Glow on Repeat: Why Skin Cycling is the Routine Your Face Will Thank You For

Ever feel like your skincare routine is a little…chaotic? Enter skin cycling—a dermatologist-approved method that’s basically the organizational guru your summer skin has been waiting for. Think of it like giving your skin a workout schedule: some days are active, some days are rest, and together they keep everything balanced.

Here’s how it works: it’s a four-night routine. Night one is exfoliation (think: clearing out the old). Night two is retinoid night (a.k.a. the heavy lifter for cell turnover and glow). Then nights three and four? Recovery mode—hydration and barrier repair all the way. It’s like sending your skin on a little spa retreat.

The beauty of this routine is that it minimizes irritation while still delivering results. Potent ingredients like retinoids can be a lot if you pile them on every night, but when you give your skin time to breathe? That’s when the magic happens. Plus, you can tailor it: sensitive skin types can stretch out recovery nights, while skincare pros might sprinkle in an extra treatment night here and there.

One quick PSA: if you’ve got a chronic skin condition or you’re using prescription treatments, check in with your dermatologist before diving in.

Bottom line? Skin cycling is simple, strategic, and perfect for keeping your skin radiant, resilient, and irritation-free all summer long. It’s like the Goldilocks of skincare routines—not too harsh, not too gentle, just right.

Body care is getting a serious glow-up!

Gone are the days of basic lotions — now, body products are packed with the same powerhouse ingredients we love in our skincare. Think hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. Brands are realizing that the skin below the neck deserves just as much attention, and the result is body care and washes that pamper your entire body.

• Best overall pick: Dove Foaming Body Wash
• For Acne Prone Skin: Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
• Extra Moisture Boost: Osea Undaria Algae Body Wash
• The Ultimate MultiTasker: Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
• A Luxe Addition: Salt & Stone Body Wash

Wellness Editor Approved Ways To Stay Cool During Your Workout

1. Handheld Mini Fan: A great way to beat the heat with an instant push of the button to help keep you cool and comfortable wherever you go.

2. Topical Body and Facial Mist: A must have for working out in the heat or before a long sweaty day, this pure hypochlorous acid helps sanitize your skin, reducing the risk of acne and infections from sweat and bacteria.

3. Packable Sun Hat: Add this durable sun hat to your go bag to offer needed shade and UV protection whenever and wherever.

4. Cooling Towl: Regulate your body temperature with an easy to use cooling towel. These portable towels are literal life savers.

5. Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick: Make your summer more comfortable with this stick to prevent dreaded skin chaffing and irritation.

TTC Skincare 101: Ingredients That Boost Your Glow

Let’s talk skincare glow while you’re on your TTC (trying-to-conceive) journey—because you deserve to feel radiant every step of the way. While pregnancy and TTC can limit some ingredients (goodbye, Retinol), there are still plenty of safe, effective options to keep your skin happy and glowing.

First up, hyaluronic acid is the hydration hero—totally safe and ultra-plumping. Vitamin C is next on the list for brightening and evening your skin tone, aka your secret weapon against dullness. Niacinamide is another multitasker that helps with breakouts and discoloration without being harsh.

Don’t forget mineral sunscreen—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are your safest bets for UV protection. And yes, you can still exfoliate! Just stick with gentle options like glycolic or lactic acid to keep that glow going.

As always, check in with your doctor before starting anything new—but know that taking care of your skin is 100% part of self-care on this journey.

Welcome To The Dark Side: The Rise of Darkness Retreats

Ever feel like your brain is on overload from constant screen time and nonstop notifications? Explore the concept of darkness retreats—periods spent in complete darkness to minimize sensory input and promote mental clarity.

Inspired by Buddhist practices, these retreats aim to help individuals disconnect from the overstimulation of modern life. While not widely researched, some suggest that reducing light and device exposure can positively affect mood, sleep, and stress levels. However, if a full darkness retreat feels too extreme, simpler practices like digital detoxes or setting device boundaries can also help address burnout and improve mental well-being.

Where Beauty, Wellness & Healthcare Beautifully Meet

If you’ve ever found yourself googling skincare ingredients during a derm appointment or wondering if your gut health could be behind your breakouts—same.

The world of beauty and wellness is evolving, and it’s bumping up (in a very good way) against the world of healthcare. This is no longer just about a good serum or the latest supplement trend—it’s about feeling empowered in your body, understanding the “why” behind what you put on and in it, and connecting the dots between how we care for our appearance and how we care for our overall health. And let’s be honest: better sleep, balanced hormones, healthy boundaries, and glowing skin? Yes, please.

In this daily column, I’ll explore what’s new, what’s worth your time (and money), and what science actually says about the latest buzzwords. I’ll break down ingredients, test out products, spotlight women-led wellness brands, and share practical advice for feeling your best—whether that’s via a cold plunge, a boundary-setting script, or a lip balm that actually works. Think of this space like your group chat with smart friends—curious, compassionate, and always willing to test a weird wellness trend so you don’t have to.

I look forward to offering up the latest for better relationships with ourselves, our bodies, and each other—one product, practice, or perspective at a time. I’m so glad you’re here.