The Black Woman's Guide To Non-Invasive Aesthetic Treatments
There was a time not too long ago when the talk around plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements were seen as taboo and only for a select group of people. But if you look around at the selfie-forward, #nofilter culture we’ve entered in, those days are long gone.
Sometimes we want a little snatch here and a slight lift there without going under the knife and spending weeks in recovery. From fillers to peels, many aesthetic-seekers are finding that there is a way to achieve the same results of fully immersive surgeries without ever having to get on the operating table with non-intrusive procedures.
WHAT ARE NON-INTRUSIVE COSMETIC PROCEDURES?
Non-intrusive skin procedures, also known as non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, are cosmetic or dermatological treatments that do not require surgical incisions or penetration of the skin. These procedures are generally considered safer, have minimal downtime, and carry fewer risks compared to surgical interventions. Designed to improve the appearance and condition of the skin, these treatments have gained popularity for their efficient recovery periods and fewer side effects than traditional surgical cosmetic treatments.
A study released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported a 6% decrease in invasive plastic surgical procedures between 2000 and 2016. Cut to the present day, the rise in non-intrusive procedures has only gotten higher. According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the market for non-invasive aesthetic treatments was valued at 53.8 billion in 2021, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 15.2 percent from 2022 to 2030.
With key factors like increasing beauty consciousness, advancements in technology, and a growing aging population driving the market's growth, we can see that the interest and implementation of these treatments aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
TYPES OF NON-INVASIVE METHODS:
The bases of non-invasive aesthetic treatments involve procedures like Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing, among others, and are issued by a board-certified dermatology or esthetician. These treatments often target crow’s feet, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and other blemishes in order to improve the overall appearance of the patient's skin and complexion.
But how do you know which procedure is right for you? To help pique your interest in discovering all the Black-woman-friendly procedures, we’ve put together the best non-intrusive treatments to get your skin glowing, lifted, and snatched.
Botox Injections:
Easily the most known type of non-intrusive procedure is Botox® which is a well-known brand of botulinum toxin injections that use neurotoxins to temporarily relax the muscles in the face. During this procedure, small amounts of Botox are administered to specific muscles to smooth wrinkles and even alleviate migraine headaches.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting or tensing up. These effects are temporary but can last for several months, which makes it a popular, go-to “tweakment” for new and seasoned patients.
Good for people who: are looking to reduce signs of aging in the forehead, laugh lines, lips, neck, or eyes (crow’s feet).
AviClear
AviClear is the first FDA-approved laser to treat all levels of acne and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This non-invasive procedure utilizes a 1726 nm wavelength of focused laser energy to target and address the underlying causes of acne, such as excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation.
The laser works by penetrating the skin's surface and heating the sebaceous glands, where oil is produced, to reduce oil production. It also helps to zap away acne-causing bacteria and promote collagen production, which can improve skin texture and appearance.
Good for people who: are looking for a long-term solution to clear acne and prevent future breakouts.
RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a device that combines radiofrequency with tiny needles to induce controlled damage in the skin. This process stimulates the skin's natural repair response and boosts collagen production, resulting in a smoother and tighter appearance.
Unlike other energy-based devices that rely on heat, light, or specific wavelengths that target melanin in the skin, RF microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones.
Good for people who: are looking to get rid of acne scars, smooth the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin texture.
RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are a type of injectable dermal filler. These fillers are designed to mimic the natural hyaluronic acid found in the skin, providing a more natural and flexible result. RHA fillers come in different formulations (RHA 1, RHA 2, RHA 3, RHA 4) with varying thickness and malleability.
They are intended to be used by dermatologists like an artist's palette, creating a customized combination to achieve the best results for each client's needs. RHA fillers have a stretchy quality that allows them to move with facial expressions, ensuring a natural look, especially in your most expressive moments.
Good for people who: are looking to minimize wrinkles, add natural volume, and smooth fine lines.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
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.
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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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