Jhene Aiko Dropped The Skincare Routine That Keeps Her Glow On-Go At All Times
Skincare isn't just a part of my daily routine, issa sport. Last year, I got hit with some pretty severe cystic acne that dramatically altered my day-to-day life. No matter what products I used and how much water I drank, my face was so scarred and blemished that I wouldn't leave the house without makeup. I didn't realize that I wasn't the only woman in the world going from one expensive skincare remedy to the next, hoping to discover a one-size-fits-all "miracle cure", but according to Jhene Aiko, the key to ageless skin lies in the power of the switch-up.
What I've grown to learn over the past year of dealing with relentless acne is that there is never just one trigger. You may have just switched to a new cult-favorite skincare product, but you're not seeing results because you haven't switched up your diet. Or maybe you're drinking all the water you can, but you're still having breakouts because you're stressed the f*ck out. When it comes to your skin, there are a number of variables to cracking the code and accessing the fountain of youth, and Jhene Aiko shared some of her tips in a recent interview.
The 31-year-old singer recently slid through ESSENCEand dropped some gems on how she keeps her skin ageless and blemish-free year-round. According to Jhene, there are a number of factors that go into choosing the perfect products for each season:
"My skin type is combination. Depending on my diet, the time of the month and if I'm stressed or not, my skin changes and I constantly have to tailor my skin routine."
Change is good, especially when it comes to your skincare routine, and Jhene revealed the details on how she keeps her glow on 10. While some of her methods may be unconventional, judging from her flawless, filterless selfies, they work damn good. Here are 6 tips from Jhene's current beauty routine that you try out ASAP:
Jhene Aiko's Skincare & Beauty Routine
Jhene Aiko Invests In Fraxel Treatments Twice A Year
This tip, in particular, is for my sisters with a safely secured bag because Fraxel treatments can run up a whole check. These non-surgical laser treatments are painful yet effective and can redeem you of acne scars, improve your skin's texture, and give you smaller pores. Beauty hurts, but Jhene Aiko undergoes this process twice a year to keep her skin looking so fresh and so clean, clean. Last March in an Instagram comment, she wrote:
"I get Fraxel about twice a year. It's an intense laser treatment that improves texture, acne scars and enlarged pores. It's kinda expensive. And hurts like shit. Ur face micro scabs... the scabs fall off gradually... over a period of like 7 days. And then a new layer of skin is revealed... your face stays swollen for like another week. Its all so worth it tho lol."
Water & Veggies Are A Must
When you put good in, you get good out, and the same is true as it relates to what you eat and how your skin reacts. Along with drinking tons of water, Jhene also minds her diet when it comes to getting and keeping her skin all the way together:
"I make sure I'm drinking plenty of water, all day… everyday!!! Eating lots of fruits and even more veggies is a must."
Birth Control Helped Jhene Aiko With Her Cystic Acne
This tip right here y'all, this tip right here... Had me shook. Earlier this year, I felt a sharp pain in my pelvis that I thought had to be a bladder infection. After arriving at a local urgent care, I learned that I was suffering from an ovarian cyst that had ruptured after I started taking birth control.
When my skin started to clear up, I thought it was because of one of the many pricey skincare products that I had purchased, but after recently doing some research, I learned that the proof may have been in the pill. Along with Fraxel treatments, Jhene also takes a birth control pill to control both her cystic and hormonal acne. She said:
"I [used] to have cystic acne due to ovarian cyst.The b.c. helps w/ that."
Check The Ingredients
I'm the type of person who will read and assess all of the ingredients on the back of the package of any and every thing before I purchase. According to Jhene, this pesky habit can come in handy when buying new skincare products. Jhene shared that when she's looking to switch up her remedy and buy or DIY a new product she looks for these ingredients:
"I look for lavender, chamomile, CBD oil and neem oil. I make my own concoctions with a few of these ingredients and have found that they really calm and soothe my skin. I also love seaweed and sea kelp in my serums and toner."
Serums, Supplements & Scrubs
Fraxel treaments can be tough on the skin, and along with La Mer sheet masks, Jhene carries all of her favorite products in travel-sized containers because you never know when you'll have a sebum-related emergency that needs your attention ASAP. She said:
"I keep up the results w/ Alastin skin care, iS Clinical serums, [Cerave] wash, Lancer scrub and [Circcell Abo +|-] serum. Also I take collagen pills, drink kangen water, apple cider vinegar and take Super Food by Dr Shulze's daily!"
Woosah, Sis
How you feel internally is directly reflected by your external being. So if you think you're doing everything right when it comes to your skincare routine but you're still not seeing results, it's probably because you're stressed, sis. You need to Woosah. Jhene says that meditation helps her keep both her stress and her sebum under control.
"Last, but not least… I practice living in a meditative state and breathing deeply throughout my day. I believe that inner peace shines from the inside out and shows up on your skin."
Check out Jhene's full skincare routine on ESSENCE.com!
Featured image by Parisa Michelle / Shutterstock.com
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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 LISTÂ 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:Â Â
​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