products are not always better. This term is used as a marketing scheme half of the time and many natural products are harmful, such as poison ivy.

  • Always read the ingredient list!

  • Some ingredients to avoid are fragrance, sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers. On the other hand, products to look for are Glycerin, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, retinol, and vitamin B3.

  • Hydrate and avoid sugary drinks and caffeine. 

  • Refrain from hair products getting on to your face.

  • Use sunscreen. 

  • Get rid of toxins by exercising or dancing it out (your TikTok routines fit perfectly here).

  • Avoid smoking.

  • Restrict yourself from touching your face or popping pimples.

  • ALWAYS take your makeup off at night and never sleep with it on (even if you look cute with that expensive Sephora makeover). 

  • Fishy foods help treat our skin for a smooth finish. 

  • Not getting enough Zzz’s can cause stress and lead to breakouts, so get off TikTok and turn the Netflix show off and prioritize sleeping early.

  • Routine: Apply cleanser, toner, serums, exfoliators, moisturizers, and eye creams during your skincare routine.

Want more health tips? Visit Hyram on YouTube

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2sYit3cZ2CuD_8FHYH7O_Q) and visit @Afeyahoil for more skincare products. 



Hair Care (Some methods can be used for afro-textured hair)

Always wrestling with your hair and losing? Here are some beneficial tips for you (not all methods will work for everyone).


  1. Wash with lukewarm water: Hot water can be harsh and make your hair feel dull and dry. Try using lukewarm water which will leave it with a clean and less flat finish.

  2. Condition Properly: Distribute conditioner away from the roots towards mid-length to the end. Applying conditioner to the roots can weigh down your hair.

  3. Shampoo Distribution: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, shampoo should be concentrated near the scalp. Washing only the lengths and ends of your hair can strip strands of their moisture and cause them to become lackluster, dull, and dry.

  4. Do not dry up with a towel: Using a towel can cause breakage and abrasion, so instead, use an old cotton t-shirt. 

  5. Protect hair with a heat protectant before using heat on your hair: Heat can cause heat damage and breakage. 

  6. Sleep Commodity: Cotton pillowcases can absorb your hair care products and be unnecessarily harsh on your strands. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to maximize your beauty sleep for one of our easiest hair care tips.

  7. Split Ends: Hair is already dead, so when it splits, the AAD recommends trimming them at the first sign.

  8. Moisturize: Hydrated strands are happy, healthy strands—whatever your hair type, this rule is universal. To keep your hair healthy, use a leave-in hair cream that will nourish your strands throughout the day.

  9. Oils: Oiling and massaging improves blood circulation on the scalp, relaxes your muscles, boosts shine, and nourishes the hair. It also restores moisture content, enables hair growth and repairs split ends. 

  10. Hair Bows: Prevent from using a lot of hair bows which can cause strain on your hair.



Ethnic Hair Care (Not all methods will work for everyone)

Determine what hair products you use and how you care for with your hair porosity-Porosity is a measurement of your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. 


Normal/Medium Porosity Curl Care

Normal porosity hair has compact cuticles that easily let moisture enter in. Some products to use are DevaCurl Low Poo Mild Lather Cleanser, Mane Choice Easy On The Curls Hydration Shampoo, any MoroccanOil Curl Defining Cream, and more.


Low Porosity Curl Care

Low porosity hair has very compact cuticles, so it is hard to inject moisture into the hair shaft, although it does retain moisture once it absorbs. Some products to use are Shea Moisture Low Porosity Protein Free Shampoo, Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-In Conditioner, Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Ultra-Nourishing Mask, and Design Essentials shampoo or conditioners (Almond and Avocado Sulfate-free Shampoo is recommended)


High Porosity Curl Care

Parched, thirsty hair needs products that help it retain as much moisture as possible. Some products to use are Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment, As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner, Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, Curl Junkie Beauticurls Leave-in Hair Conditioner, and SheaMoisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Masque.


What is your hair porosity? Try the float test:

Take some strands of hair from your brush or comb (note: use clean hair! Hair products can alter your results) and drop them in a bowl of water. Let them sit for a few minutes. If your hair floats after the time is up, you have low porosity. If it sinks, you have high porosity. (It may float somewhere in the middle of the bowl if you have medium porosity.)


  • Wash your hair once a week or once every two weeks to avoid frizz and dryness.

  • Kinky hair tends to dry out quickly and lose its moisture, so to prevent that you have to consistently hydrate your hair. Before styling your hair, ensure that you always apply hydrating milk, cream, or oil to it.

  • Protective styles help prevent your hair from breakage, shedding, or damage. Protective afro hairstyles you can use include wearing wigs, weaves, buns, Bantu knots, braids, or twists. With protective styles, oil your scalp to keep your hair follicles healthy. 

  • Use a sulfate-free shampoo (and conditioner) weekly to add more moisture to your hair, while also being gentler to your scalp. You can use the Jamaican Black Castor Oil shampoo with shea butter and apple cider vinegar, which strengthens and restores your kinky curls.

  • Oiling your hair is an essential party for your kinky curls. Oiling helps moisturize and trap in already existing moisture.

  • To maintain strong, healthy, and hydrated hair have a well-balanced diet (cliché). These foods include vitamin A, vitamin C, low-fat protein, dairy, salmon, almonds, veggies, fruits, and more.

  • Sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet prevents breakage and tangling and helps maintain moisture in your hair. On the contrary, without the use of a satin scarf and bonnet, one’s hair will start to dry, become susceptible to breakage and damage.

  • There's a higher risk of hair damage depending on how often you apply heat to your afro-textured hair. Instead of drying your curls with a blow dryer, try air-drying to reduce the impact of heat damage. 

  • Braid or twist your hair before bed to lock in moisture.

  • Healthier hair = enough sleep. People who suffer from sleep deprivation experience hair loss as the hair and follicle become weaker and weaker due to physical stress. Six to eight hours of sleep a night is recommended. For your body to heal vital tissue while you rest, get enough sleep.

  • Never brush or comb out your hair while it is dry and use water to help hydrate it to style. 


Body Care

  • Use antiperspirant deodorant to not only cover up odor but stop body odor by controlling how much you sweat.

  • Choose cotton underwear over any other material because of their breathability and absorbance.

  • Avoid tight fitting clothing as it causes more sweat. 

  • Prohibit yourself from staying in wet clothing.

  • Take daily showers to wash and sterilize the bacteria, oils, dirt, and toxins on your body.

  • Set a bedtime schedule for 8-9 hours and take 20-30-minute naps to recharge and energize throughout the day.

  • Drinking water is not only for hydration, it also delivers oxygen throughout your body, regulates body temperature, flushes away body waste, it basically keeps you alive. So, try to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

  • Eat a balanced diet. Include your macronutrients (fat, carbs, and protein) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins). Make sure to have a fair ration of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and less oils, salts, and sweets.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Sensodyne, Crest, or Oral B are dentist preferred toothpaste. Each day brush your teeth for 2 minutes every day to get rid of food and plaque. Most importantly, floss and gargle with mouthwash. 



Periods: Change your pad or tampon 3-4 hours each day or what is recommended on the packaging. Always clean yourself off with feminine wipes or baby wipes. With painful cramps that can be profound and have severity of a heart attack, lay down and use a warm heating pad, drink lots of water, exercise, take a warm bath, or take pain medication at your own risk. 


Sources

15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814

About skin: Skin types and conditions. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://int.eucerin.com/about-skin/basic-skin-knowledge/skin-types

Barnes, M. (2020, January 31). 55 Skin-Care Tips to Live By in 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.elle.com/beauty/g3/101-skin-care-tips/?slide=11

The Correct Skin Care Routine Order To Follow - Kiehl's. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/correct-order-to-apply-skincare.html

Female Hygiene Tips and Tricks - U By Kotex AU. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.ubykotex.com.au/en/education/hygiene-tips-and-tricks

Hygiene: Pre-teens and teenagers. (2019, January 07). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/healthy-lifestyle/hygiene-dental-care/hygiene-pre-teens-teens

Mxh_mxh, & Follow, M. (n.d.). The girls guide to ... Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.wattpad.com/119770437-the-girls-guide-to-10-personal-hygiene-tips-for

Eudy, F., Treloar, R., Coventry, J., Fleet, H., & Pell, B. (2017, October 30). What is my hair porosity and what does it mean? Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://naturallclub.com/blogs/the-naturall-club-blog/its-not-all-about-hair-type-porosity-and-natural-hair-care

Written By Sowmya Tamatam On March 31. (2020, March 31). Top Hair Care Tips Straight From The Experts. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/hair-care-tips

Home. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-care/all-hair-types/best-hair-care-tips.aspx

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