In 2013, Dascha Polanco burst onto the scene as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz in Orange Is the New Black. The world fell in love with Polanco and she earned two SAG Awards for the role. Now, Polanco is back on the big and small screen in In The Heights, singing and dancing her way into our hearts yet again as the beloved character Cuca. She’s also working with Olay Body to launch the new Exfoliating & Moisturizing Body Wash.

I jumped onto Zoom with Polanco and started by gushing about how much I love In The Heights. “We needed a movie like this. It’s very uplifting,” she said. And we have needed it for years. But right now especially.” She was excited to start working with Olay Body because she’s all about self-care and feeling confident in your own skin. In fact, it was her mom who taught her about caring for her skin.

“Since the moment that I can remember, my mom has told me to moisturize,” she says. “I can smell the cocoa butter. I’d be drenched in it in the summer.” Her mom also taught her the importance of SPF. But there’s one thing she wishes we were all taught just a little bit more: how to love yourself. “Caring for yourself isn’t selfish,” she says. “I’m all about instilling that sense of confidence and loving yourself first.”

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Taking time for herself in the shower is one way Polanco finds some “me time.” She’s using Olay’s new body wash to get smooth, hydrated skin she feels confident showing off. “The sugar crystals massage away the dead skin cells but it’s not harsh so you can use it every day,” she says. The brand’s vitamin B3 complex hydrates and nourishes the skin.

Olay.

If you’re struggling with showing skin this summer, even if it’s hydrated and exfoliated, just know that you aren’t alone. “When I hear, ‘I don’t want to show my arms,’ that’s been me,” says Polanco. “A lot of us are not confident because we’re taught not to be confident. Believe it or not, the moment you start telling yourself that it’s OK and I’m going to enhance the things that make me feel good and I’m going to feel like I’m most beautiful. For me, I feel most confident and ready to go when my routine is complete.”

Polanco is all about positive affirmations and rephrasing those fears to ensure you don’t hold yourself back from life. “Fearless—that word on its own means a lot to me. Fear has stopped me from doing a lot of things in my life,” she admits. “The moment that I realized I must take a risk and I’m worthy and I can stand in my greatness and be a woman that’s as confident as I should be, that’s the moment everything started happening for me.”

Here’s to a fearless—and hydrated—summer.

How many times have you asked someone for skincare advice and cringed the moment they said to drink more water, slather on the coconut oil, or take off your makeup before bed? When you’re nursing issues that go beyond the occasional breakout or blemish, there’s nothing more frustrating than receiving such basic advice. Yes, we know that doing any of those three things can contribute to healthier skin, but let’s be real: that simply isn’t enough for most. The skincare routines of black women, in particular, face a unique set of obstacles.

We’re talking pigmentation and discoloration (just to name a few), which means that when we’re done talking about our favorite hair products, we’re trading skincare secrets, too. And while we admittedly eat up anything a celeb tells us about their regimen, we definitely prefer hearing from women who don’t have 24/7 access to a full-blown glam squad. So, if you’re hoping for a skin transformation of your own this spring, see how three twentysomethings finally beat their biggest skin struggles ahead.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Name: Brettlin
Age: 27
Primary Issue: Dryness

Routine: For the majority of my life, I’ve had clear skin, but after puberty, I felt the need to develop a skin-care regimen to combat dryness. After trying tons of products from Aveeno and St. Ives to Ambi (I had the worst reaction to their products), I stumbled upon Trader Joe’s skin-care section! Now, my daily regimen is very simple, starting with Trader Joe’s Nourish All-in-One Facial Cleanser, followed by a few spritzes of Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner, and sealing it in with a little bit of Vitamin E Oil.

Courtesy of Rejuve Naturals.

Rejuve Naturals Vitamin E Oil

I tend to get my oil from Trader Joe’s, but there are plenty of great formulas on Amazon too.

Buy: Rejuve Naturals Vitamin E Oil $19.97

I never would have guessed in a million years that their products would do the trick, but I love that my face is not too dry or not too oily as a result of them. Side note: Their Refresh Citrus Body Wash with vitamin C and Coconut Body Butter are bomb.com! My skin is so soft all over and feels so good daily!

Name: Danny
Age: 28
Primary Issue: Adult Acne

Routine: I started developing acne when I was 26—26! It was awful. I was embarrassed and confused as to why this would happen to me going into my late 20s. I tried hundreds of dollars’ worth of products before I found ones that actually worked for me (I also went vegan). I’m still dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation and acne here and there, but it’s getting better. At night, I’m using Urban Skin Rx Clear Skin Cleansing Bar.

After that, I tone with Glossier Solution ($24 at Glossier.). This toner has completely changed the texture of my skin. At first, I was scared at the idea of using an acid on my face nightly, but my skin really took to it. I’m running out of it, and I’m kinda freakin’ out.

Next, I moisturize. I use Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil. I found this on Amazon, and I’m so glad I did because it blends beautifully into my skin, leaving it hydrated and luminous. I then spot-treat if I’m dealing with any breakouts. I use tea tree oil, usually from Trader Joe’s.

Courtesy of Radha.

Radha Beauty Organic Rosehip Oil

I have oily skin, so I was hesitant about using oil on my face, but this has helped balance out my skin’s oil production.

Buy: Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil $14.95

They both work great at drying out those nasty pimples. About three times a week I use a mask. It’s typically the same mask because I love it and it’s natural, which I’m all about, and it works at keeping my skin plump, clear, and smooth—Girl Undiscovered’s Stumbled Across Paradise Mask. I found this when my sister left it at my mom’s house over Christmas.

If I’m not wearing makeup that day, I don’t cleanse in the morning. I just don’t find it as necessary as I did when my face was extremely oily. If I am wearing makeup that day, I cleanse in the morning with my Urban Skin Rx Bar and then tone with Thayers’ Rose Petal Witch Hazel. I then moisturize with my rosehip oil (it sits nicely under makeup) and the final and most important step—sunscreen! I’m currently using Jack Black’s Oil-Free Sun Guard with SPF 45 ($21 at Jack Black). Sunscreen is so important for those of us dealing with hyperpigmentation; don’t want those dark spots to get darker!

Name: Dee Dee
Age: 29
Primary Issue: Oily Skin

Routine: I exfoliate twice a week with a mixture of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Alaffia Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion. Then I wash my face with Alaffia Body Wash: Shea Butter & Neem Lavender and use a dark-colored face cloth to lightly scrub off the soap. I have several rags, so I wash and replace my face rag two to three times a week. I replace all of my rags with new ones once or twice a year.

Courtesy of Coppertone.

Coppertone SPF 50 Lotion

I put the coconut oil around my eyes. I put Alaffia Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion to moisturize and Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion on top of that if I know I’m going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.

Buy: Copper Tone SPF Lotion $10.99

At night, I put Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil all over my face and wipe it off with a damp face rag. After that, I put Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner on either cotton balls or cotton pads and rub it all over my face and neck as an astringent. Lastly, I put on Alaffia Everyday Shea Lavender Body Lotion to moisturize.

A version of this article was originally published in March 2018.

Is age really just a number? Sometimes it feels like it and sometimes it seems uncompromisingly set in stone. Everyone would like to look and feel younger, but how do we do this? It is probably easier to point out the things that make us look and feel older than we are and avoid these things.

The memes are flying across social media with cute little sayings, pictures and photos with the caption “Feel Old Yet?” Things like a photo of Henry Winkler on Happy Days with his leather jacket with the caption “The Fonz is 75 years old today. Feel old yet?” Yikes, let’s not think about that.

First of all, we need to remember that everything is relative. People are living longer and longer. So, what is old anyway? By the time we are “old,” it may no longer be considered old.

“Aging is just another word for living.”

— Cindy Joseph

Here is a list of 10 things that make you look and feel older than you are:

#1: Being Out of Style

Of course, no one wants to be called out for dressing like a teenager, but there is something to be said about staying somewhat current with the trends. When my kids see my high school yearbook photos, they are shocked that everyone looks so much older than the teenagers of today or even when they were a teenager.

I remember thinking the same thing when I looked at my parents’ high school yearbooks. Are teenagers looking younger with each generation? I doubt it. What is actually going on here is we associate hairstyles and dress with a generation. Why? Because many people are die-hards about dressing and looking the same way as when they were young.

Where once a beehive or feathered hair meant youth, it is now only really found in the elderly who refuse to change with the times. The irony is that by trying to look as you did when you were young, you make yourself actually look and feel older.

While we may want to steer clear of the fads of the youth, such as corset miniskirts, we do want a slow transition into style that does not date us. Classic clothing and hairdos are great for keeping the mystery of age alive.

#2: Sleep Depravation

It’s called sleeping like a baby for a reason. When you are tired with dark circles under your eyes, you will look and feel old. There may be no better fountain of youth than to be well rested. Energy is only available when you take the time to recharge.

#3: Being Grumpy

Frowning and scowling not only gives you wrinkles, it makes you feel old. Grumpy old man and crotchety old woman is what comes to mind when you see someone who is always in a bad mood.

#4: Never Trying or Learning Anything New

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So, if you can teach a dog new tricks, it must not be old, right? Right! You really can keep your mind young as long as you continue to grow as a person.

“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”

— John Barrymore

#5: Isolating Yourself

How many movies and real life stories are there about the scary old person living alone in an a big, old, isolated home? You must interact with people to feel young and alive.

There is no doubt that it can be extremely difficult to meet people and socialize as you age. But it can and should be done. Join clubs. Take classes. Volunteer. Do things that force you to interact with people and you will look and feel younger. If there is anything that this last year of social distancing has taught us, it is that we need each other.

#6: Worry

Worry lines equal wrinkles. Worry also robs you of your most precious commodity, time. Worry can consume you and take your entire life if you let it.

“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”

— Mark Twain

#7: Being a Couch Potato

We all know the old person who is almost a permanent fixture of the family room. They barely move, sitting, remote in hand. They are almost zombified, watching TV all day. A mobile adult, legs on wheelchair or other assistive device, is a younger feeling and younger looking adult.

#8: Lying in Bed Most of the Day

Even more elderly looking than one lying on the couch most of the day is the person that doesn’t even make it out of the bedroom. If you don’t bother to get out of bed, your mind and body will surely deteriorate. It is a use it or lose it existence.

#9: Being Negative

Negative Nellies, much like Debbie Downers, look and feel old beyond their years. What do we think of when we think of youth? Youth is hope, potential, and exuberance. Positivity shines on your face and aura, attracting more and more positivity.

#10: Holding on to Anger

Anger and rage will kill you long before you die. I do not at all want to deny the validity of anyone’s pain or injustice they have been subjected to. There is terrible inequity and cruelty in this world. But will you allow the evil perpetrators to take your entire life?

From the petty unfairness to the outrageous abuse, we are human and therefore experience anger. Do all you can to right the wrongs in this world. Do it with beautiful, youthful energy and hope for humanity and change.

Do you feel older or younger than your age? Do you think about your age often? What things have you noticed that make you feel older or younger?

Sonja Morgan’s Black Puff Sleeve Dress in Harlem

Real Housewives of New York Season 13 Episode 8 Fashion

Smokey eye, updo, Gstaad! Although Sonja Morgan’s black puff sleeve dress on this week’s episode of RHONY may not have fit the more cool, edgy vibes of Harlem (especially with the bejewelled headpiece), we still totally love the look. Anddd the fact that you can apparently scoop it up right now from a store that also sells toilet paper, towels and toaster ovens.*

Fashionably,

Faryn

* Thoughts on Bethenny Frankel developing her her own cheater brand toaster line?

Click Here to Shop Her Sonja By Sonja Morgan Dress at Walmart

Click Here to Shop Her Sonja By Sonja Morgan Headband

Photo #2: @RamonaSinger

Originally posted at: Sonja Morgan’s Black Puff Sleeve Dress

Zinc is an amazing nutrient because it plays such a critical role in keeping us healthy. It is technically classified as a “micronutrient” since we need so very little of it. Many older women, for example, only need about 8 milligrams a day. Our bodies cannot produce zinc, so we need to get it from our food.

What Does Zinc Do for Us?

This nutrient, which is found throughout our bodies, has many important functions. Of special relevance to boomer women is evidence that getting enough zinc may help prevent osteoporosis. It seems to do this by promoting bone regeneration.

It may even slow down age-related macular degeneration (which can cause irreversible blindness and affects some 11 million people in the U.S.). It also may help prevent lung and esophageal cancer.

As if that were not enough, zinc can also help boomers better manage high blood pressure as well as prevent or speed up recovery from urinary tract infections.

It has been reported that over the course of a year in a skilled nursing facility, people with lower levels of zinc had twice as many cases of pneumonia and some 50 percent more prescriptions for antibiotics than those with normal zinc levels. Those people with normal zinc levels had a lower mortality rate from all causes than those who were deficient in this mineral.

Too Little and Too Much

In the same way that having adequate zinc levels has health benefits, not having enough creates health risks. These include scaly red skin, loss of appetite, anorexia, diarrhea, not healing quickly and problems with taste and smell. Zinc deficiency can also increase our risk for getting any number of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, as well as parasites.

And in keeping with the “too much of a good thing is not good either,” having too much zinc in our bodies carries various health risks. These include, for example, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Over time, an excess of zinc can also lead to a lower immune response, low copper levels and our bodies not using iron as they should.

The Zinc Goldilocks Zone

Despite the importance of zinc for good health, especially as we age, zinc deficiency is often either overlooked or not noticed. In fact, 35 to 45 percent of women over the age of 60 may have inadequate zinc intake.

Chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can cause zinc deficiency. And we also may not be able to efficiently absorb zinc from the foods we do eat due to age and/or medications. Another factor is that our bodies absorb zinc better from animal foods than they do plant foods.

Given that meat may be difficult for many seniors to eat, not having enough of it in our diet may also impact our zinc levels. Last, but not least, you should know that caffeine-containing beverages, such as tea and coffee, can decrease our bodies’ ability to absorb zinc.

Combine these with lower zinc levels in a variety of foods due to soil depletion and environmental factors, and you have the perfect storm for not having enough zinc for optimum health.

While making dietary changes may help address this deficiency, the solution for those who are not getting enough zinc from our diets often is to take supplements. While the appropriate amount of zinc supplementation will depend on an individual’s needs, health and physical make-up, it is usually suggested that upwards of 30 mg per day may be the ideal amount.

While this is readily achievable, it comes close to the upper limit of 40 mg per day of zinc recommended by health professionals. I like to call this range – between 8 mg and 40 mg – the “Zinc Goldilocks Zone,” since staying in it is just what your body needs. Go above or below it and you run health risks.

Beware of Hidden Zinc

The challenge to staying in this zone is that there is “hidden zinc” in many products or materials that we encounter every day. If you combine that with what we get through supplementation it becomes easy to overshoot the 40 mg daily upper limit.

For example, denture adhesives sometimes contain zinc as an ingredient. Many people use far more of the product than they really need to help keep their dentures in place. The result is they ingest more zinc than they should, and this, especially if they are taking zinc supplements, can result in what is known as zinc toxicity.

According to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are reported cases in the medical literature linking such ailments as nerve damage, numbness, or tingling to the use of these zinc-containing adhesives.

Some oral over-the-counter medications also contain zinc, such as cold lozenges, nasal sprays, and gels for treating the common cold. It can also be found in some mouthwashes, toothpastes, and sunscreens. Other products that can expose us to zinc are pesticides; compounds used to manufacture paints and dyes; jewelry; cosmetics; and even anti-dandruff shampoo and calamine lotion.

How to be Proactive with Zinc

Start out by talking with your doctor about getting a nutrient test to see if you have adequate levels of zinc in your body. While not as accurate as a nutrient test, you can also do a little experiment at home to see if you may be zinc deficient.

To do this, get some liquid zinc from a health store and swish a tablespoon or so around your mouth. If you get a metallic or unpleasant taste in your mouth, you probably have good zinc levels. If it tastes like water, or is even sweet, then you may be deficient.

If you have some level of zinc deficiency, perhaps try to include more zinc-containing foods in your diet. These include oysters, red meat, beans, broccoli, oatmeal, poultry, spinach, nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and tofu.

If you need to take supplements, take only those that your doctor or another competent healthcare provider recommends. Confirm that the manufacturers have the quality, purity, and amount of zinc in their supplements tested and certified by an outside lab. Be wary of products that include “proprietary blend” since you really will have no idea what this blend contains.

Another thing to do is to look at products you use that may have “hidden zinc” and take steps to ensure they do not put you over the “Zinc Goldilocks Zone.” If you use denture adhesive cream, for example, talk with your dentist and let her know that you are having problems with how your dentures fit.

Perhaps something can be done to improve their fit without having to resort to using more denture adhesive cream. You also can look for a brand that is zinc-free. But if you decide to use a cream with zinc, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use only the indicated amounts.

Also keep in mind that there may be interactions between your medications and zinc. For example, thiazide diuretics can increase the amount of zinc your body loses in urine. On the other hand, another type of diuretic, amiloride, can block your body’s ability to remove zinc. So, the former can cause zinc deficiency and the latter zinc toxicity.

Zinc can also impact how some medications work. Your best course is to make sure to be honest with your doctor about all the medications – both prescription and over the counter – that you take. This will allow her to determine the ideal amount of zinc for you.

Have you ever been told you may be zinc deficient? If so, what do you do about it? Do you regularly eat foods that are good sources of zinc? Do you currently take zinc supplements? Have you ever had your zinc levels tested? Please join the conversation.