December 13, 2019 at 09:30PM by CWC I’ve never taken before-and-after selfies to document my transformation on a plane ride, but I’m sure the results wouldn’t be cute. Airborne conditions don’t exactly set you up to feel (or look) like your best self, and celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau names dry airplane skin as one of many sky-high plights. “It’s well known that airplane cabins have extremely low humidity [less than 20 percent], which leads to skin dehydration and dryness,” says Rouleau. “That’s because dry air will always seek moisture wherever it can get it, and that means it’s going to take it directly from deep within your skin. If you have a dry skin type, your skin will become drier. And it can even make oily skin oilier because when the skin has no water, it attempts to compensate for the dehydration by producing more oil—which is the last thing that oily skin needs.” Basically, cabin air does zero favors for any type of skin. In fact, New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD says dryness is just the start. A plane’s atmosphere can cause a domino effect of skin woes. “Inflammation can promote acne breakouts by blocking your pores. Your skin is at risk for UV light damage on the plane, as you are much closer to the sun at 10,000 feet and UVA light can penetrate right through window glass,” he adds. (So make sure to slather on the sunscreen before your flight.) There’s no need to fret too much,
Day: December 13, 2019
Prevent mindless eating by organizing your kitchen like the longest living people in the world
December 13, 2019 at 09:00PM by CWC I often find myself wandering into the kitchen looking for a snack when I’m not even hungry. Such mindless eating means I’m not even really appreciating what’s on my plate. Of course our friends in the Blue Zones—parts of the world with populations known for their longevity—have a solution for this type of mindless eating. Living the Blue Zone way requires eating healthy foods and keeping portions reasonable, says to Brian Wansink, PhD, author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. With a fun quiz that pinpoints what will work best for your individual needs, you can learn how to reorganize your kitchen to make mindless eating a thing of the past. For example, you might keep ready-to-eat snacks portioned out in individual containers or bags to avoid the temptation of eating, like, a whole bag of popcorn, for example. Dr. Wansink of course recommends keeping a fridge full of fruits and vegetables, but he also recommends keeping a bowl of these foods out on the counter as a visual reminder to eat enough plants. Take the quiz to find out more ways to reorganize your kitchen the Blue Zones way, according to your specific lifestyle. The foods you should always buy organic: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncHSaA0-Chg] See how Blue Zones will be changing the way you work out in 2020. Plus, a Blue Zone recipe to try at home. Continue Reading… Author Emily Laurence | Well and Good Selected by CWC
The sneaky reason your waterproof eyeliner isn’t staying put
December 13, 2019 at 08:26PM by CWC The eternal dilemma: No matter what type of eyeliner I use or how meticulously I apply it, somehow I wind up looking like a sad prom queen every time I leave the house. The worst part is that while people are happy to send me unflattering memes that remind them of my perpetually inky under eyes, they never tell me to actually fix my problem. So, I asked a couple of makeup artists if they could teach me how to do what every pre-teen on YouTube seems to have mastered, and they were kind enough to not only oblige, but also to make me feel better about myself in the process. For starters, Merrady Wickes, a makeup artist and beauty director for Detox Market, assures me this is a common dilemma more than a personal failing, which I appreciate. She blames genetics, which is unexpected but no less welcome. “As a makeup artist, I’ve noticed that those prone to eyeliner smudging typically (though not always) have bone structure that lends itself to this,” she tells me. “Whether it’s a hooded lid, or prominent cheekbones that are prone to being grazed by lashes, some people are just more susceptible to smearing.” Obviously no one can change their bone structure, so I’m stuck with that. When I press her on what I can change, she gives me an interesting and unexpected tip: While it might seem counterintuitive, reaching for waterproof formulas could be making the
The 5 most common mistakes people make when they try to eat plant-based, according to a dietitian
December 13, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC We called it: 2019 really has been the year where plant-based eating has taken off. Whether people are considering it for health or environmental reasons, it seems like there has never been more innovative products or more interest in making the switch to a plant-forward diet than right. now. But as more of us decide to take the plunge, there are a few common pitfalls that people can fall into that make eating plant-based more difficult than it needs to be. First off, “though the idea of a plant-based diet is typically synonymous with vegan, they’re actually two separate things. A plant-based diet is one with a heavy focus on plant foods—vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds—but that doesn’t explicitly avoid animal products,” says Samantha Presicci, MCN, RD, LD, CPT, Lead Registered Dietitian at Snap Kitchen. “While those who are vegan consume no animal products, those who are plant-based are simply focused on eating real food that is predominantly plant-based, but may still eat animal products.” So what does a healthy plate look like on this eating plan, anyways? “On a truly plant-based diet, someone would make at least half of their plate vegetables,” Presicci says. “Other things to incorporate include fruits, healthy fats—like avocado, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, coconut oil, coconut milk, and more—and high-quality animal protein, along with some unprocessed grains and legumes.” It’s supposed to be simple…but switching up your eating habits can always be tricky.
The Mayo Clinic reveals *exactly* how to test if your exercise is vigorous enough
December 13, 2019 at 07:30PM by CWC As one of its physical activity recommendations, the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (DPHP)calls for adults between the ages 18 and 64 complete 75 minutes of exercise classified as “vigorous.” To which I say: “Cool. But what constitutes vigorous exercise?” The Mayo Clinic—a network of 4,700 physicians and scientists—answers that very question in a recent video. Exercise can be organized into three categories: the light activity zone, the moderate zone, and the vigorous zone. All three contribute to a well-rounded fitness routine, but learning how to distinguish between each will help you learn when you need to push your body—and when it’s time to pull back on the “harder, better, faster, stronger” mentality. You can actually test yourself mid-workout. Are you meeting your vigorous exercise quota? Here’s how to tell [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHLGYVFw-sQ] Light exercise test Slow, meandering walks, vacuuming, gardening, and even cooking can all be considered “light” exercise, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Want to test if you’re in this zone? The Mayo Clinic recommends breaking out into song (may I suggest Lizzo?). If you can carry a tune from start to finish, then your exercise is light, cortisol-free, and relaxing. Moderate exercise test As one option for your weekly dose of exercise, the says you can perform 2 hours and 30 minutes of “moderate exercise. ” The Center for Disease Control says hiking, aerobic dancing, ice skating, yoga, and walking at brisk pace all count
Here’s what the small bumps on your face mean, according to dermatologists
December 13, 2019 at 07:00PM by CWC They’re not pimples, so what the heck are those small bumps on my face? If this is a question you’ve asked yourself while getting up close and personal with your pores in a magnifying mirror, you’re not alone. Having small bumps on your face is pretty common. In most cases, Dr. Morgan Rabach, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical in NYC, says small bumps are benign and nothing to stress about. However it is always a good idea to go see a dermatologist whenever a new bump shows up or an old one changes, itches, burns, or bleeds because there is that chance that it can be cancerous. But, because we are curious (read: hypochondriacal) humans who have a tendency to self-diagnose, we asked a couple of derms to share the common types of tiny face bumps, what they mean, and how to treat them. If after reading through you’re still not sure what species the small bumps on your face are and what to do about them, book an appointment with a dermatologist asap. Common types of small bumps on face and how to treat Whiteheads Dermatologist Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, says whiteheads are one of the most common types of face bumps people have. “Whiteheads, which are also known as closed comedones, occur when dead skin, dirt, bacteria, and oil mix and form a clogged pore appearing as a white bump on the surface of the skin,” she says. “These are
A dermatologist picks 5 multitasking beauty products for the most common skin types
December 13, 2019 at 06:30PM by CWC Oh, where to begin with multitasking beauty products. You could have an entire bathroom cabinet filled with an option for every skin-care woe. But why have one that fights dryness, one that makes you glow, and one that fights off breakouts when you can save money—and space!—by buying an option that does it all? While multitaskers are great, they can be hard to shop for. When you have a specific skin type, it’s super tricky finding a single product that meets all your needs. They are out there, though—promise! And New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, chose the perfect picks for five of the most common skin types he sees at his practice. Get ready to clear some space! The best multitasking beauty products for your skin type 1. If your skin is red and oily Product: Aveeno Ultra Calming Nourishing Night Cream, $19 Why it’s derm-approved: “This oil free moisturizer won’t weigh you down, even if you’re oily. Plus, it contains colloidal oatmeal and feverfew extract, which protects and soothes red, irritated skin.” 2. If your skin is flaky and acneic Product: Neutrogena Bright Boost Illuminating Face Serum, $17 Why it’s derm-approved: “Glucosamine has been shown to hydrate and plump the skin, and turmeric not only brightens but can calm inflammation in acne-prone skin as well.” 3. If your skin is dry and sensitive Product: Eighteen B Firm + Replenish Serum, $105 Why it’s derm-approved: “The serum uses a silk protein
How to tell if being bored out, not burnt out, is ruining your workflow
December 13, 2019 at 06:00PM by CWC In January 2019, the World Health Organization included burnout in its latest revision of the International Classification of Diseases, and rest of the year included a heavy focus on the concept. While it’s great that there’s now some clinical legitimacy to back up the emotional, physical, and mental overload too many of us experience at work, to my knowledge, there’s still no word for being chronically bored at work. And there should be—so let’s go with “bored out,” as in, being bored out of your mind. At the 10-year mark of her career, Erin Hatzikostas, corporate CEO turned career coach and founder of b Authentic inc, was bored out. Every time her work would yield amazing results, two voices crooned in her ear. The first noted how pleasant things are: “Hey, this is great! Enjoy this time.” But the second voice? That one reminded her of a hustle she missed: “Remember when you used to start new projects, take on challenging clients, and wake up in the morning with a million ideas? Well, you’re not doing that anymore. And you know what that means? Even though things are ‘easier’ now, you’re only ‘Super Erin’ when you’re uncomfortable.” Of course, being comfortable isn’t synonymous with being totally bored at work. So to help you identify if you may, in fact, be bored out, here are four telltale signs Hatzikostas believes you should look for. 1. You’re no longer doing things “above and beyond” When I’m really, really
Wring out tight hips and strengthen your glutes, courtesy of this two-for-one move
December 13, 2019 at 05:40PM by CWC If I can sneak a stretch into whatever I’m doing, I’m thrilled. That’s why you can find me stretching my calves against my kitchen cabinets when I do the dishes or getting into the butterfly stretch when I’m sitting on the floor. My latest favorite two-for-one? A figure-four squat. This one’s an actual workout move that’s half-strength training, half-butt stretch. “Figure-four squats are great for balance, strength, and coordination, and have a not-so-hidden stretch naturally built in,” says Rebecca Kennedy, Peloton master tread instructor. And the figure-four stretch just so happens to be the best stretch that you can do, according to a stretch expert—so what better way to spend your time than to loosen up those always-tight hips as you strengthen your glutes? The exercise is what you’d imagine—you’re getting into the classic stretch while standing, but leaning back into a squat. To nail it, start by standing with your feet hip-distance apart. “Lift your right knee to hip height, externally rotate, and cross your right shin over your left thigh,” says Kennedy, noting to make sure your ankle isn’t on your thigh because that would sacrifice your hip and glutes. “Before you begin the squat, flex your right foot to protect both your ankle and knee from injury,” she says. This also helps engage your glute and prevent stress on your knee and ankle joints. “From the front, it should look like a figure-four with your legs. Stand tall and inhale as
8 pressure points on your hands that will help you feel better pretty much everywhere
December 13, 2019 at 05:15PM by CWC As much as we would all love to feel 100 percent all the time, some days that’s far from reality, especially as you get older. There are body parts that start to ache, chronic pains that don’t let up, sniffles that keep you up at night, and headaches galore. All of which make it difficult to be a fully functioning human sometimes. If you’re searching for a holistic way to manage these ailments, acupressure is one tool you can use. “Acupressure is a non-invasive method of stimulating the body’s innate healing ability via purinergic signaling and modulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems,” says acupuncturist Jacqui Kinzig. “In simpler terms, stimulation of certain areas of the body can help stop many different types of symptoms, from pain to anxiety to allergies.” The best part? Unlike acupuncture, no needles are required to reap the benefits. Even more good news: Kinzig says there are more than 400 acupressure points on the hands alone, which means you can inconspicuously apply pressure to these points for instant relief and no one would notice. Note that it does matter which hand you use when doing acupressure. “For systemic or non-pain related complaints, either hand can be used,” Dr. Kinzig says. “For acute pain, it is best to use the hand on the opposite side of the body from the painful area.” So, if let’s say you have lower back pain on your left side, acupressure should be