A few weeks ago I was invited to Dr. Alice Barba’s Skin Clinic for a pampering session while obtaining a hydrating facial as well as learning about some Summer skincare tips with Dove Beauty Bars. As you can imagine, I was excited to attend because I had attended a similar event last year and couldn’t wait to see what was in store this time around.

I arrived makeup free and was ready to take it all in. The facial started with the esthetician cleansing my face with a Dove Beauty Bar. Wait, what?! We all grew up with the beauty rule, “Don’t wash your face with soap”, engraved in our heads so I was confused. The esthetician informed me that the Dove Beauty Bar isn’t a soap which is why it’s perfectly fine to use it to wash our faces. Makes sense. Plus, it’s a great way to save money since the same soap you use for your body, you can use for your face. I’m all about saving money, and honestly, Dove has always been my favorite beauty bar/body wash.

The facial was amazing, pretty much one of the best I’ve had and my face felt so good and hydrated after that. Because the beauty bar isn’t a soap (hence, the reason why we don’t call it soap), it doesn’t dry out your face. After my facial, I chatted with Dr. Alice Barba about other ways we can take care of our skin, especially now that Summer’s coming and we all plan to spend more time outdoors.

Here are a few of her tips:

  1. It’s ok to use the Dove Beauty Bar to cleanse our face because it’s not a soap so it won’t strip our skin nor will it dry it.
  2. ALWAYS use sunscreen. It’s the #1 anti-aging method, and as women, that’s one of our biggest worries, plus it’s also the cheapest way to avoid getting wrinkles early on. Some places we should remember to put sunscreen on because most of the time, we don’t realize we need to put it there as well, are the ears and the hairline. Many of us don’t get that close to the hairline because we don’t want to get sunscreen on our hair, but Dr. Barba mentioned that several adult women have come into her dermatology with skin cancer specifically in that area because they forgot to apply it there. Another area is your hands because they take most of the sun’s rays when driving.
  3. Use makeup with SPF in it as well as a separate sunscreen. You can never have enough. Also note that the sunscreen is the last product you put on your face after your moisturizer; right before your makeup.
  4. If possible, go in for regular facials. Specifically hydrating ones since so much sun exposure can tend to dehydrate our skin. This of course should be accompanied by drinking lots of water.

Dr. Barba also addressed some popular skin-care myths and secrets

  • Myth: “Since I’m Latina with olive or darker skin tone, I’m not as risk for skin cancer”
  • Truth: A common misconception in skincare in women of color is that we are immune to getting skin cancer and that we do not need yearly skin exams. This is not true and in fact, skin cancer in Latino patient populations in the US is on the rise. The American Academy of Dermatology has developed specific out reach for the Latino Community and says: “People of all races and colors can develop skin cancer. When skin cancer develops in people with darker skin, it is often diagnosed at a later stage, especially melanoma.” The golden rule: WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY! Your skin is the largest human organ, and it is the most visible. No matter what season we’re in, know that the skin constantly absorbs ultraviolet aging rays like a sponge, which then damage your DNA, collagen and cause pigment abnormalities later in life.
  • Myth: “There is nothing I can do about my “manchas” or darkspots since I’m Latina, and prone to them.”
  • Truth: Women of color are definitely more prone to hyperpigmentation due to unknown genetic factors that cause the melanocyte to produce more localized pigment when exposed to sun, hormones or inflammation.. However, we can take preventative measures like not picking at acne or bites, and use sunblock to avoid spots from getting worse. Prevention is key!
  • Myth: “I can’t wash my face with the same cleanser I use on my body.”
  • Truth: Everyone loves a dual action product, and certain cleansers are gentle enough to care for both your face and body. As the #1 Dermatologist recommended skin cleansing bar, Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin provides superior care over premium cleansing bars. Its ¼ moisturizing cream and gentle formula will leave your skin soft, smooth, and does not dry skin like soap can. Bonus tip: save space when traveling this season by using this beauty bar to wash your face & body, your skin will thank you!
  • Myth: “My diet doesn’t have an impact on my skin.”
  • Truth:
    • Many of the fried fast foods found in our ethnic communities not only contribute to weight problems but skin problems too. Although diet related skin conditions are hard to quantify, I always say, if it is affecting your waist line, affecting the arteries in your heart, you can be sure it is affecting your skin, the largest organ in the body.
    • It is best to learn how to modify the way we cook our favorite foods so that they have less fat and balance them with greens and low carbohydrate, high protein rich food like beans (boiled and “not refritos.”).
  • Myth: “Expensive skincare products are always better for you.”
  • Truth: Definitely not! There are many “active ingredients” that have been tried and tested and proven to work, that do not have to cost a lot of money. A good sunscreen can be less than $12, and the same goes for body washes and antiperspirants, a key essential as the weather heats up! One of my favorites is Dove Invisible Dry Spray, it provides 48-hour odor and wetness protection, ¼ moisturizersAND leaves no white marks on 100 colors of clothing all for under $6 – with those triple benefits, you get a real bang for your buck, while also caring for your skin.

GIVEAWAY

Now for the GIVEAWAY! Because I’ve been talking so much about the Dove Beauty Bars, and because I love them so much, I’m giving you a chance to win a variety pack of your own! For your chance to win, enter via the widget below. Winner will be emailed on June 9th! GOOD LUCK!!!

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