Your running shoes are “illegal”

Freddy Krueger, Is That You? 

As a teen, I loved wandering around my house in a mud mask, freaking out my family and pets. And today, I get the same joy from my red light mask.

What started as a niche (and $$$) treatment is now practically standard issue at dermatology offices, med spas, and upscale fitness studios.

When directed at specific areas on your body, red light therapy stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — a key energy source for cells — which can trigger responses like hair growth and increased collagen production. Some studies also suggest it may speed up injury recovery.

But not all at-home devices are equal. If you’re red light curious, here’s how to find a treatment that delivers more than just spooky vibes…    

• There is a right time of day to break out the red light, and it has to do with your cortisol levels. 

• Going through a hair shedding phase? Red light, plus these other steps, might help.

• Before you hit “buy,” make sure it’s FDA approved, and checks these other boxes.

• It’s not appropriate for all skin types… and may worsen this one common condition. 

• Independent product testers spent months trialing popular masks and wands. These are their faves.

— Anna “Currently Haunting My Kitchen” Davies, writer

As a teen, I loved wandering around my house in a mud mask, freaking out my family and pets. And today, I get the same joy from my red light mask.

What started as a niche (and $$$) treatment is now practically standard issue at dermatology offices, med spas, and upscale fitness studios.

When directed at specific areas on your body, red light therapy stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — a key energy source for cells — which can trigger responses like hair growth and increased collagen production. Some studies also suggest it may speed up injury recovery.

But not all at-home devices are equal. If you’re red light curious, here’s how to find a treatment that delivers more than just spooky vibes…    

• There is a right time of day to break out the red light, and it has to do with your cortisol levels. 

• Going through a hair shedding phase? Red light, plus these other steps, might help.

• Before you hit “buy,” make sure it’s FDA approved, and checks these other boxes.

• It’s not appropriate for all skin types… and may worsen this one common condition. 

• Independent product testers spent months trialing popular masks and wands. These are their faves.

— Anna “Currently Haunting My Kitchen” Davies, writer 

Fun fact: There’s a good chance your running shoes are “illegal.”

This morning habit could be compromising your short and long-term brain health.

Are you an endurance-training junkie? Cardiologists want you to know about “athlete’s heart.”

Heidi Klum got influenced into a months-long “worm and parasite cleanse,” and Heidi, we just want to talk.

This iconic “healthy” millennial snack is getting a second act. As long as there are still free samples, we’re in.

Need a strength-training routine that’s easy to remember… and easy to stick with? Meet the 5x5 method.

The words “flesh-eating bacteria” are in the headlines. Read up on what to know and how to protect yourself, close the tab, and then take a walk.

The Trump administration is introducing a private health tracking system designed to let doctors — and apps like Apple Health, Oura, and Noom — securely share patient records. No tedious paperwork necessary.

It’s part of a bigger push from VO2-max-advocate-slash-HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who says he wants every American wearing a health tracker within four years.

We know that the US healthcare system could, ahem, use some updates. Wearables offer people a sense of control — and the market is exploding. You can now track your heart rate, stress, perimenopause symptoms, basal body temperature, and sleep with everything from rings to chest straps to clip-ons. (Spoiler: we’re all sleep-deprived.)

But before you sync up, here’s the latest on wearable tech, and what experts want you to know...   

The basics: Wearables can help you create healthy habits (like getting up regularly to stretch), and identify trends (like poor sleep quality). But doctors say the quality of data needs to improve before it can guide medical decisions.

What about privacy? There are few clear regulations around wearable health data and privacy. And while the Trump administration’s new initiative is opt-in for now, the tech giants involved don’t exactly have a gold-star record on data protection… and digital privacy experts are skeptical.

For Your Sanity:

• Mind your data. Many wearables default to sharing your data with the company that runs the app — but some give you the option to keep your info private. Here’s how to opt-out.

• Zoom out. When bringing up your wearable data with your doctor, skip the spreadsheets and focus on the big-picture trends: “I’ve noticed my sleep quality is low, and I’m consistently waking up tired.” (Though apparently poop photos are sometimes welcome?) 

• Know what wearables can… and can’t do. They can track movement, and help you make better sleep habits. But here’s one common problem that they can’t measure.

A 3 pm pick-me-up used to mean an energy bar or an apple. Now, snacks are bringing main character energy. 

Here are the latest snack trends, ranked according to our exhaustively-researched system… 

Lawful good: The Humble Piping Bag. Upgrade your on-the-go snacks to canapé status with a pastry chef’s best friend.

Lawful evil: The Tiffany Plate. Must every random assortment of leftovers be named after you?

Chaotic good: Dubai Chocolate Everything. We’re embracing the trend with this puppy chow snack mix recipe.

Chaotic evil: DIY-ing a tuna sandwich on a plane. Who hurt you?

Mornings feeling like a bigger pain in the neck than usual? Shake up your pillow strategy. These pillows will help you lose the stiffness, while keeping all the Z’s.

Saatva

Saatva Latex Pillow is the best latex pillow.

Purple

Purple Harmony Pillow is the best hybrid pillow.

Temper-pedic

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow is the best for back sleepers.

Here’s the full list of the best pillows for every type of sleeper, according to sleep experts.

Mornings feeling like a bigger pain in the neck than usual? Shake up your pillow strategy. These pillows will help you lose the stiffness, while keeping all the Z’s.

Saatva

Saatva Latex Pillow is the best latex pillow.

Purple

Purple Harmony Pillow is the best hybrid pillow.

Tempur-pedic

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow is the best for back sleepers.

Here’s the full list of the best pillows for every type of sleeper, according to sleep experts.

If you’re flying, pregnant, or just on your feet a lot, compression socks can give your feet the relief they deserve. This pack of four includes ankle and calf socks to cover all your style bases. Grab them while they’re on sale.

PSA: Don't leave home without Panic Panties. These breathable undies tuck discreetly in your purse, ready for unexpected sleepovers, period mishaps, or if you just want a fresh pair.

A life hack we just figured out: The secret to staying hydrated is a nice water bottle. These are the best ones on the market.

We get it — when you’re stressed, it takes nothing to get thisclose to snapping at your partner, your coworkers, and your friends. This DailyOM course guides you through preventing the “emotional hijack”... before it starts.

You’ll learn proven strategies and exercises for coping when you feel emotionally dysregulated, breaking your anxiety cycles, and keeping other people’s chaos from running your day. 

The result: calmer vibes and stronger boundaries, no matter what life serves up. The course is on your own schedule and pay what you want; sign up today. 

PS: When you’re overwhelmed, finding the right words can feel impossible. This live, 60-minute workshop helps you turn anger and frustration into communication that actually lands, so you can be heard and stay in control. Sign up now.