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2021 Skincare Trends That Are Actually Pretty Dope
It's January and we've been here before. You know how it isâthe entire month is all about starting anew and figuring out what the trends for the new year are. Well, when it comes to our skin, I happened upon a few that I actually like a lot because they can easily be added to any woman's skincare regimen.
Are you ready to tweak a few things so that your skin can be healthy and glowing in 2021? If so, here are seven skincare trends to keep in mind.
1. "Mask Pampering"
You probably looked at this first one and thought, "What the heck is 'mask pampering'?" Oh, but if you sit on it for just a sec, I bet you can figure it out. While there now is a vaccine available, I think it's interesting that a lot of people believe that 1) a vaccine is a cure for COVID-19 and 2) that a lot of medical professionals (including Dr. Fauci) don't think that wearing a mask should be mandated for quite some time (layers, right?) when that couldn't be further from the truth. A vaccine may potentially make you less susceptible to the virus; however, precautions still must be taken. For the time being, this includes wearing a mask.
When it comes to your skincare routine, while on one hand, this means that you can probably keep the foundation that you typically wear in your bathroom drawer for even longer, constantly keeping a piece of cloth around your face can still make you prone to breakouts, if you're not careful.
The way to decrease the chances of this happening is to wash your reusable mask(s), no less than every other day (the CDC offers tips on how to do that here). Another tip is to be sensitive to keeping the pH balance of your skin in check; that will help to reduce pimples too. You can do this by avoiding bar soap (its pH is usually somewhere around 12) and looking for a cleanser that is somewhere between 4-6. One that fits these criteria is COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Also, it's important to wash your face (and body) in water that isn't too hot because, as good as hot water feels, that also can throw your pH levels off).
Make sure that you keep your face (and neck) thoroughly moisturized throughout the day too. One way to do that is to make your own face mist; one that you can carry around in your car or purse, any time you feel like your skin needs a little extra hydration.
2. Scalp Detoxification
It's always important to remember that your scalp is also a part of your skin. In fact, failing to pamper your scalp plays a direct role in how much your hair doesâor doesn'tâflourish. That said, if you tend to wear a lot of product, only wash your hair 1-2 times a month (which isn't a bad thing; shampooing more than that can actually strip your hair of its natural oils and ultimately lead to breakage), notice thinning or hair loss in some areas, your scalp is itchy or irritated, or even that you're getting more headaches than usual (which could be the result of bacterial growth), it's time to do some scalp purification. Luckily, this was covered on our platform last year. You can get tips on how to do it by checking out "Treat Your Scalp To A Little Bit Of Detoxing This Weekend".
3. Hand Care
It's kind of crazy that, with as much as we use our hands, we typically don't give them as much TLC as we should. And while I know a lot of us think that Black don't crack (it actually can if you don't take good care of your skin), two parts of your body that can actually cause you to look older faster are your neck and your hands. As far as your hands go, this is why it's imperative that you exfoliate your hands (they've got dead skin cells on them too; a homemade brown sugar scrub will do); that you also moisturize them during the day and night (I personally apply shea butter to mine); that you apply sunscreen (during the summer months); that you wear plastic gloves when you're washing dishes, and that you wear leather gloves during the winter season in order to protect them from bitter cold and harsh winds.
4. Proactive Anti-Inflammation Methods
To be honest, probably one of the greatest causes of skin drama is skin inflammation. What are some signs that your skin is experiencing this? It itches a lot. It's got a scaly texture to it. It's cracking in some areas. If you notice pimples or even blisters. It's red and/or warm in any particular spot. As far as what causes our skin to become inflamed, it's actually a variety of things. Our immune system could be compromised. We could be experiencing an allergic reaction to something. It could be due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Only a medical professional can confirm what could be going on.
Depending on how severe the issue may be, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication or topical cream. However, if you want to be proactive about avoiding skin inflammation in the first place, taking colloidal oatmeal baths (it has anti-inflammatory properties and can really help to soothe your skin), managing your stress levels, and consuming anti-inflammatory foods can be really helpful. Ones that top the list are broccoli, avocados, mushrooms, grapes, extra virgin olive oil, dark chocolate, and tomatoes.
5. Probiotics and Prebiotics Skincare
If one of your goals for 2021 is that your skin is as blemish-free as possible, something that you should consider adding to your skincare routine are probiotics (which are good bacteria) and prebiotics (which help to keep the "good germs" that are on your skin alive and well).
You can do this by taking a probiotic and/or prebiotic supplement (you can check out a list of some of the best ones here and here). Something else that is helpful is to add more probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods to your diet. Probiotic ones include yogurt, kefir, pickles, kombucha, as well as mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Some prebiotic ones would be garlic, bananas, onions, asparagus, oats, apples, and cocoa. As far as probiotic body washes go, Allure actually published a list of some. If you're curious, you can check it out here.
6. Digestible Collagen Supplements
Collagen is basically a protein that your body needs in order for it to get the support that it needs and for it to remain youthful-looking for years to come. Being intentional about getting more collagen into your system, can help to relieve joint pain, prevent bone loss, help your hair to grow stronger and longer, boost your muscle mass and yesâgive you gorgeous skin by providing it with more elasticity and hydration. One way to get more collagen into your body is by eating foods that contain a good amount of it. Some of those are citrus fruits, berries, egg whites, chicken, veggies that are red or yellow in color, leafy greens, and cashews. However, a popular skin trend for 2021 is taking a collagen supplement. If this is the route you'd like to take, the website 10 Supplements has a list of 50 for you to choose from (check them all out here).
7. The Glow-Up
It's kind of a trip that this last one is actually a trend because, c'monâwho doesn't want glowing skin? Still, the point in 2021 is to be super intentional about making that happen by drinking more water, exfoliating, and eating foods that are rich in antioxidants (like citrus fruit, berries, kale, whole grains, fish, and beta-carotene-rich veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and cantaloupe), doing what you can to reduce body breakouts and, adding a little bronzer to really set your skin off. As far as bronzer goes, there are lots of 'em that you can pick up at your favorite department store or cosmetic counter. Or, if you want to make your own, it's not as hard as you think. For tips on how to do that so that you can be as radiant as ever in this new year, click here. For tips on how to properly apply highlighter to your face, click here. Glow all the way up, sis. It's literally your time to do it!
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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. ;)
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. âSis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,â 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 âa task.â The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as âdevastating.â 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.
âWhen trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,â Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. âI also felt my hair strands were stronger.â So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. âI can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,â 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, SheaMoistureâs 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 â making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoistureâs 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.
Featured image courtesy
I donât know where this year is going, but itâs flying right by! Seems like it was just yesterday that I was writing about intimacy for Valentineâs Day, and â ding! â now, Independence Day is right around the corner.
Hereâs the thing about this particular holiday, though â whether itâs your favorite one or you could honestly pass on it (because youâre more of a Juneteenth person yourself), I personally think that any time there is an opportunity to get creative in the sex department, we should take full and complete advantage of it.
So, since the Fourth of July is the day when fireworks are in abundance, why not take some of that energy into your bedroom this year by applying some of the following 10 holiday-themed, fully sex-related tips?
1. Create the Mood with Some Confetti Poppers
Letâs begin with some atmosphere. Although there are sparklers that you can use indoors, if the sex is going to be even a little bit good, if you want to go along with the whole fireworks theme, you should opt for dĂ©cor that can stick around for more than just a minute or two. In walks,confetti poppers. If you want to give off the fireworks feel in your bedroom, opt for the smaller ones that are traditionally used for baby showers (like thesehere). Itâs a unique way to ring in the 4th right before you wellâŠyou know. #wink
2. Screw in a Fireworks Light Bulb (No Pun Intended)
Something else that you can do to create a feel of Independence Day inside of your house is to screw a fireworks light bulb in a couple of places where you plan on creating some sparks. Something thatâs cool about a lot of the LED options is they give off subtle light changes without being super bright â if a romantic mood is what youâre after. Some affordable options arehere,here, andhere.
3. Try Some Fireworks Lube
Itâs kind of a shame that a lot of people only think that lubricant should be used in order to get wet (or wetter) â because no matter how much or well things are flowing down below, lubricant is a welcome addition to a fun evening; thatâs why Iâve written articles for the platform like âThe Wetter, The Better: 10 Creative Ways To Use Lubricantâ. When you get a chance, check it out. Then, once youâve read it, get yourself someFireworks Female Arousal Gel; itâs a popular lube that contains a good amount of peppermint (the menthol sensation will be sure to be off the chain!) and glycerin. Many satisfied customers have said that it takes orgasms to a whole ânother level, yâall.
4. Or Apple Pie Lubricant
Speaking of lubricants, when it comes to signature foods for the 4th, outside of grilled meat, it doesnât get too much more American than apple pie, chile. In the spirit of that, you might also want to cop yourself a tube of edible lubricant that comes in the flavor of this particular dessert like this brand here. I checked out several reviews and women said that not only does it taste pretty good, it provides a bit of a warm sensation as well. Hmph. Sounds like a good oleâ slice of apple pie to me (sans the calories and plus the climaxing â a win all the way around!).
5. Play with Some Sweet Tea Ice Cubes
As far as signature drinks go â not just on Independence Day but the summer, in general â is there anything more popular than sweet tea? Southern home-brewed sweet tea, at that? This Fourth of July, when it comes to your bedroom activities, pour some tea into a couple of ice trays, freeze them, and then pull aMookie and Tina (shout-out to the Do the Right Thing movie). Temperature play can definitely increase your stimulation levels; plus, since the tea is sweet, it can be a really nice and unexpected foreplay surprise.
6. Invest in a Popsicle Vibrator
Speaking of temperature play, if you want to bring a sex toy or two into the mix, why not a popsicle (since thatâs pretty popular this time of year, too) vibrator like this onehere? Take the thrill up a notch by applying one of the flavored lubes to it, freezing it, and then using itâŠhowever you plan to. I bet you'll never see a popsicle quite the same way again! #wink
7. Or a Strawberry Shortcake Egg
A summertime dessert that many people just canât seem to get enough of isstrawberry shortcake. On the sex tip, thatâs cool to know because, not only are strawberriesin season right about now, but they are also considered to be abona fide aphrodisiac. Thatâs because the high amount of vitamin C that is in them can help to keep your libido in great condition. Well, as youâre enjoying some shortcake or strawberries and whipped cream in a more creative kind of way (eh hem), another sex toy option is a Strawberry Shortcake Egg (here). It literally looks like a strawberry, itâs waterproof and fast-charging and it has 20 different vibrating functions. Awesome!
8. Get into the Fireworks Sex Position
Iâm telling you, if youâre tired of doing the same go-to sex moves, cyberspace has a ton of sex position options for you to choose from. For instance, did you even know that there is a sex position known as âfireworksâ? Now, I wonât lie â you need to be semi-flexible and have some solid upper arm strength (both of you) in order to really pull it off. Yet, from what I gather, the grinding possibilities, coupled with the direct eye contact, could make for a truly memorable time. You can see the position for yourself here.
9. Go Outdoors
Most Independence Day activities happen outdoors, right? Why not take your sexual escapades out there, too, by either having sex in your car or in a tent in your backyard (so long as it's nighttime, of course)? Or, you could stay inside; the workaround is to book a room at a hotel and get up on a really high floor so that you can engage in some coitus in front of a window without worrying about if someone is (really) going to see you. Itâs a surefire way to pull the exhibitionist out in you â thatâs for damn sure!
10. And Enjoy a Lilâ âSex in the Drivewayâ
Itâs not a myth that alcohol can play a role in making sex better â so long as itâs consumed in moderation. In fact,many studies say that a drink or two can make you feel sexier, can sometimes make sex last longer, and for some, it can intensify orgasms as well. So, if youâre looking for a creative cocktail for you and your bae to enjoy this coming holiday, have you ever tried a Sex in the Driveway before? Itâs a beautifully blue drink that contains vodka, Blue Curaçao, Peach Schnapps, and Sprite (recipehere). Since youâre gonna be outside for a little while anyway, why not consume something that focuses on that very theme? Happy Fireworks and Fourth, yâall!
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