Health June 2021

When it comes to summer fun, we all have a lot of catching up to do—we’re not back to normal just yet, but we’re getting closer. And this issue is full of ideas for celebrating that hopeful feeling by heading outside and finding joy in the little things, whether that’s the sun on your skin (hello, vitamin D!), cooking up the season’s peak produce, or simply laying eyes on people you haven’t been with in a very long time. When I asked my colleagues, “What are you most looking forward to?” their answers were surprisingly uncomplicated, and prioritized the connections and traditions we’ve been missing. For my part, I can’t wait to watch my daughter graduate from high school, take a bike ride with my brother, and eat a lobster…

CUT AND DRY Ample produce from your farmers’ market haul? Dehydrate it for a sweet, crunchy-chewy, and fiber-rich summer snack. Everything from berries and stone fruit to zucchini and green beans can be dehydrated, says Andy Hirneisen, MA, a food-preservation expert and educator at Penn State Extension. Since the water has been pulled out, dried produce has more intense flavor and is more nutrient-dense. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who regularly eat dried fruit (about ¼ cup or more daily) had higher-quality diets and lower blood pressure than those who didn’t. Of course, you can buy the snack already dried at the store, but making your own is easy and fun (with the help of a dehydrator!), and…

SMOOTH THE SKIN The best way to remove hair—if you want to—depends on lifestyle, skin sensitivity, etc. Here’s what really works. At Home Shaving is the most popular method, but it doesn’t last long (hello, stubble that shows up the next day). And it can lead to ingrowns, especially on the bikini line, where the hair is curlier, says Sabrina Fabi, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego. Instead, try a depilatory cream—new formulas smell better than ever and may have soothing ingredients. 1. Nair Bladeless Shave ($9; walmart.com), for example, is available with CBD broad-spectrum hemp oil, lavender oil, or rose water. Let the cream sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing; it dissolves the hair shaft below the skin’s surface so results last longer than with shaving. Go-To Gadget Another at-home way to…

Nothing tops the relaxation I feel when I’m at a spa—the zen music, the soothing scents, and the pampering. But the pandemic made my happy place off-limits. To get my spa fix at home, I tested out some new skin-care tools. My expectations were low—gadgets tend to give me that “As Seen on TV” vibe. But I’m happy to report I was wrong! DIY tools have come a long way, and some are worth the splurge—aestheticians are even incorporating them into their pro treatments. So light a candle, tell Siri to “play Pure Spa on Apple Music,” and treat yourself. BEAUTY DIRECTOR 1 Remove facial fuzz Versed Instant Gratification At-Home Dermaplaning Tool ($20; versedskin.com) I’ve been using facial razors for years to shave off my upper-lip hair and cheek fuzz, and I’ve tried…

KATONYA BREAUX shares a story that’s all too common in the Black community. “Like most Black people, I never thought I needed sunscreen. I noticed that all of the older women in my family had these black moles,” she says. “I assumed that they were genetic, but when they popped up on my own face in my late 30s, I rushed to the dermatologist to see what I could do to slow the process.” Much to Breaux’s dismay, her derm informed her that the moles weren’t genetic at all—they were the result of sun damage. It was the wake-up call that inspired her to launch Unsun Cosmetics in 2016, an inclusive brand that showcases clean, sun-safe beauty products. “Part of our mission is to eradicate the myth that women of…

EXERCISING OUTDOORS is like recess—it’s freeing and just plain fun. Take advantage of those good feels with this low-equipment workout designed to be done outside, where you have room to jump rope and a bench handy—as you’ll often find in parks, on boardwalks, and in playgrounds. This routine from Francine Delgado-Lugo (shown here), CPT, cofounder of Form Fitness Brooklyn in New York City, combines strength and cardio through a mix of up-and-down, front-to-back, and side-to-side movements that will get your heart pumping and your muscles burning out, so you improve endurance. Remember: Maintaining strong form and focusing on breathing are always important, but enjoy yourself as you sweat, says Delgado-Lugo. “For me, fitness is about moving well, building confidence, and working toward being the best version of yourself.” And this workout will…