Because there’s a difference between survival, self-preservation, and self-care.
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My Mexican Family Embraced Lime in Their Beauty Rituals
Years later I return to lime and sugar when depression runs deep, and hygiene and maintenance seem miles away…
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Call Me by My Given Name
How one Nigerian name became a catalyst for self-discovery.
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My Heritage Tattoos Reconnected Me with My Algerian Roots
A personal history on the tradition of facial tattoos practiced by the Indigenous Imazighen people.
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The Beauty of “In-Between” Skin Tones
If my skin were a cup of coffee, it would be Bustelo with a dash of cream. Add a pinch of brown sugar, and there you have it. A perfectly in-between blend of light cocoa and cinnamon tones. This is the skin with which I was born, an olive-caramel hue that exists between worlds — and…
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The Curly Girl Method Changed My Hair — and My Confidence
For most of my life, my hair has been my greatest source of grief. Not to mention, arguments with my mother. “Comb your hair properly, it’s such a mess,” she’d say. Or “Cut your hair short,” she’d suggest every time I left it loose or if we had to attend a formal event.
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How to Consume Collagen the Old-School Chinese Way
Bottled as gummies, ground into powders, or sold as miracle pills, today collagen is touted as an easy-to-swallow skin miracle. Only Chinese women have been eating this protein-rich substance straight from the source, in the form of gelatinous sea cucumbers or stringy bird’s nest soup, for centuries, for centuries to reap surprising health benefits.
Read MoreCan Black People Have Freckles? The Answer Is Yes! (Duh.)
How they form and appear on darker skin tones — and how to protect your skin Let it be known: freckles aren’t only for fair-skinned maidens. Braided red hair a la Pippi Longstocking is no longer a requisite to having a complexion covered with a smattering of these charming spots — locks, twists, and 4C…
Read MoreBrightening cream vs brightening serum: What’s the difference and why should you use them?
In the end, your ultimate choice might depend on your skin type and desired results. Dark spots, acne scars, melasma and other skin issues that change your skin tone are annoying. But you already knew that since you’re reading this article. Not only are they unsightly, but it’s hard to know how to treat them…
Read MoreHyperpigmentation FAQs
More on what causes hyperpigmentation, if it goes away on its own, and what melasma is.
Read MoreTired of Dealing With Dark Spots? Here’s a 101 Guide
How hyperpigmentation happens and ways to treat it, especially for melanin-rich skin.
Read MoreTHE SOOTHING POWERS OF CHAMOMILE FOR MELANATED SKIN
You might know chamomile best as a soothing bedtime aid in teas, but the plant is also a renowned skincare ingredient—calming skin that’s easily irritated and prone to flare-ups. Here, a brief explanation of some of its benefits and how it helps with skin of color. What exactly is bisabolol? Technically, there are two versions…
Read MoreALL ABOUT CERAMIDES: HOW THIS MULTI-TASKER WORKS FOR SKIN OF COLOR
Think of any great moisturizer you’ve ever used, and chances are it contains ceramides, powerhouse restorative ingredients that help to nourish skin by protecting its outer layers. Here, more on what these multi-taskers are and what they can do for melanated skin. First up, what are ceramides? Ceramides are basically a class of waxy lipids…
Read MoreSQUALANE SPOTLIGHT: THE IDEAL LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR SKIN OF COLOR
Due to a surge in popularity over the last couple years, squalane has become one of the buzziest skincare ingredients out there (it kind of feels like it’s in everything these days!). Here, we’ve broken down the benefits of the botanical super ingredient and how it’s beneficial for melanated skin. First up, what is squalane?…
Read MoreON SNOW MUSHROOMS: HOW THESE EDIBLE FUNGI BOOST MELANATED SKIN
In Eastern Asian cultures, mushrooms are not just a delicious source of sustenance, but also powerful ingredients for nourishing and hydrating skin. Since they’re composed of around 90% water and rich in antioxidants, mushrooms are a great source of moisture and vitamins for the body, and have been adapted into teas, tinctures, and topical skin-care…
Read MoreUNDERSTANDING TETRAPEPTIDE-30: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT HELP MELANATED SKIN?
If you’ve ever looked into anti-aging skincare before, chances are you’ve come across peptides. These restorative proteins are considered powerful skin-nourishers and -smoothers because they’re known to stimulate collagen production and promote general skin health. What you might not know is that they can also brighten and reduce the appearance of pigmentation! Here, a brief…
Read MoreTHE TROPICAL TUCUMA EXTRACT: A POTENT BRIGHTENER FOR SKIN OF COLOR
Tucumã extract is a botanical ingredient from South America that’s taken off in the hair-care world for its softening and smoothing properties—though it offers plenty of benefits for skin, as well. Read more about why it’s such a popular ingredient, below, and how it works for skin of color in particular. First up, what is…
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