Skimm Well

Get Outside

The internet may be debating the reality of a ‘90s summer, but I accidentally recreated that energy last weekend in the English countryside. The agenda consisted mainly of forest walks to sit by a river and listen to birds where I mistook a wood pigeon for an owl… (I’ve spent most of my adult life in cities, OK.) Maybe that's why this trip felt so restorative: Research shows that it really doesn’t take that much time in nature to boost mental well-being. Here's how to get yours:

Join me and embrace Tinx’s Summer of Outside challenge because you know things are dire when influencers want us to spend less time on our phones.
Exercise al fresco with this bank of 10-minute micro workouts you can do with just your bodyweight.
Finally, one of my favorite trainers swears by "sanity walks," and the science behind why they work is enough to get me out of the door.

— Jordan “Touch Grass” Galloway, editor

What's Making the Rounds

Bruce Willis has the most common form of dementia for people under 60, and his wife just cleared up a major misconception.

Don’t wait for the next heat wave: Here are 15 reasons to drink more water now — the last one alone justifies the extra bathroom breaks.

You know fiber is good for your gut, but it also may be critical for another organ that should be top of mind, too.

Glutathione is the new darling of the supplement aisle. But is it actually worth the shelf space?

The first step to achieving your goals may be to figure out whether they’re SOFT or SMART… then plan accordingly.

Road-tripping this summer? Keep this fast food cheat sheet handy for seven healthier orders to keep you full and satisfied.

If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or dehydrated, this lemonade iced tea is packed with electrolytes and a blend of antioxidants to help. Don’t believe us? Try a free sample pack.*

Well, we've officially seen it all. It turns out that biohacking skincare is officially a thing, and you can grab it at Ulta.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

The Cold, Hard Truth

For months, I white-knuckled my way into icy water, convinced it was "good for me," until I read a Substack from Liz Plosser, the former editor-in-chief of Women's Health. In it, she dug into the science on cold plunges and women. The evidence, it turns out, is murkier than a freezing lake.

What stuck with me was the reminder that, as Dr. Stacy Sims says, women aren’t just small men, and studies don’t automatically apply universally. Research suggests that factors like hormonal fluctuations and reproductive status may influence how women respond to certain wellness practices, such as contrast therapy — nuances that health researchers may have historically overlooked.

The deeper I dive, the more I realize that cold plunges are part of a bigger issue: Marketing too often blurs the line between hype and help, and a few other women’s health buzzwords could use more clarity.

In Particular:

Creatine isn’t one-size-fits-all. Like cold plunges, creatine has attracted plenty of attention. The research is promising, but factors like age, goals, and physiology can influence the results. So do your homework before you load up just because an influencer swears by it.

Ovaries deserve more attention. Emerging research links their health to everything from bone density to longevity, raising new questions about what happens when ovarian function declines.

Hormone therapy has an image problem. The science has evolved, but its use remains at its lowest level in decades. If you've dismissed it based on older information, it may be worth a fresh discussion with your doctor.

— Anna Davies

Are You Well Informed?

Which vitamin did a new study tie to better brain health later in life?

Ask an Expert

Q: Financial stress is taking a real toll on my sleep, my mood, and my mental health. Where do I even start?

Financial health and your overall health are intertwined. Translation: financial stress can impact your well-being. Start by focusing on the basics, like understanding your budget, savings, and credit. Create a budget and track what comes in and out each month. Don’t be surprised if it requires some lifestyle adjustments and discipline. Next, learn to use credit wisely and build a good credit score over time. Then, start tackling debt with realistic monthly contributions. By taking small and consistent steps, you’ll feel more empowered to take control of your financial future. PS: You don’t have to do it all solo. Ask questions and get support.

Learn More

Featured Expert

Cathy Dolsen

SVP and Portfolio Credit Leader for PayPal and Venmo at Synchrony

“We’ve Got This”

Our favorite Olivia Benson moments are the ones where the tough-as-nails detective lets her guard down. Off-screen, Mariska Hargitay believes in doing the same.

While discussing her partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb's Investigating Myeloma campaign, the actress shared the self-care habit that helps her stay grounded when life gets overwhelming.

“I used to just power through whatever I had to do. I still do, but in a very different way now. I take little mini breaks, and most importantly, I pay attention to my body. If I can feel myself getting activated or upset, I stop and I listen. I say, ‘OK, I'm right here. I hear you. I see you.’

I acknowledge my feelings as if they were little children who need attention. If I start to get upset, I tell myself, ‘I'm not abandoning you. I'm not going to push through and ignore you. I'm going to stop, pay attention, and say, we've got this.’” Dun dun.

Read the whole article here.

Time to Shred

Is there anything more millennial-coded than rotisserie chicken? It walked so "girl dinner" could run. Once the darling of listicles, budget meal plans, and blurry Instagram photos, it's now ready for its next act: a quick desk lunch, a surprisingly fancy appetizer, or a dinner that survives picky-kid scrutiny.

It's all about what else is on the plate. Here are 15 ways to dress it up, and we're drooling over these chilaquiles.
Add the sauce. Chili sauce makes chicken the star of the show, and this bowl rivals any $20 lunch.
Invite it to breakfast. Just add eggs for a high-protein meal that's ready when you are.

We All Scream for Sunscreen

You already know to wear sun protection. The trick is to find one that doesn’t leave your skin red, irritated, or breaking out. These brands deliver the SPF protection you need, minus any side effects.

Byoma

Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid is the best sunscreen for barrier repair.

Cetaphil

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Drops are the best budget-friendly facial sunscreen.

Paula's Choice

Paula’s Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen is the best soothing sunscreen.

Banana Boat

Banana Boat Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is the best budget-friendly body sunscreen.

Here’s the full list of the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, according to experts.

These are the award-winning products our editors swear by for supporting sexual wellness. We've got everything from pelvic floor massagers to the best, no-frills lube.

And speaking of crazy skincare trends, we can actually get behind this vegan PDRN serum. Don't forget to read our full review and use code SKIMM20 at checkout.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Are your summer goals SOFT or SMART?