8 Products That Help Fade Dark Spots With The Quickness
Finding the right skincare products is always a challenge. When you layer on a skincare concern like hyperpigmentation, you might find yourself in a money pit of frustration. I've been there, done that, and have the drawer full of products to show for it.
Thanks to new technology and skincare lines that keep our budgets in mind, finding the right products have gotten easier. Here are eight products from budget-friendly to splurge city to keep in mind the next time you're looking for a skincare treatment for those pesky dark spots.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary
I started using this product just over a month ago, and I can report that the clarity of my skin has improved. My hyperpigmentation isn't gone, but nowadays I use less makeup to cover my spots. I use this day and night, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.
Pixi By Petra Glow Peel Advanced Exfoliating Pads
Anthropologie
Pixi is a favorite of many skincare lovers out there, and these pads are no different. Formulated with 20% glycolic acid, you'll see healthier skin in no time. If you have scars on your décolleté or shoulders, pads will make it easier to treat those areas.
ARCONA Gentle Solution® Nighttime Face Serum
ARCONA has been a long-time favorite of mine because of their line's dedication to clean ingredients that work. Coupled with their Cranberry Gommage Exfoliant, my skin is always at its best.
COSMEDIX Simply Brilliant 24/7 Brightening Treatment
COSMEDIX
With two powerhouse ingredients, L-lactic acid and salicylic acid, this treatment can be used day and night to help reveal brighter, even skin.
OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum
If you've read any of my other pieces you know, I am an advocate of vitamin C. Not only will this serum protect against free radicals and brighten skin, the aloe juice and green tea extracts infused in the serum will keep the skin hydrated.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
The Ordinary
Thanks to a pro tip from an esthetician, I found out that if the skin is sensitive to glycolic acid, lactic acid might be the key since it is naturally made in our bodies. The Ordinary's Lactic Acid not only boasts great reviews, but the pricing can't be beat.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector
Neutrogena
With all of the prestigious products on the market, it can be easy to overlook drugstore options. With accelerated Retinol SA, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, these ingredients will give your skincare routine a boost.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Sunday Riley
Give your skin a dose of 15% vitamin C along with a little glycolic acid on the side, and your skin will thank you with a healthy glow.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Originally published May 15, 2019
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Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
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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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images