Black Don’t Crack, But… You Still Gotta Do the Work

Learn the tips you need to take better care of your skin.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize - This is the biggest to-do, but not all of us do it every day — and we should. Using a moisturizer makes your skin look smooth, refreshed and supple. Make sure to pick a moisturizer that best fits your skin type (normal, oily, dry, combo or acne-prone). (Photo: Rick Gomez/CORBIS)

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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize - This is the biggest to-do, but not all of us do it every day — and we should. Using a moisturizer makes your skin look smooth, refreshed and supple. Make sure to pick a moisturizer that best fits your skin type (normal, oily, dry, combo or acne-prone). (Photo: Rick Gomez/CORBIS)

You Still Gotta Do the Work - A recent Oil of Olay study confirmed what we already know—that Black women age about 10 years slower than white women. But here’s the thing, that doesn’t mean you can ignore your skin. Here are some tips on taking better care of your skin before it starts to age. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: I Love Images/Corbis) 

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You Still Gotta Do the Work

Stay Hydrated - Soft supple skin is key in keeping your skin in tip-top shape. One way to get there is by staying hydrated by drinking water. Good old H20 helps cell turnover and skin repair, which helps with anti-age prevention. So get to guzzling. (Photo: Eleonora Ghioldi/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Stay Hydrated

Get Some ZZZs - Sleep isn’t just good for you mental health and productivity, but it’s great for your skin. Lack of sleep can make your skin look dull, stunt blood circulation and stop a growth hormone that helps collagen production, says Fitness Magazine. So go ahead, indulge in the suggested seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Your skin will thank you. (Photo: Mother Image/Rana Faure/Corbis)

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Get Some ZZZs

Exfoliate! - The layers on your skin die and renew themselves, but you can help this process by exfoliating. While scrubs are one way, the beads are bad for the environment. Instead, using a brush is a great way to buff away dead skin and clean out your pores. My favorites: The Clarisonic Mia ($99) and Oil of Olay’s Pro X Advanced Cleansing System ($35). (Photos from left: Olay , Clarisonic)

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Exfoliate!

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Even It All Out - Whether it’s acne scars or hyperpigmentation, dark spots are not new to Black women. But this doesn’t have to be permanent. One way to fade them away is with crèmes like Ambi Skincare Fade Cream or Neutrogena’s Visibly Even® Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. (Photos from left: Neutrogena, AMBI)

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Even It All Out

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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Don’t Neglect Your Eyes - The skin under your eyes is delicate, prone to dryness and can show signs of being tired quicker than the rest of the face. Not to mention, dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles are also an issue, too, so this area needs special protection. Opt for a crème that meets your needs and use it daily. (Photo: Karin Dreyer/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Don’t Neglect Your Eyes

Retinol Is Your Friend - Retinols — an animal-derived form of vitamin A that boosts the ability to speed cell turnover — are scientifically proven to reduce lines, fade dark spots and make your pores appear smaller. The downside of retinols are that they can be harsh on skin, so opt for a sensitive version like ROC Retinol Correction Sensitive Night Crème ($22.99). (Photo: ROC Skincare)

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Retinol Is Your Friend

Wash Your Face - Long nights at the club and partying can stop you from washing your face every night before bed. This is a serious no-no. Every night do your best to remove the day with a cleanser and wash away make-up, oils and pollution (which can lead to premature aging.) So lather up. (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

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Wash Your Face