xoNecole Readers Share How They Get Rid Of Dark Spots
Women are donning beat faces and flawless skin now more than ever. In fact, just about every other video on Instagram is a makeup tutorial.
But just like weaves, we have to make sure that what's underneath the extensions of our beauty is carefully maintained as well. That made us wonder how women are keeping their skin tight and right. One of the biggest culprits that adds years to your appearance is dark spots. While they can be harmless, the presence of hyperpigmentation can decrease your self-esteem and make you extremely self-conscious.
Here at xoNecole, we asked some of our readers to let us in on the ways they tackle dark spots and achieve glowing, radiant skin. Here's what they had to say:
Shanelle
What She Does:
Freelance Writer
How She Gets Rid of Dark Spots:
"The number one thing that has UNDOUBTEDLY helped with my dark spots is Vitamin C serum. It's a natural brightener and it helps your skin glow from the inside out. I have sensitive/combination skin so I was a bit apprehensive about putting an oil like this on my face, but I'm so happy I did! I use that twice a day, morning and night, and it's definitely a MUST HAVE in my skincare routine."
The Products She Swears By:
"A product I can't live without would be either the Vitamin C serum or my Noxzema Ultimate Clear Anti-Blemish Pads. The pads are made with salicylic acid, which sounds harsh, but it works like an astringent. In addition to blocking blemishes from forming, they also help to reduce scarring from previous ones. Without those two, my skin would NOT look as cohesive as it does."
Mel
What She Does:
Business Owner, RN, CMSRN, Professional Makeup Artist
How She Gets Rid of Dark Spots:
For Mild - Acne Scarring
"I use a salicylic-based skincare line, Clinique, to prevent more breakouts. In a nutshell, salicylic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid family derived from willow bark (the same place we get aspirin). Salicylic acid is both highly keratolytic and comedolytic, which means it not only dissolves dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, but it's also able to get down into the pore, dissolve the oil and break apart the debris inside that commonly leads to acne. Additionally, it can correct dark spots without irritating your skin because it's derived from willow bark, which has some topical anti-inflammatory benefits."
Olamide
What She Does:
PR Consultant/Brand Strategist/Multi Media Journo
How She Gets Rid of Dark Spots:
Morning Routine
"I battled with acne and as a result dark spots for years, but after reading up on maintaining a flawless skin and getting to understand my skin, I stuck to a routine that has worked for me till date. My routine is pretty simple enough for every day and doesn't take my time. I start with wiping excess oil with unscented wipes, then I go on to wash my face with a gentle wash from Beauty Formula when taking a bath. Afterwards, I leave my face to air dry and then use my ever-trusted Palmers Skin Success Deep Cleansing Astringent (I've used this for over 15 years!), which is followed by Palmer's Skin Success Toner. Then, I moisturize."
Nighttime Routine
"My night routine is also pretty similar, from wiping my makeup to cleansing, toning, and using a green tea serum that works on my skin overnight. I exfoliate once a week using a sugar scrub from Arami Essentials. I interchange this with my electric facial brush that also works for exfoliating and deep cleansing so my skin is clean and clear. I also drink lots of water and make sure I never touch my face. I wash my makeup applicators often and sometimes I go makeup-free, leaving my skin to breath. I never pop pimples, I make sure to apply topical cream to them till they dry off and the scar slowly fade out."
Naomi
What She Does:
Purpose & Soul Creator of @yourstrulyclub & @inspofinds/Host of Yours Truly Podcast Design + Direction
How She Gets Rid of Dark Spots:
Skincare Journey
"I normally have very good skin and then around October 2017, I suddenly had constant breakouts for a good couple of months, which led to, of course, picking and leaving me with quite a lot of scarring around my cheeks. My main problem was the spots not clearing up at first as I couldn't fix the dark spots if I was still getting acne. I tried so many products and even the famous DuDu black soap, but I have now learned that too much irritation to the skin can cause more breakouts. I have discovered that I have highly sensitive skin and combination skin. I think learning what skin you have is so important to know what products work well for you. For instance, at night I use an oil and I tried coconut oil, which is highly popular but it was too much for my skin and clogged my pores but Vitamin E oil isn't as heavy and contains antioxidants to help acne and smooth uneven tones."
Dietary Restrictions
One big part of my routine now is no dairy. I realized that a lot of my skin problems came from the dairy and after taking it out I no longer have breakouts and my eczema is also clearing up. It's not just about what you put on your skin but what you feed your body too and, that said, I also drink a minimum of 1.5L of water. It's so easy to say, water doesn't do anything when you drink a lot, but a friend reminded me that imagine your skin if you didn't drink anything!"
Skincare Routine
"I think everyone needs to be 100% committed to a morning and night routine to transform and maintain good skin."
"Every morning, I wash my face with Shea Moisture African black soap, which unlike the Dudu African soap, is very nourishing. I don't feel like my face has been stripped away. I then follow up with Body Shop Aloe Toner. I then follow the Body Shop Vitamin C moisture serum, which honestly, this range has transformed my skin. The only difference is my night routine. I change my moisturizer for pure Vitamin E oil and smooth a few drops onto my skin. For around six weeks, I did this every night but now I do this twice a week as it is starting to get warmer in the UK."
The Product She Swears By:
"Now the magic product I just LOVE is the Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel. It has honestly transformed my skin. I use it twice a week and it subtly lifts a layer of my dead skin off and you feel it doing so! Because I use this twice a week, it lifts the dead skin sitting on my dark spots allowing them to fade."
Do you have any other natural ways to remove dark spots? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image by Getty Images
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
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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'Love Is Blind' Star AD Smith Shows Us That The Journey To Self-Worth Is Ongoing And She Shouldn't Be Criticized For It
This season of Love Is Blind was undeniably a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From intricate love triangles to deeply rooted attachment issues, it offered viewers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships.
Yet, amidst the drama and romance, I think it serves as a poignant reminder of how we can possess a keen awareness of our relationship patterns; we can even find ourselves in therapy for years yet find ourselves repeatedly entangled in the same destructive cycles. Without the necessary tools and strategies to dismantle old habits and embrace healthier alternatives, we are destined to remain ensnared in a cycle of repetition and stagnation.
Amber Desiree “AD” Smith was left shocked and confused at the altar when her fiancé, Clay Gravesande, ultimately decided not to go through with the wedding ceremony. His actions throughout the season consistently indicated hesitancy towards commitment despite initially expressing readiness for a long-term relationship when he and AD first connected in the pods.
Throughout the season, Clay's journey revealed layers of immaturity stemming from childhood wounds caused by generational trauma, along with a clear unpreparedness for a healthy relationship. His relationship with AD began on shaky ground when he hesitated to commit without knowing her appearance first.
@netflix.reality.clips Clay and AD in the pods #clayloveisblind #ADloveisblind #loveisblindseason6 #libs6 #dating show
Despite AD's initial surprise, she decided to give Clay a chance, continuing their relationship. However, this initial compromise led to recurring issues, such as Clay's insensitive comments about potential weight gain and his insistence that AD join a gym if she were to gain weight in the future.
Despite these challenges, Clay and AD left the pods engaged with a road ahead of them of ongoing struggles in the real world. Clay and AD's relationship seemed shallow, mainly revolving around superficial interactions reminiscent of casual social media banter. Clay's fixation on physical appearance and fear of commitment clashed with AD's idealized vision of their relationship, blinding her from facing the reality of who Clay truly was.
Clay often centered conversations around himself, indicating a deep need for validation, which AD eagerly provided. From my point of view, this mutual reinforcement bolstered Clay's ego while fulfilling AD's need for validation in return.
Throughout season 6, Clay grappled with committing to a single partner, influenced by his upbringing witnessing his father's multiple relationships and extramarital affairs. The absence of healthy marriage examples shaped his perception of relationships. Despite these challenges, AD remained steadfast in her support, demonstrating a willingness to confront and overcome obstacles with Clay, given her upbringing in a household where her father was absent, an attachment wound that she has gained awareness about in therapy.
In the season finale, AD's excitement turned to confusion when Clay unexpectedly responded with "I don't" after her "I do." Clay's decision wasn't about AD's worth but stemmed from his own lack of emotional maturity and focus on superficial traits like physical appearance and achievement.
@stephmoneymonster Justice for AD #loveisblind #loveisblindseason6 #fpy #viralvideo #foryoupage #single #dating
Despite Clay's repeated expressions of self-doubt throughout the season, AD was visibly taken aback, holding onto the hope that he would change. AD's desire to be with Clay overshadowed her ability to discern if he was the right guy for her. Throughout the season, she found herself caught up in a fantasy of who she wanted Clay to be and the idea of being married to him. Clay's repeated statements about how AD made him a better man and how he wanted to change for her likely boosted her ego.
Many of us can relate to AD's struggle; grappling with feelings of unworthiness due to childhood trauma and abandonment often traps us in cycles that reinforce our deepest fears.
At the altar, AD was left devastated, questioning her worthiness and desirability. However, it’s not that AD isn’t worthy; she’s just stuck in a pattern of choosing emotionally unavailable partners, reminiscent of her father. Though she desires a different outcome, she finds herself unable to connect with a man who is emotionally present, reflecting her own emotional unavailability.
In our society, there's a common expectation for women to take on the role of nurturing and guiding men, often justified by the belief that “boys will be boys.” Like most women, AD frequently excuses Clay's behavior and does much of the emotional work in their relationship.
Deep down, AD likely felt the need to show unwavering support to Clay, hoping to secure his commitment by accommodating his flaws. For AD, love has become synonymous with earning someone's affection, a belief she reinforced by investing her heart in Clay, hoping to prove her worth to him. Yet, in doing so, she unwittingly perpetuated her own cycle of dysfunction.
AD's journey highlights the importance of being discerning in relationships, distinguishing between genuine compatibility, and settling for something less (the "right" from the "kinda sorta right"). Unfortunately, she lacked the tools to see Clay clearly, especially when dealing with her own attachment issues. Relying solely on physical attraction can be risky, as it often leads to repeating old patterns, with judgment clouded by the intensity of emotions.
Netflix Love Is Blind season 6 Clay and AD/ Screenshot
Engaging in inner work through therapy is undoubtedly a crucial step toward personal growth and healing, but it doesn’t fix us. It provides us with the opportunity to delve into our past traumas, confront deep-seated insecurities, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. However, despite the insights gained and the progress made within the therapeutic setting, applying this newfound self-awareness to real-life situations, especially in the realm of romantic relationships, can be challenging.
For someone like AD, the journey towards self-discovery is ongoing. I love the way Yung Pueblo puts it: “If the pain was deep, you will have to let it go many times.” While therapy equips her with valuable tools for introspection and self-reflection, it doesn't necessarily guarantee an immediate transformation in her dating behavior or decision-making process because she needs to grieve what she didn’t get from her father and create a new identity for herself.
One of the biggest reasons for this disparity between inner work and practical application lies in the complexity of human emotions and behavior.
Despite understanding the root causes of her attachment issues, AD found herself still drawn to partners who perpetuate these dynamics. This phenomenon often occurs because our emotional responses are deeply ingrained and may override rational thought processes, particularly when it pertains to matters of the heart.
'Love Is Blind' Season 6 Finale AD and Clay's Wedding/ Screenshot
Furthermore, the dynamics of therapy sessions differ vastly from real-life interactions and relationships. In therapy, individuals are in a controlled environment where they can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. However, the unpredictability and vulnerability inherent in dating can trigger old wounds and defense mechanisms, making it challenging to maintain the same level of self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Moreover, societal expectations and cultural norms can exert significant pressure on individuals like AD, influencing their perceptions of what constitutes a successful relationship. The desire for validation, societal approval, or the fear of being alone may cloud judgment and lead to compromising on core values or overlooking red flags.
So, how can we bridge the gap between inner work and practical application in our own dating lives?
Firstly, it's essential to acknowledge that growth is a gradual process and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of expecting instant results, we can practice self-compassion and patience while holding ourselves accountable.
Additionally, we can also work on slowing down, setting boundaries, and practicing assertiveness in our interactions with potential partners. Start getting to know people from the inside out. Not just by what they say but by what they do. These two things should always walk hand in hand.
By clearly communicating our needs and values and slowing down on physical intimacy, we can better discern whether a relationship aligns with our values.
Furthermore, seeking support from wise counsel (trusted friends and family), mentors, or even continuing therapy BEFORE things get too serious can provide us with additional perspectives and guidance as we navigate the dating landscape. Having a support network can offer reassurance and validation while also providing accountability in making healthy choices.
Lastly, by staying attuned to our emotions and paying attention to what our intuition is saying, we can make more informed decisions and avoid falling into familiar traps.
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Feature image Netflix Love Is Blind Season 6/ Screenshot