Living Well with Elissa Goodman: On Graceful Aging, the Most Common Diet Mistake + One Wellness Shift You Should Be Making

From the very beginning, Elissa Goodman has been a trusted voice at The Chalkboard Mag—a guiding light in the world of holistic health, detoxification, and gut healing. As a certified holistic nutritionist, cleanse expert, and wellness pioneer, Elissa has helped thousands reclaim their vitality through her signature approach to well-being, rooted in deep nourishment, stress management, and emotional healing.

This week, we’re beyond excited to have Elissa join us for Living Well, where she dives into the most common mistakes people make when trying to improve their diet, the moments when she had to redefine what ‘wellness’ meant for her, and the wellness philosophies that have made her a go-to authority in the space. From the power of gut health to the emotional side of healing, she’s sharing the insights and practices that can help all of us feel our absolute best.

Living Well with Elissa Goodman

My wellness philosophy: My wellness philosophy is rooted in the power of nourishing whole foods, holistic healing, and listening to the body’s signals to achieve lasting vitality. I believe that true wellness comes from a balanced approach… focusing on gut health, stress management, and detoxification rather than deprivation or extreme measures. Through clean eating, mindful lifestyle shifts, and pro-aging practices, I encourage others to take charge of their health and feel their absolute best at any stage of life.

How I started: I started my wellness journey after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in my 30s, which led me to explore holistic healing through food, stress management, and detoxification. Later, facing Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and Celiac disease, I deepened my commitment to nourishing my body naturally. After losing my husband to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I became a Certified Holistic Nutritionist to help others take charge of their health before crisis hits, proving that small, intentional changes can lead to lifelong vitality.

What’s one wellness ritual you never skip, no matter how busy life gets? No matter how busy life gets, I never skip my daily green juice. It’s my go-to ritual for flooding my body with nutrients, supporting digestion, and boosting energy first thing in the morning. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay grounded, nourished, and feeling my best every single day.

Healing isn’t always linear. Have there been moments where you had to redefine what ‘wellness’ meant for you? Absolutely. One of the biggest moments I had to redefine wellness was when I struggled with insomnia and realized how much my emotions and subconscious mind were affecting my physical health. It wasn’t just about what I was eating, drinking, or what time I went to bed—lowering screen time and reading before bed didn’t fix it. The real issue was emotional and energetic, and once I started addressing the deeper layers of stress and unresolved emotions, my sleep finally started to improve.

People associate ‘detox’ often with quick fixes and cleanses, but your approach is much deeper. What does it actually mean to detox, and what are the biggest misconceptions about it? Detoxing is so much more than a quick fix or a trendy cleanse… It's a daily process that your body is already designed to do. Your liver, kidneys, gut, and even your skin work around the clock to filter out toxins and keep you functioning at your best. The key isn’t to rely on extreme juice fasts or expensive supplements but to support your body with real, nutrient-dense foods that enhance these natural detox pathways. One of the biggest misconceptions is that detoxing is about deprivation when, in reality, it’s about nourishment. It’s not about sweating everything out, cutting carbs, or taking magic pills. It’s about fueling your body with what it actually needs to thrive, from leafy greens and fiber-rich foods to hydration and stress management. True detoxing is a lifestyle, not a one-time event.

You’ve worked with so many clients through their healing journeys—what’s a common mistake people make when trying to improve their diet? One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to change everything all at once or jumping into extreme elimination diets that aren’t sustainable. That’s why I encourage the 80/20 rule—focusing on nourishing, whole foods most of the time while allowing space for flexibility and enjoyment. True wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance, consistency, and making choices that feel aligned with your lifestyle for the long haul.

What’s your personal nighttime ritual that helps you reset and recharge for the next day? I unwind with my red light mask in bed, which not only helps me relax but also boosts collagen production, reduces inflammation, and improves skin tone. It’s a soothing way to recharge, promote skin health, and set myself up for a restful night’s sleep.

If you could only pack five wellness essentials for a trip, what would they be? For a trip, I’m packing IM8 (a really cool new powerful supplement blend by David Beckham), ARMRA colostrum, Ultima Replenisher’s hydrating powder to add to my water, Timeline skincare, and a small selenite wand for protection. These keep me nourished, hydrated, glowing, and energetically balanced wherever I am.

What’s one wellness shift everyone in their 30s and 40s should make now for better health in the decades to come? One wellness shift everyone in their 30s and 40s should make is walking 10k steps a day outside. It’s great for sunlight exposure, movement, and lymphatic drainage, all of which are key to maintaining long-term health and vitality.

You’re proof that aging can be graceful, vibrant, and full of energy. What’s one belief about aging that we should all let go of, and what should we replace it with? One belief about aging we should let go of is that the number matters. Your age doesn’t define your vitality—I feel better at 64 than I did in my 20s! It’s not about the number; it’s about how you care for your body and mindset.

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A Latte with Benefits: The Mood-Boosting, Antioxidant-Packed Sip You Need

We love Anima Mundi for their herbal alchemy—if you’ve been reading The Chalkboard Mag, you already know we feature their recipes quite often. This dreamy layered latte is yet another reason why. With rich, bold coffee floating between two creamy layers, it’s a feast for the eyes and the senses. But beyond its gorgeous gradient, this sip is infused with serious benefits.

Anima Mundi’s Happiness Powder is packed with mood-boosting adaptogens and digestive bitters, adding an earthy, malty sweetness that plays beautifully with coffee. Meanwhile, Butterfly Pea Flower lends its signature hue and its calming, antioxidant-rich properties to help ease stress and nourish from the inside out.

Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or whenever you need a little extra magic, this latte is one of those small, luxurious rituals that makes the day feel elevated.

RECIPE 

Serves: 1

Prep time: 15 minutes

Method:No bake

Yield:2 servings

INGREDIENTS:

 

2 tsp Happiness Powder

1 Tbsp Butterfly Pea Flower

1 tsp sweetener of choice

100 mL (3-2.5oz) coffee, hot

50 mL  (1.5-2oz) water, hot

100 + 50 mL (5oz) milk of choice

50 mL (1.5oz) double cream, cold

2 drops rose essence

Dry rose petals, garnish

Directions:

 

+ Add 100mL (3-3.5oz) half and half to a glass and mix in Happiness powder.

+ Mix the hot water and hot coffee and add it to the cream slowly. (To have separate coffee and milk layers, very slowly pour the hot coffee over the back of the spoon to create a distinct layer on top; the temperature difference in liquids will help maintain the separation, ensuring the denser milk stays at the bottom and the lighter coffee floats on top.)

+ Leave it to rest while you make the top cream.

+ In a cold milk jug, add the 50 mL double cream, 50 mL half and half, sugar, and Butterly Pea Flower powder.

+ Mix with a frother until nicely foamy. If you like, add in a couple drops of rose essence.

+ Again, very slowly pour the blue cold cream over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer on top of the coffee.

+ Decorate with edible rose petals. Enjoy!

 

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5 Ways For Overwhelmed High-Performers To Reset And Gain Control

High-performers are naturally adept at getting things done. They thrive as leaders and managers, navigating challenges with agility and expertise. Yet, in a fast-paced world of constant connectivity, back-to-back meetings, and little time for breaks, even the most accomplished professionals can feel like they’re losing control—or worse, burning out. In The Choice Is Yours: A Simple Approach to Live and Lead with More Joy, Ease, and Purpose, author and executive life coach Stef Ziev offers a practical guide to reclaiming balance and fulfillment in both work and life before burnout takes over.

5 Things Overwhelmed High-Performers Can CHOOSE To Do To Reset And Gain Control

Get Present | If you’re feeling overwhelmed that typically means you’re future, negative fantasizing. That is, you’re thinking about the future and it’s not going well. As a result, you get distracted, you’re stressed, and there’s no way you’re getting your best work done. To interrupt this experience and bring yourself back to the present moment, name what’s here now. Say to yourself, “I’m sitting in this chair. My feet are on the ground. My fingers are on the keypad.” Once you feel more centered, consider one step you can now take toward your task at hand. Let that lead the way.

Set Intentions | This can be both the literal goal you want to achieve as well as the experience. E.g.: “To write the report with ease.” Or “To share the presentation with confidence.” Keep it simple. This is your focal point. You can also implement intention setting for you and your team before each meeting. This serves multiple purposes including: taking a breath in between meetings, creating clarity, and connecting with yourself and others.

Create + Communicate Boundaries | What do you need to do your best work? Think about what this means to you and then communicate those parameters to anyone who supports you and any other relevant party. Ask them for their partnership in keeping these boundaries in place. People cannot read your mind, so outline and share your needs to set yourself up for success.

Take Your Space | Getting grounded, having time to think, work, and strategize are foundational to being a high-performer. Bio, mental, and meal breaks are also vital for you to fuel yourself and thrive! Consider breaking up your time in three blocks: 1) Meetings 2) Work 3) Breaks. Claiming your space, holding it sacred, and using it deliberately is important for you, as well as your team, and your organization to flourish.

Celebrate Your Wins! | As often as you can, give yourself the gift of stopping and acknowledging your accomplishments and to praise the achievement of your team, no matter how big or small. This is a great way to expand your joy and energize your people!

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TCM Guest Editor-in-Chief: Miranda Kerr’s 2025 Wellness Blueprint

What’s Miranda’s secret? That’s the question we’re asking all month as Miranda Kerr—supermodel, founder of the award-winning clean beauty brand KORA Organics, celebrated entrepreneur, and globally recognized wellness advocate—steps in as our Guest Editor in Chief this month. With her holistic approach to health, beauty, and balance, Miranda has become a trailblazer in the wellness world, proving that true radiance comes from within.

In this exclusive interview, Miranda shares her take on what wellness trends we might finally leave behind, the habits we should all add to our daily routines, and even her predictions for the next big thing in wellness (spoiler: it’s one you’ll want to get ahead of). She also spills on the wellness leaders who inspire her and how she’s setting the stage for a thriving year ahead.

Whether you’re already in full New Year’s resolution mode or simply looking for a little nudge toward your best self, Miranda’s thoughtful insights are sure to light the way.

Miranda Kerr's 2025 Wellness Blueprint

In 2025, do you think your wellness routine will be more high-tech (AI, apps, devices) or back-to-basics (meditation, massage, nature walks)? My approach to wellness in 2025 is a balance of both high-tech innovations and back-to-basics practices. I believe in the power of combining cutting-edge tools with grounding rituals to achieve overall health and wellbeing.

I’m passionate about integrating technology into wellness. For example, I wear my Oura ring daily to track my sleep, activity, and recovery, which helps me stay balanced. For better sleep, I use the Somnee Sleep headset, which incorporates sound therapy, and the Hatch Sleep & Meditation device to support my natural sleep-wake cycles. I also love Weber laser devices, such as a helmet, watch, and mat, which work on a cellular level to enhance energy, healing, and wellness. The Vasper exercise bike is another favorite, it uses compression and cooling technology to maximize workouts and recovery.

At the same time, I deeply value back-to-basics practices like meditation, local organic produce and nature walks. These are essential for maintaining a sense of peace and connection. Combining these approaches helps me stay grounded while embracing innovation in my wellness journey.

What’s one outdated wellness trend you think we’ll finally say goodbye to in 2025? In 2025, I believe people will embrace a more holistic and intuitive approach to their wellness routines, focusing on what feels good and supports their individual needs rather than following rigid rules. It's all about finding harmony and making choices that work for you as an individual.

If you could add one new wellness habit to everyone’s daily routine in 2025, what would it be? I would encourage everyone to dedicate at least 5–10 minutes each day to intentional breathwork or mindfulness. It's such a simple yet powerful practice that can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well being. Taking a moment to pause, connect with your breath, and be present. It can make such a difference in how we feel.

If you had a "crystal ball" for the future of wellness, what big trend do you see coming that nobody is talking about yet? I believe we’ll see a significant rise in personalized bio frequency therapy. It’s still relatively niche, but the idea of using subtle energy frequencies tailored to your personal needs has incredible potential for physical, emotional, and mental well being.

Many people see you as a role model for wellness. Who inspires you in the wellness space, and why? Wellness is such a deep passion of mine. I’ve been fortunate to find incredible inspiration throughout my journey. One of my biggest influences has been the New York Center for Innovative Medicine (NYCIM), which I’ve been visiting since I was 21 years old. Their integrative, science-backed approach to health has taught me so much about the importance of addressing the root causes of issues and treating the body, mind, and spirit as one.

I’m also so excited that NYCIM is opening a center in Los Angeles early next year! Los Angeles Center for Innovative Medicine LACIM. It’s wonderful that more people will have access to their innovative and personalized approach to wellness. They’ve been a cornerstone of my health journey, and I’m so excited that more people will now have access to their treatments on the West Coast.

What’s one small change people can make in their own routines to live more sustainably in 2025? One simple yet impactful change is to reduce single-use plastics in everyday life. Instead use reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food storage containers. Also, be mindful of the products you purchase, choose those with sustainable packaging and organic, eco-friendly ingredients. Supporting brands that prioritize the planet creates a ripple effect.

It’s about consistent, thoughtful choices that collectively make a big difference.

If you could give everyone a “mental wellness toolkit” for 2025, what 3 things would you put in it? For me, mental wellness starts with the simple, yet powerful things we do every day. First, really trying to prioritize sleep by getting to bed after I put my kids to sleep is a game changer. Sleep is when our bodies restore, our minds reset, and our skin rejuvenates—it’s truly the foundation of wellness.

Second, spending time in nature is so important. Whether it’s a barefoot walk on the grass, feeling the sunshine on your skin, or taking a moment to breathe in fresh air, nature has such an incredible ability to ground us and bring a sense of calm.

And lastly, mindfulness tools like meditation and daily gratitude have made such a difference in my life. Taking even just a few minutes each day to center yourself—whether that’s through deep breathing, journaling, or a gratitude practice—helps shift your perspective and cultivate a more positive, balanced mindset.

What’s one thing you’re doing now to set yourself up for a happy, healthy 2025? I’m focusing on consistency in my daily routines. It’s about showing up for myself in small, meaningful ways every day. That means nourishing my body with organic, wholesome foods, prioritizing quality sleep, and making time for daily movement and mindfulness—whether that’s a Pilates session, meditation, or simply taking a few deep breaths before a busy day. These habits are my foundation, and when I stay consistent, I feel my best—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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Living Well with April Gargiulo, founder of Vintner’s Daughter: On Slow Beauty, Sustainability + Why Less Is More

For April Gargiulo, skincare is more than beauty—it’s craftsmanship, integrity, and a deep commitment to quality. Before launching Vintner’s Daughter in 2013, April spent years at the helm of her family’s Napa Valley winery, where she developed a meticulous approach to sourcing and formulation. She carried that same standard into skincare, debuting Active Botanical Serum, a single, nutrient-rich product that became an instant cult favorite.

With a B Corp certification, carbon neutrality, and a mission-driven focus, Vintner’s Daughter isn’t just about transformative skincare—it’s about creating a positive impact on both skin and the planet. In this Living Well interview, April shares her approach to mindful beauty, sustainability, and the daily rituals that keep her grounded.

Living Well with April Gargiulo

Walk us through your perfect morning—what are the non-negotiables that set the tone for your day? My husband wakes me up. He is an early bird and I am not. I make oolog tea from Song Tea in San Francisco. They source the most beautiful single origin teas. Tea time is a bit of a connection ceremony or exercise for me each morning. It's not long since I'm also helping my kids get ready for school, but it's a non-negotiable. After I drop my kids off at the bus, if I have time, I meet a group of friends and we cold plunge in SF bay. Then it's off to exercise and the office. At some point in between, I do our three step routine - Active Renewal Cleanser, Active Treatment Essence and Active Botanical Serum. In those three simple, but comprehensive steps, I know my skin is receiving everything it needs for the day in the most bio-available format possible. 

You’re a founder, a leader, and a mom—how do you create space for balance in your life, especially in such a fast-paced industry? No single day is perfectly balanced, but I look at it over the course of a week or month. I can feel it when things feel off and I course correct fast. Shonda Rhimes just did a valedictorian speech recently and answered this same question so powerfully. All my mom friends are forwarding it to each other. She captured the importance and value of the juggle so beautifully. As if I couldn't love her more already. 

What’s been the most rewarding moment in building Vintner’s Daughter so far? No question, it's our community. We have gratefully and joyfully built a community of the most discerning women in the world. These are people who care deeply about what they bring into their lives. Not just choosing based on the high performance they insist upon, but also the integrity of the brands they choose. I feel very honored to be a part of their beloved and cherished worlds. 

From Napa Valley to the beauty world, what was the biggest challenge in transitioning from winemaking to skincare: In fine winemaking there is an understanding that in order to produce the finest wines, you must begin with the finest land, grapes, vintage and a patient approach to winemaking. All count and there is no way to shortcut or disregard any of them in order to make the best wines. With beauty, even the most revered products are often made very fast with low quality, synthetic ingredients. When I presented my idea of beginning every formulation with the world's most nutrient rich whole botanicals and spending three weeks to meticulously capture their full spectrum of actives, I got a lot of push back. It was unheard of in the beauty world to do what I wanted to do. This was a challenge for sure, but ultimately helped me develop the conviction to go my own way. 

So many brands take a ‘more is more’ approach to skincare. Why have you focused on fewer, highly potent products instead of a larger collection? I have incredible discipline and a north star that me and my team deeply believe in. We only create the most game-changing, multi-beneficial skincare in the world, This is an incredibly high bar and one we both joyfully and rigorously uphold every single day. We aren't interested in making our community's next product. We make her forever products. The ones she marries for life. 

For someone completely new to Vintner’s Daughter, what’s the best way to get started with your products? I am a skincare minimalist and believe that when things are made better, we can use fewer and for longer. This approach is applied to every formula we create. It is why it takes us 21 days to produce every bottle. We care for the skin in the same way we would our bodies, with the world's most nutrient rich whole botanicals and that cannot be rushed. Because of this, our three formulas deliver everything the skin needs in three simple, multi-beneficial steps. So, choosing one is hard. I would say, choose the one that you are drawn to. Each is a hero on its own and when used together are far greater than the sum of its parts. 

Sustainability is built into every aspect of your business. What does it take to create a truly sustainable beauty brand beyond just ‘clean’ formulas? I made a point from day one to make sustainability table stakes. We not only think about the earth in this commitment, but also her people. To that end, we were awarded a B Corp certification in 2022. B Corp certifies the highest standards of both environmental and social impact. We also think about the spiritual and psychological impact of our new, more and next dominated beauty industry that constantly barrages people with new for new sake, with marketing campaigns often driven by fear and insecurity. Instead we choose to be more thoughtful and intentional with our product introductions- only three in 12 years, each coming from a place of true innovation and gamechanging performance. Because our formulations are designed to be so multi-beneficial they are able to impact skin far more holistically delivering better results instantly but even more so over time. Vice/verse, this fewer with better philosophy has far less of an impact on our earth. And I haven't even spoken about our whole plant formulas and the benefits that they bring to not just our skin, but also our food systems. 

Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or philosophy that’s shaped how you approach health and wellness? I have studied zen buddhism for many years and it is foundational for how I approach all aspects of my life including health and wellness. For me, it's about finding balance and contentment in the present. I am rarely chasing empty promises of change, renewal, transformation etc. Instead I work to trust in and listen to my body’s and our earth's innate wisdom. 

​​What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to build brands with purpose and longevity? Don't fall prey to short term fixes. Always follow your north star with heart and hustle. This will make long term decision making and brand building more effective. 

Complete this sentence: Living well means…practicing gratitude, joy and generosity. 

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I Tried It: The Scalp Treatment Celebs Swear By—But Does It Really Work?

For the past few years, my scalp has been in full-on crisis mode—dry, flaky, and shedding way more than it should. My ponytail has thinned, my hairline feels like it’s slowly retreating, and every time I run my fingers through my hair, I find more strands than I’d like to admit. I’ve cycled through every oil, scalp scrub, and DIY rosemary water hack out there, but nothing seemed to actually get to the root of the issue (pun very much intended).

That’s when I came across Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Scalp Serum—a celebrity-loved scalp treatment that has racked up over 1,000 five-star reviews for its ability to reset the scalp and promote healthier, fuller hair. Packed with plant-based stem cells and deeply nourishing ingredients, it promises to hydrate, rebalance, and, most importantly, help kickstart new hair growth.

At this point, I needed more than just hope—I needed results. So, I put it to the test. Here’s what happened.

The Turning Point: Why My Scalp Needed a Reset

Before this, I had no idea how much scalp health actually affects hair growth. It turns out, your scalp is like the soil for your hair—if it’s not balanced, your follicles can’t thrive. Over time, stress, product buildup, and environmental damage can cause oxidative stress, which leads to premature shedding and thinning.

That’s where Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Scalp Serum comes in. Unlike regular oils that just sit on the surface, this serum works at the root to:

+ Hydrate and rebalance the scalp, preventing dryness and irritation
+ Strengthen the hair follicles, reducing breakage and fallout
+ Support new hair growth with Swiss Apple Stem Cells
+ Keep hair looking healthier and fuller over time

It made sense. If my scalp was struggling, my hair was bound to follow.

First Impressions & How I Used It: Lightweight, Easy, and Foolproof

I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. I’ve tried enough scalp treatments to know that most of them either leave behind a greasy film or feel like nothing at all. But from the first application, Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Scalp Serum felt different. It was completely weightless, absorbed in seconds, and had no heavy scent or sticky residue. My hair didn’t look greasy, my scalp felt instantly refreshed, and best of all, it was beyond easy to use. Every night, I applied 1-2 pipettes directly onto my scalp, focusing on my hairline, part, and any thinning areas. A quick 30-second massage, and I was done—no rinsing, no buildup, no fuss. Whether I applied it on damp or dry hair, it never interfered with styling, which meant I could actually commit to using it consistently. And that, I quickly learned, made all the difference.

The Results: Did It Actually Work?

I went into this with cautious optimism—hoping for some improvement but not expecting a miracle. What I got? Real, visible change in just six weeks.

Week 2: My scalp felt healthier—no more dryness, itchiness, or that tight, uncomfortable feeling. It was finally hydrated, not just temporarily soothed like with other treatments I’d tried.
Week 4: The shedding noticeably slowed down. I saw fewer strands in my brush, less hair left behind in the shower, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel that panicked “am I losing too much?” moment after styling my hair.
Week 6: The real turning point. I started seeing baby hairs coming in along my hairline and part, and my ponytail had more volume—it actually felt thicker in my hand. My hair looked healthier, felt stronger, and wasn’t breaking as easily.

This wasn’t an overnight transformation, but by week six, the difference was undeniable—my scalp felt balanced, my hair looked fuller, and for the first time in years, I felt like I was actually on the right track to stronger, healthier hair instead of just masking the problem.

Real Results: Before & After Transformations
They say seeing is believing—so let’s talk real results. While my experience with Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum was impressive, I’m not the only one noticing a difference. Below are before-and-after photos from other users who saw thicker, fuller, and healthier hair after consistently using the serum for 12 weeks.

The Science: Why This Serum Actually Works

Most scalp treatments just moisturize, but Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Scalp Serum goes deeper, working at the root to support hair growth, strengthen follicles, and rebalance the scalp for long-term results.

This isn’t just anecdotal—clinical studies back up the results. In a third-party clinical study of 30 women aged 18-59 experiencing acute telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss), daily use of the serum was shown to reduce hair shedding by 49.2% in just six weeks.

Swiss Apple Stem Cells: Helping Hair Grow Longer & Stronger
The key ingredient, Swiss Apple Stem Cells, helps extend the hair growth cycle, so hair stays fuller for longer before naturally shedding. This means less thinning and stronger, healthier strands over time.

Scalp Microbiome: The Secret to a Healthy Scalp
A balanced scalp is essential for hair growth. When things get off track—whether from stress, product buildup, or dryness—it can lead to excess shedding and weaker hair. This serum helps nourish and rebalance the scalp to create the perfect environment for healthy growth.

Hydration + Strength: The Winning Formula
Unlike heavy oils that sit on your scalp, this lightweight serum hydrates without buildup:
Aloe Vera (1%) – Soothes and moisturizes to prevent dryness and flaking.
Bamboo Extract (2%) – Strengthens hair at the root, reducing breakage and helping hair grow thicker.

Cold-Processing: Why It’s Better
Most products use heat during production, which can degrade active ingredients and strip them of their potency. Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Method preserves the integrity of every ingredient, delivering nutrient-rich formulas that perform at their peak—all while using 90% less energy than traditional heat processing. That means more effective, sustainable hair care with every drop.

By combining stem cells, scalp-balancing nutrients, and deep hydration, this serum doesn’t just make hair look better—it actually strengthens and protects it for the long run.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

I wasn’t expecting a miracle, but after six weeks, I was pleasantly surprised. My scalp wasn’t just less dry—it actually felt balanced. My shedding slowed, my hair felt stronger and fuller, and those baby hairs along my hairline? A very welcome bonus.

If you’ve been side-eyeing your hairbrush every morning, wondering why it suddenly looks like half your head of hair is in there, this serum is worth trying. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and actually works—no greasy roots, no weird residue, just healthier, happier hair from the root up.

This serum is for you if:
+ You’re shedding more hair than you’d like and it’s starting to stress you out.
+ Your scalp feels dry, flaky, or just... off.
+ You want something effective but low-maintenance.

Hair growth isn’t instant, but six weeks in, I can tell you—it’s worth the wait. If you’ve been staring at your brush wondering if your hair will ever stop shedding, I get it. I’ve been there. And if you’re looking for something that actually helps, this might be it. To make it even easier, Act+Acre is giving Chalkboard Mag readers 25% off—just use code TCM25 at checkout.

Because trust me, six weeks from now, you’ll be glad you started today.

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs. This story is brought to you in partnership with Act + Acre. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers

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The Awards Season Glow: Treatments A-Listers Swear By

When it comes to red carpet beauty, flawless skin is the ultimate accessory. From the Golden Globes to the Oscars, Hollywood’s biggest names don’t just rely on good genes and luxury skincare—they turn to high-tech laser treatments to get that radiant, lit-from-within glow. And let’s be real: under HD cameras and flashing lights, there’s nowhere to hide. That’s why A-listers (and their glam squads) swear by Moxi, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Broadband Light (BBL) and other types of treatments to refine texture, erase imperfections, and create the kind of luminous skin that needs zero filters.

To break it all down, we chatted with Grace Jensen, FNP-BC, an expert at JECT Med Spa in Los Angeles, to get the inside scoop on what Moxi, IPL, and BBL actually do, who they’re best for, and how to achieve that effortlessly glowing, event-ready complexion. Consider this your VIP guide to laser treatments fit for Hollywood’s biggest night—no glam squad required.

With all eyes on the Oscars, celebs are on a mission to look refreshed (without looking overdone). What type of laser helps smooth skin, reduce redness, and create that “lit-from-within” glow and what is the expected recovery time?

BBL and Moxi are two lasers perfect for award season. Technically BBL is a light based treatment not a laser, although has very similar results. BBL is a light laser the helps rid the body of unwanted pigment. This is especially great for reds (broken capillaries, diffuse redness, erythema or redness after acne scarring) and browns (pigment from the sun, age, or acne). Moxi is a non ablative, fractionated laser that helps to resurface the skin and encourage new skin growth from deeper layers. This helps reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, texture, and hyperpigmentation. Basically it polishes the skin to give the skin a smooth glow. Together they can give the ultimate glow before a big event. BBL has about a day or 2 of down time while Moxi has 5-10 light downtime days. With both treatments you can wear makeup or tinted sunscreen and continue your activities of daily living while recovering!

With event season in full swing, people want instant results. What’s the best laser treatment for someone who only has a week or two before a big event?
For someone with minimal downtime, BBL and Moxi are great options. BBL in theory has no down time, other than being red for a day or 2 (with possibly sloughing of pigmented skin for up to a week which can be covered with sunscreen or makeup). Moxi takes 5-7 days to heal. People of darker skin may take longer, up to 10 days. However this is a “light” downtime. This is because you can still continue with you activities of daily living and wear makeup or sunscreen to cover up some of the coffee ground appearance that may arise. You can also stack them together to combine the downtime for a more effective treatment.

Skincare layering is trending, but what about laser layering? Can Moxi, BBL, and CO2 be used together for maximum skin transformation? If so, what’s the ultimate treatment stack?
We can layer some lasers for maximum benefit and to minimize down time. BBL and moxi can be combined to maximize benefits and minimize downtime. This combo can be done every 4 weeks for a series of 3-6 treatments for maximum benefits. Co2 on the other hand, can not be stacked with BBL and Moxi. Co2 laser can be completed either 4-6 weeks before BBL and Moxi or 4 weeks afterwards. The skin cycle is 28 days- therefore we like the skin to be fully healed before adding another treatment, to minimize the risk of complications.

If someone wanted to invest in just one laser treatment a year for maximum skin benefits, which would give them the most bang for their buck?
This again comes down to what concerns we are trying to treat for a client. Co2 is the most intense laser at Ject, although currently not offered at Ject West Hollywood. This laser is good for deep wrinkles and textural concerns. For someone with melasma, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores, Moxi will be the most effective. For clients with rosacea, broken capillaries, post inflammatory erythema, and hyperpigmentation- BBL is the best option.

Moxi has been called the ‘beginner’s laser’—why is it so popular with first-timers, and how does it compare to more intense resurfacing lasers like CO2?
Moxi is perfect for a beginner because it is a gentler, fractionated, non ablative laser (whereas co2 is a more intense, fractionated, ablative laser). There is also less down time which consists of 5 light days. And by light I mean you can cover up with makeup and/or sunscreen. As this is great for a beginner, it is still an incredibly effective laser for treating the texture and tone of the skin.

What’s the difference between Moxi and BBL when it comes to targeting pigmentation? Should someone get both, or does one work better for certain concerns?
Moxi and BBL target different layers of the tissue. BBL uses light to target pigment in the skin. It is great for reds (broken capillaries, diffuse redness, and post acne scarring) as well as browns (from sun, age, or acne). It targets pigment at a more superficial layer than the Moxi. The Moxi penetrates deeper to create fresh new skin that then replaces the old pigmented tissue.

We know sunscreen is non-negotiable after laser treatments, but what are the biggest post-laser skincare mistakes people make that can actually slow down results?
Exercise after the treatment can slow down the healing by intensifying redness, swelling, and irritation. Sun exposure, especially being in the city of LA, lead to burns and hyperpigmentation. Lastly, scrubbing or exfoliating the skin too quickly can lead to irritation and hyperpigmentation. We want the skin to heal before any exfoliation.

The Oscars are all about that A-list glow. If you had to create the ultimate pre-awards season laser treatment plan, what would it look like?
This would be determined by a client’s current skin, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration. For a gentler option that targets pigment, pore size, and smoothness- a BBL & Moxi treatment 1 month prior is a perfect option. 1 week prior to the event an aqua gold would give an extra glow and decreased pore appearance. This uses vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, and Botox in the top layer of skin to pull in hydration giving a plump and glow. For someone who has deeper lines/wrinkles (rhytides) at rest, a co2 laser with a moxi and bbl 4- 6 weeks later would be the perfect combination to prepare for the Oscars.

You can book a consultation with Grace Jensen, FNP-BC, at JECT’s Los Angeles.

📍 JECT Los Angeles
8218 W 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

The post The Awards Season Glow: Treatments A-Listers Swear By appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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