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!
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
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Got Some Watery Discharge Going On? This Could Be What's Up.
A few weeks ago, while I was talking to a friend who is post-menopause about how I really think that there needs to be far more information out there about perimenopause, she sighed, laughed, and then asked, “Have you started to feel like you’re peeing on yourself yet?”
Umm…NO. Girl, what?
She then went on to talk about how,for about a year straight, she would randomly have streams of what felt like urine running out of her and, when she finally went to the doctor about it, they said that it had to do with her hormones fluctuating all over the place because she was on the tail end of perimenopause andher vagina was in a bit of atrophy. Listen, if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a billion times: it seems like the only time when our world, as women, isn’t revolving around a menstrual cycle, is before they ever begin. Otherwise…GOODNESS.
Anyway, after speaking to some other post-menopausal women about this very topic and then thinking about some of the times when I’ve had random bouts of watery discharge, even back in my early 30s, I decided that now is as good a time as any to tackle this topic — in case it’s something that some of you have or are currently going through…and you’re not quite sure what to make it of it.
What Is Healthy Discharge?
GiphyOkay, so let’s start with a brief rundown on why we have vaginal discharge at all and what the indications are that it’s healthy. Long story short, vaginal discharge is a fluid that comes out of your vagina that helps to both clean and lubricate your vagina (which is why douching is totally unnecessary). Depending on the time of the month that your cycle is in, your discharge can change, although the average amount of healthy discharge tends to be somewhere between 1-4 milliliters (which equals out to ½ teaspoon) daily. Texture-wise, it may be watery or a bit thicker. Color-wise, it may be clear to off-white.
As far as what a healthy vagina smells like — that can vary. When it’s highly acidic, it might smell fermented. When you’re on your cycle, it may smell like copper (due to the blood). If it smells kind of like molasses, there could be an overgrowth of bacteria going on (although that’s not usually anything to be too concerned about).
Really, healthy discharge can be its own article; however, this is a pretty good overall description if you’re looking for something to compare your own vaginal discharge to.
What Is Unhealthy Discharge?
GiphyNow that you know about healthy vaginal discharge, what are some signs that yours may not be as healthy as it should be? Pretty much, it’s the opposite of everything that I just said. I will say that there is an exception when it comes to the color because if you see red, pink, or even brown and it’s around your cycle, your period usually has something to do with it (if it’s not around your period, you should alert your doctor because there may be an underlying health issue going on).
Outside of that, though, a yellow or greenish color typically means that you have either a bacterial infection or an STI/STD and grayish hues usually point to some type of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Odor-wise, your vagina should never smell fishy (that’s also an indication of some type of infection). If it smells like ammonia sometimes, that could be because your urine is too strong (drinking more water can help that out); if it smells like an onion, it could be due to emotional stress and if it smells like death (literally), that could be because you left a tampon in too long or some remnants of the tampon is still stuck in your vagina.
It’s also wise to remember that healthy discharge isn’t really irritating, so if yours is itchy, burning, or super thick, also see your physician as soon as you can.
What Does Watery Discharge Mean?
GiphyAlright, now that you know (or have recapped) what healthy and unhealthy vaginal discharge is like, let’s get into today’s main topic: watery discharge. Although I already touched on the role that perimenopause and menopause can play, there are other things that can lead to this type of discharge too:
Ovulation: Honestly, a lot of this is more about yourcervical fluid/cervical mucus that becomes thinner and more slippery when you’re ovulating, so that it’s easier for sperm to get to your eggs. What causes this to happen is a spike in your estrogen levels. It’s nothing to be alarmed about.
Pregnancy: Another time in your life when your estrogen levels may remain pretty high iswhen you’re pregnant — and yes, that can cause some watery discharge too; the kind that may increase as your pregnancy progresses. So long as the discharge isn’t accompanied by any of the unhealthy signs that I mentioned earlier, you should be fine when it comes to watery discharge here as well.
Sexual Arousal: Something else that can cause more discharge that seems watery is when you’re sexually aroused. Whenever that happens, more blood flows to your vaginal region and that can cause natural lubrication to transpire. This, right here, is always a good thing. Oh, and for those of you who wonder if squirting would fall under this category, check out, “Is Squirting Really Worth The Hype?” Come to think of it, one more “oh” — if you find yourself “getting wet” without direct sexual stimulation (or maybe even wanting to), the term for that is arousal non-concordance. It’s basically what happens when your body lubricates during times when your mind may not be thinking about it or would like it to happen.
Vaginal Sweat: Something else that can lead to watery discharge: something known as vaginal sweat.For the record, although your vagina itself doesn’t contain any sweat glands, when your vulva (the outer part of your vagina) and/or thighs produce an excessive amount of sweat due to things like exercise; heat; panties that don’t “breathe” (check out “These Are The Kinds Of Panties Your Vagina Actually Prefers”); pubic hair; being overweight, and pads and pantyliners, that’s what it tends to be called. Also, nothing to fret about (although you should go with wearing cotton panties if that’s not what you’re usually wearing so that your vulva can cool off more easily).
5 Ways to Keep Your Discharge Just How It Should Be
GiphyNow that you know a little bit more about watery discharge, you might also be curious about what you can do to keep yours at a healthy amount. Here are five quick tips.
1. Get your hormone levels checked. Since a lot about what goes on with discharge is about what your hormones are (or aren’t) doing, if lately, you’ve been noticing more vaginal discharge than usual, ask your doctor to check your hormone levels. If they’re imbalanced, there are a myriad of options that can help to get them back on track.
2. Wash your vagina properly. The reason why I’ve written articles like “Are You Washing Your Vagina Correctly? You Sure?,” “Have You Ever 'Spring Cleaned' Your Vagina Before?” and even “Love On Yourself With These 7 All-Natural DIY Vaginal Washes” is because, when it comes to how to correctly cleanse their vagina (which is really more like your vulva because your vagina doesn’t need any help in the cleaning department), many people know very little about it. For starters, if you’re using heavy perfumes or vaginal washes that contain a lot of chemicals, it could end up irritating your va-jay-jay and that can result in an increase of discharge. When it comes to vaginal cleansing, product-wise, less is always gonna be more.
3. Change out of wet clothes quickly. If you want to decrease vaginal sweating, get out of sweaty clothes as soon as you can. Not only can this prevent more wetness from occurring, but you will also decrease the chances of creating a breeding ground for yeast infections to occur (because dark, warm, and wet places are where yeast will thrive).
4. Make sure it’s not incontinence.Sometimes, what people think is excessive discharge can actually be incontinence that’s caused by an infection (like a urinary tract infection), a weak pelvic floor, constipation,an overactive bladder, or even stress. The cheat sheet on this one is no, your discharge should not constantly smell like urine. If it does, lean into you having an incontinence issue — and share it with your doctor.
5. USE. CONDOMS. Every time that I read thatonly one-third of men and one-fourth of women use condoms, I get triggered. Oftentimes, when your discharge is working overtime, it’s to try and get something out that shouldn’t be in there (like bacteria). Using condoms during sex helps to make things easier on your vagina — so unless you’re in a long-term exclusive relationship, condoms always need to be in use.
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Watery discharge? It’s pretty much a fact of life that will creep up at one time or another. Now that you know what can be the causes of it, hopefully, you know what to do about it…whatever the cause of it may be.
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