Ellyn Sinicropi is an entertainment professional who has worked on several TV series in various roles. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, with degrees in TV & Film and Public Relations. In her spare time she loves to write, listen to podcasts, and rewatch episodes of Schitt’s Creek.
Sometimes feeling happier and more at ease can be as simple as switching your playlist. If you tend to listen to upbeat music, these playlist options are a great alternative for times when you want to take a break and relax. It can be difficult to disconnect from the work day, but taking 5 minutes to close your eyes and breath can actually allow you to refocus. Check out these zen spotify playlists and feel the serenity wash over you.
“Soothing drones, ambient piano and new age music.”
If you truly want to feel like you’re inside a spa, try out this massage playlist. You can’t help but immediately untense your shoulders when giving this a listen.
Turn up the beat a little and play these tracks for some zen happiness. Indie music can have a calming quality to it, and this playlist is pure sunshine.
Have you heard of the “5 Senses Exercise”? It’s a simple yet incredibly effective technique that many therapists recommend for anxious moments. Engaging all of our senses at a single moment has a way of diverting our attention from whatever may be distressing us. It’s grounding and can help to bring you back to homeostasis (or at least a normal level of nervces!). Whether it’s a job interview, date, or important meeting that has you stressing, this exercise is here to give you strength and confidence in under 1 minute or less.
Step 1: Visualize a place
This can be anywhere. Maybe it’s somewhere where you feel most at ease. Maybe it’s comforting and familiar. Maybe it’s a place you’ve never been to but have always dreamed of visiting. It’s your mind! You can travel wherever you’d like.
Step 2: Name 5 things you see
Settle in to this place and look around. What do you see? Birds? Trees? A waterfall? Make note of 5 things.
Step 3: Name 4 things you hear
Chances are this place isn’t silent. What are you hearing? The chatter of people? Ocean waves crashing? Recognize 4 sounds in your head.
Step 4: Name 3 things you feel
What can you touch? Are you sitting on a blanket? Can you feel sand squishing between your toes? Become more aware of your immediate surroundings and name 3 things that you can physically feel.
Step 5: Name 2 things you smell
What does this environment smell like? Is it familiar, and how so? What does it remind you of? Simply acknowledge what you can smell.
Step 6: Name 1 thing you taste
Can you taste the salty air on a beach? Or the water you’re drinking? What can you envision yourself tasting in this place?
Take a moment to recenter and live in this place you have created for yourself. This entire exercise can take 30 seconds, and can be done anywhere. If you want to stretch it out for longer, go ahead! Take as much time as you need. You deserve to feel confident and at peace.
I know what you’re thinking: turning my room into a “sanctuary” sounds costly. Decorations? In this economy? I don’t think so. However, turning your space into a calm, inviting getaway can be done with a few inexpensive tweaks. If you’ve found yourself looking at a room in your house or apartment and thinking “this doesn’t feel like me”, this article is for you. Sometimes we don’t even notice we’ve been living in a house that doesn’t feel like a home until we make the effort to put our personal tastes into it. Read on for tips on how to turn any space into your personal sanctuary!
Tip #1: Lighting
The first step in creating a cozy, sanctuary-like atmosphere is to get the lighting perfect. Lighting can change the look and feel of a room and exude touches of your personality. Humans are sensory beings, and the wrong lighting can turn a nice space into a cold, uninviting, and sometimes stressful atmosphere. There’s a reason a lot of us don’t like fluorescent lights – they are stark and corporate. And no one wants to feel like their home is an office!
There are tons of fun, affordable options out there that make lighting up a room exciting. And, you can still make environmentally friendly choices without compromising that “warm glow” look. LED lights have come a long way in recent years, and no longer have a bright blue tone that some of us find hard to look at.
Product Recommendations:
MODERN BEDSIDE TABLE LAMP
This lamp has different shades of light to choose from. Go with daylight for a bright, cheery feel, or this warmer light for a relaxed atmosphere. Courtesy of Amazon.
MULTICOLOR LED LIGHT BULBS
These LED light bulbs can turn just about any color you want, and work with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Courtesy of Amazon.
Tip #2: Greenery
A little bit of nature can make a big difference in creating the ambiance of a space. Plants or flowers add a living element to a room, even if they’re fake. They’ve also been said to boost creativity and mood. There’s no denying that seeing beautiful flowers on your kitchen table each morning is a simple pleasure. Beyond that, plants can pull a room together and go with any style of décor.
Product Recommendation:
SET OF 3 GOLD TERRARIUMS
What’s cuter than a row of succulents? Courtesy of Amazon.
Tip #3: Scents
If you aren’t familiar with how scents can affect our moods, check out our article “How to Color Your World with Scents”. Scents are the perfect finishing touch to any space. Not only are many beautiful to look at, they can also evoke a sense of calm or unlock a pleasant memory. Scents are personal and meaningful, and nothing says “this is my space” more than your favorite candle.
Product Recommendation:
SET OF 12 BROWN GLASS VOTIVES
These votives are an effective, inexpensive way to create a soft, warm glow in your space. Courtesy of Amazon.
Tip #4: Textures
There’s something to be said for minimalism, but that doesn’t mean you can’t maximize the textures in your space. The internet has dumped the idea of any woman with more than two throw pillows into the “cringeworthy” bucket, but there’s a way to use decorative pillows tastefully. As long as the pillows bring you happiness and compliment the room, you can’t go wrong. They can pull a space together, provide comfort, and add a dash of personality. The same goes for blankets. You can never have too many, and that friend of yours who is perpetually freezing will thank you later.
Product Recommendation:
BAREFOOT DREAMS CHEETAH PRINT BLANKET
If you’ve ever felt the urge to splurge on a cloud-soft blanket, any options from the brand Barefoot Dreams are worth throwing your money at. Plus, they’re currently on sale at Nordstrom! Courtesy of Nordstrom.
Do you think you’ll implement any of these tips? What do you do to make your space comforting and reflective of your personality? Let us know in the comments or on our Instagram page!
Check out our Amazon Storefront to see Carrie Ann’s favorite products for the home!
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If there’s one thing that’s true about the wellness community, it’s that there are seemingly endless options to improve your life and health. That’s what makes wellness so fun and enticing – there’s always something new around the corner to try! Wellness trends can often be ahead of the curve in terms of mainstream acceptance, which is both exciting and slightly dangerous. It can be difficult to navigate the waters of this booming industry without first understanding the myths that companies may try to sell you on. How do you know what products and companies to trust? We’ve rounded up some of the most common myths that are still passed along in wellness circles and advertising campaigns. We hope this helps to arm you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health!
Myth #1:Diet shortcuts work
If there’s one thing we can all count on in wellness culture, it’s that there will always be a new trendy diet. And while many people promoting these diets have the best of intentions, some are taking advantage of our desire to find that one quick fix. The best way to find out if a certain diet will work for you is to consult your doctor or a nutritionist, but there are a few ways to vet options before you get that far.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
If a new supplement or weight loss program is making wild claims about the efficacy of their product, be weary. Especially if these claims promote dropping weight quickly. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1-2 pounds a week is the most you should aim for when losing weight.
“__ free” diets are not as helpful as you’d think
Fat free, gluten free, carb free, or any of those “free” diets are not all that they’re cracked up to be. Unless you have a specific condition or were told by your doctor to restrict something, this kind of philosophy may be detrimental to your health journey. Fat free diets in particular have become widely accepted as a “healthy” way to lose weight. Healthline states that while “this diet may benefit certain individuals with serious health conditions, it’s likely unnecessary for most people”. This is because there are many kinds of healthy fats that are a “major source of calories, build cell membranes and hormones, and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K”.
Myth #2: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer
If you’ve tossed your favorite antiperspirant due to swirling internet rumors that it causes breast cancer, the American Cancer Society wants to ease your fears. They have stated that “there are no strong epidemiologic studies in the medical literature that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim”. If you’re worried specifically about aluminum, the active ingredient in many antiperspirants, there is little reason to worry. According to the same statement from the American Cancer Society, “it also doesn’t seem that breast cancer tissue contains more aluminum than normal breast tissue. A study that looked at women with breast cancer found no real difference in the concentration of aluminum between the cancer and the surrounding normal tissue”. In conclusion, you can get rid of that natural deodorant if it’s not working for you.
Myth #3:Collagen in skin care = the fountain of youth
Collagen is a key protein produced by the body to give elasticity to the skin. It’s no wonder that it has become one of the most hyped supplements and skin care additives. Who wouldn’t want a miracle collagen-boosting serum? Unfortunately though, science has not caught up with our love of this anti-aging ingredient. The general consensus in the dermatological community is that collagen, when used topically, doesn’t do much outside of moisturize your skin. It’s not going to fill in fine lines, improve elasticity, or have the same effect at Botox. However, there has been evidence that collagen supplements can slightly improve your overall skin.
Myth #4:Alkalinewater is healthier
Alkaline waters, or brands promoting that their specific product has a high pH level, won’t do anything to actually change the pH of your blood. Yes, they may be less acidic, but that’s about it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “unless you have certain conditions such as kidney or respiratory disease, your body maintains a healthy pH balance on its own”. If buying alkaline waters has been costing you an arm and a leg, rest assured you can return to regular water and get the same level of hydration.
Myth #5: Egg yolks are bad for you
There’s no evidence to suggest that eating an egg yolk as opposed to egg whites is going to significantly increase your cholesterol. In fact, Harvard Health recently analyzed two studies that found that eating eggs may actually lower your risk of heart disease. According to the studies, “those who ate an average of one egg per day had a 28% lower risk of death from stroke and an 18% lower risk of death from heart disease. The researchers suggested that one explanation might be the fact that eggs contain heart-healthy nutrients, such as folate and omega-3 fatty acids”. In other words, Harvard authorities say that next time you’re craving an omelet you should go for it.
Hopefully hearing the truth about these myths will help you create a wellness plan that truly works for you! A healthy amount of skepticism when it comes to new claims is probably the way to go. Ultimately though, wellness is about what makes you feel good. Approaching trends and marketing campaigns with appropriate information is key, but there’s no need to throw out your Essentia bottles if sipping fancy water makes you feel amazing!
It’s no secret that there’s a lot happening in the world right now and that we’ve collectively been through a lot in the past few years. Life can be hard enough without the weight of global tragedies, conflicts, and politics looming overhead. When tumultuous and divisive events are the backdrop to your everyday life, it can make your own personal struggles that much more exhausting. Cue the urge to pull your comforter over your head and shut out the world! And while we all deserve a day in bed at times, there are healthy ways to hold space for the emotions you experience during hard times before you get to that point.
Give yourself grace
When times are difficult you can’t expect yourself to function at 100%. And even if you can carry on like normal, it doesn’t mean you should. Oftentimes the healthiest thing to do is to give yourself permission to slow down and feel your feelings. Setting unrealistic expectations for yourself will only lead to guilt and shame when you (understandably) fall short. Avoid this pitfall by not setting any expectations. Sometimes the bare minimum is more than enough.
Make time for your favorite things
Inject a little comfort into your day by consciously making an effort to do things simply for the fun of it. If needlepoint is your newest hobby, dive in. If re-watching your favorite show for the 5th time brings you comfort, cuddle up on the couch and press play. If baking sweets is your guilty pleasure, bring out the cake mix. It’s important to allow yourself to completely relax and return to the basics. The basics being anything that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket.
Talk it out
When processing our emotions on our own becomes too taxing, it can be helpful to talk things out with trusted friends and family members. If you’re the type of personal that typically holds things in and doesn’t want to “burden” people, this might be particularly important for you. Your friends and family are called your support system for a reason – they are there to lend support! However, if the situation requires more than your support system can provide, it may be helpful to see a therapist. They are trained to guide you through any type of difficulty you may be experiencing.
Focus on what you can control
When times are tough it’s normal to try to grip onto a situation tighter in order to control as much as you can. No one likes to feel powerless. A healthier way of getting through rough waters is to focus on what you can control, not what you can’t. Release your grip on those things that seem to be fighting against you. Make a list of what you can control – such as your actions and how you can take care of yourself. Whenever you feel overwhelmed take the list out and complete an action. There’s nothing better than ticking something off of your to-do list, even if the list is self-care centered. It will make you feel capable and accomplished.
Turn off the news
It’s important to be informed, but if you find yourself checking in on the news to the detriment of your mental health, it may be time for a break. This is especially true when you are dealing with personal issues that may be heavy or stressful. Don’t add fuel to the fire. Take a break from current events or limit the amount you read / watch.
No matter what you are going through, you deserve the time to slow down and take care of yourself. Follow us on social media for more mental health and wellness tips:
Summer is here, and with the much needed warm weather comes something that many women dread: bathing suit season. As women we have been inundated with messaging, whether that be through social media, magazines, or our own family and friends, that perpetuates the idea that we must get our bodies ‘bikini ready’. That there is only one standard for a bikini body, and it’s a flat stomach and cellulite free thighs. It seems that only in the last few years has there been any kind of shift in our culture to dispel this narrative. And while more companies are using size inclusive models, there is still work to be done to undo the damage that lives in our heads. So where do we begin? As it turns out, body positivity isn’t something that you can turn on with the flip of the switch. It takes work to rewire your thought processes, but it’s the first step towards reclaiming the confidence we all deserve! Keep reading for tips on how to have your best “hot girl summer” yet.
Reframe how you think of your body
Instead of thinking of your body in terms of how it looks, or how you want it to look, try to view it as the vehicle through which you have done amazing things. For example, the Cleveland Clinic recommends appreciating “that your strong arms allow you to carry your child and the diaper bag and the groceries up the stairs in one trip. Or that your skilled hands prepared an amazing dinner”. Your body allows you to do so many wonderful things that we all often take for granted. When we push looks aside and focus on the functionality of our bodies, it’s hard not to be thankful.
Self-talk is everything, so next time you catch yourself looking in the mirror and thinking “I wish my thighs were thinner”, stop for a moment. Think of what your thighs allow you to do every day, even if it’s as simple as picking up your child. Or speeding through the grocery store to feed yourself and your family. Another great way to shift your thoughts into the positive is to turn this moment into a meditation with intentional touch. Touch your legs, and thank them for getting you where you need to go. Touch your stomach, and thank it for digesting your food and bringing nutrients to your body. Touch your hips, and thank them for holding you up even when you’re tired. If you practice this enough times, you can train your brain to make these healthier, happier thoughts the first thing you say to yourself when looking in a mirror.
Keep a list of what you love about yourself handy – that doesn’t include physical aspects
Looks aren’t everything, and even though many of us know this logically, we live in a culture where unfortunately certain looks are valued and praised over others. It’s hard not to compare yourself when you hop on Instagram and see a photoshopped fashion advertisement for the thousandth time that day. Even though it’s clear the photo has been tinkered with, those types of images can bleed into our subconscious and affect our own ideas of beauty. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, one way to combat this is to keep a list of everything you love about yourself handy. A list that does not include any physical aspects. Read it whenever you need to, and keep adding to it. You have a limited number of body parts, but an endless amount of strengths to appreciate and keep building upon.
Reframe how you think of exercise
Every Spring, like clockwork, magazines and health gurus go on campaigns to push new “beach body” workouts or cleanses. It’s a race to get rid of those extra few pounds you may have put on in the winter, and it further perpetuates the notion that we constantly need to be “fixing” or “improving” our bodies. If you’re already not a fan of exercise, this can make the idea of it too daunting to conquer. And we can’t wait for companies and our culture in general to reframe why exercise is so important. We have to start with ourselves. We have to start seeing physical fitness as a lifelong activity that we don’t do to reach a certain goal weight, but to boost our moods and keep our bodies running smoothly. According to Medical News Today, researchers have found that “people who exercise for functional reasons, such as for fitness, tend to have a more positive body image. Those who exercise to improve their appearance feel less positive about their bodies”. Simply switching your thinking around why you are exercising might help you to start rebuilding your relationship with your body.
Realize that the word “healthy” is somewhat relative
You can’t rely solely on a scale, workout guide, or new cleanse to tell you how healthy you are, because everyone is different. The National Eating Disorders Association has emphasized that “your “ideal” body weight is the weight that allows you to feel strong and energetic and lets you lead a healthy, normal life. For example, when your body is healthy and at its ideal body weight, you are not too tired and you have the energy to interact with friends and family, participate in sports, and concentrate on school or work”. In other words, you can pursue your dreams wholeheartedly. Using the measurement of your quality of life over the number on a scale is a much better way to gauge where you are at.
Cleanse your social feeds
Sometimes the best way to cleanse negative thoughts is to cleanse your feeds. Social media is meant to be fun and add connection to your life, not detract from it. If there are accounts that make you feel less than, or trigger body image issues, hit unfollow. Maybe some accounts don’t bother you personally, but they contribute to problems with inclusivity in the fashion and entertainment industries. That’s also a great reason to unfollow. Change isn’t going to happen unless we raise our voices.
We hope these tips have given you the confidence to start loving yourself a little bit more. You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: anyone with a body has a bikini body. You are bikini ready just the way you are. There’s a reason women made the phrase “hot girl summer” a thing. It’s because it’s a state of mind! Your hot girl summer is happening right now so get out there and reclaim your body image. The power is in your hands.
If you’ve tried these tips to no avail, or find yourself obsessing over your body to the point of extreme weight loss or social isolation, there is help out there. You don’t need to suffer in silence. Visit nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.
Sometimes we don’t want to think when we watch TV. Over the past couple of years we’ve used it as an escape from the unbelievable circumstances happening in the world and in our own lives. However, TV can also be a useful teaching tool, and a way to examine our problems in a safe, creative way. TV holds up a mirror to our culture whether we like it or not, and is something that can permeate our lives and start necessary conversations. If you’re in the market for a show that will spark conversation at your next social gathering, check out this list of 6 TV shows that will make you think. You never know what lessons can be learned from your living room.
“Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart” – HBO Max
Why read the book when you can watch the movie? Or in this case, the series. Emotions researcher and author Brené Brown delivers the biggest takeaways from her latest book, “Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience”, in this HBO Max series. Brown will take you through the emotions that unite us all, and why we need to expand our emotion vocabulary in general.
“Severance” – Apple TV+
What if you could live two separate lives – a work life and a personal life – that never intersect? What if you could forget your personal life at work, and vice versa? This is the concept that “Severance” so brilliantly explores. With so many life changing events happening in the world right now, this show couldn’t be more aptly timed. Haven’t we all wondered what it would be like if the different parts of our lives never mixed?
https://youtu.be/tGtaHcqsSE8
“Maid” – Netflix
“Maid” is a raw and poignant look at the realities of being in an abusive relationship. It is based on a true story, and follows a young woman through her struggles to leave her abuser and take care of her child independently. It’s a very eye opening and honest portrayal of what psychological abuse can look like, and why it is so difficult to recognize and leave.
https://youtu.be/KcI_xfryMD0
“Our Great National Parks” – Netflix
After Obama’s two terms in office it was big news when his next move was to make a deal with Netflix! We are finally seeing some of the fruit of that deal with “Our Great National Parks”. It’s probably the easiest to watch out of all of the shows listed, but will make you look at the beauty that is in your own backyard with a renewed sense of wonder.
“Not So Pretty” – HBO Max
“Not So Pretty” is a docuseries that gives a real and unforgiving look into the dark side of the beauty industry. It explores how some of our everyday products – like skincare – may actually be doing more harm than good. Narrated by Keke Palmer, “Not So Pretty” will make you think twice about the chemicals you use on your body every day.
“Persona – The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests” – HBO Max
This documentary peels back the curtain behind personality tests, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. It makes the argument that while these types of tests can be very helpful for self-discovery, they can also be extremely harmful and unfair when used in the working world. “Persona” grapples with the insidious and possibly discriminatory nature of something that is commonly seen as benign and fun. It’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about the world of personality tests.
Which show interests you the most? If you’ve seen any of these, what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below or find us at @carrieannconversations on Instagram! We’d love to hear from you.
The global beauty industry is a force to be reckoned with – just last year, it was worth $511B, and is only trending upwards (commonthreadco.com). As women, we’ve never had so many options, and it can be an overwhelming process to choose which brands you’d like to throw down your hard earned cash for. Especially now that many of us want the brands that we support to stand for something, have ethical practices, and curb their carbon footprint. Given the growing number of beauty companies out there, as consumers we want what we wear, use, and recommend to our friends to align with our values, and I’ll say it, our personal brand. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, we all project a certain image to the world and have the ability to influence our communities, however small they may be. One easy way to narrow down the abundance of choice is to support female and minority owned brands. What’s better than women supporting women? The brands below are all founded by women, are vegan and cruelty free, and make sustainability a priority. I hope you find your next obsession!
Before Yara became a full fledged business owner, she garnered a loyal following for her skincare focused YouTube channel, Mixed Makeup. Using her knowledge from working in the beauty industry for many years, Yara created a space on the internet for skincare enthusiasts, beginners, and experts alike. Her brand, Naturium, is ingredient focused and formulates affordable products that beat out their pricy contenders any day.
Actress and singer Selena Gomez is the founder and face behind beauty’s latest obsession, Rare Beauty. Beyond making beautiful formulas that melt into the skin, they strive to “[break] down unrealistic standards of perfection”. They’re all about enhancing your natural beauty and promoting the idea that you are one of a kind, and perfect just the way you are. Rare beauty also sets themselves apart by advocating for mental health care access through their Rare Impact Fund. The goal of the fund is to “raise $100M over the next 10 years to help give people access to mental health services”. What more could you want from a brand? Plus, their gorgeous packaging doesn’t hurt!
Founded by supermodel Miranda Kerr, KORA uses certified organic ingredients and potent actives to make high quality skincare products. By the way, they don’t just tout the word organic because it’s trendy – they put their money where their mouth is. Their products “are formulated with highly active certified organic and naturally derived ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. [They] work with leading chemists to find the most effective and innovative organic ingredients from around the world” (koraorganics.com). If you’re an organic food queen and want to make the switch in your skincare as well, KORA is a great place to start.
If you are someone that wears makeup, chances are you’ve heard of Fenty Beauty. Rihanna’s line is a favorite for many – her Gloss Bomb lip luminizer has a hold on me that isn’t letting go any time soon. Rihanna has been steadily expanding the brand, and most recently added a skincare line that is a hit. What makes the products unique is their thoughtful formulation, which isn’t found in many celebrity skincare lines. You can tell that Rihanna doesn’t just slap her name on anything. Fenty uses antioxidant rich fruits, like the Barbados cherry (Rihanna’s home country, btw), along with other cutting edge ingredients that pack big results. This is a line that any skin care enthusiast can get behind.
KraveBeauty was founded by YouTuber and skincare connoisseur Liah Yoo out of a desire to make skincare as simple as possible. Their slogan “#pressreset” says it all. Their products are formulated with sensitivity as well as efficacy in mind. As they state on their website, “we never wanted to be the “million step routine” brand or the “launch 20 products at once” brand. We didn’t want to fit the mold, we wanted to break”. If you’ve gone a little wild with your routine and need to pare it down, Krave might be the brand for you!
Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores built Summer Fridays with the intention of filling the gaps in skincare that they noticed as beauty influencers. In their own words, they were “left desiring a line of products that ticks all the boxes: easy-to-use, clean ingredients, immediately satisfying, and so pretty you’d want them on display”. It’s safe to say that Summer Fridays checks these boxes. Their products not only look they deserve a place on your skincare shelf, but work like they do too.
Following a “a severe sunburn and sun damage from an all-day outdoor photoshoot, that permanently changed her [autoimmune condition] vitiligo”, supermodel Winnie Harlow began creating her own skincare line, Cay Skin (cayskin.com). The company combines the best of both worlds – sun protection and skincare – to formulate products that nourish the skin while keeping those UV rays at bay. Next time you’re in the market for tanning oil, you might want to reach for Cay Skin’s SPF 45 version. It’ll leave you glowing and moisturized, but above all, protected.
Topicals was founded by Gen-Z entrepreneurs Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, both of whom decided to forego medical school after college and team up to build their own brand. Topicals treats skin concerns in style, but don’t be deceived by their candy colored packaging. Their treatments pack a punch, and were carefully developed due to Olowe and Teng’s personal experiences with skin conditions. According to a CNBC profile, Olowe grew up “with hyperpigmentation and post barbae folliculitis, a type of skin inflammation”. Similarly, Teng “spent her childhood in and out of doctor’s offices seeking treatment for her severe eczema”. If there’s anyone I would trust to create an effective skincare line, it’s two ambitious young women who have experienced severe skin conditions themselves.
Ready for a book that’ll make you think? Look no further! With the influx of self-help gurus and thought leaders creating followings on social media, it can be difficult to discern who to trust, and who has the research to back up their ideas. All of the authors listed are professionals who research and teach for a living, and are super-stars in their respective fields. If you’ve exhausted Malcolm Gladwell’s catalogue, or are eager to learn something new, I guarantee you’ll love one of these picks.
1. Emotional Agility – Susan David, Phd.
Susan David is a Harvard Medical School psychologist. In “Emotional Agility” she dives into how we can better understand our thoughts, emotions, and patterns in order to “get unstuck, embrace change, and thrive in work and life” (susandavid.com). If you’re curious, David also has an active instagram account where she breaks down the ideas in her book in a digestible way. She’s also been a guest on Brené Brown’s podcast, as well as Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert.
2. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari
Yuval Noah Harari is a historian and philosopher. If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of the human species and how we evolved, this book is for you. It is an entertaining and extensive look into the journey of mankind. Look at it like a crash course in anthropologie, filled with tidbits you can keep in your back pocket for dinner parties.
3. Think Again – The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know – Adam Grant
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and professor. He studies “the science of motivation, generosity, original thinking, and rethinking” (adamgrant.net). “Think Again” examines the importance of the ability to unlearn and relearn, and the possibilities that come from keeping an open mind. Grant also utilizes social media and podcasts to get his ideas out – if you love the book, check out his own podcast, WorkLife with Adam Grant.
4. The Power of Regret – How Looking Back Moves Us Forward – Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink is a New York Times Bestselling Author and former chief speech writer for Vice President Al Gore. His latest book, “The Power of Regret”, dives into the psychology and research behind how “we can transform our regrets in a positive force for working smarter and living better” (danpink.com). Pink takes a daunting topic that many people wouldn’t want to touch, and transforms it into a useful tool. If regret is something you’ve been struggling with, this might be the book for you!
5. Dopamine Nation – Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence – Dr. Anna Lembke
Dr. Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist and Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicinal Dual Diagnosis Clinic. In her New York Times best-seller, Lembke explores “why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain. Most important, she tells readers how to find the delicate balance between the two” (annalembke.com). Addiction surrounds us, and may be affecting your life more than you think. From social media to sugar, addiction takes many forms and Lembke has put the work in to figure out how to lead a more balanced life.
6. Atlas of the Heart – Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience – Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a professor and researcher of emotions, shame, empathy, courage, and vulnerability. Her latest book, “Atlas of the Heart”, explores emotions that define the human experience, and how to make meaningful connections. If you can’t get enough of this book or want the movie version instead, check out Brown’s HBO Max series of the same name. It’s like a 5 episode Ted Talk.
If you’re human, it’s likely that you’ve experienced acne at some point in your life. It’s almost impossible to escape high school and beyond without the clutches of acne grabbing ahold of your skin and self-esteem. Acne is by far the most common skin condition, affecting “up to 50 million Americans annually”, yet is something that can make you feel incredibly isolated (American Academy of Dermatology). It’s also a condition that many of us falsely equivocate solely with adolescence, even though acne can affect people into their 50s. I for one bought into this notion, and held onto the hope that once I hit my early 20s, my skin woes would be on the decline. I wasn’t expecting a miracle, but from everything I had heard there was no reason to believe that things wouldn’t improve. What I didn’t expect, however, was for my acne to get much worse.
Due to the myth that acne is simply a side effect of being a teenager, I felt the isolation that so many of us do when my breakouts became worse with age. I had already spent much of my youth agonizing over my skin and making frequent trips to the dermatologist. My main concern then was rosacea, a condition that causes the skin to flush and look red and inflamed. And of course, acne isn’t going to help with that. I started wearing foundation at twelve years old because my skin had become so red that kids at school would ask why I was so sunburned. Through all of this, I couldn’t wait for the day that adulthood would bring some relief.
It sounds so trivial, but studies have proven time and again that acne has psychological effects. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “researchers have found in study after study that people with acne can also develop depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, decreased quality of life, and a feeling of being all alone”. These psychological effects have consequences in the real world, beyond the obvious decreased quality of life that they bring acne sufferers. Each year, lost productivity due to the inherent debilitating effects of acne amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars. Clearly, the narrative that acne is an adolescent problem is just plain wrong.
By the time I hit 25, my acne had turned cystic and was the worst it had ever been. At that point, I had tried just about everything. Prescription creams, antibiotics, retinoids, diet changes, stripping down my skincare routine to the basics, you name it. Some of it worked for short periods of time, or at least kept the worst of it at bay. But as soon as I thought the problem was under control, it would return with a vengeance.
I had hit my breaking point, and that’s when my dermatologist suggested it was time for isotretinoin, otherwise known as its former brand name, Accutane. I had never considered it as an option. Despite dealing with breakouts since my early teens, my impression with Accutane was that it was for only the most severe forms of acne. However, my doctor explained that since my acne was cystic and I had failed all other alternatives, it was actually a realistic option for me. I’d like to say that I was cautious and took my time in deciding to go on a powerful drug with heavy side effects, but I jumped at the opportunity. At that point, I was willing to try anything.
ACCUTANE – NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A that can cure acne by shrinking the oil glands in the skin. These sebaceous glands can get clogged and attract acne causing bacteria. For many people, it is a cure. Some may have to do a couple 4-6 month rounds of the drug, but generally, it is extremely effective in putting almost a complete stop to acne. There are a number of risks that come with taking Accutane, which are important to discuss with your doctor before starting the medication.
The Basics
For women, or females that can bear children, isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects. Due to this, it is mandatory that women use two forms of birth control and take monthly pregnancy tests. Before you even start your prescription, you have to have 2 negative pregnancy tests one month apart. So, don’t expect to get on the medication the day it’s prescribed. There’s no way around this 30 day waiting period.
In order to get your prescriptions each month, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Get bloodwork panel done (this is for your pregnancy test and to monitor your cholesterol, which can be affected by Accutane).
Take the iPledge online quiz after your appointment. iPledge is the pregnancy prevention program for Accutane. Both doctors, patients, and pharmacies are required to use it. Each month, after your doctor inputs your negative pregnancy test, you will have to take a short quiz that basically proves that you know the risks.
Pick up your prescription within a 7 day window. If you miss this window, you will have to take another pregnancy test.
The Side Effects
Accutane comes with a multitude of side effects that can range from pesky to downright debilitating. Of course, if your symptoms veer towards the latter, it’s important to check in with your doctor.
Common Side Effects (Mayo Clinic):
Bone or joint pain
Burning, redness, itching, or other signs of eye inflammation
Difficulty with moving
Nosebleeds
Scaling, redness, burning, pain, or other signs of inflammation of the lips
Skin infection or rash
Crusting of the skin
Difficulty in wearing contact lenses (may continue after medicine is stopped)
Dryness of the eyes (may continue after treatment is stopped)
Dryness of the mouth or nose
Dryness or itching of the skin
Headache (mild)
Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
Peeling of the skin on palms of the hands or soles of the feet
Stomach upset
Thinning of the hair (may continue after treatment is stopped)
The Essentials
Moisturizer. The most common side effect of Accutane is extreme dryness. This was definitely true for me. Using a gentle, thick moisturizer on my face and body daily was essential, and did help to keep flakiness at bay. This is the moisturizer I swore by while on the medication – and let me tell you, it works. I got comments from people that it didn’t even look like I was on Accutane because my skin didn’t look flaky. I put it down to this wonderful cream.
Aquaphor. Sometimes thick creams just didn’t cut it, especially in the winter. I had patches of eczema pop up on my hands and arms at times when the weather was particularly cold and dry. Aquaphor was a saving grace for not only that, but my frequent nose bleeds. Yes, you read that correctly. I had to moisturize the insides of my nostrils daily, as well as use a humidifier.
Heavy duty balm / mask for your lips. Mine were constantly peeling and cracking, so I was constantly reapplying lip balms. Your average Chapstick isn’t going to cut it here. I used this one on the regular, and sometimes even layered them.
Dealing with these uncomfortable side effects was an easy trade off for me, and I’d do it again. It’s important to consider how Accutane will work with your daily life and routine before taking it. Since I had already exhausted all other resources, choosing to take the medication despite its risks was a no brainer. After I started seeing major results at around month four, I knew I had made the right decision. By the end of my 6 month treatment, I had experienced two months completely breakout free. I couldn’t remember the last time that had happened – it had certainly been well over a decade.
For me, Accutane was a miracle drug. I’m feeling more confident about my skin than ever, and am already wearing much less makeup. The mental burden of worrying and feeling “other” because of adult acne is real and shouldn’t be downplayed or ignored. Talk to your dermatologist if nothing has been working for you. You deserve to feel beautiful and confident in your own skin.
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