The Skincare Rules This Aesthetician Always Follows
In About Face, xoNecole gets the 411 on IGers who give us #skincaregoals on the daily. Here they break down their beauty routines on the inside and out, as well as the highly coveted products that grace their shelves and their skin.
25-year-old Brooklyn-based aesthetician Brenttany Sharraine wants you to be your own skincare goals and has dedicated her entire career to helping women do exactly that. For her, skincare isn't a job, issa lifestyle. "Most days, it doesn't feel like work. Chatting with clients about skincare is something I'd do as a hobby. Skincare has always been something I've been passionate about and the fact that I can share my passions to help people achieve their skin goals is rewarding for me."
In this month's segment of About Face, we chat with Brenttany about all of our burning skincare questions and get the details on the routine that keeps her skin on 10 all damn day.
Brenttany explained that while a full face of makeup used to be her go-to routine, now, this barefaced beauty's beat is all-natural. She told xoNecole, "In my early 20s, I would wear a full face of makeup everyday. No matter where I was going. If I stepped outside, I had on makeup. Now it's the complete opposite. I'd have to be going to an event to get myself to wear foundation. Now, I'm so comfortable in my own skin that I don't feel like I need it. Less is more nowadays."
The beauty professional recently sat down with xoNecole and revealed the secret to a foundation-free slay, and according to her, it's all about the SPF, sis. Keep scrolling for more!
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My most significant beauty lesson...
"The most important lesson I've learned in beauty is wearing SPF for sure. [While] working with a dermatologist, I would see how common skin cancer was and how UV rays were a huge contributor to physical aging. As a teen, I was told black people do not physically age. I beg to differ. Just wear your SPF guys!"
My morning routine looks like...
"My morning starts with waking up to the sun beaming down through my skylight. I'm lucky that I get to work in the evenings most of the time, so I'm in no rush to get up. If I don't have any errands to run that morning, I spend extra time in bed reading any work emails I may have received while sleeping and listening to my favorite podcast, which is currently Dave Ramsey, and writing in my reflection journal."
For my skincare routine in the AM...
"Working in skincare, I'm constantly trying new products and altering my routine. I try and stick with active ingredients throughout. I cleanse with Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser, [and then I] apply Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hyaluronic Acid, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum, and Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40."
Brenttany's current skincare rotation
Courtesy of Brenttany
My skincare routine in the PM...
"My nighttime routine is based on what my skin is telling me. In general, I double cleanse with my Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser, then I apply Elizavecca Milky Piggy HA Serum and Kate Somerville Daily Moisturizer with peptides, retinol, and Vitamin C. If my skin looks dull, then I'm exfoliating that night and swapping the Kate Somerville with One Kind's hydrating Dream Cream Moisturizer because it's gentler. I'm exfoliating with The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Toner or Glyderms 10% Glycolic Lotion, depending on how aggressive I want to be that night. My skin is literally glowing by the morning. The following morning, I'll just apply my Hyaluronic Acid serum and Supergoop! SPF moisturizer."
How my routine switches up with the seasons...
"[I use] heavier creams in the fall and winter for the most part. I also like to add in an oil for extra protection from dryness. I'm currently using Murad's Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil. In the spring and summer, my skin gets more oily so I'm still applying my Hyaluronic acid serum, an antioxidant serum like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, but swapping my Supergoop! SPF 40 moisturizer with their SPF setting spray."
My go-to makeup look consists of...
"90% of the time, I don't wear makeup. If anything, I'll just fill my brows in, put on my mascara and put on a clear gloss. I'm currently obsessing over SmashBox Shape Matters Brow Palette, Buxom Big Tease Plumping Mascara and Essence Behind The Scenes Gloss. If I go out, I'll choose between BareMinerals Matte Powder Foundation and Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation paired with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Contour Kit and setting with Ofras Tinted Translucent Powder."
How I approach beauty from the inside-out...
"A day with nothing to do is super recharging for me. Most of what I do is hands-on so massaging, acupuncture or anything to release tension and promote relaxation, I'm all for. Writing in my journey makes me feel powerful. It allows me to be in control of my thoughts."
What self-care is to me...
"Satin eye masks and pillowcases. I feel like a princess whenever I go to bed and wake up!"
How I do skincare when I travel...
"I keep it simple when I travel-––so my cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are all I bring in travel-size containers. I would also bring my makeup faves like brow and face powder, mascara and a gloss in my carry-on. I feel like the less time I spend on getting ready, the more time I spend enjoying the trip!"
For more of Brenttany, follow her on Instagram @brenttany!
Featured image via Brenttany/Instagram
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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So, here’s the deal: if you’re over the age of 35, perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to an entire freakin’ decade. And so, if you’re wondering why I’m talking about menopause more often these days…now you know.
Okay and just what does perimenopause and especially menopause have to do with your skin? Chile, where do I even start? SMDH. Probably the easiest way to explain it is that when your estrogen and progesterone levels drop (which is what automatically happens during that time of life), it can directly impact how your skin both looks and feels. Your skin may feel drier, thinner, or appear less “full” (meaning plump) — and all of that can make it look older than you want it to.
Honestly, that’s why a lot of skincare products are marketed as being “anti-aging”; it’s their gentle way of saying skin that is perimenopausal or menopausal. In fact, I actually read that during the first five years of menopause, it’s pretty common to lose as much as 30 percent of the collagen that’s in your system (check out “We Lose Collagen As We Age. 10 Ways To Naturally Boost It.”). And since collagen plays such a significant role in your skin retaining moisture, having elasticity, and avoiding the fine lines and wrinkles that most of us would prefer to put off for as long as we possibly can, it’s important to do what can be done, even now, to keep a youthful and radiant glow.
So, let’s get into it. Because there is indeed such a thing as menopause skincare (the anti-aging industry brings in literally billions of dollars every year because of it), I want to share 12 things that you can proactively do to care for your own skin: whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause or just…curious.
1. Eat More Phytoestrogens
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Okay, so since you lose quite a bit of estrogen during menopause, if you don’t want your skin to look like you did, you should consider consuming some phytoestrogens. Those are foods like dried fruits, garlic, plums, pears, apples, onions, and collards that come from plant-based estrogen. Since phytoestrogens are able to do everything from bring more hydration into your skin to boost your collagen levels, if you want to “push pause” on the aging process of your skin from the inside out, eating phytoestrogens is certainly one way to do it.
2. Also, Consume More Collagen-Enriched Foods
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We already touched on what collagen is able to do, which is why it’s a good idea to eat foods that are rich in this particular structural protein as well. Chicken, broccoli, bone broth, berries, cashews, egg whites, and citrus fruit can get you right in this department. Know what else can? Green tea.
3. Enjoy Some Dark Chocolate
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Women who are postmenopausal should consume dark chocolate on a consistent basis because it helps with their heart health. Something else that research reveals is dark chocolate is great when it comes to boosting cognitive function (which can also decline during menopause when it comes to your memory). Your skin could use dark chocolate because it increases blood circulation to it. Also, dark chocolate can protect your skin from damaging UV rays. And since dark chocolate helps to reduce stress, that is just one more reason to snack on it — and perhaps why you should consider applying a dark chocolate face mask a couple of times a month, too (you can check out some more info via StyleCraze on all of that here).
By the way, it should go on record that the key is not to pick up a Hershey’s bar on your way home. You need to eat the kind of dark chocolate that contains no less than 65-70 percent cocoa. Yep, the less sweet and more chalk-like it tastes, the better (just sayin’).
4. Put Aloe Vera Juice in Your Drinks
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The antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in (pure) aloe vera juice can do wonders for your system. Not only is it full of antioxidants and vitamin C, but aloe vera juice can also help to improve digestion, regulate your blood sugar levels, improve your oral health, soothe heartburn, and keep your vision healthy and strong. As far as your skin goes, aloe vera juice will definitely help it to maintain a proper level of moisture. As a bonus, it can also help to increase collagen production and improve elasticity in your skin.
Oh, if the thought of drinking aloe vera juice straight makes you slightly want to throw up in your mouth, take it from me that if you put a tablespoon in your juice or smoothie, you will hardly even notice that it’s there.
5. Up Your Water Intake
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Our bodies are made up of mostly water; so, of course, we need it. How much? For regular maintenance purposes, many health experts say that we, as women, can benefit from nine cups a day. If you want to shed a few pounds, 1-2 liters are recommended. And when it comes to dealing with menopause, in general, and avoiding dry skin that comes from it, at least do the bare minimum (although adding a couple of glasses of water to that would be ideal). The bottom line here is hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE. If you want to get a leg up on menopausal skin, that’s gonna be how you do it best.
6. Take a Probiotic
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You’re gonna be hard-pressed to read something on gut health and not see a probiotic mentioned (check out “80% Of Your Immunity Is In Your Gut. Take Care Of It Like This.”). That’s because there is plenty of data out here to support that taking a probiotic can do wonders for keeping your intestinal health in great condition. Your skin will thrive off of a probiotic because, not only is it proven to decrease the amount of water that your skin loses, but it also helps to improve the quality of your skin too.
7. “Seal Your Skin” with Marula Oil
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If you want your skin to look as young as it possibly can, it’s always a good idea to look for products that contain a lot of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids; one of those is marula oil (which is an oil that comes from marula fruit). In fact, one of the reasons why it gets a shout-out here is a lot of skincare experts recommend that you use it to “seal in moisture.” And since that is a great way to keep water in your skin (for longer) after taking a shower or bath, if you’re looking for the perfect oil to keep your skin feeling super soft and hydrated, hours after washing up, marula oil is one to keep in mind (plum oil is pretty bomb too, by the way).
8. Hyaluronic Acid Is Your Friend
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Over the past several months, something that I’ve been becoming more and more of a fan of is hyaluronic acid (check out “Why Your Skin, Hair, And Nails Need Hyaluronic Acid Like...Yesterday”). As far as menopause goes, it can actually help to naturally treat vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Also, when it comes to your skin, since it actually has the ability to make it more flexible — well, that can make fine lines and wrinkles less of a visible issue.
9. Do Chemical Peels
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Last fall, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, “I've Been Doing At-Home Chemical Peels. Here Are The Pros And Cons.” I did it because, ever since I started doing chemical peels, I’ve started to see a nice shift in both the appearance as well as the texture of my skin. Anyway, since fine lines and acne are two things that oftentimes come with menopausal skin (more on pimples in a bit), and that is just what chemical peels help to treat, applying them on a consistent basis could be a wise move. You can get a potent chemical peel from a skin professional, or you can do what I do and go the lighter route at home. I’ve had no regrets (other than not fully following the directions and getting a mild chemical burn on my face once in the beginning) since doing so.
10. Try CeraVe (No Joke)
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I can’t remember the last time that I watched television, and a doggone CeraVe commercial didn't come on at some point. Personally, I’ve never used any of the products before — I might consider it now, though. Apparently, “the ceramides in CeraVe” are exactly what our skin is longing for during perimenopause and menopause. Long story short, ceramides are the fats that are in our skin cells; they actually make up around 30-40 percent of the outer layers of our skin. And since you not only lose quite a bit of ceramides during menopause, their structure tends to change too — next time you’re at the store, picking up a CeraVe moisturizer certainly couldn’t hurt.
11. Do Research on “Menopausal Acne”
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It’s like it never ends. Lawd. Okay, so why in the world, would we as grown-ass women, end up with acne? The bottom line here is just like hormonal fluctuations can trigger breakouts in teenagers, pretty much the same thing can happen to us during perimenopause and menopause. From what I’ve read and researched, as far as how to treat it, you can do similar things that you did as an adolescent (if acne was an issue), including applying benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. Although, if you’ve never been to a dermatologist before, this may be the time to do it. They may be able to customize a skincare regimen that can make getting through this season of acne a lot easier for you.
12. Don’t Forget About Sunscreen
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Even though we’re more melanated than any other demographic (and I love that for us!), it is ridiculous to think that skin cancer cares about that. Know what else some of us need to let go of? The belief is that we only need protection from the sun during the summer months. Listen, so long as the sun is shining, rays are beaming, and they can ultimately damage our skin (even in the wintertime). And since menopause makes skin thinner, which ultimately means that it’s more vulnerable, you definitely need to make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine, now more than ever. You can check out a list of some of the best sunscreens for our complexion(s) here.
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Menopause skin prep. Chile, you ain’t gotta tell me — I’m right there with you, somewhere in perimenopause. Hopefully, this intel will make shifting into the transition easier to bear…so that “Black not cracking” can remain intact. Even during the seasons of (perimenopause) and menopause.
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