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Women's Health, Your Way

November 16, 2025

Ask & Search With Clara

Welcome to a new standard for women’s health answers.

The Wellness Edit

Emmy Hayes Condon

Your daily guide to feeling, looking, and living your best.

What Is Vibe Dating? Why This Intuitive New Dating Trend Is Taking Off

There’s a fresh twist in the dating world getting a lot of attention lately — it’s called “vibe dating.” Instead of checking off a detailed list of “must-haves,” it’s all about sensing the energy between you and someone else and letting things unfold naturally.

So what is vibe dating? The idea is this: you meet someone, you focus less on their headline credentials (job title, education, long-term goals) and more on whether you feel good around them — how conversations flow, how you laugh together, how effortless it feels. If the vibe is right, great. If not, no pressure to force it.

Why is this taking off? For one, people are a little dated-out of the traditional checklist approach and craving something more immediate — more intuitive. Also, the sheer volume of options on dating apps has made many feel fatigued by “profiles” rather than people. Vibe dating offers an easier pathway: focus on the feeling and chemistry, skip some of the heavier interrogations.

Why it might work for you. If you’re someone who values connection, ease, and authenticity, vibe dating can be a breath of fresh air. It invites you to trust your instincts, emphasize how you feel in someone’s presence, and let the relationship proceed with less rigid structure. Plus, it can reduce the pressure of having everything “lined up” from day one. On the flip side, remember it’s still smart to check compatibility and long-term alignment as things deepen and "vibe" alone isn’t a guarantee.

So if you’re open, curious, and ready to lean into what “just feels right,” vibe dating might just be your new favorite approach.

Walk It Out: The Simple Morning Habit That Boosts Energy, Focus, and Joy

There’s something special about starting your day with a walk. Lately, I've been taking at least 30 minutes before my inbox fills and life gets noisy, to enjoy a morning walk! This early pep-step offers a moment of calm and clarity — like hitting the mental “reset” button. Beyond the feel-good vibes, walking in the morning has some serious health benefits: it boosts circulation, supports digestion, helps regulate your circadian rhythm (which means better sleep at night!), and releases endorphins that improve mood and focus.

Physiologically, that early movement signals your body to wake up naturally by increasing oxygen flow and blood circulation, especially as the weather gets chillier. It also helps lower cortisol (hello, your stress hormone), so you can start the day feeling grounded rather than rushed. Plus, getting natural light exposure early in the day helps balance melatonin production, making it easier to fall asleep later on.

Whether it’s ten minutes or an hour, a morning walk sets the tone for a more energized, focused, and happy day. Sometimes, the best therapy really is just a walk away. 

Why Magnesium-Rich Foods Are the Ultimate Wellness Hack

Let’s talk about magnesium — one of those quiet-but-crucial minerals your body loves. Often called nature’s chill pill, magnesium helps support everything from muscle and nerve function to energy production, mood regulation, and sleep quality. In short: if your stress levels are high or your sleep feels off, it might be time to look at your magnesium intake.

You can find this powerhouse mineral in everyday foods like leafy greens (spinach, kale), avocados, almonds, pumpkin seeds, black beans, and dark chocolate — yes, that post-dinner square actually is doing something good for you. Magnesium works by helping your body relax on a cellular level, easing tension in the muscles and calming the nervous system. 

If you’re looking to boost your magnesium intake through products, there are plenty of great options:

  • Moon Juice Magnesi-Om: A tasty powder that combines magnesium and L-theanine for stress support and better sleep.

  • Nécessaire The Body Lotion with Niacinamide: Features magnesium to help restore and strengthen your skin barrier.

  • Calm Magnesium Citrate Drink Mix: A go-to for winding down in the evening.

  • Eight Greens Skin Supplement: Helps support energy and skin clarity with magnesium-rich greens.

 

Whether you’re sipping it, slathering it, or snacking on it, magnesium-rich foods and products are a simple, science-backed way to feel calmer, sleep deeper, and glow brighter — inside and out.

How Acupuncture Boosts Stress Relief and Your Skin’s Natural Glow

Acupuncture offers a lot of benefits, whether for migraine relief, stress reduction, or a cozy reset for your mind, body, and even your face. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is on the rise, and might be a great option for those looking for ways beyond products and fillers, to boost your natural glow.  

Feeling frazzled? Inserting thin needles into strategic points prompts your body to release endorphins, calming anxiety and easing tension in muscles—especially those neck, shoulder, and jaw tight spots we all hold stress in.

Let’s chat about the glow-up benefits: Facial acupuncture stimulates collagen production and boosts circulation, reducing fine lines, puffiness, and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion—think your natural glow without fillers. Plus, it addresses internal imbalances too—so you're not just getting prettier skin, you're tending to your whole system.

Curious how it works? Tiny micro?injuries tell your body to repair itself, creating firmer, smoother skin while gently easing muscle tension. Treatments typically use 5–20 ultra-fine needles for about 10–20 minutes. 

Best part? It's holistic and low-risk. Aside from minor bruising or redness, it’s non-invasive—no chemicals, no downtime. Just capable hands guiding you toward calm and clarity.

So next time you're stressed or craving a natural beauty boost, consider acupuncture. Your future self—and your skin—will thank you!

Why Europe Hit Pause on Gel Polish—and What It Means for Your Next Holiday Mani

You know how we love our shiny, chip-free gel manicures? Especially during the busy social season of the holidays? Well, it turns out Europe has hit the pause button on certain gel polishes — and while we’re in the U.S., things haven’t changed yet, it’s definitely worth knowing what’s going on.

In September of this year, the European Union banned the use, sale, and professional application of gel nail polishes that contain a key ingredient known as trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (“TPO”).

The reason? Regulators classified TPO as a “CMR 1B” substance, meaning it’s considered potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction, based on animal studies.

What that means for us here in the U.S.: First, gel manicures are not banned here. TPO is still legal and remains in many gel formulas. But since many global brands sell both in Europe and the U.S., a reformulation wave may come. So even if your salon doesn’t mention it, things may be shifting behind the scenes.

Here are a few smart tips for our nail-loving selves:

  • Ask your tech whether the gel polish they use is TPO-free.
  • Ensure the salon is well ventilated and the lamp curing time is correct (UV exposure is another side note risk).
  • Consider spacing out gel manicures more often or trying an alternative long-wear polish when you’re giving your natural nails a break.
  • If you’re pregnant, planning to conceive or have sensitivity issues, it might be especially wise to go for a TPO-free option.

You don’t need to ditch your gel manicure, but it’s totally okay to ask questions and choose what feels best for you. 

The Beauty of Feeling Good: How Neurocosmetics Are Turning Skincare Into Self-Care

Skincare is officially having its feelings era. This fall, “neurocosmetics” are trending everywhere—and it’s not just a fancy buzzword. These products are designed to do more than smooth fine lines or boost glow; they actually talk to your skin’s sensory system, helping to calm your nervous system and lift your mood while they work. Think of it like cozy skincare season—but for your brain, too.

Neurocosmetics connect skincare with neuroscience, focusing on how your skin and brain communicate. When your skin senses calm, your body does too, which can mean fewer flare-ups, less redness, and that relaxed, post-facial kind of radiance.

Brands are leading the way with formulations that include mood-regulating ingredients like neuro peptides, adaptogens, and plant-based actives that soothe the skin and the senses. Like some of these below:

So, what makes them different from traditional skincare? It’s all about that brain-skin connection. Instead of just treating what’s on the surface, neurocosmetics interact with the skin’s sensory neurons to help it respond better to stress, lack of sleep, or even seasonal changes (we see you, fall fatigue).

The takeaway: skincare is becoming more holistic than ever—less about perfecting, more about feeling good. Because your glow isn’t just skin-deep; it’s emotional, too.

Your Body, But Make It Data: How Wearables Turn Wellness Into a Numbers Game

Have you noticed how our wellness routines are kind of turning into a data catchall? With our smartwatches, rings, sleep trackers and apps, we’re living in this era of the wellness-data economy — and honestly, it’s wild but kind of fun.

Here’s the gist: thanks to wearables (you know, sleek watches and the beloved Oura rings) the market is booming. The global wearable tech sector estimated around $84 billion in value last year, and  isexpected to nearly double by 2030.

What that means? Tons more devices, tons more data. Your heart rate, sleep cycles, stress levels, steps, even recovery metrics all feeding into this big wellness-engine.

And here’s the part that’s interesting: people don't mind to share that data (or at least let the device collect it) because they believe it will help personalize their wellness path. In fact, a report found many consumers would share wearable data with grocers or apps to get tailored health advice.

However, there’s a flip side. On one hand, tracking every little metric can feel empowering — “Oh cool, I recovered 78% yesterday, so I’ll take it easy today and do a yoga flow.” On the other, we risk becoming obsessed with numbers, or assuming more data always means better wellness. Also, the line between wellness gadgetry and medical monitoring is getting blurrier.

So the trend? We’re moving from simple step-counters to full-blown performance dashboards: body, mind, sleep, recovery, all in one ecosystem. The wellness-data economy sees value in our bio-signals — literally turning health into numbers. And for us, the takeaway is: yes, use the tools, but remember you’re still the human using them. The data is for you, not the other way around.

Ask Clara: What are some of the best ways to track my health data?

Are Exosomes the Next Hyaluronic Acid? Why Everyone’s Talking About Them

Have you heard about exosomes in skincare yet? Because they’re having a major moment right now,and for good reason. Think of exosomes as little messengers that help your skin cells talk to each other. They’re teeny-tiny (like, microscopic) bubbles that carry proteins, lipids, and RNA. Basically, the good stuff that tells your skin to repair itself, boost collagen, and calm inflammation. It’s like your skin’s group chat finally got organized.

What makes exosomes exciting is that they don’t just sit on top of your skin but they help other active ingredients actually do their job better. We’re talking smoother texture, bouncier skin, and that “I just got a facial” glow without, you know, actually getting a facial.

And of course, brands are already all over it. Some of our editor-approved picks:

The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex:  A lightweight, affordable serum that delivers hydration and glow.

Peach & Lily Miniprotein Exosome Ampoule: A firming, collagen-boosting treat for tired skin.

Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Baume: A retinol-alternative balm that soothes and strengthens your barrier.

Goop Exosome Hydration Therapy Serum: Gwyneth-approved, and packed with millions of cica exosomes.

Medicube Exosome Shot Ampoule:  K-beauty innovation that smooths texture and minimizes pores.

Exosomes are the next big “it” ingredient for glowing, healthy skin—but like any trend, we’re still learning what they can really do. For now, it’s safe to say our skincare routines  just got way more interesting.

Sip, Chew, and Chill: Simple Ways to Support Your Gut This Season

Fall comfort food is some of the best. But between hearty soups, apple pies, and holiday treats, our digestive systems might need a little extra love. The good news? Supporting your gut doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite seasonal snacks. Here are a few of our favorite tools and treats to keep your digestion happy and your belly feeling balanced.

Ritual Synbiotic+: This 3-in-1 prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic supplement is basically a multitasker for your gut. We love that it’s made with Made Traceable™ ingredients and supports both gut barrier and immune health—perfect for cozy season sniffles.

Peppermint Tea: A soothing classic. Sipping a warm mug after dinner can help ease digestive discomfort (and feels extra cozy on chilly nights).

Coregeous Ball: Sounds quirky, but trust us—this soft massage ball is magic for bloating. A few minutes of gentle abdominal massage can help reduce tension and support digestion.

Ginger Chews: Keep these on hand for holiday travel or post-dinner sluggishness. Ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can calm nausea and support gut flow.

Biome Books: Because knowledge is self-care. Add some gut health reads to your nightstand to understand the gut-brain connection and learn how small habits make a big impact.

This season, listen to your gut—literally. A happy digestive system means you can enjoy every pumpkin spice latte and every cozy meal guilt-free.

Fall Back in Love With Your Hair: 5 Easy Ways to Keep It Healthy & Vibrant

Fall weather can be welcome with cooler temps and breezes, but it’s not always kind to our hair. Between chilly temps, dry air, and that endless rotation of hats and scarves, our strands can start feeling a little “meh.” The good news? A few small tweaks to your routine can help your hair stay shiny, strong, and totally swoon-worthy all season long.

1. Feed your hair from within.
Think of your hair like a plant—it needs nourishment to grow! Load up on protein-rich foods like eggs, salmon, and Greek yogurt, plus iron-packed options like spinach and lentils to keep shedding at bay.

2. Go easy on the heat.
Cooler weather means more blow-drying, but your strands need a break. Try heat-free styles a few times a week, always use a protectant spray, and skip tight ponytails that pull on roots.

3. Show your scalp some love.
Your scalp deserves its own fall refresh! Exfoliate once a week to remove buildup, then massage in a nourishing oil like argan or jojoba for a little at-home spa moment.

4. Hydrate, inside and out.
Dry air = thirsty hair. Keep sipping that water and use hydrating shampoos with natural oils or glycerin to lock in moisture.

5. Snip the ends.
Regular trims every 8–12 weeks keep split ends in check and your style looking fresh.

Treat your hair like your favorite cozy sweater—handle it gently, feed it well, and wear it proudly. The shine will follow. ?