Unilever/Essence survey finds black women see more than beauty in their skin

(May 22, 2007) According to a newly released survey from Unilever, African-American women see their skin for more than just its color. A Vaseline Skinvoice Survey found that to African-American women, skin is a source of identity and pride.

The word African American women use most often to describe their skin is "beautiful" (59%), followed by "strong" (30%). Thirty percent say their skin is a source of their heritage and one-fourth say it's a source of pride. Almost half of African American women say their skin tells a story of who they are and identifies them.

This survey was conducted by Questus among the ESSENCE Volume panel on behalf of Vaseline from April 18-23, 2007. There are 1,476 respondents who participated in the survey; all of the respondents are female, living in the U.S. and between the ages of 18 - 64.

Pride in Skin
Eighty-nine percent of respondents in the Vaseline Skinvoice survey say taking care of their skin is "very important." In fact, African American women rank "skin" as "most important to them" (49%) above their hair, figure, make- up and clothes. More than three quarters of the women surveyed (77%) report they are happy with the color of their skin and never wished they could change it. In fact, when asked what they love most about their skin, the number one response given was "its color."

When asked who has had the greatest influence on their personal standard of beauty, almost three-in-four African American women say their family over their friends (10%), community (9%), pop culture (5%) or the media (4%). Specifically, of those who say their family was their greatest influence, 76 percent attribute this influence to their mother or grandmother.

"There are times when people look at you and before you utter a sound they know what you're thinking," says S. Epatha Merkerson. "You get goose bumps when you're excited, you're clammy when you're nervous, and you're warm when you blush; your skin has a way of reflecting your inner thoughts."

Kelly Rowland advises, "Plenty of water, the careful amount of sun and great moisturizers are important. My skin houses my temple so it is important to me to give my skin the care it deserves."

As part of the Unilever/Vaseline program, consumers can log on to www.skinvoice.com  to read thoughts from other women across the country. Additionally at www.skinvoice.com people can enter the Circle of Friends Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for four to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans July 5th through the 7th where they will meet S. Epatha Merkerson and Kelly Rowland. The deadline to enter is June 8, 2007. No purchase necessary. Must be a legal U.S. resident age 18 or older. See www.skinvoice.com for rules. Void where prohibited.

When people register at www.skinvoice.com and share their thoughts, they will also be supporting Vaseline's donation to the Children's Defense Fund's Freedom Schools Program in New Orleans. The CDF Freedom Schools (SM) program boosts student motivation to read, generates more positive attitudes toward learning, and connects the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities.


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