These days, it seems like everyone we know is on a juice cleanse. We chatted with Adam Armstrong, vice president of local cafe chain Pure Raw Juice—which offers its own juice cleanse program—to get the skinny on the potential benefits.

What is a juice cleanse?
It’s a fasting method in which a person only consumes fresh juices, water, and/or decaffeinated teas for a committed time, typically 3-5 days. The benefits vary among individuals, [but] general advantages of this practice may encompass weight loss, mental clarity, improved digestion, detoxification, reduced inflammation, increased energy, and a strengthened immune system.

How often should you do a juice cleanse?
Those who have a regular diet of generally unhealthy foods may witness a greater benefit from a juice cleanse every three months, while those who typically consume a healthier natural diet may achieve their cleansing goals 1-2 times per year.

Can I eat at all when I’m on a juice cleanse?
The goal is to only consume fresh juice, water and/or decaffeinated teas. However, it is always important to listen to your own body, and if it is screaming to you that you need something with more sustenance, we would recommend consuming raw fruits and vegetables.

What are the risks of a juice cleanse?
Risks can include dizziness, dehydration (which is why you should drink a lot of water), headaches (usually associated with lack of caffeine), skin irritations (usually waste being detoxed through the skin), and possible digestive issues. We recommend consulting your doctor or nutritionist before committing to a juice cleanse.

Do I need to prepare my body for a cleanse?
To better absorb all nutrients and benefits, we recommend limiting as much processed food as you can 3-5 days before you start. This includes meat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, soda, nicotine, and alcohol.

What about after my cleanse? Can I just go back to normal eating?
Not so fast. If you jump right in to eating meats, dairy, and heavier foods, your gut will not be happy, which means you will not be happy. We recommend easing back into consuming solid foods after your cleanse, continuing a plant-based diet, rich with fruits and vegetables.

WHAT YOU NEED:

DECAFFEINATED TEA: No caffeine or coffee while on a juice cleanse. But decaffeinated tea is okay. And of course, plenty of water.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS: The Pure Raw Juice gang recommends consulting with your doctor or nutritionist before your first cleanse.

HEALTHY FOOD ON HAND: Try not to eat while on a cleanse, but if you must, stick with raw fruit and veggies.

While sound baths have been around for thousands of years, they’ve enjoyed a recent surge in popularity. Despite the name, a sound bath does not entail the use of water. Instead, the client lies prone on a yoga mat as the teacher creates sounds that “wash” over them. It’s up for debate whether this ancient practice started in India, Egypt, or Greece, but one thing is for sure: Sound baths can be an effective form of meditation.

To learn more, we spoke with Susan Selckman, owner of Updog Studios, a yoga studio in Towson that hosts several sound baths a year.

So what is a sound bath?
A sound bath is an immersive sound experience linked to rest and healing energies. Different instruments are played, from gongs to singing bowls to rain sticks to drums. Sound baths have become popular as a way for people to have another method to restore energetically. The idea is to reach a deeper level of relaxation and reset with sound frequencies at various decibels.

What are the benefits of a sound bath?
People are looking for a different way to find some peace and rest—this is just another way to bring them there. It helps with sleep, both the level and depth of sleep for days after—I consistently hear that. People are seeking some form of release. They might not be ready to take a yoga class; even if it’s gentle, there are instructions to follow. With a sound bath, where you just lie there, the work—and it can be work—is to surrender.

Why have sound baths become a recent trend in the wellness community?
People are so tattered that they are looking to create ease in their life. Ever since the pandemic, a lot of people would love to go into some type of therapy, but they’re told, “There’s a three-month wait, and you’ll need to self-pay”—tell that to someone who is already not in the best mental place. A sound bath is not a replacement for therapy, but people are just looking to see if something like this can help.

When deciding where to go, what should we keep in mind?
Trusting where you go is important. The person who is playing the instruments must understand how to keep the instruments under control—it can get away from you and get loud. If that happens, it can completely disrupt the experience. It’s also important to be receptive. If you go into this thinking, “It’s hokey,” you’re not going to have the best experience.

Can’t we just do this at home?
There are some amazing meditation apps out there, like Calm and Headspace, but it’s hard to get out of our own way. People will say, “I can do that at home,” and I’ll say, “Awesome, do you?” The answer is usually no.

WHAT YOU NEED

Yoga Mat: A well-cushioned mat provides a soft place to land.

Bolster: Props keep you comfortable and help absorb the sound.

Hydrate: Drink a cup or so of water prior to your sound bath—you don’t want to interrupt the experience once it starts.

Eyebrow shapes are one of beauty’s most defining—and malleable—trends. (Remember those super-thin brows of the early aughts? Shudder.) Today’s trend has leaned toward “natural” brows, but that doesn’t mean maintenance-free. Additionally, more women are tinting their brows, to get just the right shade to match their hair (and vibe). We touched base with brow expert and aesthetician Crystal Swinder of The Browtender Studio to brush up on the latest brow tips and tricks.

What brow trends should we expect to see this season?
Fall means we will see a surge in warmer, darker brows. Letting go of that natural summer look, leaning away from the subtle blond, taupe colors, and really embracing the warm tones that give you more of a wow factor. I think copper and red tones will be a big trend.

How often should we get our brows done?
Well, that depends on the individual. I get the pleasure of really getting to know and understand my clients. I typically recommend they get their brows done every four to five weeks for steady maintenance. However, some clients prefer every two or three weeks. This also can depend on whether the client wants to upkeep their tint, which typically lasts four to six weeks on the hair.

What hair removal techniques do you recommend most?
I trademarked “a babe with a passion for waxin’,” so I have to be biased and say waxing. I love using both soft and hard waxes. I also love a good tweezing with a nice pair of slanted tweezers. The deciding factor of which method to remove the hair depends on the client’s sensitivity, hair type, and skin type.

Do you have brow shape maintenance tips?
Do not try and maintain your brows on your own. This means no at-home tweezing or waxing of any kind. Be consistent with your appointments. Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining the perfect shape. Rocking a grown-out brow has never hurt anyone, but risking it with a pair of at-home tweezers is simply not worth it. You can accidentally remove hair that we have taken the time to save and restore.

What is your go-to treatment to create full and manicured brows?
I love a laminated eyebrow. It can make your brows go from flat and straight to arched and shaped. I use Thuya Lamination Products. I have been obsessing over BrowCodes tints: I have used them since the beginning of my career and have not looked back. Nothing compares to the results I get with them. Last but not least, I don’t think I could live without my very own Browtender Tinted Gels that are perfect for maintaining your brows every day, especially in between appointments.

WHAT YOU NEED:

TINT: Choose a brow color stain that suits you and the season.

SCHEDULE: Follow a consistent brow-care routine to maintain lasting shape and fullness.

A PRO: Visit a trusted aesthetician for safe hair removal and precise shaping

A refreshing dip in the pool sounds relaxing. Submerging entirely into a container of ice? Not so much. But lately, the trend has taken over social media, so we had to get to the bottom of it. We asked Sharon Schmitz, wellness director of THE pearl: modern spa and boutique, if ice baths really live up to the hype.

What is an ice bath?
Cold exposure, by ice bath or through a cold plunge, is the practice of fully submerging the body in water at 59 degrees or less for physical and mental health benefits. The body’s natural response to the cold temperature causes the blood vessels to constrict to conserve heat, which leads to improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and can contribute to longevity. Athletes and those suffering from physical ailments can also find relief because it decreases inflammation, boosts injury recovery, promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling, and helps to relieve aches and pains.

Cold immersion can spike dopamine, the feel-good hormone, and provide a rush of endorphins. Many people report that regularly exposing themselves to an uncomfortably cold temperature has helped them build courage, discipline, and resiliency when facing challenges, developing skills to manage stress more effectively. The immune system also benefits as it’s shown to increase the production of white blood cells that act to fight illness and infection.

What is the experience like at a spa?
At a spa, there is the added incentive of additional amenities that increase the body temperature before and after cold water immersion, also known as contrast therapy, which can further increase circulation and decrease inflammation. Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs can make it easier to work up to entering the cold. Many clients like to warm their bodies as much as possible to entice themselves to cool off in the cold water and may quickly return to these warm environments after. Pairing cold water therapy with another spa service, such as a therapeutic massage, can provide even more stress and pain-relieving benefits.

If re-creating at home, what supplies are needed?
To create an at-home experience, you will need a tub large enough to submerge your body, a thermometer, water, and ice. You may find a timer helpful and want a towel and dry clothes after. Many companies also sell a cold plunge tub for at-home use if you plan to use it often. The recommended temperature for an ice bath is 39-60 degrees Fahrenheit. When you are first starting, you may want to start at a higher temperature and work to lower it over regular sessions.

What techniques can be used to increase our cold tolerance?
Intentional breathing can work to calm the nervous system. Activate the parasympathetic nervous system by cycling through deep, full inhales and exhales. Begin with two to three minutes, trying to make each exhale longer than the inhale. Regulating this way before and during plunging will achieve the best results. When you enter the cold water, hold your breath on an exhale. Once submerged, try combining your exhales with humming. This boosts nitric oxide levels, which makes cells more receptive to oxygen. Many people start their cold water immersion journey with cold showers; increasing the time spent each day while practicing breathing techniques can help prepare the body and mind for fully submerging. Afterward, a hot cup of tea can help to warm you up.

How often and for how long should we cold plunge for maximum results?
Those with specific goals or health issues they are treating might want to cold plunge several times a week, up to daily, for maximum results. The colder the temperature, the less time you need to spend in the water. For water between 40-50 degrees, a two to three-minute plunge will deliver many benefits. Be on the lookout for the shiver response: once your body begins to shiver, that is your cue that it has had enough, and it is time to get out. Most research shows you can achieve all the benefits you need by plunging for two to three minutes three to four times a week, but consistency yields the best results.

Is there any risk or side effect from ice baths?
Exposing the body to cold temperatures does place stress on the body. People with heart, blood pressure, or other circulatory issues shouldn’t try cold plunging without consulting their doctor first. People with nerve disorders like diabetic neuropathy should consult their doctors, too. Cold plunge can be stimulating, so while the effects of the immersion can lead to better sleep, it is not recommended too close to bedtime.

WHAT YOU NEED:

A tub: You need a tub or pool large enough to lie in.

Timer: You likely don’t want to spend more time than you need to in cold water—a timer can help.

Tea: A soothing hot cup of tea can help warm you up after your plunge.

Beauty is pain, no more. Thanks to recent trends highlighting the power of facial-massage techniques and the ever-evolving science behind anti-aging serums, getting a short-lasting, non-surgical facelift might actually be a relaxing experience. We talked with Shae Jackson, the spa director at the Four Seasons Hotel, to get her take on a luxurious, result-driven facial technique—think of it as Botox without the needles—that she says leaves you walking out of the spa looking younger than you when you arrived.

Are there really treatments that provide a face lift effect without injections?
Our spa’s Inhibit Face Lift treatment is a cosmetic complement and alternative to micro-injections and other medical aesthetic procedures. This anti-aging treatment tightens the skin, smooths wrinkles, and reforms the appearance of the skin. With its powerful revitalizing action and effective filling [process], this lifting service diminishes expression lines while it firms and hydrates.

How is this different from a basic facial?
This is not your average facial. This treatment provides an immediate lifting impact from a single session. Our aestheticians apply the product with stimulating maneuvers that activate microcirculation to produce dramatically firmer skin. This specific treatment uses products formulated with Natura Bisse’s Skinform Molecular Technology; the high concentration of ingredients is designed to address the signs of aging by inhibiting facial contractions while smoothing wrinkles and intensely hydrating the skin.

What are the benefits?
The treatment helps skin look more toned, supple, and more flexible while tightening to visibly diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The lifting effect beautifies the jawline and helps skin look rejuvenated. At the same time, complexions are brightened, and skin is left rehydrated. There are no side effects or downtime with this facial.

What can we expect during the appointment?
Treatments last 50 to 80 minutes. After cleansing and toning the neck and décolleté, a powerful but gentle peel is applied to address skin pigmentation and luminosity. The aesthetician will then target specific facial expression lines with a concentrated serum containing relaxing neuropeptides that minimize the facial muscle contractions that cause wrinkles and includes a growth factor that can reform skin structure from within. Wrinkles are further softened with an advanced lifting massage technique. The facial concludes with a gel mask that helps plump and firm the skin. Clients leave with a customized skin care regime to continue the experience at home, which extends the life of the treatment, as the results only last for up to 48 hours.

WHAT YOU NEED

TIME: Perfect for a relaxing self-care morning or evening, this facial can take up to one-and-half hours.

REGIMEN: Results may last longer with an at-home aesthetician-approved skincare routine.

MONEY: This treatment ranges from $290 to $435, depending on how long your appointment lasts.

Social calendars are full this year, and there’s no way we’re showing up to any event without feeling our absolute best—and that includes our skin. Natalie Sams, founder and owner of The Loft, the esthetics and self-care studio with locations in Federal Hill and Brewers Hill, gave us the low-down on how to get our skin clear, tight, and radiant before any event this year. Heads up: If you’ve got a big event this spring, now is the time to book your next facial.

How can we prep our skin at home?
For daily skincare rituals: resurface [exfoliate], hydrate, nourish, repeat. The Loft features a private-label beauty line, Ritual, to promote daily ritualistic skin care with high-quality organic and natural ingredients. Make fruits and veggies your besties. Fruits and veggies will provide key nutrients important for healthy skin, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Avocados, mixed berries, fatty fishes, and “Aura” Marine Collagen elixirs are my top favorites to achieve optimal hydration, overall quality, clarity, and texture of the skin.

When should we see an esthetician for help and what should we ask for?
For the newbie facial guest, we recommend the Gua Sha Glow. This treatment increases blood circulation, reduces bloat, and creates a slimming effect on the face. For the experienced facial guest, we recommend a HydraFacial with Dermaplane. This facial duo is resurfacing and hydrating, ideal for any special occasion or for a monthly maintenance plan for glowing goddess skin. We recommend starting this routine three to six months before a big event for optimal results.

If there’s a last-minute event on the books, how can we get glowing within just a few days?
Hydrate. Increase water intake and decrease or eliminate alcohol intake. I recommend spring water with three to six drops of chlorophyll to detox the liver, boost energy, increase blood flow, and aid in diges- tion and bloating. Juna Chlorophyll drops are sold and offered post-treatment in both Federal and Brewers Hill Loft studios. Also, try contrast therapy. Commit three to four days a week of contrast hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation, burn calories, detox, boost mood, and improve the tone and texture of the skin. We provide a private room for guests to circulate between the infrared sauna and cold plunge ice baths, with added amenities and sauna experiences such as the “Body Glow Up,” which incorporates a body plane tool and custom oil for any guest looking to level up their glow.

What kind of skin care routine is best on the day of the event?
Products with hyaluronic acid to keep skin cells plump and hydrated are a must, as well as epidermal growth factors (EGF), a gentle growth factor protein that produces collagen and elastin, providing a youthful appearance.

WHAT YOU NEED:

NUTRITION: Take care of your skin from the inside out with fruits, veggies, and plenty of hydration.

ROUTINE: Cycle your skin care regimen with products that exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish the skin.

TREATMENTS: For general detox and whole-body glow, try a trip to the sauna followed by an ice bath.

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected, hustle-obsessed lives, peace of mind is a rare gift. Slow down, people always say. But how? A new wellness studio in Baltimore dedicated to meditation and mindfulness hopes to answer that question. We talked to The Sedona House owner Amanda Jones and asked her: What can meditation do for us?

What is your definition of meditation?
Mediation is not a mind free and clear from negative thoughts or stress. It is not total peace and enlightenment. As long as you are a human with a human mind, you will have thoughts, some more intrusive than others. The practice of meditation is getting nose to nose with reality and expanding our capacity to navigate whatever state of mind or circumstance you find yourself in.

How does one prepare for a meditation class?
There is no preparation needed. You can show up in a bad mood, in your work clothes, or with baby spit-up on your shirt. The practice takes you as you are.

What can we expect?
At The Sedona House, we start our hour-long classes with a conversation connecting the practice to daily life. Then we move into breathing or gentle movement to calm the nervous system to prepare our bodies for stillness. Then we sit. We have cushions, blankets, and everything you need to feel comfortable.

How is practicing in a group setting different from practicing alone at home?
The feedback that we receive from our newcomers in the studio is that meditating in a group setting is so much easier. Even with your eyes closed, you can feel the support and commitment from everyone in the room.

What other tools can support a mindfulness practice?
Breath is one of the most underutilized tools in supporting our well-being and we all have access to it. Pausing to take three deep breaths in the middle of our day can help us to re-center, separate from autopilot mode, and decide what we might like our next moment to be like. Gratitude is actually a really potent well-being tool. Gratitude is simply a redirection of our thinking to something that we are choosing at that moment versus a rollercoaster of worry.

What are the results?
Some tangible takeaways are breath practices to regulate your nervous system or a new mantra to support you when negative thinking creeps in. You might notice having more compassion in a challenging conversation with a loved one. You might grip the steering wheel a little more gently, even when you are running late. If your heart rate does elevate, you will be equipped with tools to navigate those nervous system responses on the spot. Even if nothing physically changes, you might start to experience your life through a new lens.

WHAT YOU NEED

YOURSELF: All you need is yourself and a quiet space.

BREATH: Deep breaths can slow down and regulate your nervous system which helps re-center the mind.

TIME: Classes are typically an hour long at a meditation studio.

Along with rest, fun, and relaxation, travel can bring a few other things, namely bloating, dehydration, and constipation. How do you have a good time without letting the food and drink get you down? We asked local clinical and functional nutritionist Caitlin Self how to both travel and eat well.

How can traveling affect our bodies?
The body strives to be an efficient, well-oiled machine. Naturally, by changing your routine while traveling, the body is in a state of adaptation, which can impact things like sleep and bowel habits. Plus, spending extended periods sitting in cars, trains, and planes reduces blood flow. And airplanes are less oxygenated than sea level, so you’re taking in less oxygen while in the air. All of this impacts immune function, digestive health, and cellular energy.

What kind of foods might help ease digestion while traveling?
Bitter foods are my top recommendation. Typically, traveling includes new and different foods and more restaurant meals, which are higher in salt and oils. Bitter foods stimulate the liver and gallbladder and can help us break down our food better. Bitter foods include arugula, dandelion greens, dark chocolate, coffee, and endives. Vegetables, in general, are amazing at supporting digestion.

Are there ways to prevent bloating while traveling?
Often bloating while traveling can be a result of overeating or poor digestion, which occurs when we make significant changes to our food intake. In addition to bitter foods and tinctures, movement is probably the best way to prevent bloating. Movement can help promote stomach acid production and can help stimulate the stomach and intestines, which helps food move through the digestive tract and prevent bloating. High-intensity exercise can have the opposite effect, so a comfortable 10-to-30-minute stroll after meals is a great way to enhance your digestion.

Another tip is to finish your meal with digestion-supportive hot teas like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint. And finally, when I travel, I start many restaurant meals with club soda and a bunch of bitters. Most restaurant bars have cocktail bitters like Angostura behind the bar. I love these in club soda as a refreshing way to give my gut some additional support.

How important is hydration while traveling?
Hydration is always important. I recommend drinking more water in the three days or so leading up to your travels. If you’re having a hard time with the volume of water needed, you can hydrate with water-rich fruits and vegetables and use trace mineral drops or low-sugar electrolyte powders. Hydration is about both fluid and electrolytes, not just water.

WHAT YOU NEED:

BITTERS: Bitter foods and tinctures can natu- rally stimulate digestion and prepare your gut for larger or new meals.

ELECTROLYTES: Water alone is not enough; include trace minerals or electrolyte powders to ensure you’re getting proper nutrients.

MOVEMENT: Before or after a meal, non-intense movement helps produce stomach acid and get your intestines active.

Back in the day, we used to frolic in the sun without any protection for our skin. If we’ve learned anything over the last few decades, it’s that sunscreen is an absolute must. That said, skin care best practices are ever evolving. And with so many options—makeup with SPF, sunscreen just for your face, clear serums versus creamy white lotions—what exactly are we supposed to be applying? And how often? Mylène Nine, Spa Director of Timonium’s About Faces Day Spa & Salon, broke it all down for us.

Why is sunscreen necessary to incorporate into your skin care routine?
The most important reason is protection against the sun to prevent cell mutation that causes skin cancer. [Additionally], having our skin in contact with UV light gives us premature aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity.

How often is it necessary to wear SPF on your face?
We should have SPF on our skin every day, even on cloudy days. We’re exposed to UV rays even sitting in front of a computer all day. Most of the damage comes up to the surface as we get older, as dark spots originate in a deeper layer. A lot of our sun damage occurs before we are 18 years old. We also see a lot of gentlemen, for example, who have a lot of skin cancer on their ears or the back of the neck because people forget those areas. So any skin exposed to the sun or UV light should be protected at all times.

What type of sunscreen should we use on our faces?
There are two different types of sun protection. There is mineral sun protection, which is more like physical sun protection, best for sensitive skin. And then you have the classic sun protection that is more of a chemical mix of ingredients protecting you. Both of them are very efficient. Vitamin C is also important to use all year long.

What level of SPF should we use?
For a daily routine, SPF 30 would be great. If you’re going to the beach or doing sports on a sunny day, I would say SPF 50 is better, but the only reason is you don’t have to reapply as quickly. SPF above 50 isn’t necessary. But nothing below SPF 15.

Is makeup with SPF included just as effective?
Yes, you can do one or the other, just make sure that it has at least SPF 30. However, if you’re going to the beach, you want to wear an SPF 50 cream. You apply your skin care lightest to thickest: serums, creams, and SPF on top before makeup.

How often should we come in for facials?
Ideally, monthly! But at a minimum, four times a year. It’s best to maintain a regular skin care routine at home. If you do your routine every day and then come to us six times a year, by working together we can really achieve a great result.

WHAT YOU NEED

SPF: Whether in your makeup or an added step in your skin care routine, you should always be wearing an SPF 30 product.

FACIAL: Working with an aesthetician for regular facials can help keep your skin refreshed and healthy.

VITAMIN C: For an extra boost of complexion rejuvenation, use a vitamin C serum daily.

We talk a lot about “core” strength, but rarely do we consider our pelvis part of that core. Dr. Samantha DuFlo, PT, DPT, PRPC, is here to set the record straight. The owner and founder of Indigo Physiotherapy, DuFlo’s practice is all about bringing patients closer to whole-body health from the focus of—you guessed it—your pelvis. We asked DuFlo to give us a pelvic floor crash course.

What is the pelvic floor?
I often refer to it as the pelvic diaphragm; it’s not static, like we would think of a floor being. It’s a very integrated part of your deep core musculature that consists of three layers of muscles—superficial, middle, and deep—which work very closely with your breath diaphragm under your rib cage to create stability support, this kind of abdominal corset. These muscles are responsible for controlling your sphincters, sexual appreciation, supporting your hip movement, and providing stability and support to the bladder, uterus or prostate, and the rectum.

What is a typical pelvic physical therapy treatment?
At Indigo Physio, appointments are one-on-one with a doctor of physical therapy. We do a subjective question-answering session about different [aspects of your health], from bowel and bladder [health] to nutrition intake, daily habits, and what you do for sex, to look at the big picture. After that, we do an external evaluation. . . . We are very consent-oriented and very trauma-informed. Treatment is different from person to person.

How do we know we have a weak pelvis?
Whether from pregnancy, from disuse, aging, going through hormonal changes, or abdominal surgeries, weakness can cause poor posture, low back pain, sciatic pain, weakened orgasms, constipation, incontinence, and poor performance in athletics.

What are some of the best exercises for pelvic muscles?
For releasing the pelvic floor, I like a relaxed deep squat while doing deep diaphragmatic breathing. One of my favorite strengthening exercises is relaxing and lying on your back or sitting. Inhale and fill your belly with air, then exhale, blowing out your air completely while thinking about drawing your lower abdominals in and your pelvic floor up.

When is it time to see a specialist?
Think about life changes that happen in your pelvis: you start having sex, you’re preparing to have a baby, you’re postpartum, you’re going through perimenopause or menopause—those are big things that we can take a look at and say, well, this is an integral keystone of your body and we should treat it.

WHAT YOU NEED

DEEP BREATHS: Use the breath to help release or strengthen your muscle tension.

CHECK-IN: Work with a pelvic physical therapist for any changes from pregnancy or surgery, or in your digestion.

EDUCATE: Talk with a specialist about how you can maintain care of your pelvic “diaphragm.”

RELAX: Similar to meditation, you’re guided into a deep rest before addressing concerns.

PREPARE: Some sessions can get emotional, so be sure to give yourself the time and space to regroup afterward.

MIND-BODY CONNECTION: Wellness centers use hypnosis as a complementary treatment to relieve physical ailments.

To help us channel the “I just woke up this way” look (think dewy skin and soft hair), we asked Linthicum-based hair and makeup stylist Audrey Bethards—whose styling has appeared on the pages of
Teen Vogue and on the runway for Louis Vuitton—for advice for the coming season.

What are some casual, quick hair-styling trends?
For this spring-summer season, softness is the key, from beautiful and romantic braids to girly ponytails, high messy buns, and French twists. Keep it simple and carefree.

What’s the next big thing in hair color?
Balayage is a less dramatic, more subtle form of the ombre trend. It requires less lift of color (lightening of the hair), which will create less damage.. It’s a wonderful option for a very modern, soft, and delicate look.

Any tips for natural-looking hair color?
Don’t go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural color to avoid a drastic change in your appearance and the hassle of retouching new growth. To add dimension, it’s always good to add slightly different tones of the same hair color, like very subtle highlights or low-lights.

How can we achieve great skin for the natural makeup look?
The key to glowing and radiant skin is to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate. Skin renews itself constantly, and it is essential to remove any impurities and makeup, then exfoliate the dead skin cells that lie on top of our skin that make it look dull, lifeless, and dry. Moisturizing your skin is extremely important. You will need to clean your skin and use a good moisturizer in the morning and, yes, before you go to sleep. And stay hydrated.

How can we reduce any harmful effects of makeup on the complexion?
In addition to moisturizing, do not apply powder on top of oily skin. Remove excess oil from your skin with blotting sheets before you apply any facial powder. And after washing your face at night, use a facial toner to remove any traces of soap and makeup remover. This will balance the pH of your skin, help activate your blood circulation, and prepare your skin to receive a moisturizer.

What You’ll Need

Try these products for glowing skin and hair.

Clarity

Incorporate a facial toner or clarifying shampoo into your routine.

Shine
This season’s styles are soft and wispy, so embrace flyaways.

Cream
Try a wax-based product for foundation, cheeks, and lips.

We all know that being in love feels good, but according to some experts, love can actually be good for your overall health. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we turned to licensed clinical social worker Tammy Tilson of Tilson Therapy, whose practice specialties include dating, relationships, and intimacy. Tilson says that the search for love is a universal one. “Regardless of a person’s sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or background, most people want to be in a relationship and have similar needs and feelings,” explains Tilson, who also helps clients develop dating profiles on her website upscaledatingcoach.com. “In my practice, most couples who are looking for help in their relationship struggle with similar underlying issues such as intimacy, communication, partnership, and power.”

Why is being in love good for your health?

Many research studies show that people in loving relationships have a lower death rate compared to single people. If a person is in a healthy, supportive relationship, they are more likely to have higher self-esteem, which lowers both men’s and women’s chances of becoming depressed. Other studies show that a person is more likely to adopt safer behaviors when they are in an intimate relationship. Finally, a loving relationship helps reduce a person’s anxiety.

What happens to you physiologically when you first fall in love?

When you first meet someone of interest, the brain produces the chemical called oxytocin, which is called “the bonding hormone.” This endorphin gives us a warm and fluttery feeling throughout the body just by the mere touch or sight of our love interest.

Any tips on meeting a mate?

It is very important to be open-minded and have realistic expectations. By figuring out what you need and what makes you happy, you are able to navigate the dating world with more success. It is also important that a person feels good about themselves before they consider looking for a mate.

Is friendship good for your health as well?
Many studies show that people who have a group of close friends are more likely to live longer than those people who have fewer friends. The beneficial effects of friendship help people lengthen their lives, even when they are confronted with life’s most difficult stressors.

What you need:

Use these tips to achieve love and a happier life.

BFFs
Having a good group of friends is just as important and beneficial to your health as family.

Pros and Cons
Make a list of what you want in a mate—deal breakers versus things that you can put up with.

Carefree
Loving relationships can lower anxiety, which can reduce heart disease and psychological issues.

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