Living Well with Marie Veronique: Founder, Formulator, and Industry OG of Holistic Skincare

Before “skin barrier” became the buzzword of the decade, before microbiome-friendly was a label slapped onto every serum, and long before clean beauty became a multi-billion-dollar category—there was Marie Veronique. A former chemistry teacher turned visionary formulator, Marie has been quietly (and brilliantly) leading the skincare conversation for over two decades with a rare blend of scientific rigor and holistic wisdom.

She’s not chasing trends—she’s been setting them. From creating one of the first non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens to developing technically complex formulations that actually support skin function, her approach is less about hype and more about long-term skin health. Marie’s perspective goes beyond the surface, treating the skin as part of a beautifully interconnected system—and it shows in every product, every protocol, and every piece of education she shares.

Living Well with Marie Veronique

Can you take us back to the beginning—what first sparked your passion for skincare, and what led you to create Marie Veronique? We start our life’s work for selfish (as opposed to altruistic) reasons, in spite of what people like to think about themselves. I had acne as a teenager, which was psychologically devastating, and nothing on the market worked. In my 30’s I developed rosacea and was given products recommended by a dermatologist, which also didn’t work.

These conditions are, as scientists like to say, non-trivial. They can profoundly affect your self-esteem, and inhibit your ability to lead a full and fulfilling life. Sometimes you just have to find solutions on your own, so that’s what I’ve tried to do. 

As a woman in science and business, what unique challenges have you faced? How has being a female founder influenced the way you run your company? If I were struggling to succeed in a male-dominated field like engineering I might have a different story to tell, but honestly, I am in an industry where women lead the way, or at least share the spotlight. I have noticed that reverse prejudice exists in the case of the men who enter the beauty field though —somehow the expectation is that they will be competent, whereas women have to work harder to prove themselves.  

But still, challenge builds character, and I grew up in the 1950’s when gender bias was so prevalent we didn’t notice it. Fortunately, I was a young adult in the ‘60’s, when we did. So I am a feminist of course, and it makes me more than furious when I think of women doing stellar work in science being cheated of the recognition they deserve, as happened to Lisa Meitner, the great Swedish physicist. Einstein called her “the German Marie Curie.”  

In terms of running a company, knowing an entrenched unfair rewards system still exists makes you aware of and very desirous of recognizing women who do good work that deserves rewarding. But really, I like to think I recognize and reward good work across the board–good work is good work after all.  

Your products are technically complex—what’s one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs you’ve incorporated into your formulas? The most exciting are still yet to come, but I am not quite ready to reveal all. I can leave you with a teaser though. What is the one thing everybody, and I mean everybody, wants? If my products could do one thing for your skin, what would it be? The real scientific breakthroughs still await us, but they’re just around the corner.

With skincare science evolving rapidly, what’s one area of research you’re most excited about? Well, what everybody in the Bay Area is working on of course. This area is a mecca for longevity research, which is expanding and changing many fields and taking us in many different directions. For example, the Buck Institute in Novato has been investigating aging with respect to the role played by protein misfolding in Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline for a few years now. Related fields, such as skin aging, beg for more exploration by dedicated scientists. I intend to be more deeply involved in this type of research, especially in connection with skin aging. How does skin age, and what can we do to slow down the rate? Those are the questions that keep me awake at night.

If you could give people one timeless piece of skincare advice, what would it be? Wear sunscreen. The science behind that advice is that the number one cause of skin aging is DNA damage from sun. This is the hallmark of aging known in the longevity field as genomic instability. 90% of wrinkles and sunspots are caused by sun exposure, most of which falls into the category of premature aging.  

Bottom line: if you don’t wear sunscreen your skin will age faster than it needs to. You can prevent premature aging by wearing zinc oxide only sunscreen every day.

If we were to peek into your personal skincare cabinet, what products and rituals would we find? 

Daily: MARIE VERONIQUE Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum + Barrier Restore Serum, followed by Protective Day Oil + Barrier Lipid Complex, followed Zinc oxide sunscreen.

Nightly: MARIE VERONIQUE Soothing B3 Serum + Barrier Restore Serum, followed by Rejuvinating Night Oil + Barrier Lipid Complex, followed by Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion. 

You can see I am big on oil blends. Not to mention the three must haves– Vitamin C and sunscreen by day and retinol at night.

The term 'clean beauty' is often used but can be ambiguous. How does Marie Veronique define 'clean beauty,' and what criteria do you use to ensure your products meet this standard? I much prefer that our products meet standards of high performance efficacy and safety. “Clean beauty” is a phrase more often employed to create unnecessary alarm over non-issues than to deliver useful information. I think the next generation of formulators, busy creating products based on scientific research that produce demonstrable results, will not concern themselves with playing to empty marketing hype. I hope to see, in my lifetime, “Clean beauty” go the way of snake oil salesmen gambits. Actually, snake oil is beneficial as it’s high in Omega 3, 6 and 9 EFAs. Dear consumers, buy snake oil, and be skeptical of clean beauty claims that serve no purpose except to scare you.  

Are there any novel or unconventional ingredients you've incorporated into your products recently? Yes.  

Oh, what, you want more? Yes, a range of dipeptides, enzymes and liposomes. 

Beyond skincare, what are some of the wellness rituals or habits that keep you feeling your best? I take many supplements every day, including all the longevity ones like quercetin, NAD+ and so on. I also take Stamets 7–the mushroom extracts Paul Stamets recommends. I am an admirer of his work. I row 4,000 meters a day, walk everywhere, eat salad for breakfast most days.  Some days I put bacon in the salad. I am not a Puritan.

Are there any books, people, or experiences that have deeply influenced your philosophy on skincare and wellness?  

Books - 

Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To by David A. Sinclair 

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, and Nexus, both by Yuval Noah Harari

Fall, or Dodge In Hell by Neal Stephenson

I am a big fan of science fiction.

People: my kids

Other: My cat, Fat Eddy.  Every day I learn something new from her.  

With so much marketing-driven skincare, have you ever faced skepticism from consumers or the industry for taking a more scientific, less hype-driven approach? How do you navigate that? Haha, I sense a compliment in there and I am taking it. It’s a point of pride for me to be a hardline skeptic, and frankly skepticism requires a level of science knowledge hypers don’t have. 

Bottom line, adherence to scientific principles is just good business. Science based skin care is the future.  Brands still fumbling in the “clean beauty” space will very soon be regarded as quaint and charming artifacts, like alchemy or Wiccan rituals. They cannot compete against science-driven skin care products and treatments that deliver results. 

Complete this sentence: Living well means…

I'll give you Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes: “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”  

The irony is of course Polonius didn't follow his own advice, and met a bad end.  

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The Cult-Favorite Olive Oil From Flamingo Estate That Has the Food World and Celebs Obsessed

We’re calling it: this is the best olive oil money can buy.

You’ve seen it on the countertops of chefs, celebrities, and food editors alike—splashed across the pages of Vogue, Bon Appétit, GQ, and The New York Times. But this isn’t just hype. Flamingo Estate’s Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the real deal—bold, complex, wildly aromatic, and unlike anything else on the market.

This isn’t olive oil. This is liquid gold.

Pressed from a single-origin Autumn harvest, this blend is made exclusively for Flamingo Estate by Philip Asquith, a fourth-generation olive farmer in Ojai, California. Grown on a family-run farm that follows organic, sustainable, and biodynamic principles, every drop of this oil reflects a deep reverence for the land, the season, and the craft of making something truly exceptional.

Flamingo Estate, the brand behind this cult-favorite, has redefined what it means to live well. What began as a hedonistic garden in the hills of Los Angeles has blossomed into a movement—one that celebrates radical pleasure, regenerative agriculture, and the luxury of living in rhythm with nature. Every product is rooted in intention—and this olive oil may just be their most iconic yet.

The flavor? Grassy, vibrant, and perfectly peppery. It’s the finishing touch that turns a simple slice of bread or bowl of pasta into a restaurant-level moment.

Once you’ve tasted it, there’s no going back.

Why Truly Fresh, High-Quality Olive Oil Is So Hard to Find

Most of the olive oil on supermarket shelves is mass-produced, blended from multiple sources, and often sits in warehouses for months (or even years) before it reaches your kitchen. Even bottles labeled as “extra virgin” can be misleading—many are diluted with lower-quality oils or lack the flavor and health benefits that come from fresh, organic, single-origin olive oil. That’s why small-batch producers like Flamingo Estate are changing the game. Unlike industrial-scale brands, they focus on purity, freshness, and sustainability—and you can taste the difference in every drop.

+Grown and harvested by Philip Aquith, a fourth-generation olive farmer who knows that exceptional olive oil starts with exceptional farming.

+Hand-picked at peak ripeness and cold-pressed immediately—ensuring maximum flavor and the highest concentration of polyphenols (the powerful antioxidants that make olive oil a superfood).

+Made from rare, single-origin olive varieties that are almost impossible to find in the U.S., including Columella, Nocellara del Belice, Cailletier, and Lechin de Sevilla.

+Completely unblended—meaning you’re tasting oil from a single harvest, unlike mass-market brands that mix lower-quality oils from multiple sources.

+Stored in dark glass bottles to protect against oxidation and preserve its vibrant color and bold, peppery flavor.

This is real olive oil, the kind that actually delivers the health benefits, depth of flavor, and rich texture that supermarket brands simply can’t match. It’s why top chefs, food editors, and design lovers alike keep reaching for Flamingo Estate.

Sustainability You Can Taste

Some brands talk about sustainability. Flamingo Estate lives it—literally from the ground up. This olive oil isn’t simply organic; it’s the product of regenerative farming, a practice that goes beyond sustainability to actively rebuild soil health, nurture biodiversity, and create a closed-loop system that supports the environment. Every single bottle represents a commitment to farming that gives back more than it takes.

+Grown on a family-run farm using generational expertise and time-honored techniques.

+Regenerative agriculture practices that enhance soil fertility, improve carbon capture, and promote long-term ecosystem health.

+Hand-harvested and cold-pressed immediately—a crucial step that ensures every drop retains its vibrant nutrients and antioxidants.

+No-waste farming philosophy—olive press leftovers are transformed into compost tea to nourish the trees and attract pollinators.

+Naturally irrigated with pond water full of beneficial microorganisms, supporting plant health while conserving water.

This isn’t just about making the best olive oil possible—it’s about honoring the land, supporting small farmers, and creating a product that’s as good for the planet as it is for your plate.

The Flavor That Changes Everything

Once you taste real, fresh olive oil, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less. Flamingo Estate’s Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil doesn’t just  pair with your food—it transforms it. This oil is meant to be savored, drizzled, and celebrated in every bite.

+A deep, grassy aroma that instantly signals its freshness.

+A bold peppery kick—the mark of an oil rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.

+Bright fruit notes that balance the intensity and add depth.

+A luxuriously silky texture that enhances everything from fresh salads to roasted vegetables to a simple piece of warm, crusty bread.

This is the kind of olive oil you don’t just use—you plan meals around it. It turns even the simplest dishes into something special, and once you’ve had a taste, you’ll never go back to the bland, flat supermarket stuff again.

The One Gift Everyone Loves

In recent years, Flamingo Estate’s olive oil has become my go-to housewarming gift, and without fail, it’s always a hit. There’s something about giving a bottle of really good olive oil that feels thoughtful, indulgent, and special—because it’s something people actually use and appreciate. It’s the kind of gift that instantly elevates someone’s kitchen and introduces them to what olive oil should really taste like.

It also helps that the bottle is beautiful, making it feel like more than just a pantry staple—it’s a conversation piece. And if you want to take it to the next level, Flamingo Estate offers curated gift sets, like The Garden Tour and The Chef’s Kiss. They also offer customization, which turns a single bottle into an even more memorable experience. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a personalized gift? This extra-special gesture is perfect for marking a milestone, celebrating a new home, or just surprising someone with something both practical and luxurious.

A Bottle Worth Getting Now

Here’s the thing about Flamingo Estate’s olive oil—it doesn’t stick around. With limited seasonal production and small-batch harvesting, each release is unique, fleeting, and highly sought after. Special editions, like their Limited-Edition Garlic Olive Oil, are only available in 400 bottles. 

There’s something about knowing your bottle comes from a single, carefully tended harvest that makes it feel even more special. It’s not just another grocery store staple—it’s an experience, a connection to the land, and a reminder to slow down and savor the good things. If you’ve ever wondered what truly exceptional olive oil tastes like, this is your moment. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never look at olive oil the same way again.

And if you love it as much as we do, you’ll want to stock up—because once it’s gone, it’s gone until next season.  Flamingo Estate is offering Chalkboard Mag readers an exclusive 10% off with code CHALKBOARD—available for a limited time from April 3–17.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Flamingo Estate. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers.

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More Exclusive Than an It-Bag: The Limited-Edition Fragrance You Have to Join a Ledger to Own

In a world where fragrance shelves are overflowing and launches come by the dozen, Ffern continues to defy every industry norm—quietly, artfully, and seasonally. The British brand is not only beloved for its meticulously crafted natural perfumes, but for its rare and poetic approach: each fragrance is released just once, in harmony with the solstices and equinoxes, and only to those who’ve joined its now-legendary ledger. It’s not a subscription. It’s a ceremony.

For Spring 25, Ffern co-founders (and siblings) Owen Mears and Emily Cameron set out to reinterpret one of perfumery’s most storied blooms: violet. But this is no powdery vintage echo—this is violet reimagined in the wild. Anchored in orris root and lifted by lemon zest, peppermint, jonquil, jasmine, and a breath of woodland air, Spring 25 is equal parts fairytale and fresh awakening. It’s verdant, luminous, and surprisingly bold—like childhood joy wrapped in moss and mystery.

We sat down with Owen and Emily to talk about the craftsmanship behind this release, their love of nature’s rhythms, and the slow, intentional philosophy that guides everything from scent design to sustainability. What unfolds is a portrait of two creatives building a business with purpose—and an invitation to experience spring not just as a season, but as a feeling.

Ffern isn’t just a fragrance brand—it feels more like a secret society, with the ledger as the only way in. Why did you choose this model, and how does it shape the way people experience each seasonal release?

Our approach stemmed from our love for the seasons and nature - to honour this, we had to make the model as sustainable as possible, finding ways to tread lightly. By making just enough fragrances for the members named on our ledger (as well as a few bottles for our archive), we’re able to maintain our own high natural and ethical standards, minimizing production and waste by ensuring that we’re never making more bottles than we need.

Our core mission at Ffern is to help connect people more to nature - hence being guided entirely by the seasons to create four unique fragrances each year, releasing them at each of the equinoxes and solstices, when the seasons turn.

Our members have really taken to experiencing fragrance this way, and over the years their feedback, often so personal, has been better than we could have ever imagined. We’ve found that people love waiting for each seasonal release, they feel the turning of the year more, and find the fragrances bring them closer to nature’s ancient rhythms and cycles. The ephemeral nature of our fragrances seems to only heighten this experience.

Spring 25 feels like a poetic tribute to the fleeting beauty of violets. What was the inspiration behind this particular fragrance?

For spring, we truly began with violets. We’d used violet leaf absolute before, in the fig accord we made for Autumn 23 - it’s this incredible dark green liquid, like a magical potion, that has that unmistakable powdery, sweet, fresh floral note. Lots of people think of violet as an old-fashioned note, and we wanted to modernise it, finding our own spin. From here, we imagined this sunlit spring woodland - like something in a fairytale. A place where velvet moss gleams on silvered branches… A clearing, carpeted with purple flowers. Violets in their natural habitat.

Some perfumes command attention, while others whisper. Where does Spring 25 sit on that spectrum? Is it meant to linger in the air or be discovered up close?

All our fragrances are made with very high quality natural ingredients - because of their molecular complexity these evolve quite differently with each wearer, shifting and developing over the course of the day. Some ingredients will fade as others come to the fore - it's highly personal, and delightfully unpredictable.

Saying that, we do think Spring 25 is one of our bolder fragrances - mainly because of that strong focus on one ingredient we talked about above. To us, the floral punch of the Violet leaf really makes this one stand out - in our blend with other spring florals, like jonquil daffodil, jasmine and orris (made from iris root), but with touches of cleaner notes like peppermint and lemon, it sings out so beautifully. It’s really joyous!

What’s the ‘surprise’ note in Spring 25—the one that lingers in the background but transforms the entire composition?

It has to be the orris - an incredible ingredient that takes years to make. Its scent is suede-like, with something of milk and earth, and it has its own hint of violet, which makes it pair so well with the violet leaf. In Spring 25, the orris adds a depth and velvety texture that anchors the fragrance’s lighter, sparkling aspects - it was our final addition, and really elevated and enriched the fragrance.

What we love about orris, is that it remains deeply rooted to the soil in which it’s grown, as well as to the people who tend to it. After three or four years of flowering, the scentless roots are dug up by hand, and are matured for another several years. Once mature, these roots are powdered, mixed with water and distilled by steam to produce a semi-solid oil, known as orris butter.

Lizzie Riches’ artwork Violet plays a central role in this release. What drew you to her work initally, and how does Violet reflect the spirit of Spring 25?

We’ve admired Lizzie Riches’ luminous portraits for years. The way her characters embody nature, its light and the spirit of the seasons… In some ways they reminded us of Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies, the botanically accurate watercolours that illustrated our childhoods.

Lizzie’s depiction of Violet is cherubic, and as fresh as spring itself. Against lilac skies and springtime oaks, she is bathed in pale yellow sunlight. We love the white violets that Lizzie has chosen for Violet’s doublet - contrasting so effectively with the posy of purple ones. It’s an ethereal and unexpected touch that with the Jennie Wren and hovering Meadow Brown, lends a delicacy to this aspect of our springtime fairytale - and illustrates the precision and meaningful choices that drew us to Lizzie’s work.

What was the single most important feeling you wanted to capture in Spring 25? And how do you think it differs from past releases?

This season, we really wanted to evoke the nostalgia of childhood stories - those feelings of excitement, joy and discovery. That unadulterated sense of wonder, with little touches of darkness and mystery woven in.

What moment of the day do you think Spring 25 is best worn? Is it a morning fragrance, an afternoon scent, or something to savor at night?

We hope that between its verdant and velvety facets, our Spring 25 fragrance can carry wearers through the course of the day. Our fragrances are inspired by moments in nature, particular moods, ingredients, memories and feelings - we don’t typically create them with one time of day in mind. That said, this is a fragrance that sits really beautifully on a spring morning… We can’t wait to wear it come May, when the season is at its best!

If you could describe Spring 25 in three words—not the notes, but the emotion of it—what would they be?

Verdant - awakening - mystery.

To experience Spring 25 for yourself, you’ll need to join Ffern’s seasonal ledger—an exclusive list that opens ahead of each release. Bottles are crafted in limited quantities for members only, so once they’re gone, they’re truly gone. To reserve yours, visit ffern.co and join the ledger before the next seasonal turn.

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Red Light Therapy Blanket? Yep, It’s a Thing—And I Tried It

As someone who’s willingly subjected themselves to everything from PEMF mats and cryo chambers to NAD+ drips and infrared sweat sessions, let’s just say I’m more than a little committed to uncovering the next best thing in wellness. If it’s backed by science and promises better skin, deeper sleep, or faster recovery — I’m in.

But of all the modalities I’ve tried, red light therapy has been the one to noticeably move the needle. In fact, the last time I saw my dermatologist, she asked what I’d been doing differently because my skin looked that good. That kind of unsolicited glow-up feedback? I’ll take it.

That’s why, when BON CHARGE—a brand we’ve tested and trusted here at The Chalkboard Mag, launched a Red Light Therapy Blanket, I immediately knew I had to try it. Not a sauna blanket. Not a panel. A blanket—as in, full-body coverage, plug-it-in-and-lay-back ease. And honestly? It’s kind of genius.

What Is a Red Light Therapy Blanket (And Why Should You Care)?

Most of us have seen red light therapy panels—standing in front of one like a human houseplant absorbing high-powered rays. But BON CHARGE is one of the first to bring a full-body, wraparound red light therapy blanket to the market, and that makes all the difference.

Rather than heating your body like an infrared sauna, a red light therapy blanket uses specific wavelengths of light—most notably 660nm Red Light and 850nm Near-Infrared Light—to penetrate the skin at different depths. This activates cellular regeneration, collagen production, and improves circulation. It’s about energizing your cells from the inside out—not just warming them up.

The 660nm Red Light supports surface-level benefits: smoother skin, improved tone and texture, and a healthy glow. Meanwhile, the 850nm Near-Infrared Light reaches deeper into muscles and joints, promoting recovery and reducing inflammation. Together, they create a powerful, full-body treatment that’s equal parts beauty and recovery ritual.

How I Use It (And Why It Works For My Routine)

My nightly ritual now includes a post-shower wrap-up—literally. I climb into the BON CHARGE Red Light Therapy Blanket for 30 minutes before bed. It’s effortless: just plug it in, choose your mode, and unwind. The blanket folds up easily and even detaches into two red light mats, giving you flexibility depending on your setup or focus area.—you can even use them separately, or share the glow with a friend.

It features several customizable settings, including standard continuous light and pulse mode—a feature that delivers light in intermittent bursts. The science behind this? Pulsed light allows for deeper cellular penetration, amplifying the blanket’s ability to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and promote more effective results without overexposure.

And when I’m done? I just roll it up and tuck it away. It’s lightweight and compact, which makes it surprisingly easy to store—even if you’re tight on space. No heavy lifting, no complicated cleanup.

It’s cozy, comforting, and completely sweat-free—which sets it apart from most other full-body wellness tools out there.

Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Heat Therapy: Know the Difference

Let’s clear up a common misconception: Red Light Therapy and Infrared heat therapy are not the same thing.

+ Infrared Sauna Blankets generate heat. Their primary benefit lies in detoxification, relaxation, and promoting a deep, internal sweat. They warm your body from the inside out.

+ Red Light Therapy Blankets, on the other hand, rely on light wavelengths—not heat—to work their magic. They don’t make you sweat, but they do encourage your cells to regenerate and repair. It’s a subtler, more cellular-level effect that supports skin health, mood regulation, energy, and recovery.

This makes the Red Light Therapy Blanket a smart complement (or alternative) to Infrared heat—especially if your wellness goals are more about healing, radiance, and long-term skin and body optimization.

Red Light Panel vs. Blanket: What’s the Difference (and Which Is Better for You)?

BON CHARGE offers both: their original Red Light Therapy Panel and now, the Red Light Therapy Blanket. And while they share the same clinically-backed wavelengths (660nm + 850nm), their applications and user experience couldn’t be more different.

The Panel delivers high-powered, targeted therapy—great if you’re working on one area at a time, like facial rejuvenation, spot muscle relief, or post-workout joint recovery. It’s ideal for short, focused sessions, but requires you to stay upright and still, and it only treats one side of the body at a time.

The Blanket offers full-body immersion. You can lay back, relax, and let the therapy do its work—no need to hover or pose awkwardly. It’s ideal for winding down, multitasking with a podcast or meditation, and keeping up a nightly wellness ritual that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

In short: if you want to zone in on specific issues, the panel is powerful. If you’re looking to incorporate Red Light Therapy consistently and effortlessly, the blanket is unmatched.

Best case? Use both. The panel for targeted boosts, the blanket for overall recovery and glow.

My Results: Stronger Skin, Faster Healing, and Real Recovery
With consistent use, I saw meaningful results—ones that genuinely made a difference in how I looked and felt:

+ Post-laser healing support: I had a laser treatment done on my body not long before starting the blanket, and I’m convinced this helped speed up the healing process. Normally, I’d expect redness and blotchiness for days, but this time? The recovery was quicker, calmer, and noticeably smoother.

+ Softer, more supple skin: My skin actually feels more hydrated, smoother, and springier to the touch—especially on my arms and legs, which tend to get dry and dull.

+ Better sleep: I’m someone who often gets less than six hours of sleep a night, and winding down can be a challenge. Since using the blanket, I’ve been falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. It’s become a gentle nightly cue for my body to rest—and the difference in how I feel the next morning is real.

+ Less muscle tightness: Whether it’s from travel, workouts, or a long day at my desk, I’ve noticed less soreness and tension overall. My body feels more relaxed at night and more recovered by morning.

The Final Glow-Up

Red Light Therapy Blankets aren’t exactly flooding the market—which is why what BON CHARGE is doing here feels genuinely exciting. They’ve taken a clinical, often hard-to-access wellness technology and turned it into something functional, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to make a part of your daily life.

If you’re looking for a wellness investment that actually delivers—on sleep, skin, recovery, and the way you feel day to day—this is it. BON CHARGE has created something that not only works but becomes a ritual you actually look forward to. I wouldn’t be writing this if I didn’t mean it: this blanket is worth every bit of the hype.

Ready to make this part of your own nightly ritual? Use code TCM15 for 15% off the Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Blanket and experience the glow for yourself.

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 BON CHARGE. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers

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This Doctor Discovered a Missing Nutrient—And It Could Be the Key to Healthy Aging

What do dolphins, a Navy research program, and a mysterious fat molecule have in common? According to Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, they may hold the secret to aging better—and living longer.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Fatty15—a science-backed wellness brand we’ve covered many times here at The Chalkboard Mag—Dr. Venn-Watson is no stranger to disrupting the health space. In her groundbreaking new book, The Longevity Nutrient: The Unexpected Fat That Holds the Key to Healthy Aging, she introduces the world to C15:0, a newly identified essential fatty acid that may help us slow the biological clock, protect our long-term metabolic, liver, and heart health,, and finally feel better.

So, what exactly is C15:0—and why does it matter? Let’s dive in.

Wait, There's a Missing Essential Fat?

Turns out, yes. And the implications are massive.

C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in over 90 years. According to Dr. Venn-Watson, this odd-chain saturated fat “strengthens our cells and protects them against breakdown. If we’re deficient in C15:0, we age faster—plain and simple.” Unlike trendy wellness ingredients that make headlines and disappear, C15:0 has over 100 peer-reviewed studies behind it. It works at the cellular level to calm inflammatory responses, repair damage, and build long-term resilience.

Even more compelling? Scientific evidence shows that restoring C15:0 may reduce the risk of—or even help reverse—Cellular Fragility Syndrome, a nutritional C15:0 deficiency syndrome that can cause ferroptosis, a new form of cell death that accelerates aging and impairs our metabolic, heart, and liver health.  This isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about equipping your body to age well, feel better, and stay resilient for the long haul.

How Dolphins Unlocked the Longevity Code

This isn’t your typical wellness book—and Dr. Venn-Watson’s story isn’t your typical origin tale.

While working with the U.S. Navy helping aging bottlenose dolphins, she noticed something curious: about one in three older dolphins developed age-related conditions like insulin resistance, inflammation, and fatty liver disease. But others seemed to resist aging entirely. Using a cutting-edge technology called metabolomics, her team studied thousands of molecules in dolphin blood and diet to see what predicted healthier aging—and C15:0 was the common denominator.

“We found that dolphins with the most C15:0 in their diet and blood were the healthiest,” she explains. “And similar patterns were showing up in human population studies, where people with higher C15:0 levels had better metabolic, heart, and liver health.”

This sparked years of lab research and eventually the discovery that C15:0 wasn’t just beneficial—it met all the scientific criteria of being an essential fatty acid. Her team published the findings in Nature’s Scientific Reports in 2020, launching a new chapter in longevity science.

The Silent Syndrome Affecting 1 in 3 People

In The Longevity Nutrient, Dr. Venn-Watson introduces the concept of Cellular Fragility Syndrome, a nutritional deficiency that could be quietly impacting as many as one in three people worldwide. Here’s what happens: when our cells don’t get enough C15:0, their protective membranes weaken, leaving them vulnerable to a specific form of cell death known as ferroptosis. This relatively new discovery in the scientific world has been linked to accelerated aging and impaired metabolic, heart, and liver health.

“While over 10,000 papers have been published on ferroptosis since its discovery in 2012, no one has understood why it suddenly appeared,” she explains. “We now know that C15:0 deficiencies can cause it. And more importantly, C15:0 supplementation has been shown to reverse it.”

In short? This isn’t just about prevention—it’s about repair.

What Happens When You Replenish C15:0

Unlike many wellness routines that rely on vague promises, the benefits of restoring C15:0 are well-documented. Clinical trials show that within 12 weeks of C15:0 supplementation, C15:0 can increase, resulting in improved liver function, enhanced red blood cell health, lowered LDL cholesterol, and a supported healthier gut microbiome.

Even better? Roughly half of people taking C15:0 report feeling noticeable differences—like calmer moods and deeper sleep—within just two weeks. That’s likely due to a metabolite your body produces from C15:0, called pentadecanoylcarnitine (or PDC), which helps activate the endocannabinoid system. This is longevity science that goes beyond labs and into how you feel day-to-day.

Why You Might Be Deficient Without Even Realizing It

Here’s the kicker: in our efforts to eat clean, many of us have unknowingly cut out the primary dietary source of C15:0—milkfat. “As more people avoid full-fat dairy or switch to plant-based alternatives, C15:0 intake has dropped significantly,” says Dr. Venn-Watson. And that’s likely why chronic diseases like fatty liver and type 2 diabetes are appearing earlier and more frequently—even among health-conscious people.

This is exactly the kind of gap The Longevity Nutrient helps make sense of. The book unpacks how our well-intentioned eating habits may have unintentionally led to a widespread deficiency—and more importantly, what we can do about it. Whether it’s understanding which foods naturally contain C15:0 or exploring newer ways to restore it, Dr. Venn-Watson lays out the science in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to act on.

The Scientist Behind the Discovery Changing How We Age

Dr. Venn-Watson isn’t just another wellness expert—she’s a veterinary epidemiologist with over 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 70 patents. Her background includes work with the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense. She holds a DVM from Tufts, an MPH from Emory, and has spent years applying her scientific expertise to real-world public health.

Her discovery of C15:0 came not from hype, but from rigorous research across both animal and human health. That’s exactly why The Longevity Nutrient feels like a refreshing departure from the typical wellness book. It’s science-backed, relatable, and refreshingly actionable.

In the words of Dr. Mark Hyman—15-time New York Times bestselling author and longevity expert himself—Dr. Venn-Watson’s work is a “groundbreaking, once-in-a-century discovery that changes how we can age for the better, at all stages of life.”

Ready to Start Aging Better?

If you’re feeling foggy, fatigued, or like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing the results you want—this book could be the key. The Longevity Nutrient offers more than just a new perspective on healthy aging. It gives you the science, the tools, and the roadmap to support your body at the cellular level.

With over 100 studies supporting it and expert praise from across the medical community, this isn’t just another health trend—it’s a new foundation for wellness. Grab your copy of The Longevity Nutrient here or at your preferred bookseller:

• Amazon

• Barnes & Noble

• Bookshop (Support Independent Bookstores)

The post This Doctor Discovered a Missing Nutrient—And It Could Be the Key to Healthy Aging appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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How to Clear Your Energy: 7 Rituals to Reset After Work, Travel, or a Breakup

We have rituals for everything—skincare, food, fitness, even inbox zero—but how often do we make space for an energetic cleanse?

Whether you’ve been peopling too hard, just got off a long-haul flight, or are sitting in the emotional dust of a situationship that imploded on a Tuesday, energy hygiene is that underrated spiritual self-care we all need more of. Think of it as emotional detox meets sacred ritual—where wellness meets woo in the best way.

These seven practices are my go-to rituals for clearing stagnant energy, softening overwhelm, and reconnecting with my own vibe.

7 Rituals to Clear Your Energy

+ Salt Showers + Soaks With Intention
Water is one of the most powerful energetic purifiers. When combined with mineral-rich salt and a little intention, it becomes a personal ceremony.

For a full-body reset, I love slipping into a hot bath with the HigherDOSE Serotonin Soak—a magnesium-based soak enhanced with essential oils and adaptogens. It lifts my mood and feels like washing off a heavy day on all levels.

For quicker rituals, I turn to the OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub in the shower. It’s mineral-rich and gently exfoliating, and I always pair it with a quiet intention like, “I release what no longer serves me.”

+ Burn Something Beautiful
Burning herbs or incense isn’t just aesthetic—it’s an ancient way of cleansing energy and resetting the vibe of a space (and yourself).

My go-to for a deep energetic shift is Anima Mundi’s Palo Santo | Sacred Wood Incense. The scent grounds me instantly, and it feels like wiping the energetic slate clean. When I want to keep it cozy, I light the Adriatic Muscatel Sage Candle from Flamingo Estate. The scent is herby, earthy, and calming—like walking through an old garden after a rainstorm.

+ Move It Out + Restore 
Energy gets stuck when we do. Movement is one of the fastest ways to process emotions and shake off lingering energetic residue.

Some days, it’s a stretch session on the floor. Other days, I throw on a playlist and dance it out in the kitchen. Whatever the form, movement makes space. Then, I recharge with red light therapy.

The Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Panel – Max is a favorite post-movement. I stand in front of it for 15 minutes to support muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and calm my nervous system. When I’m craving something more restorative, I wrap myself in the Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Blanket—a full-body recharge that feels like a warm, glowing hug.

+ Journal a Release Ritual
When your mind feels noisy or you can’t shake a certain mood, a quick journaling session can work wonders.

I keep it simple: I write everything out—fears, irritations, that weird interaction from two days ago—and let it pour out without judgment. Then I rip it up, stash it away, or burn it (safely). There’s something wildly freeing about getting it out of your system and onto paper.

Try pairing this with a calming tea or soft music, and you’ve got yourself a full-on emotional cleanse.

+ Sound It Out 
Sound healing is one of the most underrated energetic tools. Whether it’s tuning forks, singing bowls, or a frequency-based playlist, sound can shift your inner state faster than almost anything else.

I use the Open App for guided sound baths and vibrational sessions. Frequencies like 528Hz or 963Hz help me drop into calm, release tension, and recalibrate my energy field—especially after stressful conversations or overwhelming travel days. Ten minutes with headphones and the right sound? Total reset.

+ Protect Your Field + Set Boundaries
Once your energy is clear, you’ve got to protect it. That might look like saying no to draining plans, unfollowing triggering content, or mentally preparing before heading into a high-energy space.

A simple visualization works wonders: I imagine a soft golden bubble around me—like a gentle shield that keeps out what’s not mine to hold. It’s subtle but powerful.

At home, I like creating an energetically supportive space too. I keep a Somavedic device near my desk—designed to harmonize environmental stressors like EMFs. It’s quiet background support that helps me maintain balance when I’m glued to tech all day.

+ Unplug + Ground In the Now
The ultimate energetic reset is often the most accessible: step away from screens and drop back into your body.

Even just 20 minutes without notifications—paired with tea, nature, or journaling—can feel like a soul-deep breath. I like to sit outside, feet on the ground, no agenda. Let the sun hit my face. Let my mind wander. Let my nervous system finally settle.

You don’t have to earn your rest. Sometimes, stillness is the most potent medicine.

Energy Hygiene Is the New Self-Care

Cleansing your energy isn’t a one-time ritual—it’s a lifestyle. It’s how we show ourselves love, respect, and awareness on a deeper level.

Whether you try one of these rituals or layer them into a weekly reset, know this: your energy is precious. You deserve to feel light, grounded, and clear. And when you do, everything else flows.

The post How to Clear Your Energy: 7 Rituals to Reset After Work, Travel, or a Breakup appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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4 Best Luxury Clean Deodorants You Should Be Using

A few years ago, switching to a natural deodorant felt like a gamble. Would it actually work? Would it irritate your skin? Would it smell… earthy? But the clean beauty category has come a long way, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the world of luxury clean deodorants. These days, formulas are smarter, scents are more refined, and the textures rival your favorite skincare. You no longer have to compromise between performance and clean ingredients—you can have both.

And while this category has grown and evolved, a few brands stand out for being ahead of the curve. Agent Nateur, for example, has been doing clean deodorant since before it was cool. In fact, their very first product was a deodorant—holi (stick)—and this year, they’re celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a reformulated, rebranded version and a limited-edition scent inspired by a decadent French dessert. It’s a fun full-circle moment for a brand that helped spark the shift toward more elevated, effective clean personal care.

4 of the Best Luxury Clean Deodorants to Try Now

1. Agent Nateur Limited Edition: Tarte Tropézienne Holi (Stick)
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their first-ever product, Agent Nateur released a limited-edition scent of their beloved holi (stick) deodorant: Tarte Tropézienne. Inspired by a creamy, sugar-dusted dessert from St. Tropez, it’s indulgent in the best way—notes of orange blossom, ripe raspberries, vanilla, and coconut cream melt together in a dreamy, pastry-like scent.

The formula itself remains aluminum-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and packed with nourishing oils, butters, and beeswax to support your skin’s microbiome while neutralizing odor. It glides on like velvet, absorbs without residue, and delivers a luxurious sensorial experience that feels more like a treat than a chore.

If you’ve never tried Agent Nateur before, this is a beautiful introduction. And if you have, this anniversary edition is a collector’s moment.

2. Corpus Naturals Deodorant Stick in California
Corpus is all about elevated simplicity, and their California scent is a standout. With notes of sea salt, bergamot, white musk, and jasmine, this aluminum-free and baking soda-free formula captures the essence of West Coast living in a sleek, minimalist tube.

The water-based formulation goes on smooth and clear, offering odor protection without irritation or residue. It’s a great pick for anyone who loves a light, fresh scent and modern design.

3. Nécessaire The Deodorant in Eucalyptus
Known for their skincare-forward approach to body care, Nécessaire formulated their deodorant like a treatment. It features AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to gently exfoliate, combatting odor by keeping the skin's pH in check. The cool eucalyptus scent is clean, spa-like, and unisex.

With ingredients like niacinamide and chamomile extract, this aluminum-free deodorant is ideal for sensitive skin and those who want their personal care to do more than just mask odor.

4. Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant in Black Rose & Oud
For something a little more moody and mysterious, this deodorant from Salt & Stone delivers a fragrance-forward experience that’s rare in the clean space. Think black rose, lilies, oud, clove, amber, and cedar—it’s sultry, warm, and gender-neutral.

Beyond scent, the formula includes probiotics to support skin health and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, all while being free from aluminum and synthetic fragrance. It's a great pick for those who want both performance and a more atmospheric scent profile.

Clean, Elevated, Effective

The clean deodorant category has gone from a niche experiment to a true luxury space, offering sophisticated scents, smart ingredients, and elevated design. Whether you’re drawn to Agent Nateur’s commemorative Tarte Tropézienne scent, Corpus’s breezy California blend, Nécessaire’s skincare-driven formula, or Salt & Stone’s moodier notes, there’s something here to upgrade your routine.

The post 4 Best Luxury Clean Deodorants You Should Be Using appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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