We’ve all been there: You go to bed with clear skin and wake up with painful, pus-filled spots around your chin and mouth. What happened? A case of cystic acne. If you’re struggling with a sudden cystic acne breakout, first know that you’re not alone. Though acne is most common in teens, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says adult acne affects up to 15 percent of women. So, what triggers sudden cystic acne? And what can you do about it? Below, two medical experts unpack the top three causes of cystic acne and how...

Leandra Beabout • Nov 16, 2024
Healthy Lifestyles

How To Use Gua Sha Like a Pro

If you’ve been paying attention to beauty trends lately, you’ve probably heard of gua sha. This ancient Chinese healing practice has made a big splash in the skincare world — and for good reason. It’s not just another fleeting trend; gua sha is a powerful technique that has stood the test of time. Today, it’s known for its ability to naturally lift and sculpt the face, reduce tension, and promote a glowing complexion, all with the help of a simple, sleek stone. Curious about how it works? Let’s break it down. Why Gua Sha is the...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Nov 14, 2024

Imagine this: you step into a dimly lit room where soft, calming music plays, and the air smells like a dreamy blend of lavender and eucalyptus. As you sink into a plush massage table, warm, smooth stones are placed along your back, melting away the tension you didn’t even realize you were holding. It’s more than just a spa-day splurge — it’s self-care taken to the next level. Welcome to the world of hot stone massage, an ancient wellness practice that's trending for good reason. Sure, we all know a massage can be relaxing, but hot...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Nov 13, 2024

About a year ago, I heard an influencer praise the virtues of mouth taping at night. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: Taping your mouth shut before going to sleep. She claimed that doing so allows her to breath only through her nose, which is beneficial because mouth breathing causes significant health issues. Initially, I brushed this off. After all, you can’t believe everything you see online, especially when health and wellness are concerned. But that wasn’t the last time I heard about the issues associated with mouth breathing: Others online have claimed mouth breathing...

Zara Hanawalt • Nov 11, 2024

In our world of a million different skincare products that come with buzzy claims, it can feel downright impossible to know what your skin — and your skincare shelf — truly needs.  There’s the sheer abundance of products right now, which is great, but also beyond overwhelming. On top of that, no single routine or product is going to work for everyone, so finding the right products is often a game of trial and error….sometimes a very expensive game of trial and error.  Finding that line between an effective skincare routine and one that keeps your...

Zara Hanawalt • Oct 30, 2024

Migraines can be more than just a bad headache. They can derail an entire day, leaving you grappling with intense pain, nausea, and a debilitating sensitivity to light. For the 28 million women in the U.S. who regularly suffer from migraines, finding any form of relief can feel like a lifeline. One emerging solution gaining attention in recent years is migraine glasses. But are these glasses truly effective, or are they just another health product promising more than it can deliver? First, migraines disproportionately affect women According to the Migraine Research Foundation, approximately 85% of chronic migraine...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Oct 22, 2024

Whether you take it black or full of creamer, iced or piping hot, at home or from your local coffee shop, that morning brew is such an integral part of a morning routine. For many of us, it's a rite of passage every single day. Which is why the conflicting messages about coffee are so frustrating. Some people call coffee out as an appetite suppressant, others say it spikes your cortisol, some claim you should “never” consume it on an empty stomach. And of course, others say you should replace your morning coffee entirely with green...

Zara Hanawalt • Oct 1, 2024

If you’ve been scrolling TikTok, chances are you’ve seen at least a few creators making the viral “sleepy girl mocktail." The recipe goes a little something like this: Creators fill up a wine glass with tart cherry juice, magnesium powder, and some sort of sparkling water. The viral drink earned its name because some creators claim it can help you get a great night’s sleep. Creators and commenters alike seem to have great success with implementing this concoction to help them sleep — but is there any truth to this, or is the sleepy girl...

Zara Hanawalt • Feb 12, 2024

Let's face it: While air fresheners are a popular choice to combat unpleasant odors in our homes, the conventional options often come with a downside — the release of potentially harmful chemicals into the air that we breathe.  Thankfully, there is a growing awareness and demand for non-toxic alternatives that not only eliminate unwanted smells but also promote a safer and healthier indoor environment.   We've pulled together a list of 8 of our favorite non-toxic air fresheners that you can pick up on your next essentials run without compromising your and your family's well-being.  1. Pura...

Vivian Nunez • Feb 10, 2024

  If you feel like your skin is scaly, tight, dry, and uncomfortable straight from November to March — no matter how much moisturizer you slather on — well, you’re not alone. The colder months are notorious for leaving people with much drier skin. While hand cream, facial oils, and chapstick galore are probably all essential items for you this season, chances are you’re still finding yourself fighting off persistent dryness.   Can you relate? If so, NYC Dermatologist & RoC Skincare Advisory Board Member, Joshua Zeichner, MD, is on hand to answer questions about why...

Zara Hanawalt • Jan 28, 2024