As humans, we tend to spend a lot of time taking care of our skin, mostly our face. Why don't we give more consideration to the skin all over our bodies in not-so-traditional places? There are parts of our body that go unnoticed, and it's time for us to give them some extra attention. We are glad that society is moving in the direction of body awareness because our bodies are designed to be loved.
First up: underarms. They can be sweaty and a pain to maintain, but they do so much for us. For one, they hold 20 lymph nodes in each crevice, an essential part of your body's immune system as it filters toxins. While societal expectations say that women should shave their pits, we believe that's between you and your body. Do you, sis! Just make sure you're keeping your underarms happy.
Below, we've rounded up some must-haves guaranteed to do just that. And let's just say, they aren't best-selling products for no reason. Keep scrolling for the deets!
1.Bella Skin Beauty Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner
Bella Skin Beauty
I didn't know underarm toner was a thing until I tried this product from Bella Skin Beauty. According to the brand, it eliminates bacteria, gently cleanses the skin, protects against environmental aggressors, and maintains its pH. Best of all, it reduces body odor. My favorite part is the plant-based ingredients: pure watermelon extract, ylang-ylang, lemon balm, aloe, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, making for a divine smell and soothing feel.
2.Glossier Body Hero Cleanse + Exfoliate Duo
Glossier
We don't exfoliate enough, and we definitely don't exfoliate under our arms enough. This duo by Glossier was designed to give your skin the one-two punch you need. The daily oil wash gathers the dirt and grime that don't belong and washes it away like Jesus washes away our sins while the exfoliating bar combats dryness and dead skin like your fairy godmother. Using this under your arms will create the soft, silky skin you deserve.
3.Oui The People PHA Ingrown Relief Toner
Oui The People
Of all of the acids, polyhydroxy acid (PHA) is said to be the least aggressive compared to alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don't get it twisted, PHAs hold their own, especially when it comes to fighting glycation; that's when digested sugar attaches to the collagen in your skin, won't let go, and makes it weak. By using The Big Reveal, you'll notice brighter and smoother skin with less irritation in weeks.
4.PiperWai Underarm Oil
PiperWai
Say hello to the new spa treatment for your pits, sis. Between the essential oils and antibacterial ingredients, your natural pH balance will be supported like never before. PiperWai suggests you "massage 1-2 drops per armpit before bed, or daily followed by deodorant if desired. If you are using the oil with the deodorant, use sparingly as a little bit goes a long way."
5.Native Natural Deodorant
Native
Native Deodorant is a firm believer that we have to take care of our bodies because it's the only place we have to live. This antiperspirant glides on like butter and keeps you dry throughout the day. Most importantly, it is aluminum-free which means it's natural enough not to harm you but strong enough to tackle your stress sweat.
6.Pacifica Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub
Pacifica
Keeping it 100% vegan and cruelty-free, Pacifica wants you to free your pits. And you can do so with this holy grail of a product because it unclogs your pores and makes them like new. If you're thinking of transitioning to natural deodorant, you'll want to use this detox scrub. The thickness is just right and isn't too harsh like other similar products.
7.Athena Club Smooth Skin Trio
Athena Club
You know what they say, "Good things come in threes!" The Smooth Skin Trio is made up of Cloud Shave Foam, Dewy Body Lotion, and Creamy Body Wash — all determined to keep you soft, smooth, and dewy. The shaving cream supports moisture, the lotion serves as a multivitamin, and the body wash cleanses and protects.
8.Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Paula's Choice
I've recently become a superfan of Paula's Choice products because they give what they need to give. You can count on their products to provide you with all-over smoothing. "Ongoing use banishes dullness and promotes resilient skin that's touchably soft and ultimately smooth. This is a customer favorite, suitable even for skin prone to keratosis pilaris." Keratosis pilaris is a common yet harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps.
9.Thrive Market Baking Soda
Thrive Market
"I'm in love with the CoCo." If you're not, you should be because this natural remedy contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Not only does it tighten pores, but it also fights body odor. Baking soda and lemon juice even lighten your underarms.
Using one tablespoon of baking soda and juice of half a lemon, you can combine both the ingredients in a bowl to create a paste. Once you have achieved your desired consistency, apply the paste to your armpits and massage for a minute, then let it dry for 20 minutes. Finally, wash off with cold water. Complete this application 2-3 times a week to see results.
10.Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream
Meow Meow Tweet
We love that this natural deodorant comes in a glass jar and can be refilled. Mama Earth would be proud! Both gentle and productive, this cream nourishes your underarm like a conditioner. Essential oils are always a vibe, and when you mix the various butters and plant oils included in this product, you are sure to have a frosting that your pits will adore.
11.Fur Ingrown Concentrate
Fur
Au Naturale and oh, so soothing should be the tagline for Fur's Ingrown Concentrate. Name a better spot treatment that slays annoying bumps and redness while also ailing sensitive skin. It's also the mitt for us because it's the key to buffing out those stubborn ingrown hairs.
Featured image by Getty Images
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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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