8 Solid Reasons Why You Should Give Yourself A Facial Once A Month
You know what's a trip? The more intentional I become about setting healthy boundaries, releasing toxic people, tapping into my Black femininity and protecting my inner peace, the more I'm all about pampering myself. I mean, budgeting out money, every single month, to treat my body to some much-needed TLC. Lately, what I've been getting into are facials. Recently, I had my first back facial. It was divine. There is no better word for it. Anyway, as I was getting a "face facial" a couple of weeks ago, my skincare specialist told me that while I don't really need to get a professional facial more than once a season (four times a year), it can never hurt to give myself one at home around every four weeks or so. And so, that is exactly what I am going to start implementing into my DIY beauty regimen.
As for you sis, whether it's because time and money are tight or because you want to learn how to do more at-home pampering and you think that giving yourself a facial would be a good start (and I would agree), here are eight reasons that hopefully will inspire you to check out five videos (here, here, here, here and here) on how to give yourself an at-home facial, so that you will be fully inspired to treat yourself before the week's end.
1. It Deep-Cleanses Your Pores
Last summer, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, "10 All-Natural Ways To Make Your Pores Appear Smaller" because I'm someone who has larger pores on certain parts of my body. A part of it is genetic. Another reason is because I wasn't always the most diligent about deep cleaning them and, when you're not, that can cause oil, dirt and make-up build-up to stretch and enlarge your pores overtime. That's one of the reasons why a facial can be so helpful. It will help to pull all of the "gunk" out of your pores, so that they can stay smaller and you will encounter less breakouts.
Pore Cleansing Facial Recipe: Combine ½ cup of manuka honey (it's an amazing humectant) with three tablespoons of fresh-squeezed orange juice (it's loaded with antioxidants), one tablespoon of sea salt (the perfect exfoliant) and one teaspoon of Aloe vera (it's loaded with healing properties). Mix all of the ingredients together, apply to freshly washed skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm and then cool water (as a heads up, this part of the instruction applies to just about every recipe in this piece). The combination of these ingredients will deeply exfoliate your skin while triggering collagen production at the same time.
2. It Treats Acne
If you're someone who is prone to breakouts, this is another reason to consider giving at-home facials a try. Not only do facials help to clear out your pores as I just mentioned, they can get rid of dead skin cells, remove excess oil and also soothe your skin, if there are areas that happen to be inflamed. With all of these things being less of an issue, it's a lot harder for pimples to literally rear their ugly heads.
Acne Facial Recipe: Mix two tablespoons of manuka honey with one teaspoon of turmeric. The properties in the turmeric will reduce inflammation as the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in the honey will help to get rid of the bacteria that causes breakouts in the first place.
3. It Evens Out Your Skin Tone
Whenever I get a facial, something that I notice, pretty much immediately, is how bright and even my skin looks.
Due to things like UV damage (which can happen to us too), hormonal shifts, acne marks, slow collagen production and/or the overproduction of melanin, our skin can end up having some discoloration here and there. Two things that can remedy this is getting to personally know what your skin type is (more on that later) and yep, you guessed it, having facials.
In this lane, facials are dope because they can smooth and even out your skin tone over time. The key here is to go with a facial recipe that is loaded with antioxidants.
Skin Tone Facial Recipe: Blend the pulp of one papaya with two tablespoons of goat milk. The antioxidants along with the enzyme papain in the papaya will break down dead skin cells while the milk will soften the skin and unevenness. Oh, it should go on record that because papaya can be pretty potent, you'll probably only need to keep this particular mask on your face for no more than 5-7 minutes.
4. It Increases Blood Circulation
You might not have ever thought about getting a facial for the specific purpose of increasing blood circulation to your face, yet it is another benefit that comes with having one. The reality is poor circulation to your face (and neck) can play a significant role in your skin aging faster than it ever should. The way to head this off is to give yourself a facial that contains a form of Vitamin A known as retinoids; they increase blood circulation and even have a reputation for creating new blood vessels over time. Dope.
Blood Circulation Facial Recipe: Combine one egg with two tablespoons of plain whole milk yogurt. Both are loaded with retinoids and, as a bonus, will make your skin feel baby soft smooth.
5. It Slows Down the Signs of Aging
Don't get triggered but I once wrote "Yes, Black CAN Crack. Here's What To Do About It, Tho." for this platform for a reason and a purpose.
While the extra melanin in our skin is indeed a blessing, that doesn't mean that we should take it for granted or not be proactive about making sure that we keep our youthful glow for as long as possible. One way to do that? You already know — give yourself a facial. Another benefit that comes from this kind of beauty treatment is it can help to increase your skin's elasticity, thicken your skin and remove toxins that may be embedded in your pores while improving your skin's texture and super-hydrating your pores in the process.
Anti-Aging Facial Recipe: Put one tablespoon of shea butter, two teaspoons of Aloe vera gel, ¼ of a ripe avocado and ½ ripe apricot in a blender until everything is super smooth. The shea butter's antioxidants have anti-aging properties. The Aloe vera will help to improve your skin's elasticity. Avocados hydrate and also add to your skin's elasticity. Apricots are rich in fatty acids to help make your skin soft and supple.
6. It’s a Skin Hydrator
All of your body needs moisture. Your face is certainly no exception. When it fails to get the adequate amount that it needs, that can lead to dryness, irritation, acne, environmental damage and premature signs of aging. That's why it's important to consume lots of water and to consider giving yourself a facial that specifically treats dry skin from time to time.
Skin Hydration Facial Recipe: Put four ripe strawberries into a blender along with two teaspoons of Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of coconut milk. Strawberries are high in antioxidants. The lactic acid from the yogurt will brighten your skin. The coconut milk is extremely moisturizing.
7. It Teaches You More About Your Skin
The reason why a lot of us don't end up with the flawless glowing skin that we desire is because we don't know enough about our skin type to give it, just what it needs. One thing that can help with this is to take an online quiz (like the one on the Ask the Scientists website that you can check out here). Another is to give yourself a facial to see which one your skin responds to best. If you want to "ease into" giving yourself one, vegetable glycerin and Vitamin E are two ingredients that are great for sensitive skin.
Beginner's Facial Recipe: Add three Vitamin E capsules to one tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin adds lots of moisture while Vitamin offers anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
8. It Reduces Your Stress Levels
If you really want to take your DIY facial up a notch, devote 5-10 minutes massaging your face first. Make sure your hands and face are clean and then use your fingertips to create small circles all over your face and neck. Not only will it help to increase blood circulation, it is extremely relaxing too. Then, once you're done, give yourself a stress-releasing facial. Not only will it help to activate your sympathetic nervous system, it will also reduce your anxiety levels and uplift your spirits. Definitely a win when it comes to DIY skincare.
Stress-Reducing Facial Recipe: Mix two tablespoons of sweet almond oil (improves complexion, fights breakouts), with a teaspoon of honey and four drops of lavender (it's soothing to the skin as it gets rid of bacteria and calms your spirits at the same time). It's the perfect skin treatment at night before turning in, so that you can wake up with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
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Featured image by Getty Images
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage