It is the first layer, the outer shield for the body. Our skin guards our internal integral parts. It protects, and performs a host of other functions. Now, think about a lovely painting. Its first layer is the canvas on which color is splashed, brushed, or dashed. Our skin is like that canvas. Although we may or may not dab, apply, or brush on makeup, our skin is what people see first, most times subconsciously. For this reason, I believe it is a major beauty component.

Yes, people notice our jewelry, or lack thereof if we’ve so chosen. They also notice our clothing, our shoes, makeup, and hair. However, in mere seconds they notice our skin, the color, the texture, its overall appearance. Therefore, shouldn’t we do what we can to make sure that our canvas appears as best it can?

What if my skin isn’t radiant, Ethnic Sisters of all nationalities might ask. What if I battle acne? What if I have sustained blemishes, or if my skin is uneven in tone or has discolorations? If I have an unmentioned skin condition, may I yet be considered a beauty? To that last question I will reply unequivocally yes! Then secondly, I will suggest that we put in a little work.

Sure, there are those who have retained the beautiful dewy skin that most of us were born with. However, if you’re like me, you may have to work at having skin that you are unashamed of. There is nothing wrong with that. Although, some of us are nowhere near our teenaged years, yet we battle acne. We may have scars from any number of incidents, trials, or traumas. Yet our canvas, our skin, does not have to remain marred. Therefore let us look at a basic, a block upon which we will build.

I have found that makeup is fabulous. It can aid us to look and feel great. Nevertheless, more important is the skin that we apply makeup to. Thus cleansing becomes major. This is the process whereby we free our skin of pollutants, and oil. Cleansing should be one of the steps taken before we apply makeup. We should habitually cleanse and tone our skin, at the start of the day, and at its end. This we should do to free our pores, to allow our skin to breathe, to free it from bacteria. Then if we have uneven pigmentation issues, or blemishes, we can use toning or fade creams. I have found these to work wonders, over time.

Most beauty transformations do not happen overnight. That is why it is important to stick with a regimen. Yes, when we find one that works for our own particular skin type, our canvas. If your skin is oily, there are oil free, non comedogenic, non pore blocking elements available. If you have aging skin, there are a host of products to give it back buoyancy. If you suffer from flaking, eczema, rosacea, or even other conditions, there are products designed specifically to aid you.

In subsequent articles, we will look at different products, even those that many of our Ethnic Sisters believe in. However, today, let us see our skin in a new light. Let us learn to care for it the best we can, we must not forget, it is vital. Then we just may find that we adore the skin we live in!