girl i feel you on the multi-tone thing, i'm trying to work on that as much as possible
and you said you have combo skin? you know, if your skin isn't terribly oily, you should be fine with the one wash a day
sometimes if your skin isn't oily and you wash 2 or more times a day, it can negatively affect your skin

my other problem is that canada sucks for skin products especially the ones geared towards black women

and the sunscreen is what i'm afraid of - because i have super oily skin, and sunscreen is usually just that... i don't think my skin will take well to that at all...
but solbar zinc... i think i've heard of it - i'll have to look into that...

http://biz.yahoo.com/prne...tml?.v=101

AMBI(R) Announces Sponsorship of New Documentary: 'America's Ethnic Skin: An Al Roker Health Special'
Monday May 19, 8:00 am ET
Airing on NBC Local Media Stations on Saturday, May 24

SKILLMAN, N.J., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- AMBI® Skincare is pleased to announce its programming sponsorship of "America's Ethnic Skin: An Al Roker Health Special," airing on NBC Local Media stations in ten major U.S. cities on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Narrated and hosted by Al Roker, this half-hour special addresses the unique needs, challenges and issues facing women and men with melanin-rich skin tones.

"Melanin-rich skin has unique attributes and special concerns that are best addressed under the medical advice of a dermatologist who is well-experienced in treating ethnic skin," commented Jeanine Downie, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, and co-author of the book Beautiful Skin of Color.

"America's Ethnic Skin" was produced by Al Roker Entertainment with medical expertise provided by several members of the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS).

"With more than four decades of success at delivering efficacious skincare solutions to women with skin of color, AMBI® is proud to sponsor this very important health special," said Michael Marquis, marketing director for the AMBI® Brand. "We know there is a need in the marketplace for better understanding of the special needs for ethnic skin and believe that dermatologists play a critical role in educating consumers on this topic."

About "America's Ethnic Skin: An Al Roker Health Special:"

Rising young star Keke Palmer of Akeelah and the Bee fame, and Detroit newscaster Lee Thomas will tell their personal stories, along with an array of people from different ethnic backgrounds who will share their skin struggles and solutions. A range of dermatologists and experts in the field of ethnic skin of color, will explain the best practices for the proper care and treatment of the skin in our ethnically diverse culture.

This half-hour Health Special on NBC Local Media stations, hosted and narrated by Al Roker, will air on Saturday, May 24 in the following ten urban markets:

-- Chicago - WMAQ at 6pm
-- Dallas - KXAS at 5pm
-- Hartford - WVIT at 7pm
-- Los Angeles - KNBC at 5pm
-- Miami - WTVJ at 7pm
-- New York - WNBC at 7pm
-- Philadelphia - WCAU at 7pm
-- San Diego - KNSD at 5pm
-- San Francisco - KNTV at 7:30pm
-- Washington, DC - WRC at 7pm

"America's Ethnic Skin: An Al Roker Health Special" Production Details:
Produced by: Al Roker Entertainment
Executive Producers: Al Roker and Michael Kaufman
Co-Executive Producer & Director: Dave Snyder

I just saw this thread. I always miss the good discussions. My skin issues has to do with having combination skin and still dealing with acne in my mid-30's. I had a nasty breakout two weeks ago when I got chin and upper lip wax which resulted in the pimple from hell=huge pus nastiness appeared above the lip just in time for my trip to Las Vegas. I didn't pop it but when it finally went down, it still left a dark scar. Plus the years of fighting acne has left all kinds of scarring on my chin and forehead. I've used Origins for a few years, and only started using the Spot Remover within the past few months. I know I don't wash my face twice a day like I should, which is probably one problem.

I'm leery about trying new products especially after years of experimenting with sunscreens and having nasty outbreaks from those. Finally my body accepted Solbar Zinc, so I use that. Also there was ProActive, and that broke me out, so I've never bothered checking into other products. I desperately need a facial, but the last couple of times I've done them, I break out two days after. I call myself five shades, cuz looking at certain areas of my body, it's extremely light in some areas, and heading into dark chocolate realm in others. I just want to not look so off color between my face and neck.

Reading this thread has got me thinking about seriously going to a dermatologist before attempting to use any other products.

girl i feel you on the multi-tone thing, i'm trying to work on that as much as possible
and you said you have combo skin? you know, if your skin isn't terribly oily, you should be fine with the one wash a day
sometimes if your skin isn't oily and you wash 2 or more times a day, it can negatively affect your skin

my other problem is that canada sucks for skin products especially the ones geared towards black women

and the sunscreen is what i'm afraid of - because i have super oily skin, and sunscreen is usually just that... i don't think my skin will take well to that at all...
but solbar zinc... i think i've heard of it - i'll have to look into that...

I just saw this thread. I always miss the good discussions. My skin issues has to do with having combination skin and still dealing with acne in my mid-30's. I had a nasty breakout two weeks ago when I got chin and upper lip wax which resulted in the pimple from hell=huge pus nastiness appeared above the lip just in time for my trip to Las Vegas. I didn't pop it but when it finally went down, it still left a dark scar. Plus the years of fighting acne has left all kinds of scarring on my chin and forehead. I've used Origins for a few years, and only started using the Spot Remover within the past few months. I know I don't wash my face twice a day like I should, which is probably one problem.

I'm leery about trying new products especially after years of experimenting with sunscreens and having nasty outbreaks from those. Finally my body accepted Solbar Zinc, so I use that. Also there was ProActive, and that broke me out, so I've never bothered checking into other products. I desperately need a facial, but the last couple of times I've done them, I break out two days after. I call myself five shades, cuz looking at certain areas of my body, it's extremely light in some areas, and heading into dark chocolate realm in others. I just want to not look so off color between my face and neck.

Reading this thread has got me thinking about seriously going to a dermatologist before attempting to use any other products.

Before you throw down $ @ the dermatologist, you MUST wash your face each morning & each night. Especially if you wear makeup on your face, it's crucial. Try it for a month & see, I'd bet $ you'd have far less breakouts

i ask you all this only because i know our skin care is a tad different than others...


ok so i have OK skin
i mean sometimes it's flawless and cool-looking (aside from the hereditary skin tags i've deemed as beauty marks)

but other times - kind of like now - i break out like HELL and my face looks like i slept on a pin cushion. black opal didn't work, proactiv didn't work, clean and clear don't work for shiz

i've been using black soap (i think it has caraway oil in it) and it's been helping to even out my skin tone
in fact - my skin looks wonderful aside from a few tragic bumps.

my problem, that i need your help with, is this

i scar - easily. too easily.
so i have black dots all over my face from past embarrassments, and i'm looking for a way to fade them
i've tried ambi, i've tried venus de milo, all the fading cremes, but nothing has helped...
right now, a friend of mine from the middle east gave me this creme she bought in lebanon, and it feels and smells beautiful it's called Silvana, and it's a "skin vitamin" so they say... it's been taming my skin but i haven't seen any fading of these black dots.


how the hell do i get rid of these scars for good? i've remained as natural as possible and still, to no avail.

good, i should get this here at the nyc time

i'd really like to see what has to be said

i just have to make sure i'm not out at that time

DERMA ABRASION If you dont have rosasia and hard core scars 2 /2 visits at 100.00+ dollars PERFECT SKIN and permanant unless you get suntan a lot

DERMA ABRASION If you dont have rosasia and hard core scars 2 /2 visits at 100.00+ dollars PERFECT SKIN and permanant unless you get suntan a lot

Bad call.... All due respect, my good girl friend married a top surgeon.... one of my favorite things about him is his down to earth truths and ability to speak truthfully. I modeled for him a few years back. He is a black Dr and two things stick out in my mind, Dermabrasion in dark skin can result in hyper pigmentation as all laser work.

He wants to resolve these issues for his people but as it stands, if you are prone to hyper pigmentation or scaring refrain.

I don't agree at all. I'm very dark skinned and I've had microdermabrasion done many times over the last 5 years and have had excellent results and it helped remove all of my hyperpigmentation scars. As I have said repeatedly throughout this thread: the KEY is finding an aesthetician AND a dermatologist that specializes in ethnic skin and knows how to treat it.

Also, the statement about laser leading to hyperpigmentation is incorrect. The special that came on today, as well as my dermatologist, said that 10 years ago people did not know how to properly use lasers on black skin. However, today, lasers are an important tool in addressing various skin issues that affect black skin including hyperpigmentation, melasma, vitiligo, razor bumps, keloids, and tatoo removal.
[Edited 5/24/08 22:45pm]

The emoticon was a bit overkill... that said, you are right,(that's what I get for multi tasking) We use dermabrasion at the salon all day which isn't invasive at all.

However, I'd exercise extreme caution in regards to lasers and dark skin pigmentation. Especially if you are prone to dark scaring. Not refuting medical Drs but do remember they are there for the money. Lasers are very invasive and I question there long term effects as well as have darker skins sitting at my desk right now with damaged skin. ( permanently)

I heard you say as to Dr that specialize.... I digress caution.