Even though my favorite foods might hit the spot, I make a point of knowing how they can give me foodborne illnesses. If you know how to reset your gut when you eat contaminated food, you’ll feel confident that you can stay healthy. You deserve the relief I felt after I learned how to improve my gut’s health while recovering from a round of food poisoning with a bagged salad. What Does Gut Resilience Mean? Gut resilience means that your digestive system has a strong microbiome. I’m happy to report that it has nothing to do with doing sit-ups. Your microbiome helps your body resist or recover from imbalances caused by viruses, bacteria and anything else that causes unpleasant trips to the bathroom. Rebuilding it after an illness is how to return to your regularly scheduled bowel movements. How Food Contamination Happens When I was a kid, I imagined that people got food poisoning because they accidentally drank spoiled milk or rotten vegetables. Those things are gross, but tainted food often develops in ways consumers can’t see. Dole Fresh Vegetables issued a February 2024 recall because several of its salad kits possibly contained Listeria monocytogenes after interacting with a contaminated cheese line in another brand’s manufacturing line. You’ll never see that manufacturing facility or the microscopic ​​Listeria monocytogenes wiggling around in your cheese. You also can’t tell if your eggs have germs in the yolks or if your fruit absorbed unclean water during irrigation. I don’t say those things to make you swear off fresh foods. Knowing how unsafe groceries arrive in your home is essential to protect your health. Symptoms of Foodborne Illnesses You don’t have to panic if you start feeling queasy after eating. Watch for some common upset stomach symptoms that are easy to miss. I knew I’d eaten something bad when I had: Loose stools Stomach cramps Vomiting Fever Headaches Weakness Those side effects are similar to the seasonal flu, so I know how frustrating it is to wonder which one you have. If your symptoms start a few hours after eating, it’s likely food poisoning. The flu takes 12 to 24 hours to make people sick. Think about the last time you felt off and slowly developed nausea or a fever over the course of a day. Food poisoning doesn’t take that long because your stomach wants to eject the contamination immediately. How to Rebuild Gut Health After Food Poisoning Learning how to reset your gut after food poisoning could help you recover faster. I always start feeling better once I give my digestive system the dietary tools it needs to heal. 1. Drink Extra Water Throwing up or having diarrhea for hours will drain your digestive system of any extra liquid it might have had. Chugging water is the last thing I want to do when I’m sick, but I still prioritize sipping it throughout the day when I can. The body needs water for basic functions, including maintaining a stable digestive system. Ask a loved one to pick up some electrolyte-infused beverages at the grocery store when your stomach settles enough to rehydrate. Drinking water with electrolytes will help your small intestine absorb fluids better by activating sodium-glucose transporters.  2. Consume More Probiotics Imagine someone trying to repair their house without a toolbox. They wouldn’t accomplish anything if they didn’t have all the needed materials. Probiotics are a toolbox for your gut. The helpful bacteria let your body break food into digestible nutrients, but food poisoning symptoms evacuate them from your stomach like everything else. You’ll need to eat probiotic foods or take a supplement as you recover from eating contaminated food. The beneficial bacteria ease your stomach back into a digestive routine. They can also fortify your stomach lining, which may remain inflamed after hours of diarrhea and vomiting. 3. Gradually Return to Fibrous Foods I’ve heard people recommend eating high-fiber foods to improve their digestive tract. While that might be true while you’re healthy, the nutrient-dense ingredients are often too intense for stomachs recovering from food poisoning. Remember, you’re still rebuilding your microbiome in the hours and days after your symptoms subside.  Try to stick with easily digestible items as you recover and introduce fibrous foods like applesauce. Understanding why your digestive system will need time to handle fiber-dense foods like broccoli is easier once you learn how to rebuild your gut health after food poisoning. 4. Get More Sleep I couldn’t run a marathon and immediately win a boxing match. The race would exhaust me, leaving my muscles too weak to compete in the ring. I’d need to rest before that could happen. Foodborne illnesses are a similar workout for your stomach muscles. Your digestive system will be too exhausted from a round of food poisoning symptoms to return to full strength immediately. Try to sleep as much as possible once your vomiting or diarrhea subsides. Rest also gives your immune system time to fight an infection if you’re sick because a virus sneaked into your last meal. Reset Your Gut After Stomach Illnesses Food poisoning can seem world-ending, but your stomach will eventually quiet down. If you know how to rebuild your gut health after food poisoning, you’ll return to your routine faster. Knowing that I can nurture myself back to full strength brings me peace of mind, making foodborne illnesses seem less scary.

https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-red-lipstick-lot-fXTwsbVN8Hk Your lips were made for talking, and what they have to say goes way beyond words. Your preferred lip color can also reflect your personality — bold and red, earthy and nude, pink and classic. Wearing a color that matches your vibe and enhances your skin tone can make you look and feel great, boosting your mood, increasing your confidence and allowing for self-expression. What shade of lipstick should you wear to bring about those positive feelings? Choosing the right color is much more involved than just grabbing whatever’s being touted by influencers or advertised in a magazine. It’s about understanding your skin tone and the shades that will flatter it, considering what colors mean and how they make you feel, and taking care of your lips.   Understanding Your Skin Tone Before adding to cart, take a moment to consider your skin tone and its undertones. This will help guide you to the right shade of lipstick you should wear. There are six different skin tone types, ranging from pale to medium to olive to dark. This can be relatively easy for you to determine, but what’s more important to understand is your skin’s undertones. These are the natural colors underneath your skin’s surface. Understanding them is key to being able to select the most flattering lipstick color. The three traditional undertones include warm, cool and neutral. Warm undertones give off a peachy or golden cast, while cool ones include pink or bluish shades. If your undertone is neutral, it generally matches your skin tone. There are several ways to determine your undertone. You can examine your veins to determine if they appear greenish, which signifies a warm tone, or bluish, which means a cool tone. Veins that nearly match your skin are neutral. Jewelry is another good indicator. Gold flatters warm undertones, silver signifies a cool undertone and you’re neutral if you can wear both. Lipstick Shades for Every Skin Tone https://unsplash.com/photos/five-assorted-color-lipsticks-mzstXkKH8DI Understanding your skin tone and undertone makes it easier to home in on your ideal lipstick color. Understand lipstick color theory before shopping to avoid the disappointment of buying an unflattering shade that ends up at the bottom of your makeup bag. The key is to work with, not against, your complexion. What shade of lipstick should you wear to flatter your skin tone? Best for Cool Undertones Cool undertones are flattered by lipstick shades with blue or purple undertones themselves. For example, when picking a red shade, you’d look much better in one with cherry instead of orange tones. Other top picks include berry, mauve, magenta, rosy pink and taupe. Deep plum and wine look great on darker skin tones.   Best for Warm Undertones Warm-toned lipsticks work best with skin with warm undertones. Coral, rich rose and raspberry shades will all complement your complexion. You can also go bold with brick or orange-toned reds, terra cotta brown hues and even orange. Peachy nudes, bronze or caramel are great neutral options, as well. Best for Neutral Undertones Consider yourself lucky if you have neutral undertones, as a wide range of shades can flatter your skin. You can home in on specific colors by considering your tone: pink for fair, mauve for medium and berry for dark. Rose and nude shades are always favorable, and bold red is also universally flattering.   Luckily, everyone has a wide range of colors to choose from. Experiment to determine what shade of lipstick you should wear. The best option is one that is flattering and makes you feel good about yourself. How Lipstick Shades Affect Your Self-Confidence The right lipstick shade does more than make you look good — it also makes you feel good about yourself. It can show the world who you are, reflecting your personality and outlook on life. Consider the various emotions associated with certain colors: Red: Passion, confidence, excitement, love Pink: Romance, femininity, softness, youth Purple: Nobility, glamour, sophistication, mystery Orange: Warmth, kindness, joy Brown/nude: Elegance, simplicity, stability, realism Wearing these colors, if they complement your skin tone and undertone, can give you a major confidence boost and lift your mood. It’s the ultimate form of self-expression and self-care. Choosing the Right Formulation https://unsplash.com/photos/pink-and-black-lipstick-and-make-up-brush-L1iTsUBZYDk When determining what shade of lipstick you should wear, you need to think beyond color. The formulation makes a big difference in how it goes on and appears, and it also affects your health and well-being.  Lipsticks tend to fall into two formulations: creamy or matte. Creamy lipsticks are generally more pigmented and shiny, and can also provide hydration. They’re ideal for bolder colors. Matte varieties tend to be a bit more understated and long-lasting, perfect for nude shades, although they can play up flakiness if you’re not careful. You should also consider nontoxic brands and avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Ingredients like PFAS, formaldehyde and parabens can be absorbed through the skin, which can lead to allergic reactions and health issues. Look for certifications that signify your lipstick was made with nontoxic ingredients, such as MADE SAFE, USDA Organic and CertClean.  Application Tips for Long-Lasting Wear Now that you have your ideal shade and formulation, be sure you know how to apply it so your color lasts all day. Start by gently exfoliating your lips to remove dead skin and flakiness. You can use a toothbrush, washcloth or lip scrub, which is an exfoliating agent that softens and smooths. Hydrate your lips with a balm or lip oil to provide moisture and ensure your color won’t cling to dry patches, which could lead to a blotchy appearance. Take things a step further by applying a lightweight concealer or primer that matches your natural lip color to provide a smooth base for your lipstick to glide over. Consider a lipliner if using a bold shade or a glossy formulation to prevent feathering and color bleeding. You don’t want your lipstick to gravitate to your teeth. Pay Yourself Some Lip Service So, what shade of lipstick should you wear to look and feel great? Considering your skin tone and undertone, choosing a flattering color and applying it correctly will make all the difference in your appearance. Try a new look based on these recommendations, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that’s just right and boosts your confidence. Flattery will get you everywhere.

Whenever you search for eyeliner styles, one of the top results is matching these designs with different eye shapes. As a result, people are often conditioned to stick only with what supposedly works for them. That said, it can get you in a little bit of an eye makeup rut in the long run.  Eyeliner and Your Eye Shape There are eyeliner styles that work better for other eye shapes than others. It’s partly the reason why beginners or people trying to do their daily makeup are advised to identify what their type is. Here’s a general overview of what works best: Round eyes: Round eyes are known to have a prominent crease that goes along the shape of their eyes. It is circular in nature, which people recommend defining with an elongated cateye and a little shading.   Monolid eyes: Monolid eyes are an eye type that has little to no crease above the eyelashes. If there is a crease, it’s usually folded into itself. Most people recommend using the puppy eyeliner for this shape.  Hooded eyes: Hooded eyes are characterized by a fold on the upper eyelid, which is typically created due to excess skin from the eyebrow area. It tends to make the eyes seem more droopy, so most elongated liner can make you seem more awake.  Almond eyes: Almond eyes are known for being oval-shaped, seemingly having a naturally elongated look. They typically go well with just about any eyeliner style, but cateyes certainly standout.  Why You Should Have Fun with Your Eyeliner Styles It can be nice to have a staple eyeliner that you know will work for you every single time. However, it’s also worth being a little adventurous with the way you handle your makeup, especially if you personally feel like the repetitiveness is taking the fun out of it. It’s natural to want to enjoy doing your makeup and the end result that comes with it. While 34% of American women wear makeup to enhance certain features, there are also 26% who choose to do it for self-expression. Thus, you should try to get out of your comfort zone and try new styles.  Best Eyeliner Designs Branching out to new eyeliner styles can seem sketchy, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, you can try to follow along with tutorials or just have a reference to zone in on. Here are some liquid eyeliner look ideas to try out.  1. The Classic Cat-eye Feline, feminine and flirty all at the same time— the cat-eye liner is a classic. To achieve this, you can usually start with a lick upward on the outer corner. From there, connect it the rest of your eye while maintaining the sharp swoop.  https://www.tiktok.com/@l_yuhann/video/7394053444736257298 2. The Puppy Liner The puppy eyeliner is quite popular in douyin and other Asian-styled makeup, associated with innocence and kindness. To create this, follow the outer corner of your eye and create a downturned eyeliner. You’re aiming for a soft and rounded edge when creating this line.  https://www.tiktok.com/@onigiri.nana/video/7430924085808450847 3. Siren Eyeliner Siren eyeliner, often dubbed fox-eye liner, is an alluring eyeliner style that focuses on drawing as much attention to the eyes as possible. It usually starts out with a sharp and thin cat-eye before adding a sharp liner to the inner corner. Some people tie everything together with a little bit of gel liner on the lower and upper lashline.  https://www.tiktok.com/@stxph.h/video/7120609545101036802?lang=en 4. Doe Eyes Eyeliner Doe eyes were a popular trend that was seen as the complete opposite of siren eyeliner. Rather than going for that sultry look, you’re aiming for gentle and princess-like. Some people start with a smaller version of the cateye, but the puppy liner works wonders, too. Line the eyes with white or nude eyeliner for an extra touch of innocence  https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahchengbradshaw/video/7301689371588185362 5. Reversed Winged Liner Reverse winged liner, sometimes known as reversed cat eye, is a growing trend on TikTok that features a smoky liner at the bottom of the eyelid. Most people usually use gel liner for this technique to create the smudged effect.  https://www.tiktok.com/@rachdeoliveira/video/7351661607061179650 6. Double-Winged Eyeliner The double-winged liner is a great introduction to graphic liner. It is characterized by two sharp wings on both the upper and lower parts of the eye’s outer corner. The negative space in between both can be filled in with concealer or glitter for extra definition.  https://www.tiktok.com/@scortezzbeauty/video/7427836963085880583 7. Bat Wing Liner A subtle bat wing liner is viewed as the cateye for hooded eyeliners, as it still creates that little flick when you’re looking straight with your eyes open. That said, people with other eyeshapes can also try creating that thick and creative shape.  https://www.tiktok.com/@princxssglitterhead/video/7280899632102673707 8. Floating Eyeliner Floating eyeliner is another graphic eyeliner style that can be fun. Rather than connecting the lines to the eyes themselves, they’re drawn above, below, or around the eyes instead. They can come in dashes, dots, and so many more shapes.  https://www.tiktok.com/@glamgio_nyc/video/7478736376993811754 How to Try Out Other Eyeliner Styles Eyeliner styles can be a joy, but perfecting them takes practice. Here’s a quick guide that you can use for any eyeliner style you desire: Stencil with eyeshadow: Eyeshadow can be great way of trying on an eyeliner style without committing to it just yet. Choose brown for a more subtle look before getting the black out. If the design isn’t resonating, dissolve it with micellar water and go from there.  Experiment with colors: Brown and black eyeliners are some of the most basic colors. Consider going bold and bright with other colors like red, blue and purple. If you want to stand out, neon hues like yellow and green are the way to go.  Accentuate with the rest of your makeup: Any kind of eyeliner design can always seem odd at first without the right eyeshadow and lashes to back it up. Make sure you have your base and eyemakeup to accompany your eyeliner-experimenting journey.  Get Experimental with Eyeliner Styles  Eyeliner styles can be so fun and creative when you allow them to be. Forget your eye shape once in a while and just wear what design really draws you in. The sooner you see makeup as a way of self-fulfillment and expression, the better. Share your favorite eyeliner style with us on our social media pages! 

Your gut microbiome isn’t just about digestion — it’s the control center for your immunity, mood and overall health. Healing your gut goes way beyond probiotics or trendy diets. It’s about restoring balance in your body from the inside out. But what does that actually look like and how do you know when your gut needs help?  What Is the Gut Microbiome?  Your gut microbiome is basically your body’s very own internal rainforest — dense, diverse and full of life. It’s made up of trillions — yes trillions — of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes living mostly in your large intestine. Far from being just digestive helpers, these tiny organisms are behind some of your body’s biggest processes and help with everything from keeping your immune system strong to regulating your mood and hormones.  In fact, scientists sometimes refer to the gut as the second brain because it is directly connected to the central nervous system through the vagus nerve. So, when your gut microbiome is balanced, you feel energized, focused, and even happier. But when things are off, you might deal with everything from bloating to breakouts to feeling constantly sluggish. Your microbiome can weigh up to four to six pounds — about the same as your brain. That’s a lot of bacteria working overtime to keep you well.  Signs Your Gut Is Crying for Help If your gut microbiome could speak, it would probably be screaming during your third straight night of microwave dinners and doomscrolling. However, since it can’t use words, it sends signals — and they’re often easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few common gut distress signals:  Constant bloating, gas or irregular bathroom habits.  Sugar cravings that won’t quit.  Skin issues like acne or eczema flares.  Mood swings, anxiety or brain fog.  Low immunity or frequent colds.  Poor sleep quality.  And here’s the kicker — around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, so when your microbiome is out of whack, your whole body feels it. A troubled gut can even influence how you absorb nutrients, how often you get sick and how sharp your mind feels day-to-day. So if you’ve been “off” lately and can’t quite explain why, it might be time to stop blaming Mercury retrograde and start paying attention to you gut.  Gut Healing Isn’t a Diet — It’s a Lifestyle Shift  Healing your gut isn’t about hopping on a trendy juice cleanse or buying expensive probiotic gummies. It’s about rethinking how you treat your body every day. Yes, food is a major player. However, your gut also loves regular sleep, movement, downtime and even positive emotions. Chronic stress and antibiotic overuse can seriously mess with your gut flora. The good news is that you don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Small, sustainable steps are the secret sauce. Here are a few gut-happy habits worth sharing:  Ditch the ultra-processed stuff, especially artificial sweeteners and additives.  Add more fiber with foods like oats, bananas, flaxseed and leafy greens.  Embrace fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut or miso.  Drink more water and get in some movement every day — even a 10-minute walk.  Lower stress levels with breathwork, nature or journaling.  Don’t demonize all bacteria, either. Your body needs the good kind. A nourished gut is a balanced gut and that balance is what leads to long-term energy, better mood and fewer sick days.  Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics: What’s the Difference?  If the world of gut health feels like alphabet soup, you’re not alone. Prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics — it’s a lot. But don’t worry, here’s the breakdown in plain English:  Prebiotics are the food your good bacteria need to grow. Think of them like fertilizer for your gut garden. You’ll find them in fiber-rich foods like garlic, onions, bananas, oats and asparagus.  Probiotics are the live bacteria themselves — the friendly microbes you want more of. They’re found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha.  Postbiotics are the byproducts created when probiotics eat prebiotics. They include short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation, strengthen the gut lining, and support the immune system.  If you’re still confused, think of it this way: prebiotics bring the snacks, probiotics are the party guests and postbiotics are the happy energy left in the room after a great night.  The magic really happens when all three work together — so try to include a variety of gut-friendly foods throughout your day for the best effect.  What Healing Might Look Like Here’s where it gets real: healing your gut isn’t always a graceful glow-up. Sometimes, it gets worse before it gets better.  You might feel more bloated, moody or even tired during the first few days or even weeks of making dietary shifts, especially if you’re cutting sugar or gluten or introducing new foods. This isn’t failure. It’s often a die-off reaction, where bad bacteria are exiting and your gut is adjusting to the new normal.  That’s why it’s important to go slow, stay hydrated and track your symptoms. Journaling how you feel after meals or changes can help you spot patterns and progress. Consider working with a registered dietitian of functional medicine practitioner if you’re dealing with chronic issues like IBS, PCOS, autoimmune conditions or persistent acne.  Healing is not linear, but it is worth it. Just ask anyone who’s finally sleeping better, having regular bowel movements or glowing without foundation thanks to a balanced gut.  Your Daily Gut-Glow Routine Good gut health isn’t about the occasional green smoothie — it’s built into your daily rhythm. The goal is to support your microbiome from sunrise to sleep without it feeling like a full-time job. Here’s a sample Gut Glow routine you can try:  Morning: Start with warm water and lemon or apple cider vinegar because this stimulates digestion.  Eat a fiber-rich breakfast like chia pudding, oats or a smoothie with greens and banana.  Midday:  Move your body. Walking helps keep things “moving” because movement assists with digestion.  Include a fermented food with lunch — maybe kimchi or sauerkraut in a bowl or on a sandwich  Evening: Wind down early — your gut needs sleep to repair.  Sip on calming tea like chamomile or peppermint.  Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed so you can support both gut and brain health.  Remember, gut health is holistic. Gratitude journaling, deep breathing and even laughing more can lower stress and reduce gut inflammation.  Go With Your Gut  Healing your gut microbiome isn’t about perfection — it’s about small, daily choices that can add up. Feed it well, lower your stress and stay consistent. Your gut holds more power than you realize, from your mood to your immunity.

Period hunger is a real problem for many women, and it can be a double-edged sword since you’re either miserable with limiting your food intake or eating too much junk that’s bad for your body. Understand how to stop cravings with the power of better mindsets and habits.  Are Period Cravings Normal? Yes, period cravings are regular. If anything, some women even have some quite intense ones. The science behind it is that hormone shifts trigger your neurotransmitters to crave certain types of food.  However, it’s important to note that these same period cravings can also impact your gas and gut sensitivity. Any significant changes in diet can make you a little more gassy and bloated than usual.  What People Usually Crave Before Their Period People will have their own version of period cravings, and it’ll be mainly centered around their guilty pleasures. But generally, this is what people crave before their period.  Sweets: Most people crave sugar before their period, from powdered doughnuts to cookies and more. However, the hormonal changes influence their blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, especially for women with type 1 diabetes.  Salty food: Salty foods like chips and processed food can be addictive, and craving them is natural due to their mood-boosting hormones. It can be hard on your body to overindulge on these, and it’s double trouble when combined with sweets. Carbs: Potatoes, pasta, pastries, and other kinds of carbs are the ultimate comfort food, which is a must for period cramps. However, a big intake of these items can be too hard to ingest due to the amount of starch and fiber in them.   How to Stop Cravings The key to keeping your appetite in check is to condition yourself to prioritize your health first through your line of thinking and actions. For a more in-depth guide, check out the steps on how to stop cravings pre-menstruation.  1. Differentiate Hunger and Cravings Some people tend to excuse giving in to their period cravings by dismissing them as complete hunger. And while there are some similar symptoms between them, like a rumbling stomach and deep desire for food, there are distinctions that can help you manage your appetite. Period cravings stem from a need for emotional satisfaction. Meanwhile, hunger comes from a need to refuel your energy levels, as it’s been a while since you last ate. If you’re feeling hungry, you can typically cover it up with non-junk food.  2. Up Your Protein Intake When meal-planning for this time of the month, consider prioritizing your protein intake and eating a little more than usual. Protein keeps you satisfied a little longer since it satiates hunger and curbs cravings. Adding a boiled egg to your breakfast, lunch or dinner can make it more filling. You can also sprinkle in protein-filled snacks such as nuts and seeds in between meals.  3. Practice Mindful Eating Mindful eating is a great way to reframe your meal times as a time to refuel rather than consume as much as possible and get a serotonin boost. For example, pay attention to how much food you’re putting on your plate when serving yourself. You can also aim for present-moment awareness as you eat. Try to reflect on how your food makes you feel and whether you feel full. Practicing this before your period cravings hit makes it easier to do during them.  4. Look for Healthy Alternatives Another way to deal with your cravings is by scheduling healthier alternatives. For example, you know that you always crave chicken nuggets straight out of the freezer bag. A good compromise is to make some tofu nuggets instead from scratch. The best case scenario is that you’ll love the healthier version and stick with it for a while. If it doesn’t taste great, you could be swayed away from those cravings for a bit.  5. Drink More Water Feel a little more full, crave a little less. A glass of water can go a long way in regulating your appetite throughout the week. Plus, the extra boost of hydration can relieve certain period pains like headaches, cramps and bloating.  Having trouble with remembering to get the glass? Consider keeping a bottle on your person at all times. You can also set a few reminders throughout the day via the phone's alarms.  6. Focus on Getting Enough Sleep Periods already create enough hormonal changes to trigger food cravings, and sleep deprivation can aggravate that to another degree. Thus, getting your sleep can minimize the desire for unhealthy foods. Granted, it can be tougher to sleep when menstruating. A heat pack on the abdomen can help soothe any cramps and pain. You can also try other sleeping positions, like lying on your side. Remember to support yourself with the softest pillows.  7. Distract Yourself with Leisure The emotional satisfaction that comes from binge-eating on your period can be attained through other activities instead. For example, try to look for a great show or book that you can watch or read throughout the week. A massage or a warm bath is also therapeutic, especially since it can soothe the muscular tension in your body. You can also try other low-impact activities like yoga, gentle exercise or a mere walk in the park if you feel up to it.  Bonus: Indulge in Moderation Refraining from your period hunger is ideal. However, heightened cravings can reduce women’s self-control and make them give in to them anyway. If that’s the case, cut yourself slack and get what you want. Just make sure you’re only portioning an appropriate amount to eat.  You can also make it a little healthier with certain additions. For instance, top your pizza with arugula and mushrooms, or have a side of corn and carrots to your mashed potatoes.  Stopping Your Period Cravings Figuring out how to stop cravings can be a tall task, especially during your period. That said, it’s generally better for your health to get it under control, especially before it gets too out of hand. Build up good habits from the get-go and manage your appetite as best as you can. Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips!

You’ve probably come across salicylic acid many times online and in stores. Whether you’re searching for a good exfoliator or an acne solution, this would pop up as one of the top recommendations, and for several good reasons. Discover what does salicylic acid do for acne-prone skin and how you can best incorporate it into your skin care routine. What Is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of chemical exfoliant used to treat acne and other skin issues by unclogging pores and breaking down dead skin cells. Acne affects up to 50 million Americans yearly, hence the rise in popularity of this skin care ingredient. Your dermatologist can also recommend it if you have skin cell overgrowth, such as psoriasis, ichthyoses, dandruff, calluses and warts.  What Does Salicylic Acid Do? It can perform various functions for the skin: As an Exfoliator Compared to AHAs, a BHA like salicylic acid can penetrate your skin. Dr. Simon Ourian M.D., who was once featured in “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” explains this as a “wonderful ingredient to break down the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together at a deeper level.” It gets rid of skin debris and deeply exfoliates, which is something AHA, like glycolic acid, can’t do, as it only deals with the skin’s surface layer. As an Acne Solution Salicylic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm angry, red and inflamed breakouts. It also helps decrease oil, a well-known contributor to further acne, as it clogs the pores.  As a Treatment for Blackheads and Whiteheads Excess oil production and dead skin cells can result in clogged pores, also known as blackheads and whiteheads. While your usual nose pore strips work, they can be harsh for the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is where salicylic acid comes in — it sloughs off skin cells and excess oil, removing these pesky issues. As an Anti-Aging Agent Thanks to its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid can help remove dead skin cells, which may help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, it doesn’t work well alone as an anti-aging product. The Many Forms of Salicylic Acid Topical salicylic acid comes in various forms and strengths. Here are some of the most common ones. Cleanser: A cleanser can be an effective way to introduce the ingredient into your skin care routine. Cleansers usually contain low concentrations of this BHA compared to other formulations. Ointment: An ointment has a higher salicylic acid concentration and is often used to treat dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. Serum: A serum is more concentrated and formulated to address specific concerns like acne, whiteheads and blackheads. Depending on the severity of acne, it can be used as a spot treatment. Side Effects to Watch Out For Like anything else, salicylic acid can be harmful to your skin. Pay attention to these signs, and if you experience them, consult your dermatologist. Redness: After using salicylic acid, a temporary redness is expected, especially during the first few days. This happens because exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to other products. If redness persists, stop using it. Flakiness: Does your face look grayish after applying serum? Dead skin cells could be accumulating on the surface. If this happens more frequently, it may be time to give your skin a break. Breakouts: Overuse can lead to overexfoliation, which can further trigger acne breakouts. This happens when your skin care products can’t keep up with the production of new cells, clogging your pores. What Does the Internet Say About Salicylic? You’ve probably read articles and watched videos about what salicylic acid does to the skin. We’ve scoured Reddit’s SkincareAddiction subreddit for unfiltered opinions about this BHA so you can get honest feedback. “I live on salicylic acid! nearly instantly deals with closed comedones and smooths out my skin beautifully. It does help a bit with blackheads for my nose but they're stubborn. I am considering extraction via facial. BTW, I have combination mature skin and on hormone therapy for endometriosis.” - User mooshminkling “I randomly developed bacne in my mid twenties (am 30 now, still mildly have it 🤷🏻‍♀️ )but if I consistently use SA on my back it clears it up” - User plantmama2 “I find that salicylic acid makes me break out. But I do have sebaceous filaments so I don’t know how to get rid of them… I’ll be looking out to see what people say here!” - User Mhm2-dan Skin Care Tips for Using This Powerful BHA As you’ve probably noticed, salicylic acid has pros and cons. Follow these tips to maximize its benefits and lower the risk of experiencing the side effects. 1. Introduce It Slowly Into Your Routine Not all skin can tolerate this type of acid well. The best approach is to choose a product with a lower concentration of this ingredient and use it a few times weekly. If you have acne, start with a gentle cleanser, then apply a water-based, noncomedogenic moisturizer. Do a patch test on your jawline or behind the ear. Observe for a day to see if there are signs of irritation. 2. Avoid Using or Mixing With Specific Ingredients Salicylic acid is a powerful ingredient that shouldn’t be mixed with specific skin care ingredients, including: Vitamin C: This is a potent ingredient used to treat uneven skin tone and stimulate collagen production. Mixing it with other acids like salicylic can trigger irritation and breakouts. You can use vitamin C in the morning and salicylic acid at night. Retinol: It’s a form of vitamin A that helps trigger collagen production, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It needs to be converted into an active form of vitamin A to be beneficial to the skin. Applying it at the same time with a BHA can prevent this process from happening. It’s best to use them on alternate days. Benzoyl peroxide: Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are used to prevent acne formation and help minimize its appearance. However, using both at the same time can increase your risk of irritation and dryness.  Experience the Wonders of Salicylic Acid Now that you know what does salicylic acid do, it’s time to take action. Remember to try a lower concentration first to avoid unwanted irritation. If you have skin conditions, make sure to talk to your dermatologist first before trying it out.