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I tried over 10 mineral sunscreens – these were the winners

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  • Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer
  • Key ingredients: Artemisia capillaris and olive-derived lipid.
  • Texture: Fluid cream.
  • Fragrance-free: Yes.

Why we love it: “This is one of those SPFs that feels much more like a skin tint than a traditional sunscreen. The texture is very fluid, almost watery, so it glides on easily and feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin. It does dry down quite quickly, though, so I found I had to work fast and blend it in properly before it set.

“The Korean sunscreen is available in 12 shades, which is pretty impressive for a mineral SPF, as tinted mineral formulas don’t always offer that much choice. I went for MP200, which was slightly too dark for me and pulled a bit orange, so next time I’d definitely go one or two shades lighter. The coverage is sheer, but it gives enough of a tint to even things out and make skin look a little fresher.

“Formula-wise, it contains Artemisia capillaris, also known as mugwort, to help soothe, alongside olive-derived lipids for hydration. My main issue was how it layered. It didn’t sit perfectly over every serum and went slightly patchy in places, so I’d keep the skincare underneath quite simple with this one.”

Your mineral sunscreen questions, answered:


Meet the experts:

  • Dr Lukian Radmiladermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
  • Amanda Azzopardiaesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics,
  • Dr Yuliya Krasnaya – Dermatologist at Evoclinic.
  • Dr Christine HallGMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics

Mineral sunscreens vs. chemical sunscreens – which sunscreen is better for your skin?

“The main difference between mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they handle the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light, and they don’t absorb into the skin,” shares Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, a dermatologist at Evoclinic.

“Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions,” shares Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.

“It’s important to note that both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective at protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but some people may prefer one type over the other based on their skin type or personal preferences,” adds Dr Radmila.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens use UV filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and/or octinoxate to sink into your skin and prevent harmful UV light from causing sun damage. That’s not to say that mineral sunscreens don’t offer optimal broad-spectrum protection. In fact, they do a fine job of deflecting blue light, UVB and UVA rays, the latter of which are responsible for pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen.


How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?

The easiest way to tell the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is to check the ingredients label on the bottle. “Identifying whether a sunscreen is mineral or chemical can be determined by examining its list of active ingredients,” explains Dr Yuliya. “Mineral sunscreens contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxidewhich work by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting or scattering UV rays.”

“In contrast, chemical sunscreens feature organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylenewhich absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat,” adds Dr Yuliya.


What are the cons of chemical sunscreens?

In the past, governing bodies such as the FDA have expressed some concerns regarding the long-term effects of (some, not all) chemical filters. Plus, chemical sunscreens may potentially irritate sensitive, acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin.


Why do I need to use sunscreen in the first place?

According to Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, “90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays.” In fact, Dr Christine told us that her best skincare-related advice to anyone is to “use SPF every single day, all year around.”

Using some form of daily SPF will also help prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce risk of skin cancer too. Even if you have a darker skin tone, ensuring that your skin is well protected is of the utmost importance. Make sure to grab something that’s at least SPF 30 – better yet, go for SPF 40 or SPF 50 for maximum protection.

READ MORE: The best sunscreens for dark skin.


What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?

Dr Radmila shares that “mineral SPF is more heat-resistant and tends to last longer than chemical sunscreen,” making it an excellent choice for a beachside holiday.

Mineral sunscreens are also generally considered safe for most people, including those who are pregnant or have sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. However, Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, still recommends consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatology expert before using any skincare product if you have a particular skin concern.

“When shopping for mineral sunscreens, look for those that are labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘hypoallergenic’, which are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.”


Looking for ways to improve your sun care and skincare routine to better protect yourself this summer? Check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best sunscreen sticks, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. You can also take a look at our edits of the best body moisturisers and body lotions and best vitamin C serums.

Pop Artist and Mother Yassie Releases Debut Children’s Book “The Way Shawn Sees It,” Amplifying Autism Acceptance Through Storytelling

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Written By: Charron Monaye

Photo Credit: Amazon

Inspired by her son, this children’s book speaks to the heart of autism

Every April, the world turns its attention to Autism Acceptance Month, an international call to embrace neurodiversity, deepen understanding, and champion inclusion. But this year, the conversation gained a powerful new voice. On April 27, 2026, pop artist, mother, and creative multi-hyphenate Yassie stepped into the literary spotlight with the release of her debut children’s book, The Way Shawn Sees It. The project is personal. It’s purposeful. And it’s poised to shift how families, educators, and communities talk about autism.

Inspired by her son Shawn and his lived experience on the autism spectrum, the Nashville-based award-winning singer, songwriter, model, and now author crafted a story that speaks directly to families navigating similar journeys. Her message is clear, heartfelt, and deeply human. “We all see the world differently, and Shawn is no exception,” Yassie shares. “He may experience life in his own unique way, but at his core, he is still an ordinary, fun-loving child full of joy, curiosity, and personality.” That sentiment pulses through every page.

Untitled Design 203
Photo Credit: Amazon

The Way Shawn Sees It is more than a beautifully illustrated children’s book, it’s a bridge of understanding. Through Shawn’s eyes, readers are invited into a world filled with imagination, honesty, and emotional truth. The story encourages children to practice kindness, patience, and empathy, while giving parents and caregivers a gentle entry point into conversations about autism and inclusion. The book’s message is simple yet transformative: Being different does not mean being less. It means seeing the world through a unique and beautiful lens. Designed for homes, classrooms, libraries, and community spaces, the book offers families a tool to celebrate neurodiversity rather than fear it.

Behind the art is a mother balancing a full creative career with the realities of raising a child with autism. Yassie acknowledges the weight of that responsibility, but she also embraces it with intention and grace. Life is full. The demands are real. But her patience, her love, and her unwavering commitment to her son are woven into every chapter of this project. Yassie’s mission doesn’t end with publication. She is actively partnering with nonprofit organizations that support families raising children with autism. She’s lending her voice to speaking engagements, sharing her story publicly, and ensuring her book reaches the families who need it most.

Yassie Official

Her goal is bigger than sales. It’s about impact. It’s about visibility. It’s about rewriting the narrative around autism, one family, one classroom, one conversation at a time.

As the world continues to evolve in its understanding of neurodiversity, The Way Shawn Sees It arrives at the perfect moment. It is a celebration. A teaching tool. A love letter from a mother to her son, and to every child who experiences the world differently. And in true Yassie fashion, it is bold, heartfelt, and impossible to ignore.

The Way Shawn Sees It is available now on Amazon.com

PDRN Has Quickly Taken Over Skin Care

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Dobos also thinks the rush to jump on the PDRN bandwagon could be detrimental to the ingredient’s long-term reputation. “We saw it with CBD in cosmetics, too, frankly; we just weren’t sure of the benefits of it, but it sounded really interesting. This is another case where there’s a lot of hype, but not enough substantiation for me to put my faith in it,” she explains.

The same could be said for topical exosomes, the other darling of the regenerative skin-care movement: Like PDRN, they are being hyped for their ability to make skin act younger. And like PDRN, the massive claims about exosomes are much bigger than the actual science.

Does any regenerative skin care work?

Just because there’s a lack of data on PDRN and exosomes, that doesn’t mean regenerative skin care is a complete hoax—far from it. Decades before PDRN and exosomes were the elements du jour, researchers were amassing data on a handful of ingredients that have since been well-proven to help skin function more efficiently. But back then, those ingredients weren’t labeled as “regenerative” or “longevity” drivers.

The chemists and dermatologists we spoke with like vitamin C and peptides for boosting skin’s own collagen production; nianiacinamide for regulating cells’ melanin production; and retinoids for…everything, really. Retinoids, a.k.a. vitamin A derivatives, are one family of ingredients backed by decades of research showing they can trigger collagen production and help create skin that looks younger in the long run.

You’ll probably find at least one of these other ingredients listed alongside PDRN in formula breakdowns. “That’s essentially how skin care works,” says Romanowski; the ingredients that “help the marketing people tell a story” get combined with the ones that are actually “providing the benefits—your petroleum, your mineral oils, your glycerins that nobody wants to talk about.”

These ingredients may not have the shine of being new and strange, but they do have staying power. The popularity of PDRN, meanwhile, “will probably fade in a year to two, unless we get some really good data and ways of stabilizing it,” says Dobos.

But that won’t be easy, or cheap, says Mou: “Formulators would have to work with smaller molecular-weight PDRN, pair it with an optimized delivery system, and the sourcing of the DNA fragments would be of utmost importance. Extraction quality, purity level, uniform fragment size distribution—all of these considerations lead to an increase in the cost of the ingredient.”

It’s more likely that PDRN will be replaced by the next oddball thing, which will probably come from the biotech world, guesses Romanowski. “That’s where our industry is going,” he says. “Sometimes new ingredients have a lasting impact, but most of the stuff that you’re using now is essentially the same as you were using in the ’90s. The technology hasn’t changed that much.”

It does, however, get packaged differently and spruced up with the latest trendy ingredient. “The beauty industry is very much like the fashion industry, where they always need something new,” Romanowski continues. “But at the end of the day, it’s still pants and shirts.”

Shop our PDRN product picks

Here are some of our picks for PDRN-spiked products. We can’t say for sure if PDRN is doing any heavy lifting, but each product includes ingredients that have proven benefits.

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

Medicube

PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

PDRN + Glycerin. The exact benefits of PDRN may be unclear, but goodness, does this hydrogel mask feel amazing. “Hydrogel masks are water and a gelling agent that get mixed together, poured into a mold, and turn into a jelly that’ll evaporate on your skin and feel really nice and cooling,” says Lam. This pink version doesn’t disappoint. “You wear it overnight and it feels great,” adds Lam, who guesses that PDRN might be suspended in the mask—“a bit like fruit in Jell-O”—while hydrating ingredients such as glycerin make the skin dewy.

Rejuran Dual Effect Ampoule

Rejuran Dual Effect Ampoule in branded component on a light gray background

Rejuran

Dual Effect Ampoule

PDRN + Ceramides. This K-beauty serum is a favorite of Mou’s, who likes that the brand’s clinical testing suggests the formula may help repair the skin barrier and support collagen synthesis. It is made by Rejuran, “a biopharmaceutical company that has a strong presence in Korean skin care,” she notes.

Divorced Sisters Episode 12: Disappearing Act Recap and SPOILER ALERT

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The Divorced Sisters Episode 12 is officially here, and girl, the drama is reaching a whole new level of messy! This week’s episode, titled “Disappearing Act,” is set to air this Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and the teaser alone has the group chat in a literal frenzy. We have been following Geneva, Tiffany, and the rest of the crew all season, and it feels like every single secret they have been trying to bury is finally starting to peek through the surface. If you thought last week was intense, you might want to grab your favorite silk robe and a tall glass of wine because Tyler Perry is not playing fair with our emotions this time around.

Photo Credit: BET

Hidden Motives and Unexpected Bonds

Things are getting especially complicated for Tiffany as she finds herself right in the middle of some serious crossfire. In this episode, Myron decides to drop a major truth bomb by sharing some very private information regarding Kalvin’s marriage directly with her. While Tiffany has been leaning on Javon lately, their deepening bond is actually “littered with hidden secrets and ulterior motives” that are bound to blow up sooner rather than later. It is honestly so stressful watching her trust someone when we know there is so much deception happening behind the scenes, especially with the lingering drama surrounding Geneva.

A Web of Lies Unraveling

Watching the sisterhood navigate these “dangerous games” is equal parts enticing and heartbreaking because you just know someone is going to end up seriously hurt. Between the messy custody questions involving little Ana and the constant back and forth about that upcoming trip to Italy, the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. We are all rooting for our girls to find peace, but in a Tyler Perry production, you know the road to a happy ending is always paved with a few more shocking reveals. Make sure your DVR is set because you do not want to be the only one in the office tomorrow who isn’t caught up on all this tea!

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Givaudan begins construction of its new perfume factory in Mexico

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The Swiss manufacturer of perfumes and cosmetic ingredients has launched the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Pedro Escobedo, au Mexique.

The ceremony of laying the first stone made it possible to celebrate both the launch of the works of the new perfume composition factorywhich will reach a production capacity of 20,000 to 25,000 tons by 2029, but also the official opening of theextension of the perfumery and beauty ingredients sitewhich is now fully operational. Together, these projects represent a total investment of more than 160 million US dollars.

« Both of these events build on previous significant investments made at our Pedro Escobedo site. In 2024, Givaudan inaugurated an expansion of the production site dedicated to encapsulation technologies, doubling its capacity which now represents 40% of our global capacity in this area. With this new phase, we are not just expanding our presence. We are strengthening the foundation of a more collaborative relationship with our customers in this region “, underlines Christian Stammkoetter, CEO of Givaudan.

« The new Pedro Escobedo site represents a forward-looking step for our Perfumes and Beauty business in Latin America. By locating our production as close as possible to our customers, we strengthen our ability to respond to changing market needs while advancing our ambitions for sustainability and growth. This investment reflects our long-term vision of creating value through innovation and collaboration. It also illustrates our local and regional (L&R) strategy, deepening connections and ensuring Givaudan remains a trusted partner in the dynamic Latin American landscape », added Maurizio Volpi, President of Givaudan Perfumes and Beauty.

The Pedro Escobedo factory is today a strategic site for Givaudan’s growth and ambitions in Latin America.

Shampoo, Conditioner & Styling P

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Best Clean Hair Care Products for Sensitive Skin

As the chief formulator for a natural skincare company, and as a medical doctor, I care A LOT about what goes on my skin, and have spent years researching ingredient safety, which informs my decisions about what to use in our products, as well as the other, non-Osmia products I use in my daily routines. Because I’m an expert in the field, and because our awesome Instagram community has come to trust my take on ingredient safety, I get lots of questions about skincare-adjacent products, such as makeup, home cleaning products, and hair care! Since all of these products affect your skin almost as much as your skincare, I’ve done my research and have a few tried and true favorites to recommend. Below you’ll find my favorite hair care products. This is in no way a complete list of all the awesome hair products out there, but I have used all of these products below myself, and can offer my firsthand experience, which is why I’m sharing them here! I don’t have any affiliation with any of these brands, by the way. Just my honest opinion! And, for reference, I have thick, wavy, coarse, undyed, perimenopausal hair. Before that I had thick, dyed hair. And before that, I had even thicker, undyed hair.

Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Care Products

The list of ingredients you might want to avoid in your hair care products can get pretty long, but as someone with sensitive skin (including a history of perioral dermatitis) who cares about the planet and reacts badly to synthetic fragrance, these are some of the things I try to avoid:

Best Clean Shampoos (My Favorites)

My number one favorite shampoo is the Balance Shampoo by Josh Rosebrook. Organic aloe is the first ingredient, and the foaming agent is saponified coconut oil, or liquid coconut soap, and the rest of the ingredient list is full of simple, beautiful plants. The scent is soft, mildly citrusy, and incredibly pleasant. When I use it with the Balance Conditioner and allow my hair to air dry as I usually do, I get soft, delightfully chunky waves, and my hair feels clean and nourished.
I also love the Hydrating Cream Hairbath by Innersensewhich works well for my thick and thirsty hair. They also released their unscented line within the last few years, a bold move that I applaud loudly on behalf of the sensitive people of the world! The Clarity Hairbath is the unscented shampoo, and I often recommend it to people with sensitive skin and noses. It leaves a slightly more squeaky clean finish than the Hydrating Cream Hairbath, so I alternate between them.
Evolvh makes a few kinds of shampoo, some of which have a scent that’s too strong for my nose. But their Ultrashine Ultra Hydrating Shampoo has a pleasant scent and a nice sudsy texture. It does contain cocamidopropyl betaine, which can be a mild irritant for some folks with extremely sensitive skin, but my daughters and I both use it regularly without any issues.
For a budget option, I like the Desert Essence Fragrance Free Shampoo. It’s nothing fancy, but leaves my hair feeling clean and soft. They do use synthetic fragrance in some of their products, so I prefer the unscented option which doesn’t have any of the ingredients I try to avoid.

Best Clean Conditioners for Soft, Healthy Hair

Again, Josh Rosebrook is usually my first choice, especially for a routine hair wash day. The Balance Conditioner is light, effective, and smells absolutely lovely in a very understated way. With organic aloe as the first ingredient, this feels like giving my hair a nutritious smoothie. It’s not super rich, so if I need something for more of a deep conditioning effect, sometimes I’ll just use the Balance near my scalp and something richer on the ends.
When I want a richer conditioner, I reach for either the Hydrating Cream Conditioner or the Clarity Conditioner from Innersense. Both are thick, rich, and very hydrating for my hair, leaving it soft and easy to brush through in the shower.
The Evolvh Ultrashine Ultra Hydrating Conditioner has a really different feeling than most conditioners. It’s like my hair drinks it up and then it’s all gone, almost like I could get away without rinsing it (although I do rinse it well). It’s hard to explain, but it’s not unpleasant, and my hair feels good after using it!
And, again, for a slightly less spendy option, the Fragrance Free Conditioner by Desert Essence totally does the job for my hair. If you have multiple people sharing your shower, this is not a bad option!


Best Clean Hair Styling Products

If I’m going to let my hair air dry into my natural waves, I use the Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner and the I Create Life Volumizing Foam while I’m still in the shower and my hair is sopping wet. I brush the leave in conditioner through my hair, then use my hands to apply the foam with “prayer hands” as they recommend on their website.
If I’m going to dry my hair, I use either the Josh Rosebrook Serum Spray or the Evolvh SuperFinish Polishing Balm. Both of these products work to protect my hair from heat styling, and leave it super silky and smooth! My stylist loved the Evolvh balm so much that she brought it in to her salon and now I don’t have to bring my own anymore!

Best Hair Tools for Healthy Styling

My daughter asked for a very posh styling tool called the Dyson Airstraight for Christmas this year, and Santa was generous with her. She, in turn, was generous with me and let me try it on my hair. I have to say, I was impressed. (I better be, with that pricetag!!) It was easy to use, dried my hair straight in less time than when I use a hairdryer, and my hair looked good for the next three days! I don’t have the time or energy to dry my hair often, but when I do, this takes a lot less work than the hair dryer and a round brush.

On the other end of the financial spectrum, the inexpensive Wet Brush on Amazon is easily the best detangling brush I have ever used, and my daughter, whose hair is as thick as mine used to be, agrees. I only brush my hair wet in the shower, so it’s the only brush I use!

Best Hair Oils for Scalp Health and Growth

You knew this was coming, but our Rosemary Scalp Oil is my favorite hair oil of all time, and I use it three times a week. It’s a prewash scalp treatment, and my favorite time to apply it is before a workout, so my scalp heats up while it’s on. I massage it in with my fingertips, leave it in for an hour or two, and then wash and condition as usual. I’ve noticed that my hair feels stronger, and seems to fall out less than it used to. I can also see new growth in some of the areas my hair is a bit thinner lately, and that makes me almost as happy as the beautiful smell of rosemary!
I also like the I Create Shine serum by Innersense. I use it as the final step in my hair routine on wash days, scrunching it into my air-dried waves on curly days, or smoothing it into my straight hair on the rare days when I get inspired to dry my hair. The ingredient list includes “fragrance,” but they say it is a 100% natural fragrance. I’d love to see the fragrance ingredients listed, as it always makes me feel better than not knowing exactly what’s in there, but I trust Innersense as a brand, so I’ll keep the faith!

One last note, in case you have either of these products on hand at home: our Naked Body Soap makes an amazing shampoo bar (follow with a conditioner), and I use our Naked Body Mousse as a hair mask occasionally, applying it to wet hair and leaving it on for an hour or two before washing it out! Now that you know all of my hair secrets, I hope you find some great products to try for yourself!

FAQ: Clean Hair Care

What is clean hair care?

Clean hair care generally refers to products made without certain controversial ingredients like synthetic fragrance, harsh sulfates, silicones, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. There is no standardized definition, so ingredient transparency matters more than labels.

Are natural shampoos better for sensitive skin?

They can be—but not always. Some plant-based ingredients can still be irritating. Simpler, ideally naturally-derived, formulas with fewer ingredients are often best for reactive skin.

Is synthetic fragrance bad for your scalp?

For most people, yes. Synthetic fragrance is a common trigger for irritation, itching, and dermatitis, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Do clean shampoos lather less?

Sometimes, yes. Many clean shampoos use gentler surfactants that produce a softer, less foamy lather but still cleanse effectively.

How to Choose Clean Hair Products

When choosing clean hair care products, focus less on marketing terms like “natural” and more on ingredient transparency, gentle cleansing agents, and how your hair and scalp actually respond. If you have sensitive skin, eliminating fragrance (look for “fragrance” or “parfum” on a label) and certain surfactants, like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, can make a huge difference in how your scalp feels over time.

The information contained in this post is for educational interest only. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness, disease, or skin conditions.

Are GLP-1 Drugs Quietly Changing Our Sex Lives?

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By now you’ve probably heard about GLP-1s, sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy. This class of medications mimics naturally occurring hormones involved in appetite control and blood sugar regulation to treat type 2 diabetes and aid weight-loss efforts. It should be no surprise, then, that conversations around these popular drugs have largely centered on the scale. However, some scientists are starting to look more closely into how they may impact something perhaps even more personal: our sex lives.

At present roughly one in five Americans reports taking or having taken a GLP-1, according to a recent poll. As the number of people using these medications has soared, so have anecdotal reports about how they’re impacting users’ day-to-day—and yes, this includes things like pleasure and sex drive. Though there hasn’t been a ton of research into the relationship between sexual health and GLP-1s yet, more scientists are starting to investigate potential impacts.

In a review published in Obesity Pillars in March 2026, for example, researchers propose that GLP-1s may influence desire by impacting brain chemistry. But how exactly might these drugs impact sex drive? And is there a way to remain engaged in your sex life while on a GLP-1? We tapped experts to find out.

GLP-1 agonists may lessen your, ahem, thirst while dialing back hunger.

To understand how GLP-1s might influence libido, it helps to walk through how they work more broadly.

Some options, like Wegovy and Ozempic, contain semaglutide, which is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors throughout the brain and body, helping regulate appetite, blood sugar, and feelings of satiety, James Simon, MD, an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist and one of the researchers behind the Obesity Pillars study, tells SELF.

Other options, like Zepbound and Mounjaro, contain a different active ingredient called tirzepatide, which mimics both GLP-1 and a related hormone, and thus impacts the body in similar ways to semaglutide.

On top of reporting reduced appetite and increased satiety, a number of patients have also found that these weight-loss medications quiet what they call “food noise.” But as it turns out, the same parts of the brain that control appetite are also responsible for other reward-seeking behaviors, according to Dr. Simon. He says this could help explain why taking GLP-1s may have the auxiliary impact of decreasing appetite for another pleasurable activity: sex.

What happens to your skin while you sleep? (the science of “Beauty Sle

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I used to think “beauty sleep” was one of those things people said when they had matching PJs, eight uninterrupted hours, and no kids blaring YouTube Shorts at 6.02am.

These days, between Woohoo, two growing boys, hormones, and a hyper puppy needing his daily energy burn-off, sleep feels less like a luxury and more like a minor miracle.

But here’s the good news: even if your sleep isn’t perfect, your skin still does some pretty clever stuff while you’re snoozing.

Picture this: You’re asleep. Drooling slightly. Dreaming about snacks and a life with zero to-do lists.

Meanwhile, your skin is getting on with some very important work.

Overnight is when many of your skin’s natural repair and renewal processes become more active. We’re talking barrier recovery, hydration support and healthy cell turnover – all the behind-the-scenes stuff that helps your skin look fresh instead of frazzled.

So let’s peek under the doona and see what your skin is actually up to while you snooze – plus how to give it a helping hand without needing a 47-step routine and a bathroom shelf that needs council approval.

What is your skin doing while you sleep?

During the day, your skin is in defence mode, dealing with UV exposure, pollution and daily stressors. At night, things shift.

Many of your skin’s natural repair and renewal processes tend to become more active overnight, which makes sleep an important time for recovery and rebalancing.

Here’s what your skin’s getting up to while you’re busy dreaming:

Your skin may be more receptive to product absorption in the evening

Your skin barrier changes throughout the day and night, which can influence hydration levels and how products sit on the skin (like a very organised nightclub bouncer, deciding what gets in, what stays out, and how much moisture gets to hang around).

That’s why a simple, consistent evening routine can be such a good little gift to your skin. Cleanse and moisturise as a minimum. If you’d like to step things up, add a tonic or serum too.

Think of it less as a “perfect window” to apply products and more as giving your skin the right support at the right time.

Your skin can lose moisture overnight

While you sleep, your skin can lose water through a natural process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

This is completely normal but it can leave skin feeling a little dry or tight by morning, especially if your barrier is already compromised.

The trick is layering hydration and protection: start with something hydrating that has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and other humectants, which help bind water in the upper layers of the skin. Then follow with a richer cream or facial oil to help reduce moisture loss.

It’s like giving your skin a drink and tucking it in for the night with a cosy blanket 🙂

Melatonin does more than make you sleepy

As evening rolls in, melatonin levels naturally rise.

This clever hormone helps regulate your sleep–wake cycle but it also plays an antioxidant role in the body, including in the skin.

Antioxidants help defend against oxidative stress from things like UV exposure and pollution, which is one of the reasons good sleep is often linked with healthier-looking skin over time.

So yes… beauty sleep isn’t entirely made up!

Stress patterns shift and your skin notices

As your body settles into sleep, cortisol (your main stress hormone) generally drops from its daytime highs.

Cortisol itself isn’t “bad” (you need it), but when stress and poor sleep throw its natural rhythm off balance, it can impact inflammation, barrier recovery and overall skin comfort.

When you rest well, your skin has a better chance to rebalance and get on with its repair work.

Your skin cells are constantly renewing

Your skin is always regenerating but this process follows a natural daily rhythm and tends to be more active overnight.

New cells are formed in the lower layers of the skin, while older cells gradually move upward, flatten and are eventually shed.

Collagen support happens over time

Collagen is one of your skin’s key structural proteins. It helps give skin its firmness, strength and bounce.

Sleep doesn’t magically replenish collagen overnight, but it can support the wider repair processes involved in maintaining healthy skin structure over time.

And as we age, these support systems become even more important.

So… what should your night-time routine look like?

Good news: it doesn’t need to be complicated.

Here’s a simple, effective way to support your skin overnight:

Step 1: Cleanse – remove the day

Before your skin can repair, it needs a clean slate.

After a full day of SPF, makeup, sweat and pollution, your skin is holding onto a lot. Leaving it all on overnight makes your skin’s renewal process harder than it needs to be.

Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and daily grime without stripping the skin. It works on the ‘like dissolves like’ principle, helping lift oily impurities while nourishing your barrier at the same time.

Massage into dry skin, add a little water, then remove with a warm cloth.

If you’ve worn heavy SPF or makeup, don’t forget to double cleanse.

Step 2: Treat – layer hydration first

Applying hydrating products to slightly damp skin can help them spread beautifully and support surface hydration.

Raindrops Hydrating Face Mist is a lovely first step – a few spritzes adds lightweight hydration and helps everything that follows glide on more easily.

If your skin is looking a bit dull or uneven, FG Serum 01 – Glow can be layered in here to support smoother, brighter-looking skin over time.

Step 3: Moisturise – seal it all in

This is where you help minimise overnight moisture loss and support your barrier.

Sweet Dreams Ultra Rich Beauty Cream is designed with night-time comfort and replenishment in mind.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Postbiotics to support the skin barrier
  • Bio-retinol to support smoother, firmer-looking skin
  • Nourishing plant oils and butters to help replenish hydration
  • Tasmanian Pepper Berry to help calm and soothe

Rich, velvety but still absorbs beautifully – no greasy pillowcase situation.

Is your skin more on the oily side? Perfectly Happy Light Vitamin C Cream might be your better night-time buddy, giving you hydration and antioxidant support without feeling heavy.

The weekly bonus: exfoliation

Once or twice a week, add a gentle exfoliation step after cleansing.

This helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells so your hydrating products can sit more evenly on the skin.

This Is Me Enzyme Exfoliator uses fruit enzymes to gently smooth the skin without any harsh scrubbing.

Follow with your moisturiser and let your skin do the rest as you snore away.

You don’t need a 10-step skincare regime. You don’t need a perfect sleep routine. But giving your skin the right support at night, when many of its natural repair processes are working a little harder, can make a real difference over time and give you the kind of fresh-faced glow your skin has been dreaming about.

Sweet dreams 😴

Amorepacific reports Q1 growth driven by derma brands and global expansion

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THE WHAT? Amorepacific Group reported first-quarter 2026 revenue and profit growth, supported by strong derma skincare performance and international expansion.

THE DETAILS The company posted revenue of KRW 1.227 trillion (+5.0% YoY) and operating profit of KRW 137.8 billion (+6.9% YoY). Growth was driven by derma brands including AESTURA, COSRX, ILLIYOON and IOPE, alongside expansion in North America via Amazon and strong performance in Japan from brands such as LANEIGE and HERA.

Its core subsidiary, Amorepacific, delivered revenue growth of 6.4% and operating profit growth of 7.6%. Domestically, revenue rose 9% and operating profit surged 65%, supported by strong luxury gifting and channel performance. Overseas revenue increased 6%, with double-digit growth in Western markets and APAC, though operating profit declined 18% due to increased marketing investment and continued restructuring in China.

Key highlights included triple-digit growth for AESTURA in North America, COSRX returning to growth globally, and LANEIGE strengthening its position across Japan and APAC. Meanwhile, some smaller subsidiaries saw declines due to offline channel restructuring.

THE WHY? The results reflect Amorepacific’s strategic pivot towards high-growth derma skincare, global channel diversification and digital expansion, while continued investment in international markets and restructuring efforts impact short-term profitability.

Source: Amorepacific Group

Curtain Call: Megan Thee Stallion to Conclude Her Broadway Run as Zidler

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Photo Credit: IG@theestallion

Our girl Megan Thee Stallion is officially wrapping up her history making run on Broadway, and we are just sending her all the love as she closes this chapter! Meg took to Instagram to share the news that her final performance as Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical will be May 1st. While she was originally scheduled to stay with the production through mid May, it is clear that she is ready to wrap things up and pivot to her next move. She expressed so much genuine gratitude for the entire cast and crew, noting how much she has valued the dedication and stamina it takes to pull off such a massive show every single night.

Being the first woman to ever take on the role of Harold Zidler was a huge deal, and Meg absolutely poured her heart and soul into the performance since she started back in March. Even with all the physical demands and the intense schedule that comes with being a Broadway star, she truly brought her own unique flair to the stage that only she could deliver. Watching her achieve this milestone has been such an inspiration for all of us, and while we are sad to see her time on the Al Hirschfeld Theatre stage come to an end, we know she is just getting started with her next set of goals.

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Now that she is clearing her schedule, we are all eager to see what she decides to focus on once she takes a little time for herself. Whether she jumps straight back into the studio to record new music or just enjoys some quiet time away from the constant spotlight, we know whatever she chooses will be the right move. She has been working non stop for years, and taking this time to just be, reflect, and prepare for her next big project is such a power move. We are so proud of everything she accomplished during this run and cannot wait to see her next big announcement!