In Vogue

Press, 9 August 1980, Page 10

In Vogue

All skins have the same, basic composition. We have an equal number of melanocyte cells producing melanin pigment which forms the skin’s natural protection against the ultra-violet rays of the sun. . The’ variations' in skin tone are caused by the sun, which activates the cells to produce more or less melanin, and by genetic differences, which also control the productivity of the melanocytes. Dark skin tones go from olive to caramel to brown to black. The general term “black” covers a much wider range than does “white.”

Black skin is . generally more oily and has more sweat glands. However, it still suffers the effects of dryness, which shows in its ashen east in cold'weather. Dark skinned women are very fortunate because in" general the darker the skin, the slower the ageing process. The reason is a combination of heridity and habitat. The sun is a great enemy of light skins, which usually have dry tendencies, so that lines are more quickly created. The evenly distributed pigment in dark skins acts like a sun filter, and itis more oily.