Is Sexual Wellness the New Wellness?

As technological advancements democratize industries such as beauty and wellness, we have witnessed an inundation of indie DTC brands brushing upon a variety of women’s needs, all with similar offerings. As a result, the femtech space has faced claims of being overly saturated. The sexual wellness category has received such criticisms. However, it’s hard to deny the potential for the future of this female-targeted industry that piqued during ‘quarantine’ and continues to revolutionize women’s health. 

The fact of the matter is, we know so little about women's bodies. Most of the educational resources focus on fertility science, and, as such, sexual wellness companies working on anything more than luxury sex toys and organic feminine products tend to target aspiring mothers. Companies like Oova and Kegg have developed highly advanced fertility tracking devices that rely on daily tests of urine samples and cervical fluids (respectively) taken at-home on the user’s devices. However, the current technology has ushered in a new form of birth control: the fertility-awareness-method (FAM), which consists of tracking one’s fertility levels to inform decisions about sexual activity. Natural Cycles, an FDA approved hormone-free birth control, uses daily tests of basal body temperature to track fertility, and it’s said to be 93% effective with typical use (99% with perfect use, but who are we kidding). While the majority of fertility tracking devices were developed as methods for family planning, the scientific discoveries behind fertility tracking, and women’s health in general, are highly exciting, and I refuse to believe that women looking to get pregnant are the only ones who would like to know what's going on in their bodies. 

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As far as popular sexual wellness companies go, there are too many to count, and they all largely gravitate towards two product categories: vaginal health and sex essentials. Shoppers today have no problem finding the right vibrator, condoms, lubricants, and even more hygienic products such as wipes and women’s supplements. While I’m not here to recommend products, it is worth mentioning that the increasing competition amongst sexual wellness brands is fueling even more creativity within the industry. Take the indie brand We Are Nakey, whose single product, the Muff Masque, is a sheet mask for ‘down there.’ Described as a sheet mask for your vulva, this product is certainly a clever take on this popular self-care trend. This all goes to say that whatever sex product you want, it likely exists. 

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Despite the rising popularity of sexual wellness, the industry struggles to overcome the taboo that is talking about sex. A large obstacle for sexual wellness brands has been ad restrictions. Brands selling products of a sexual nature face real barriers as they rely on guess-work to determine whether or not their ads will be approved. In response to these frustrating restrictions, sexual wellness brands Unbound and Dame Products recently launched an interactive website that presents users with examples of ads that were and were not approved, demonstrating the arbitrarity of the process. However, ad restrictions are not the only area in which sex stigma poses a threat to the industry. Most companies within this category allocate a lot of resources towards increasing awareness about sexual wellness and education. In a failed attempt to destigmatize the category, some companies have taken the luxury approach, setting higher price points and partnering with luxury retailers in order to brand their products as luxurious as opposed to taboo. However, indie brands have critiqued this approach, pointing out that it does not facilitate any larger efforts to destigmatize sexual wellness. At the end of the day, the fate of sexual wellness lies less in the hands of society’s comfortability with discussions of sex and more in the hands of innovation. While sex toys are well on their way to taking their place as an acceptable bedside staple, it’s up to research and technology to catapult this category into the mainstream.  

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The convergence of sexual wellness into the larger wellness industry is revving up excitement for the future of women’s health. For example, I am specifically fascinated by the start-up skincare company, Veracity, which aims to tackle the largely ignored mystery driver of skin health: hormones. The company has developed a hormone testing kit that informs customers about their personal hormone levels, as well as other biofactors related to skin health like pH, cortisol, and DHEA, and recommends skin care products, dietary strategies, and lifestyle choices that fit your needs. It is becoming more and more clear that there is no one-size-fits-all model for women’s health. Research that gravitates towards customization and personal biological drivers continues to redefine the wellness industry. While Veracity doesn’t serve as a holistic bridge between sexual education and wellness, their incorporation of hormonal science into a field that largely ignored it is pretty disruptive. 

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While sexual wellness has been trendy for quite a moment, the work of science, along with some incredible leading women, is aiming to make it routine. It’s no secret that we have a lot of ground to cover as we educate ourselves on the biology of womens’ bodies. Whether you interpret this message as a friendly reminder to book a check-up with an OBGYN or an introduction to a new form of sexual wellness, keep an eye out for this rapidly evolving industry; there’s always something to learn.

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Skincare ABCs

Like all of you, I have found myself with an almost overwhelming amount of free time this year. Also, like many of you, I have been trying to fill that void with passion projects and getting trapped in research rabbit-holes. Over the past several years I have been sitting on a wealth of knowledge about skincare. Through years of trial and error, extensive sampling of cult favorite classics from all corners of the world, at-home DIY alternatives, the expertise of dermatologists, and, finally, hours of research, I have decided to share the precious information I’ve been hoarding.

TL;DR: I did the legwork for you and made an alphabetized list of ingredients commonly found in skincare products so you can make better and more informed choices when it comes to your skin! 

Below you will find a guide to everything from salicylic acid to snail mucus, backed up research from people who actually know what they’re doing. I’ve sorted this into three categories: the stuff you want to use on your face, the stuff you want to avoid at all costs, and the stuff that doesn't do anything at all. Enjoy.

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The Good Stuff:

AHAs and BHAs: AHAs and BHAs are Alpha hydroxy acids and Beta hydroxy acids, respectively. AHAs are acids such as lactic or glycolic (mentioned below) while BHAs are stronger acids such as salicylic. The main differences between the two types of acids is that AHAs are water soluble, while BHAs are oil soluble. This essentially means that BHAs can penetrate deeper into the skin and dissolve the oil and sebum produced by your skin. However, this also means that BHAs are far harsher on the skin and should probably be avoided by those who have sensitive skin or are prone to redness. ** AHAs and BHAs should never be mixed or used with Vitamin C or Retinol!

Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids (fats) that are also naturally occurring on the surface of our skin. They form a protective layer over the top of our skin and are over 50% of its chemical composition. Ceramide creams are best for dry or combination skin or as a winter moisturizer as they are stronger and oftentimes cream-based. 

Cica: Cica is the shortened name for Centella Asiatica. A leafy plant that is also sometimes called Tiger Grass, it is known as the plant that tigers will actually rub on wounds to help them heal faster. Cica is full of antioxidants, amino acids, beta-carotene, and fatty acids which all stimulate the skin’s natural production of collagen. It’s perfect for acne-prone and sensitive skin and can reduce redness.

Collagen: Speaking of collagen, it is the main protein structure in our skin. About a third of the body’s proteins are collagen. It is responsible for the elasticity of our skin and promotes the health of joints and muscles. Collagen can help repair sun damage, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and restore elasticity. If you’re getting excited, unfortunately, collagen is too large of a molecule to pass through the dermis (the top layer of the skin), so it is mostly useless for topical application. Some rare exceptions are marine micro collagen derivatives, but those are rather hard to find and are often expensive. Collagen is also rather difficult for the body to absorb if you ingest it. Though collagen supplements have become popular over the years, there is no consensus within the scientific community as to whether or not they actually do anything. Some dieticians have also expressed safety concerns about the origins of the collagen sold by some of the most popular brands, specifically as it pertains to the content of trace metals. The bottom line is that if you’re interested in taking collagen as a supplement, do your research carefully and decide for yourself. 

Glycolic Acid: A chemical exfoliator, glycolic acid belongs in the AHA family and is a derivative of sugar cane. It’s one of the most commonly used exfoliation ingredients by dermatologists. It has also been shown to be beneficial for acne prone skin since it dislodges dead skin cells and reduces the chances of clogged pores. It’s also a small enough molecule that it can actually extract oils from the skin and hair follicles. More importantly, it exfoliates evenly, meaning that it functions as a re-texturizer. In other words, it makes your skin smoother by removing uneven layers of dead skin cells, discoloration or pigment buildup, and helps your skin look more luminous. Because of this, it also helps your other skincare products absorb better into your skin and makes for a great priming step before the rest of your skincare regimen. In general, glycolic acid can be found in many concentrations and is safe to use at home, but milder concentrations are gentler on the skin. In any case, glycolic acid should not be used too often because it temporarily increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, which could cause sunburns more easily than normal. Although you should already always be using sunscreen, definitely make sure to protect your face after a chemical peel. **Do not use in combination with salicylic acid.

Hyaluronic Acid: Everyone and their mother should have a little thing of this miracle solution. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring compound that holds up to a thousand times its weight in water. Our bodies naturally produce this to keep our skin hydrated, but the amount produced decreases with age. You’ll find HA in a lot of products marked “anti-aging” but in reality it’s a super lightweight watery formula that can be paired with just about any other form of acid, peel, moisturizer, and serum. Hyaluronic acid is great for all skin types because it will not leave a residue or make your skin oily and is great to use as a nourishing serum. You can find it either in its isolated form or as an ingredient in many moisturizers and facial creams.

Lactic Acid: Lactic acid is also known as a form of chemical peel. Lactic acid is a gentler version of similar exfoliators such as glycolic acid. This is because it is a larger molecule, therefore it does most of its work on the surface of the skin rather than within it. This is great news for everyone that has sensitive skin or is conscious about the pH levels of their skin. Some of its beneficial properties is that it kills acne-causing bacteria and increases cell-turnover rate. In addition, it provides many of the same resurfacing benefits that its stronger counterparts do. 

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is basically vitamin B3, an essential vitamin that is a true miracle-worker for the skin. Niacinamide protects the skin against environmental stressors as well as minimizes pores and improves the surface of your skin. Niacinamide works by providing skin cells with the necessary chemical building blocks to produce the stuff that actually fixes your skin. It helps create a stronger surface for your skin and has been shown to help with rosacea and irritation, prevent damage that could lead to cancer, and fix uneven pigmentation. Another useful thing about niacinamide is that it is entirely compatible with nearly any other skin treatment, including AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic acid. 

Retinol/Retinoids: Retinol is a compound that boosts the skin’s collagen production. Retinol is the active ingredient used in many wrinkle-reducing and anti-aging products. Retinoids are the prescription version of retinol. While retinol is used in many skincare products, retinoids are much stronger and can therefore only be prescribed. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and acts by affecting gene expression, smoothing out the skin, and boosting collagen production. It has become the gold standard in the skincare industry. Before you immediately go to purchase a retinol cream though, you should know that it can cause redness and irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Retinol works by introducing Vitamin A to your skin, which initially cases dry skin and irritation. However, after a while the skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient and it starts working its magic. It’s best applied to completely dry skin because its usage on damp skin can increase the potential of irritation. One thing is for sure, if you are interested in using retinol products, you should carefully research which products would work best for you and not be discouraged by what appears to be an initial setback.

Salicylic Acid: This ingredient is often key in products especially formulated for acne-prone skin. It’s oil-dissolving properties are great for treating breakouts and exfoliating the skin, which reduces the chances of acne re-forming. However, it should be noted that this ingredient can often be overused, leading to excessive dryness and irritation. You should always follow up a salicylic acid treatment with a hydrating and soothing treatment to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. If possible, it's better to use salicylic acid as a spot treatment rather than a full-face treatment because it can irritate the skin around your mouth and eyes. **Do not use in combination with glycolic acid.

Squalane: Squalane is a hydrogenated oil that helps moisturize the skin. It is similar to the sebum that our skin naturally produces and is therefore best suited for those with dry skin, as it can be overwhelming for other skin types. It used to be derived from shark liver, but now is more commonly derived from olive oil. Although it is more commonly popping up as an ingredient in many skincare products, the research is still inconclusive as to whether or not it actually helps. While it certainly won’t harm you, there haven’t been any studies that can conclusively claim that squalane is uniquely good for your skin. 

The Bad Stuff: 

Alcohols: Or stripping agents of any kind. Alcohols have a lower boiling point than water, meaning that they evaporate faster. When alcohols evaporate, they strip your skin of moisture, which can cause irritation, dryness, and redness. Alcohols in skincare products demonstrate a carelessness in the development of the product and can often indicate that the company has cut corners in other ways as well. Thus, they are often found in lower quality skincare products. Read ingredients labels carefully. 

Aluminum: Some of you may already have heard the spiel about aluminum in deodorants, but you should also be extremely weary about it popping up in your skincare as well. Aluminum is a toxic metal that can disrupt the functioning of our endocrine system. While some companies maintain that aluminum compounds are safe to use and are not linked to health issues, there has been a large amount of studies pointing to confusing or inconclusive results. While aluminum compounds may be safe to use in some minimal percentages, the science still isn’t quite clear on it and I would just try to steer clear of this kind of an unknown. Plus, putting industrial metals on your skin really just doesn’t sound appealing or good for you. 

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers: The name itself should be enough to deter anyone looking at the label of a skincare product (8th grade dissection lab, anyone?) but in case it is not immediately clear why these are a hazard, they have been linked to a series of health issues. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers are known carcinogens and can cause allergies, headaches, and loss of sleep. While the ingredient itself has been, for the most part, excluded from skincare, it can still be found in eyelash glue, nail polish, and hair straightening products. Formaldehyde releasers are ingredients that form formaldehyde over the course of their shelf-life, still a grim prospect. These are often listed as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, bronopol, or quaternium-15. 

Mineral Oils: Although this ingredient also has a variety of people on both sides of the aisle, it doesn’t seem especially promising that the World Health Organization has listed this as a category 3 carcinogen (not enough evidence to consider it safe or unsafe). Unrefined versions of this product are properly considered a carcinogen by the WHO. The mineral oils in your skincare products are cosmetic grade, but still can have a variety of other unwanted effects. Other than the fact that mineral oils are a derivative of petroleum (ick!) they can also be somewhat pore-clogging. While mineral oils themselves have been proven to not be especially comedogenic (fancy term for pore-clogging), they have been found to potentially make other products that they are used with comedogenic. Mineral oils work by creating a plastic-like coating on the surface of your skin, this can smooth the way your skin looks, but it also traps any ingredients used with the mineral oil underneath it, potentially leading them to clog pores and cause outbreaks. 

Parabens: Sometimes listed as either methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl. They have been traced back to causing disruptions or hormone imbalance. These are preservatives that help extend the shelf-life of many products. While we’re on the topic of shelf-life, a quick refresher on how long you should keep your products; the container should be labeled with a small image of a jar with a number drawn inside of it; this number indicates the total number of months that you can store and use your product for. If there is no such label on your product, most skincare products can be kept for an average of 2 years. However, if you notice that your product has separated or the texture or color has changed, throw it out immediately. 

Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs): PEGs are often used as a chemical thickener in creams and cream-based products. They are often listed as “propylene glycol” or “butylene glycol” and are derivatives of petroleum. They work by altering the melting point of the product and can be irritating on the skin. Additionally, they can lower your skin’s natural moisture levels. These can often be found in cleansers.

The Okay-ish and/or Useless Stuff: 

Fermented Ingredients: This is a trend that originated in South Korea and now fermented ingredients can be found in many skincare products around the world. The science behind fermented ingredients points to the fact that they hold a significantly higher amount of antioxidants than other ingredients (think grape juice vs wine). However, research about the benefits is inconclusive. While it doesn’t seem to be harmful, the jury is still out as to whether or not these ingredients are actually helpful or do anything for your skin. 

Fragrance: Fragrances can sometimes be irritants for those with sensitive skin. If the brand is certified natural or organic or whatever FDA-approved blanket term is currently in vogue, you’re probably fine. However, if it is not, you should be cautious because companies may often use the term “fragrance” to hide a bunch of other ingredients. When companies list fragrance as an ingredient they do not need to disclose what went into the fragrance. Specifically, this could be a cover up for phthalates, which is an ingredient commonly left out of ingredient labels on fragrance oils. You should also note that while this is a chemical banned from skincare products in the EU, it is still prevalent in many US products. Some companies that have announced they will no longer use phthalates are L’Oreal, Revlon, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and Proctor & Gamble. 

Vitamin C: While many skincare companies are turning to Vitamin C as a trending brightening ingredient in serums, Vitamin C poses its own unique benefits and drawbacks. The benefits are that it prevents oxidation. In other words, it protects the surface of our skin from pollution, environmental stressors, and other free-radicals like smoke and smog. However, Vitamin C is really tricky because it cannot be used in combination with other acids (AHAs or BHAs) and cannot be used with retinol. In serum form, Vitamin C is an acid that can be irritating, especially when used with other skincare products. On top of that, Vitamin C is also incredibly unstable. The formula itself is susceptible to rapid deterioration and spoilage when it comes in contact with sunlight and oxygen, leading many brands to include a ton of additional stabilizers into their formulation. Ultimately, while Vitamin C has been shown to increase the skin’s radiance, it seems to be far more difficult to use than it is worth, especially considering the list of other skincare ingredients that you would need to avoid in order to use it. 

Precious/unusual/novelty ingredients: Anything containing pearl dust, 24k gold, CBD oil, snail mucin, bee venom, charcoal (yes, I know the cleansers are popular), fish enzymes, or any similarly strange sounding ingredient is, I’m sorry to break it to you, largely useless. Most often, these ingredients are formed of far too large molecules that cannot effectively pass through the dermis, let alone the lipid layer. Consumers are simply charged a premium on having unusual ingredients in their facial creams and toners with no results. You should stop spending your money on these because they are not only ineffective, but could also be reducing the effectiveness of other products you use by blocking your pores with inactive ingredients. Also while we’re on this topic, spending more on skincare does not necessitate that it will be better or more effective than drugstore or lower-price alternatives. The popularity of a trending product is oftentimes a result of a successful marketing team and colorful packaging. It doesn’t matter how many times a product pops up on your Instagram feed if it doesn’t have the active and nourishing ingredients that our skin actually needs (I’m looking at you Glossier). While higher priced skincare products can sometimes more readily guarantee that their ingredients are natural and are ethically sourced, you should not be paying a premium for jars or bottles of water mixed with perfume, thickening chemicals, and meaningless ingredients. 

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Unmask the Self Within

A global pandemic that infected millions and drastically altered all of our lifestyles turned our definitions of normalcy upside down. Every day is now a blur of daily death tolls, digital platforms, and masked faces at abnormal distances. Yet our world is now linked by this crisis that unifies us all. In the stillness that comes with waiting for a pandemic to end, we might undergo a paradigm shift as COVID-19 affords us a greater appreciation for health and well-being. It lets us reject animalistic pursuits of money, power, status, and the notion of being superior to someone else. Now more than ever, it is time to look within.

But first, let’s examine what life in the U.S was like before it led the global tally of coronavirus cases by a factor of four times greater than second-placed Spain and had more cases than the next five countries behind it combined. Contrary to the notion that life in America has achieved unparalleled prosperity thanks to sky high corporate profits and GDP, the human data tells a very different story. Suicides, mental illness, and unemployment are also at all-time or multi-decade highs. And, despite advances in modern medicine and technology, life expectancy has decreased for three consecutive years, a nearly unprecedented phenomenon for a developed country. As off-target measurements lead us off a cliff, we have been distracted from the real consequences of plagued health and neglected wellness. Focus on purely economic gains robs us of fulfillment in perverse ways, as drug companies and private insurers profit off of lost human potential and suffering.

Students at the University of Chicago sit at the top of the educational pyramid, and at the very top of the global opportunity scale on a planet with 7.8 billion people. By that measure, we are already winning. Yet our lives are still riddled with stress, anxiety, conflict, and the pursuit of some ever-elusive finish line that we cannot see but race breathlessly towards as everyone else around us feverishly chases one, too. A fear of not winning a race we aren’t even sure why we’d want to win in the first place is what propels most of our lives. So, if this is the desperate cycle we confront even though we have the most opportunity, imagine what it must be like for those who have been kicked to the curb in our society. Now more than ever, it is time for introspection.

If you find journaling by hand dreamy and unrealistic, I offer that you consider a more effortless and contemporary way to look within: create an electronic journaling space that is easily accessible across your devices. By making your journal available across regularly accessed platforms, writing becomes quick, easy and repeatable. Apple’s Notes lets you pin a note so that it appears prominently at the top of your list on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Or, you can download Google Docs onto your smartphone and favorite your journal on your computer’s web browser. Since our phones travel with us, they create a seamless space to jot down feelings, inspiration, or observations at any given moment. No matter how informal, these reflections can help us connect with ourselves more clearly. The value of journaling comes from engaging with it when the spark strikes, and technology can provide a handy blank canvas. A living and breathing document to consider my personal life and career path has proven highly worthwhile. It can limit mindless wandering, demystify long-term goals, and deepen our appreciation for how we use our time every day. After all, our lives are not some ever-receding date in the future: our lives are right now. As Annie Dillard once said “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

As we heal from this pandemic, we can cure ourselves of other plagues, too. After all, quarantine is a place of isolation not only from a potentially deadly virus, but from the aimless and feverish racing we do without reflection. It is an invitation to restrain ourselves and curb the spread of our own toxic habits. The stillness we gain now might just clear the fog enough for us to find our own finish lines. 

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The Art of Self-Tanning

Summer is approaching faster than you think, and what better way to usher in that summertime magic than with a summertime tan? If you’re not a big fan of suntanning (and some of its dangerous side effects), there are so many ways to get that glow without any sunlight required. Thanks to the self-tanning industry, there is hope for us all… if it’s done the right way. Here is my power duo for achieving the perfect balanced tan:

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

These drops are perfect for getting a very natural, just-got-back-from-Greece-glow. As long as you use the right amount and blend almost into your hairline, it’ll look great. For me, usually 3 drops is good enough to match my body.

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St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

As long as you use a mitt and you apply a generous amount, your tan will look healthy and amazing in no time. You can leave it on for a few hours then shower it off, or just not shower until the next day. It’s not sticky at all and smells nice, which is always a plus!

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And here are just some tips to keep in mind:

1. ALWAYS wear a mitt. The palms of your hands will be an unnatural shade of orange if you forget one.

2. If you’re using tanning drops for your face, never mix it into your moisturizer on your hand. As I learned this past weekend, there will be a giant blotchy spot on the back of your hand that will take forever to go away.

3. Have a friend help you out. Attempting to cover your back by yourself is possible but probably not worth the struggle.

So there you go! Tanning done in two easy steps, just in time for summer.

Good luck and happy self-tanning~

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Feeling Anxious? Your Technology Usage Might Be the Problem

Do you experience a constant, low hum of anxiety? Do you compulsively check your email/Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/texts? Do you find yourself spending hours scrolling through Instagram or watching Youtube and Netflix to unwind? Do you feel stressed when you are unoccupied and can’t access your phone?

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According to Cal Newport in his new book Digital Minimalism, all of these are symptoms of a decade that espouses the idea that all technology is worth taking advantage of if it displays any benefit at all, a philosophy which Newport labels “digital maximalism.”

He defines the counterpart, digital minimalism, as “a philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that support things you value and you happily miss out on everything else.” In other words, digital minimalism presents an actionable way to develop new habits and a healthier philosophy around technology use without demonizing it.

Newport’s book does attribute a host of negative effects to our current use of technology, but he does not advocate eliminating it or even deny its inherent usefulness and convenience. He just wants people to think more intentionally about how they use it and to recognize that a lot of the tech we use has been programmed to take advantage of our psychological hardware, keeping us locked in, whether or not that is what is good for us.

The primary disadvantage Newport sees with our current technology habits is that we do not engage in ‘solitude.’ Solitude is not simply isolation from other people, rather it is “freedom from input from other minds.” For example, being alone with your thoughts while sitting on a crowded subway without anything in your ears would be considered solitude, while reading a book in a remote mountain lodge would not be. This definition focuses on what your mind is processing rather than what your surroundings are.

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It can feel uncomfortable or even repulsive to sit without looking at your phone or listening to music, but we underestimate the value of that time to ourselves. Solitude provides us with time for self-reflection and insight that helps us set our principles and values and to take action and make decisions that are in line with them. Solitude allows us to fully process all the information that we are constantly exposed to on a daily basis and to extract its full benefit. And there is evidence that our brains cannot function properly without solitude, leading to a host of negative side effects, including a rise in anxiety.

So how can we change this? How do we unhook ourselves from our refresh buttons and explore pages and become calmer and more introspective?

Here are some of the tactics Newport suggests that can help us all become digital minimalists:

1. Think about your values

   Take a journal session, meditate, and reflect on what you value. Adventure? Loyalty? Cats? Then evaluate your technology use and only keep things that significantly support one or more of those values.

2. Find high quality leisure activities

   We usually refer to these as ‘hobbies.’ Sewing, reading, running, gardening, etc. Find activities that you like to do just for the sake of doing them.

3. Schedule low-quality leisure time

   Think about when you really want to watch Netflix. Saturday mornings? Wednesday afternoons? Put it on your calendar and feel free to enjoy for that period of time.

4. De-bundle your tech

   Make your phone a phone again. Dumb it down to a single use computer as much as possible.

5. Have a regular schedule for calling and texting friends

   Make time to reach out and make plans to meet in person. It’s easy to become disconnected from people you care about while feeling connected to a device all the time.

6. Turn on Do Not Disturb

   This prevents you from responding to messages as soon as they come in and allows you to stay focused on who and what is around you. Only give certain people the ability to reach you 24/7. The rest can wait until you’re ready to turn off Do Not Disturb and deal with their communications.

7. Don’t click “Like” ever.

   “Liking” something conditions your brain into thinking that social media is an acceptable alternative to conversation. In reality, it isn’t. If you want to comment on something someone posted, tell them about it over the phone, over text, or in person!

8. Hold conversation office hours

   Sit in a coffee shop at a specific time each week and tell people that’s where you’ll be. Your friends or anyone who wants to talk with you can drop by to chat. Do some of that SOSC reading while you’re there too!

9. Have a specific time to check the news

   And only check high quality sources. Facebook, Instagram, and the Snapchat discover page don’t count. Use a site like Allsides to make sure you’re encountering high quality sources from multiple perspectives and an app like Instapaper to gather the articles you want to read so you don’t fall down a depressing news black hole.

10. Play games with your friends

    Playing games with friends is like supercharged social activity. Have a wine-and-board-game-night!

11. Join something new

    Seek activities that require real-world, structured social interactions.

12. Have a seasonal and weekly leisure plan

    This can help you make intentional decisions about how and what you want to spend your leisure time on.

13. Delete social media from your phone

    Seriously. The app versions of these sites are designed to be way more addictive than the online ones. Instead, use social media like a professional. Ask yourself if Anna Wintour would do it like you are.

14. Download Freedom

    Freedom blocks certain websites when you want to focus or when you want to force yourself to be away from the internet and in the analog world. Which, for a student body with so much reading to do, should be an awful lot.

15. Take a 30 day non-essential technology break

    I put this last because I didn’t want to scare you off! Try it! Take a month and only use the internet for the truly essential things you have to do. Writing papers, checking reading, responding to email, etc. Then intentionally add back in the tech that reflects your values.

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Secrets to Almost Perfect Skin

My not-so-subtle transition to Glossier over glam products throughout the summer has brought me into the new world of skincare. This has definitely led me to staying in the safe, non-bustling backend of Sephora in my most recent visits, discovering some of the best brands I wished I only knew sooner. Naturally with skincare comes with the holy grail of clear skin. Some swear by a rigorous nighttime routine while others opt for a simple face wash.

I’ve spent months at this point attempting to perfect my own skin. Not that I’ve had that rough of a time, but acne scars and dry spots have always been enough of a problem for me to want to fix. While everyone has a different skin type, I’ve accumulated a bit of knowledge over time. Here are some of my tips for specific skin issues:

Chapped Lips

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Yes! This counts as a skin issue, duh. The Chicago fall and winter, a combination of unnecessarily dry and extremely cold, do crazy things to my lips. They crack, chap, and sadly peel under the unpleasant conditions, and every year, I’ve tried to find the best solution. For me, the worst thing to use is Chapstick or eos; both dry out my lips so much, acting only as a 5 minute solution. A helpful tip is knowing whether you need hydration or moisturization. Hydration is how much water is in your skin and moisturization is how much lipid content can form a protective barrier for your skin.

I prefer something more moisturizing for my skin, so I put on Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer on my lips during the day. At night, I stick with Glossier’s Balm Dot Com. I put on a thick layer before bed and wake up with smooth moisturized lips!

Redness and Acne Spots

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My skin has never bothered me too much with acne besides the regular PMS pimples or stress breakouts. But to keep my skin clean and less red, I’ve turned to softer cleansers both in the morning and night as well as water temperature I use to wash.

I use Philosophy’s Purity cleanser as well the Pore Extractor face scrub to keep my face clean. Lukewarm water is best with this duo, not causing too intense of an exfoliating effect for the mask and also cleaning off makeup in the most efficient manner.

I know many people swear by Glossier’s solution, but it hasn’t done much for me with its “chemical exfoliant” besides break me out more… so beware.

Puffiness

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Maybe I’m paranoid about the puffiness of my face based on how much salt I’ve had that day or if I’ve drank enough water, but this is something constantly on my mind. I think someone’s alertness and presentation is heavily dependent on whether they look like they’ve eaten ramen before bed the night before or if their face indicates they’ve cried all night. Basically in short, puffiness matters. I didn’t really think there was a solution to this (besides drinking excessive amounts of water) but I recently discovered Herbivore’s Jade Face Roller.

This supposedly actives the lymphatic system to detoxify your body from.. toxins? It feels like a mini foam roller on your face and is supposed to relax and de-stress you. I was doubtful at first, but I’ve now ditched my contour for this, so I’d say it works.

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Taking Glow to the Next Level

The rise of blinding highlight in glam looks has been something I've taken a while to approve of. I know some people absolutely nail the look, while I sort of brush on product half-heartedly, wondering why my cheekbones will never radiate toward the heavens.

Regardless of my lack of chemistry with highlighter, I am always willing to try something new. So when I encountered PopLuxe's Night Life highlighter, I was a little more than intrigued. A bit more research led me to MannyMUA's review, to which the below results had be impulse-buying harder than me when I see Sephora's Weekly Wow.

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The unapologetically green color is definitely not something I would incorporate in a daily look, but just looking at the product... I can't stop fawning about how pretty it is. Maybe it's the science behind the glowy product, but it had me at first sight.

Which is why I bought it.

Retailing for $23, this product holds about 8 grams of product with a creamy texture. Think everything that is great about Champagne Pop but green. 

This highlight would not only be a perfect accent for a space or alien themed makeup look, but might be the next hot-topic item next Halloween season. Not sure, but you heard it here first.

Buy it here

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Want Better Skin, Hair, and Nails? Start Your Morning Right

While the age-old adage says breakfast is the most important meal of the day, let’s face it, eating breakfast, let alone a healthful breakfast, often proves challenging. Many people resort to a cup of coffee and get on with the day or feel trapped by quick, often sugary breakfast options. Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer provides a quick solution to skipping out on breakfast while bringing flavor and protein to your cup of joe.

Two scoops of creamer come packed with 10 grams of protein—almost as much as two eggs, but without the dirty dishes that come with frying or scrambling eggs in the morning. Vital Proteins creamers are made with coconut milk, making them dairy and lactose free, and contain no gluten. Additionally, the creamer contains no added sugars or sweeteners, giving them flavors that do not overpower that of the coffee and allows for sweetness added according to the individual’s liking.

The creamer puts off an aromatic scent according to its flavor—vanilla, coconut, or gingerbread—without ruining the natural flavor of the coffee or tea. The coconut flavor smooths out a dark cup of coffee, but also adds a coconut tang at the end of every sip. While its most obvious function may be adding a nutritious boost to a hot drink, collagen creamer also has a place in any baker’s pantry. Incorporate a couple scoops to cookie and pastry batter, oatmeal, smoothies, or frappuccinos to add the healthful benefits of collagen to desserts and breakfast meals.

Collagen holds many health benefits aside from protein. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen gives structure to hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons. Adding collagen as a routine supplement to one’s diet helps strengthen connective tissue and keep skin healthy and glowing. Vital Proteins Collagen contains a unique 18 amino-acid blend, which includes 8 of 9 essential amino-acids that are not found in other sources of supplemental protein such as whey and casein. In addition to supporting connective tissue and skin health, these amino-acids aid in hair, nail, and gut health.

The flavor, benefits of collagen, and clean ingredients of Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer make it a worthwhile purchase, but its price certainly makes it a less accessible supplement. At $29 for a twelve serving container, the added collagen boost costs $2.42 per serving, almost as much as a cup of coffee itself. However, as a supplement that adds 140 calories per serving, or about half of a breakfast meal replacement, its cost almost balances out with that of a grab-n-go breakfast item.

As far as quality of collagen, Vital Proteins persists as a leading source of clean collagen protein. They source collagen from grass fed cattle in Brazil where laws prohibit the injection of rBGH, a hormone often injected into dairy cows to make them produce more milk, making the collagen source free of hormones from feed and outside sources. Vital Protein's most popular original Collagen Peptide supplement also acts as a great option for those looking to get the health benefits of collagen in their diets. Odorless and tasteless, the Collagen Peptides make a great addition to smoothies, baked goods, coffee, or even a glass of water.

Visit Vital Proteins website, here, for more of their products