Does Emergen-C Work? Here's What Doctors Think Ahead Of Cold + Flu Season

1. You're never sure what kind of mood your parents will be in before you walk in the living room or kitchen.

Let's put this on record: parenting is tough — especially on top of trying to maintain a work-life balance. But, this doesn't mean you're meant to be unsure of what to expect every time you come around your parents. If you have to "'read the room'" a lot "before speaking," Slavens indicates this is one of the more subtle signs of dysfunction.

This is where you may have learned how to become passive-aggressive if that's something you struggle with. The reason for this is because "clear and direct communication is avoided and/or seen as bad or aggressive," according to Dr. Miller.

2. You tend to feel like you're constantly compared to and in competition with your siblings.

My heart truly wants to believe this isn't intentional behavior from parents, but I can't say I haven't heard people talk about feeling like they'd never measure up to the 'golden child' of their family. You may have felt insecure about your grades, the college you chose to go to, your career goals, or even your physical appearance. Slavens says this "struggle with self-worth or second-guessing yourself constantly" is yet another sign that your family's dynamic wasn't the healthiest.

Also, Dr. Miller says this could've caused you to learn to "shrink yourself in the presence of loved ones." Even worse, you may "feel the need to hide pieces of yourself in order to be loved and accepted."

3. There was constant yelling and screaming during arguments, making you fearful of disagreements or hardships.

If you grew up in a home where arguments always led to screaming and yelling, chances are you're not a fan of loud voices or hard moments. Honestly, Slavens says it's not hard to believe that "conflict make you anxious, even when it’s minor." Unsurprisingly, you may have become a referee during these arguments and currently find yourself being a mediator in your platonic or romantic relationships. Why?

Dr. Miller says, "You constantly feel the need to manage everyone else’s emotions often at the cost of your own needs and wellbeing." You know, to keep the peace.

Here are some more obvious signs you grew up in a dysfunctional family

4. You had to take on a parental role when one of your parents decided to stop being an adult.

I imagine that having an emotionally immature parent is one of the most aggravating and stressful things to deal with. Not only that, but you may have had to help keep the household afloat. You may have had to get a job or two to help pay bills, listening to an adult conversation as your mom or dad laid their problems at your young feet, and more!

If you "family roles were flipped" and you "maybe had to parent your own parents," Slavens says this is a form of emotional dysfunction.

5. You weren't allowed to go anywhere with your friends because your parents wanted to keep an eye on you at all times.

Slavens says boundaries that "didn't exist" or "were rigid and controlling" is a sign your home was a little...interesting. Being concerned about your whereabouts is one thing, but it's another when you're unable to do anything without your parents' eagle-eyes on you. Something as simple as going to the mall with your friends may have become a lecture about the dangers of shoplifting or car wrecks. Again, these are valid concerns but they shouldn't be treated like the verbal form of doom scrolling.

6. You consistently witnessed one of your parents abuse alcohol or drugs at home.

This is a tough because substance abuse is so prevalent in varies socioeconomic statuses and communities. From the functioning alcoholic to the one who becomes belligerent after they've had too much to drink, it always affects those around them. Slavens says if "there was ongoing neglect, substance abuse, or verbal/physical aggression," your home probably didn't safe.

I recognize some of these signs of a dysfunctional family. But that doesn't mean they're affecting my current relationships, right?

I hate to break it to you, but it's possible your childhood wounds have shown up before. "Dysfunctional dynamics don’t stay in childhood — they tend to creep into how you connect with others," says Slavens. Similarly, Dr. Miller agrees that "we typically repeat what we learned at home with our families in our other relationships." How?

"This includes the beliefs and rules we follow, often completely subconsciously, about what can and can’t talk about and why, as well as what emotions are allowed to be expressed, who can express them and how, and how we should or must respond to those people and their emotions," explains Dr. Miller.

Another way to look at this is how Slavens has outlined it:

In Platonic Relationships:

1. Overextending yourself to please others, even at your own expense
2. Feeling like you have to "earn your friends' affections.
3. Avoiding vulnerability because it feels unsafe.

In Romantic Relationships:

1. Struggling to trust your partner or feeling overly suspicious
2. Repeating patterns like dating people who are emotionally unavailable or controlling.
3. Feeling overly responsible for your partner's happiness — or relying on them for yours.

OMG! How do I unlearn habits from my dysfunctional family?

Honestly, everyone has a few bad habits they've carried from their childhood to adulthood. You're not an outlier because some things weren't 100% normal so I don't want you to feel like you're a failure for not having having it all together. "Dysfunction doesn’t have to define your future relationships," Slavens assures. Dr. Miller says you can start to unlearn things "that aren't working for you anymore" by "gathering your family's larger context to gain insight into how and why, for them, the behaviors make sense."

By taking a look at your family's "history and larger social and political contexts" gives you a chance to "see them as whole people with full lives," she says. Once you do that, she believes "you can examine what pieces make sense for you to keep and what parts you'd like to learn to do differently." Her other suggestion? Don't forget you're ability to utilize a "therapist who works systemically, like an LMFT" who "can be a huge support in this process."

Slavens' tips include the following:

1. Practice self-awareness: Notice when a response feels automatic — like people-pleasing or shutting down during conflict — and ask yourself, Is this helping me, or is this a leftover habit from the past?
2. Set boundaries: If your childhood lacked healthy boundaries, learning to say “no” without guilt is a game-changer. Boundaries protect your energy and teach others how to treat you.
3. Learn healthy conflict skills: If conflict made you feel unsafe growing up, it’s natural to avoid it. But healthy conflict is necessary in relationships. Practice expressing your needs calmly and directly.
4. Therapy, therapy, therapy: A good therapist can help untangle the messy, “weird” things that got normalized and give you tools to rebuild healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
5. Surround yourself with healthier models: Whether it’s friends, mentors, or books/podcasts, seek examples of functional relationships and start observing what feels different.

While you're busy unlearning things, Dr. Miller also wants you to remember something. "Recognize that how your family does something is simply that; how your particular family system figured out and were taught to navigate the world. It isn’t inherently right because you’ve normalized it nor is the way another person or family does it inherently wrong," she says.

What causes dark spots to appear after acne breakouts?

Consider yourself extremely fortunate if you've never dealt with dark spots that seem to pop up after acne breakouts. It's almost as if they're a stark reminder of the pimple, whitehead, or blackhead that didn't go down without a fight. Sigh...

So, what causes those dark spots you ask? Dr. Kopelman says, "Dark spots, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), often appear after acne breakouts because of the skin's inflammatory response. When the skin experiences inflammation, it can trigger an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color."

Eventually, Dr. Kopelman says this melanin pools into an area it feels it has to protect. "This excess melanin accumulates in the affected area, leading to dark spots. I see this in many of my patients who have had significant acne issues and have noticed that the more inflamed the breakout, the more likely it is to leave a dark spot," she observes.

When she puts it like this, it makes dark spots seem less predatory. Maybe they're just like Anxiety in Inside Out 2, destined to protect a portion of us, despite going a little overboard.

Are dark spots permanent, or can they fade over time?

I didn't get serious about developing a skincare regimen for my acne-prone skin until I was 23, and it's taken me 10 years to actually see a reduction in my hyperpigmentation. I used to wonder if my dark spots would ever fade, and I can guess that others have the same question.

Dr. Kopelman says, "Dark spots are not permanent and can fade over time, but this process can be slow. The duration for them to fade can vary from person to person and depends on factors like skin type, the severity of the pigmentation, and the individual's skincare routine."

My own skincare routine was trial and error for the better part of two years, and I definitely didn't start seeing results right away. I had to be consistent and patient — two things I'd never fully committed to until I decided to get serious about my skin's health. It's something that Dr. Kopelman knows is a part of the journey of reducing dark spots.

"Typically, dark spots can take several months to a few years to completely fade without treatment. I always reassure my patients that with proper care and patience, these spots will improve."

What's the worst thing one can do when treating dark spots?

Some of us like to pretend that we're Dr. Pimple Popper at home, which can have icky results if we're trying to treat existing dark spots. "The worst thing you can do is pick at or squeeze your acne, which can exacerbate inflammation and lead to more severe hyperpigmentation or even scarring," says Dr. Kopelman.

I used to think I was minimizing breakouts by squeezing pimples, but can attest to what Dr. Kopelman says about seeing more scarring. My solution would then be to use an exfoliating cleanser like St. Ives to quickly rid my skin of the damage I'd just caused, but that never helped either.

Dr. Kopelman explains, "Using harsh, abrasive treatments can irritate the skin further and worsen dark spots. I've had patients come in with worsened conditions because they tried home remedies that were too aggressive for their skin."

This reminds me of all the homemade masks I tried that burned my skin or triggered allergic — you know what? Let's not revisit skincare mistakes.

How should people effectively treat their dark spots at home?

So, what's the best way to treat dark spots without causing unintentional damage? "Effective at-home treatments for dark spots include consistent use of sunscreen, which is crucial in preventing further darkening and aiding the skin's healing process. I also recommend topical treatments with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) as these can help lighten dark spots over time," recommends Dr. Kopelman.

If you've been on the fence about using sunscreen consistently, take this as a sign to start. This little nugget helped transform my skin in addition to having a regular skincare regimen.

She also said, "Hydroquinone, available over-the-counter or by prescription, is another effective option, though it’s best used under the guidance of a dermatologist. Many of my patients have seen significant improvements by incorporating these treatments into their daily routines."

Is it necessary to visit a dermatologist to help minimize dark spots?

If you can afford to, consult with a dermatologist to aid your treatment of your dark spots. "I often see patients who have tried everything at home without success, and they benefit greatly from treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, and prescription-strength topicals that can accelerate the fading process," says Dr. Kopelman.

If I can, I try to visit a dermatologist at least once every other year to make sure my skin is on track. They're always able to see things that I can't thanks to tools they have in-office.

Is it possible to avoid dark spots?

I know this is another question you've asked yourself because dark spots can be annoying for several reasons.

"It is possible to reduce the risk of developing dark spots by maintaining a consistent skincare routine, using sunscreen daily, and avoiding picking or squeezing pimples," Dr. Kopelman reiterates.

Also, "Treating acne promptly can minimize inflammation and the subsequent development of hyperpigmentation. I always stress the importance of prevention to my patients, as it is easier to prevent dark spots than to treat them," says Dr. Kopelman.

That's why it's so important not to skip your skincare routine if you can help it. It's repetitive, but it truly does help to wash your face daily.

Dr. Kopelman's Recommendations For Treating Dark Spots:

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum

"Some effective products I recommend include vitamin C serums such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, which help brighten the skin," says Dr. Kopelman.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Editor's Favorite)

"Niacinamide products like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% are great for reducing pigmentation and controlling oil production," says Dr. Kopelman.

Differin Acne Retinoid Treatment Gel

She also says, "Retinoids, whether over-the-counter like Differin Gel or prescription options, can speed up cell turnover and fade spots."

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

"Exfoliating treatments with AHAs or BHAs, like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, are also beneficial," she recommends.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen

"And of course, a broad-spectrum sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is essential," she reminds.

Pilcro Boxy Tee & Ribbed Sweater Vest Twofer

This sweater vest + shirt combo makes formulating winter outfits so easy. The knit looks and feels ultra-cozy!

Good American Good Ease Relaxed Sparkle Jeans

I normally tend to avoid white jeans, but this pair has me thinking different. They're covered in tiny silver stripes that make me want to shout "it's party time!" for New Year's.

ASTR The Label Jada Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Slim Midi Dress

Chocolate brown is that girl (Pantone's color of the year, Mocha Mousse, proves it), so I can't help but be in love with this midi dress. The off-the-shoulder design is equal parts sexy and snug.

Maeve Faux-Leather Button-Front Belted Mini Skirt

This mini means business. Pair it with a simple red turtleneck for the coolest Christmas outfit there ever was!

Maeve Scalloped Turtleneck Sweater Tank Top

This color combo is everything to me – the playful pink scalloped edge on this sweater tank will absolutely earn you major compliments among the family.

Maeve Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Lace-Trim Blouse

This cotton top is sooo classy and timeless. The light blue with white accents is def winter-approved. Plus, it's part of an adorable matching set, if that's your thing! Personally I'd pair it with some wide-leg jeans to make it a bit more casual for my holiday schedule.

Maeve Cotton Boxy Oversized V-Neck Sweater

From WFH days to cozy coffee runs with the hometown besties, this striped sweater lays on the body perfectly, with comfy, wide sleeves to match.

Reformation Cary High-Rise Slouchy Wide-Leg Jeans

I am a wide-leg jeans lover through and through. They're just so comfortable! This pair in particular is singlehandedly convincing me that the stud trend is back in full force, and I need them now.

The Katey Mock-Neck Bell-Sleeve Sweater by Maeve

You gotta have a classic sweater to keep you warm this winter. This one has some cute bell sleeves that sets it apart from your traditional cut! I'd snag it in the white color so I can easily pair it with everything from skirts to jeans this season.

Baum und Pferdgarten Nuvin Metallic Faux-Leather Pants

Now these are some statement-making pants. The reddish wash feels like the perfect fit for Christmastime, but you should absolutely bust these out for a foxy New Year's outfit, too. Fun pants + fun blouse + boots, and you're good to go!

Sam Edelman Darya Pleated Sweater Midi Dress

Sweater dresses will never let you down. I think the square neckline on this one is super flattering and just the right amount of revealing, though the rest of the garment gives you some great coverage, especially in the wintry cold weather.

Maeve Cashmere Ruffle-Sleeve Mock-Neck Sweater

Everyone at Christmas dinner will be raving about this unique sweater. The bold stripes will make for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics, too!

The Tilda Maxi Slip Skirt: Sequin Edition

Give me sequin everything, please. They're perfect for the most festive time of the year! This midi skirt is also part of a matching set (including the Maeve Sequin Tee) that you can rock together or separately throughout the season.

Avec Les Filles Hourglass Blazer

If you're headed out on the town around the holidays, you'e gonna need something to bundle up in. This sophisticated blazer is made from wool, which can never let you down in the warmth department. The silhouette is slightly fitted, too, so you won't feel absolutely swarmed in it.

Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese Bow Buttondown Blouse

I truthfully have not given up on the bow trend just yet. This adorable button-down blouse is covered in 'em, so don't cover it up!

Sam Edelman Lyric Back-Tie Sweater

This next bow-filled find is business in the front, party in the back. Pair it with a black mini skirt and some tights, then you've got a killer Christmas 'fit on your hands.

Liv Foster Stretch Velvet Cutout Maxi Dress

This dress would be perfect for more formal holiday occasions. The strapless look will always be classy, plus you can always cover up with a red or green sweater if it's chilly AF out.