What Your Breakouts Could Be Telling You About Your Health
Like the saying goes, great skin starts from the inside out. Our skin is our largest organ, so it definitely makes sense that what we put inside of it, or whatever stress we are dealing with, would have an effect on our skin. Have you ever noticed that you tend to get breakouts in specific areas of your face? It might be around your cheeks and jawline, or your forehead, or in your nose. According to Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, your body might be telling you there's something happening internally that's making you break out. This practice is called face mapping.
According to face mapping, the face is split into sections, including your chin/jawline, cheeks, forehead, and nose. When you have breakout in these specific areas, it can mean anything from respiratory issues, to poor diet to hormonal fluctuations. Let's break it down, shall we?
What Breakouts On Your Jawline Mean
Raise your hand if you can tell when your period is about to start because you experience a breakout. Is it around for your jawline? According to face mapping, jawline breakouts are due to hormonal imbalances, hormonal fluctuations, and kidney issues. There is even a theory that breakouts along your jawline can also tell you when you are ovulating, and on which side you are ovulating. This hasn't been proven, but I still think it's pretty amazing.
What Breakouts On Your Cheeks Mean
If you break out around your cheeks, it could be something as simple as dirty pillowcases or cell phones, but it could also be too much sugar, stress, overeating, or lung/respiratory issues. If you're a smoker, you might want to watch out as smoking could possibly be the cause of breakouts on the cheek. There's a debate going on between researchers as to whether smoking and whiteheads or acne on the cheeks are linked. Super interesting stuff!
What Breakouts On Your Forehead Mean
Breakouts on the forehead could be from wearing dirty hats, having bangs, or not properly rinsing out your hair products when you wash your hair. It could also indicate issues with your digestive system, stress, irregular sleeping schedule/not enough sleep, and a poor diet. If you find yourself with frequent forehead breakouts, try getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, along with eating leafy greens and drinking more water.
What Breakouts In Between Eyes And Nose Mean
Acne in between your eyes and around your nose could mean that you have a poor diet, are constipated, bad circulation or high blood pressure. If you break out in between your eyebrows, that could be a sign that you have a food allergy. If you are lactose intolerant, you may also find that you have breakouts in between your brows. Again, it might be worth it to take a look at your diet and eliminate processed sugar, fast food, alcohol, and increase water intake.
Personally, I always break out on my jawline about 4 to 5 days before my period, and without fail, I breakout of if eat too much sugar. On the rare occasion I drink soda or have a little too much alcohol, I can always expect to get a few whiteheads the next day. It's annoying, but at least I know the cause!
Face mapping is not an exact science. It's true that what is happening internally can affect our skin, but if you suffer from cystic acne or are concerned about the state of your skin, please see a dermatologist who can better assess your skins' condition.
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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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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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