A Celeb-Created Retinol Alternative That Actually Works and Derms Approve: Inside Lili Reinhart’s Adapinoid Serum

CELEBRITY SKINCARE is a gamble, some lines come with more marketing than merit, but Personal Day by Lili Reinhart isn’t one of them. We first got hooked on the Trust Me on This Hypochlorous Acid Spray (a skin-soothing miracle for post-flight skin) and the Emotional Support Lip Balm that actually earns its name. Both are proof that this brand understands the real world of skin,  the kind that breaks out, dries out, and still needs to glow for a Zoom call.

At its core, Personal Day is skincare for skin that needs a break. Co-created with dermatologists, every formula is acne-safe, barrier-friendly, and built to keep things calm, even when your complexion isn’t. It’s the kind of line that speaks fluent “modern skin”: high-performing, low-stress, and refreshingly real, which brings us to the brand’s newest drop, Adapinoid® Serum , a smarter retinol alternative that promises the same brightening, smoothing, and texture-perfecting benefits as the original powerhouse, minus the purging, peeling, and panic.

The Smarter Way to Retinol

If you’ve ever had your skin revolt after trying retinol, you’ll get why Adapinoid feels like a revelation. It uses a clinically backed, dermatologist-developed adapalene complex that works like retinol, boosting cell turnover and refining texture but at a level your skin can actually handle. It’s also 10× gentler than traditional formulas, which means no redness, flaking, or that tight, “why did I do this?” feeling.

To make things even better, Adapinoid Serum combines this advanced ingredient with TXVector™ (to target dark spots and uneven tone) and squalane (for deep, balancing hydration). The result? Skin that looks smoother, clearer, and more even — all while keeping your barrier happy. Basically, it’s retinol that behaves.

From Breakouts to Breakthrough

Lili Reinhart has never been the kind of founder to hide behind airbrushed perfection. She’s been candid about her own acne struggles and how exhausting it can be to navigate skin issues in the public eye. That honesty is what inspired Personal Day: a line made for people who just want effective, gentle skincare that doesn’t demand a “good skin day” to use it.

“I wanted to create something that respected your skin — not punished it,” she’s said. Working with dermatologists and cosmetic chemists, Lili designed Adapinoid Serum for anyone who’s ever felt betrayed by harsh actives. It’s barrier-safe, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested — skincare that’s less about perfection and more about peace of mind.

A Quiet Kind of Buzz

What’s refreshing about Personal Day is that it doesn’t lean on hype to make its case , the formulas do the talking. The line is dermatologist-developed and tested, designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin that often gets left out of the retinol conversation.

The Adapinoid Serum in particular has been earning quiet praise for being one of the first retinol-level products people can actually use every day. Its barrier-safe design and gentle formula mean that for once, consistency doesn’t come at the cost of comfort.

Editors, dermatologists, and skincare fans alike have noted the difference: a serum that layers effortlessly, calms as it refines, and delivers that even-toned, smooth finish without the usual side effects. It’s not the product that demands a before-and-after post, it’s the one you quietly keep restocking.

Lili Reinhart’s Adapinoid Serum isn’t trying to reinvent skincare,  just make it smarter. It’s proof that actives don’t need to hurt to work, and that gentle really can mean powerful. In a sea of celebrity beauty lines, this one stands out for all the right reasons: substance, science, and results that speak for themselves.

If you’ve been waiting for a retinol alternative that lives up to the hype, this one is Chalkboard Mag approved!

Personal Day is currently offering 25% off sitewide for Early BFCM (11/11–11/26). SHOP HERE. 

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Living Well with Molly Sims: On Barrier Health, Balance, and the Beauty of Doing Less

Some of the links in this story are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase—helping us continue to share mindful, inspiring content.

There’s a reason Molly Sims always seems to glow from the inside out, and it’s not just great lighting. The model, actress, entrepreneur, and founder of YSE Beauty has spent years refining what it really means to care for your skin and yourself from a place of balance rather than burnout. After decades in the beauty industry, Molly’s perspective has shifted from chasing instant results to championing what she calls “efficacy without messing up the barrier.”

In our conversation, Molly opens up about the “aha” moment that changed her entire approach to skincare, the importance of exfoliation in your thirties and forties, and the gentle science behind her cult-favorite Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads. Beyond beauty, she shares her daily supplement rituals, her “Dria Water” morning mix, and the boundaries that keep her grounded as a mom, founder, and host of Lipstick on the Rim.

Living Well with Molly Sims

YSE Beauty was born out of years of research and experimentation. Can you walk us through one “aha” moment in product development, a discovery that changed how you think about what skin really needs? I used to think that if my skin was red and angry at least it was a sign that a product's working... 

Now, I'm all about figuring out how to deliver powerhouse ingredients in a gentle way. It helped me break the cycle of OVER treating skin, which would lead to dryness and irritation. Which then would counteract any progress I'd thought I'd made. It finally hit me that you should have skincare that works smarter not harsher. Gentle formulas that can be used everyday but still strong enough to make a difference.  Also I realized skin needs consistent care—that it can't always be thrown out of whack or into extremes.

Many women in their thirties and forties feel like their skin suddenly stops responding to what used to work. What’s really happening beneath the surface at that age and how do your products help reset it? It’s tough, I’ve been there. But honestly, it all comes down to exfoliation. So many women skip it, and then wonder why their skincare routine isn’t really working. Buildup is the sneaky culprit here. It blocks your products from absorbing and leaves your skin looking dull and uneven.

Once you hit your 30s, your skin starts to hold onto more buildup, which is why exfoliating becomes the magic step. That’s actually why I created Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads. They’re designed to get you back to even, literally creating that clean, smooth canvas your skin needs so everything else can do its job.

I always tell people: just swipe in the morning before your vitamin C, and you’ll notice such a difference. Your makeup goes on smoother, your products absorb better. It’s like your whole routine suddenly starts working the way it’s supposed to. Shop Your Favorite Ex Exofoliating Pads Here.

In multiple interviews you’ve emphasized “efficacy without messing up the barrier.” Could you walk us through how you define “skin barrier health” in your own words and how YSE Beauty addresses it? A healthy skin barrier is all about balance — strong, protected, but not overworked. Think of it like armor against harmful radicals in the air, but it’s only as effective as the care you give it. You want to nurture it without overdoing it, because that’s when it starts to break down.

At YSE, we like to say the skin barrier is the gatekeeper of glow. It shields and protects your skin while letting your skincare products actually do their job. When your barrier is healthy, your products absorb better, your skin stays radiant, and everything just works in harmony.

What’s one thing most people don’t understand about what it actually takes to build a beauty line from scratch? I feel like so many people think it’s as simple as, “Oh, I want to create a vitamin C serum, or let’s add in some lip tints,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s endless meetings with product development and marketing, figuring out the why behind each product, how it adds value, how the ingredients work together, and how to make it feel fresh and unique in the market. You’re constantly navigating challenges… “this is too expensive” or “this component won’t work.” Most people don’t realize how thoughtful and time-consuming the process is. For example, we worked on Skin Glow for two years to get it just right. Good things take time and it’s usually a lot of obstacles to go through to get it perfect.

Which product do you personally reach for the most, and what makes it a staple in your own routine? Whenever I get asked this, it always feels like being asked, “Who’s my favorite child?” I genuinely use all my products and love each one, but if I had to pick the one I reach for most, it would be Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads. They’ve become part of my regular routine, especially before a premiere, event, or award show. I always use them pre-makeup because I notice a real difference when I take a moment to prep my skin. They create such an even, smooth base that my foundation goes on so much better. Not to mention, I love that they are gentle enough to use every day. 

Which ingredients have become your personal non-negotiables, the ones you’ll never skip in your own routine? Exfoliating glycolic acid to help with texture, vitamin C or niacinamide are my brightening warriors, squalane and hyaluronic acid for hydration (think: having a tall glass of water), peptides for fine lines and wrinkles, and ceramides to support your skin barrier. A non-negotiable, no question.

Is there a product in your line that hasn’t gotten enough attention yet but deserves the spotlight? I think people often underestimate the power of The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment. It’s actually one of our most powerful products, but it’s soooo gentle. Its key ingredient, tranexamic acid, helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and UV-induced discoloration. Aka made for women like me who stayed out in the sun way too often with no sun protection. Used consistently, you’ll see the benefits — because good skincare is all about committing to a routine. Results might not be instant, but the payoff is worth it.

Running a business, being a mother, and maintaining a visible life, how do you protect your “off-screen” time? Protecting my off-screen time is something I’ve learned to take really seriously. When you wear a lot of hats it’s easy to feel like you have to be “on” all the time. But I’ve realized that the moments I’m most present with my kids, my husband, or even just myself are the ones that refuel me and actually make me better in every other area. I try to be intentional about boundaries, whether it’s putting my phone down during dinner, blocking off certain weekends where we do absolutely nothing (which is rare when your kids are in sports every single weekend—shoutout to my lacrosse moms), or scheduling time that isn’t content-driven. I’ve learned to see rest and privacy not as luxuries, but as part of the job — because when I protect that space, I show up more grounded, more creative, and more joyful in everything else I do.

Besides your own skincare, what supplements are part of your daily routine right now? I’ve been using the Perelel Perimenopause Support Pack and recently added a new supplement ritual that my friend Dria Murphy, who helps me with health and wellness, introduced me to. She calls it Dria Water, but I like to think of it as my “get-it-all-in” morning cocktail. It’s my trick for combining all my supplements into one easy drink: muscle recovery, de-bloating, and immunity support all in one. I mix 1 scoop of Momentous Creatine, 2 scoops of Armra Colostrum, and 1 scoop of Superieur Electrolytes, then add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. It tastes fresh, helps alkalize, and soothes my throat — especially when I’m fighting something off.

You host Lipstick on the Rim, but what podcasts do you personally listen to for inspiration or downtime? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love true crime podcasts. Crime Junkie, Dateline NBC… all of them. Part of me just loves playing detective! I also really enjoy Giggly Squad. Hannah and Paige are so quick-witted, and their take on topics is always fresh and fun.

For inspiration, I listen to Emma Grede’s podcast, Aspire with Emma Grede. She’s a self-made powerhouse, incredibly insightful, and brings on amazing guests and visionaries that make you want to rethink your strategies and approach to business.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to another working mom who’s dreaming of launching her own brand? For me, this is a two-part answer. First, it’s not advice — it’s motivation. I find it incredibly inspiring when a woman, especially a mom, has big dreams and is creating a future for herself in the industry. That alone deserves recognition.

Then comes the reality check: it’s going to be hard. You’ll disappoint people, want to tear your hair out, and linger in your car a little longer some days just to grab a moment of silence. It’s a huge commitment, but if you push through and build a supportive village around you, it’s absolutely worth it. Don’t give up. Have a point of view, and always come back to your why! Why you wanted to launch your brand in the first place.

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Why Sophie Jaffe’s 2026 Safari Retreat Needs to Be on Your Bucket List

Whenever my life starts to feel like it’s stuck in an endless loop of meetings, school drop-offs and pick-ups, errands, workouts, repeat, I know my body is sending me a signal I’m ready to shake things up. Something that wakes me up. For me, that reset always comes from nature. The quiet. The space. The perspective that only comes when you leave the noise behind.

That’s exactly what I have created with my upcoming Kenya Safari + Yoga Retreat happening November 2026. It’s part spiritual awakening, part luxury eco-safari, and part reconnection. A week of expansion and deep, soul-level gratitude.

Why Africa? Why Now?
I’ve been leading retreats around the world for over a decade, but there’s something sacred about Africa that is deeply calling me. The land vibrates with life. It’s an opportunity for profound gratitude and what it feels like to truly be present … with yourself, your partner, your family, your life.

We’ll be staying at Entumoto Safari Camp, an eco-luxury sanctuary nestled within a private 35,000-acre conservancy in the Maasai Mara. You’ll be waking up to elephants outside your tent, moving through sunrise yoga overlooking the savannah, and ending the day with candlelit dinners under a starlit sky. 

The camp is solar-powered, the food is fresh and grown onsite, and every single stay directly supports local conservation, community, and education projects. 

Adventure With Purpose
My husband, Adi, and I will be co-leading this experience together. We’ll be guiding powerful workshops on relationships, communication, and trust, and I’ll be leading yoga and meditation sessions designed to help you release what’s heavy and reconnect with what’s real.

There will be journaling, group connection circles, and so many opportunities to drop into your body, your heart, and the beauty around you.

For families, there’s childcare, a pool, a sauna, bike rides, Maasai-led kids’ activities like nature walks, and plenty of quiet moments for parents to rest and reconnect.

What You’ll Experience

+ Daily yoga + meditation overlooking the savannah

+ Twice-daily safari drives and walking safaris

+ Deep workshops on gratitude, expansion, and connection

+ Sunset dinners + soulful community time

+ Visits to the Elephant Orphanage + Giraffe Manor

+ Optional extras like hot air balloon rides and massages

And because we’re staying in a private conservancy, we get to do things most safari guests never can like off-road drives, night safaris, and yoga among the wildlife.

This retreat is about trading busyness for wonder. Comparison for connection. It’s about waking up to your life again.

When we’re surrounded by wild nature, far from screens and schedules, we remember what it feels like to be alive – to breathe deeply, to feel awe, to return to gratitude.

So if you’ve been craving something different … something bigger than a vacation … something that reconnects you to your purpose and your people – this is it.

JOIN NOW

Where: Entumoto Safari Camp, Maasai Mara, Kenya

When: November 22 – 29, 2026

Payment plan options available

Reserve your spot + learn more here →

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Flamingo Estate’s Bhutan Winter Box Might Be the Happiest Gift on Earth

Every season, Flamingo Estate somehow manages to outdo itself, but this Winter Box might be its most magical yet. Inspired by The Kingdom of Bhutan, the Himalayan nation known for measuring Gross National Happiness instead of GDP, this box feels like joy in tangible form.

Think of it as a gift that is part spiritual journey, part sensory indulgence, and fully Flamingo Estate. Inside you will find treasures that smell like crisp mountain air, taste like calm, and arrive looking far too beautiful to rewrap.

Happiness, But Make It Himalayan

Bhutan sits high in the eastern Himalayas, veiled in mist and myth. It is one of the only countries in the world where nature takes legal priority. The constitution requires that at least 60 percent of its land remain forested, and the people have exceeded that goal with pride. The rivers run clear, the air is pure, and the land hums with quiet reverence for the natural world.

Known as Lho Menjong, or The Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs, Bhutan is home to more than 3,000 rare and powerful botanicals. From Shilajit and Cordyceps to Rhodiola and Black Turmeric, the ingredients that grow here are as pristine as the soil they come from. Flamingo Estate spent months collaborating with local farmers and artisans to ethically source these ingredients for the Winter Box, and the result feels like opening a portal to another way of living.

So What’s Inside This Happiness Capsule

The Four Friends Temple Candles
A set of four petite candles featuring Copal, Amber, Cedarwood, and Myrrh, inspired by Bhutan’s beloved parable of friendship and harmony. Light one when you want your home to feel a little holier.

Gakyid Soap Brick
A handcrafted bar infused with Bhutanese Cypress, Narcissus, Gardenia, Sandalwood, and Pink Himalayan Sea Salt. Smells like the cleanest forest imaginable.

Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
A smooth blend of Hazelnut Butter, organic Cacao, Vanilla, Bhutanese Timur Peppercorns, and Himalayan Pink Salt. It is basically the Himalayan cousin of Nutella, but with better ingredients and a higher moral compass.

Cordyceps and Black Turmeric Honey
Pure Himalayan Honey infused with two of Bhutan’s most prized adaptogens, known to boost vitality and immunity. The kind of honey that deserves its own teaspoon ritual.

Thingney Ezay Chile Paste with Sichuan Peppercorns
A bold, spicy paste that defines Bhutanese hospitality. It brings warmth and flavor to everything it touches.

Himalayan Foothills Flower Tea
A fragrant blend of Ginger, Lemongrass, Chamomile, and Pineapple, grown by women farmers in the Drachukha Valley under the cooperative Bhutan Blossoms.

Shilajit Resin
A potent mineral-rich resin traditionally used to support energy and focus. Stir it into tea or warm milk when you want to feel grounded and powerful at the same time.

Lemongrass Room Spray
Steam distilled and hand harvested by local Bhutanese communities. Mist it on linens and instantly feel your home shift into serenity.

Prayer Flags and Wishing Ornaments
Authentic prayer flags handcrafted by students of the Choki School of Traditional Arts, paired with cotton wishing cards so you can send your hopes into the wind.

A Gift That Truly Gives Back

Each box directly supports the Choki School of Traditional Arts, Bhutan’s only institution offering free education to children from rural villages. This year, Flamingo Estate is funding tuition, room, and board for 20 students, giving them the opportunity to learn, create, and carry forward their country’s artistic legacy. Shop the Winter Box Here. 

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The Best Wellness Tech Investment I Made All Year and Still Use Nightly

We have tested enough wellness devices this year to know that most so-called game changers do not last. They arrive with hype, require a learning curve, demand enthusiasm, and within a month they are tucked in closets with charging cords we can no longer identify. So when a wellness tool not only survived past our testing phase but became something we genuinely look forward to using, it stood out. We first tried the BON CHARGE Red Light Therapy Blanket at the start of this year, and it quickly became our most used tool of the year.

Before this, our red light routine looked like everyone else’s, a red light mask at home or a few sessions in front of a panel. What we had not seen before was a true full body option. The BON CHARGE blanket changed that. It is one of the few devices that surrounds you in light completely, and the first time we tried it, we understood why this kind of 360 exposure might be the next evolution of red light therapy.

Why This Blanket Worked When Others Did Not

There are still very few full body red light blankets on the market, and even fewer that deliver a balance of comfort, usability, and clinical precision. That is what makes BON CHARGE’s Red Light Therapy Blanket stand out. It uses the same two wavelengths most commonly studied in red light therapy: 660 nanometer red light for surface level rejuvenation and collagen support, and 850 nanometer near infrared light for deeper cellular recovery, circulation, and inflammation relief.

The experience is very different from infrared heat therapy. Infrared sauna blankets rely on heat to raise core temperature, encouraging sweating and detoxification. Red light therapy, on the other hand, works without heat. It stimulates energy production within the cells, helping the body restore itself on a deeper level. Both are valuable for different reasons, but if you are focused on recovery, skin vitality, or long term cellular health, red light delivers what heat cannot.

What I Noticed After Months of Use

I did not wake up as a new person, but after a few months, I started to notice clear changes that went beyond skin health.

This year involved months of back to back travel, new time zones, early calls, late night deadlines, and very little real rest. There were mornings when I was so tired I could barely focus. Even after returning home, it felt like my body never caught up. I was still wired but somehow depleted. When I finally started using the red light blanket again, it was like hitting a reset button. The first session brought an immediate calm. By the next day, I could feel energy coming back, focus returning, and sleep feeling deeper. It was the first thing that actually helped pull me out of that fog.

The science backs up what I felt. Red light therapy increases mitochondrial energy production, which is how cells create ATP, the fuel your body uses for everything from brain function to muscle repair. Studies show that consistent exposure to 660 and 850 nanometer wavelengths helps the body recover from fatigue by reducing oxidative stress and improving circulation. That combination is what helps your cells make energy more efficiently. In simpler terms, it helps your body recharge itself from the inside out.

I really put this to the test, and it held up. Within a week, the exhaustion that had felt baked in began to fade. Concentration improved. Workouts felt better. Even skin tone and recovery followed. The changes were not dramatic, they were simply reliable, which made them easy to trust.

How I Actually Use It

Here is how it really goes. After a shower, we grab some water, plug it in, and climb inside. Sometimes there is a podcast playing, sometimes Netflix, sometimes we just stare at the ceiling and zone out. You just wrap yourself up and let the light do its thing.

The blanket can also unzip into two mats, which makes it surprisingly versatile. We have used it for stretching or just laying on them separately with a friend while catching up.

The Honest Part, It Is An Investment

It is an investment, but one that earns its place quickly. The BON CHARGE Red Light Therapy Blanket uses the two most researched wavelengths in red light therapy, targeting both the surface and deeper layers of the body for results that build over time.

Here is what you actually get:

+ Stronger, healthier skin
The 660 nanometer red light supports collagen production, improving tone, elasticity, and texture for skin that looks and feels more resilient.

+ Reduced inflammation and muscle recovery
The 850 nanometer near infrared light penetrates deeper into muscle and joint tissue to ease soreness, support circulation, and speed recovery.

+ More natural energy
Red light helps your cells create more ATP, the body’s source of energy. That cellular boost supports focus, stamina, and better overall vitality.

+ Improved sleep and stress response
Consistent use helps balance the nervous system, calm the body, and support deeper, more restorative rest.

The Best Wellness Tech Investment?

This blanket did more than make my skin glow or help me sleep a little deeper. It gave me back energy at a time when I felt completely depleted. Earlier this year, I was running on fumes — working across time zones, traveling constantly, and never really catching up. I tried everything, but nothing seemed to help me reset until I started using this consistently again. That was the moment I became a believer.

Since then, it has become something I genuinely look forward to. My skin looks better, my body feels more relaxed, and my sleep finally feels like real rest. It is the simplest part of my routine, but somehow the most effective. If you have been curious about red light therapy or need something that helps you slow down and recharge, this is a pretty good place to start.

Ready to try it for yourself? You can shop the BON CHARGE Red Light Therapy Blanket and use code TCM15 for 15% off your order here.

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another 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 Ginger Mustard Tuna Recipe Is Proof Simple Can Be Stunning

Jeremy Sewall has a gift for making simple food feel elevated. The award-winning chef and co-owner of Boston’s Row 34 restaurants has built his career around honest, ingredient-driven cooking that never tries too hard, just fresh, thoughtful food done right.

In his new cookbook, Everyday Chef: Simple Dishes for Family and Friends , Sewall brings that same effortless style home, sharing the kind of recipes that turn a weeknight dinner into something quietly special.

His Grilled Tuna with Ginger Mustard and Tomato Basil Salad is a perfect example, with clean, balanced flavors that let the ingredients shine. Seared tuna, brushed with a gingery mustard glaze, meets the freshness of ripe tomatoes and basil for a dish that feels as refined as it is relaxed.

Recipe

SERVES 4

MUSTARD

¼ cup Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons crème fraîche

2 thumb-size pieces ginger, rinsed but unpeeled

½ teaspoon kosher salt

SALAD

1 medium red tomato

1 medium yellow tomato

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 large basil leaves

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

TUNA

Four 6- to 7-ounce tuna steaks

2 tablespoons canola oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Juice of ½ lemon

12 small basil leaves

For the ginger mustard, in a bowl combine the Dijon and crème fraîche. On the largest holes of a box grater, grate the ginger. Place a strainer over a small bowl. By hand, squeeze the ginger over the bowl to extract its juice. Discard solids and stir the ginger juice into the Dijon mixture. Stir in the salt.

For the salad, core the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes into ½-inch slices and then dice into ¼-inch pieces. Place the tomatoes and any juices in a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. Stack the basil leaves, roll into a tight cylinder, and slice into thin ribbons. Add to the tomatoes. Stir in the olive oil and let the salad sit at room temperature until ready to use.

Preheat a grill to high heat and clean the grill grates.

Brush the tuna steaks with the canola oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Place the tuna on the grill and cook for 90 seconds per side. Every 30 seconds, give the steaks a quarter turn to create even grill marks. The tuna should remain rare in the middle. (Adjust cooking time if you prefer your tuna cooked through.) Remove from the grill and drizzle the lemon juice over the tuna. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

To show off the beautiful red interior of the tuna, slice each steak into 3 to 4 pieces. Place on individual plates, top with the tomato salad, and serve the ginger mustard on the side.

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6 Overlooked Mineral Connections Every Woman Should Know for Better Energy, Mood, and Hormones

When it comes to women’s health, the conversation often centers around hormones, but minerals may be the real missing link. Caroline Alan, mineral researcher, functional health educator, and author of the upcoming release The Mineral Reset: The Essential Guide to Replenishing Your Body and Restoring Your Health, is on a mission to change that.

After years of research and education around the role minerals play in energy, mood, hormonal balance, and even cellular repair, Caroline believes that mineral replenishment should be a cornerstone of women’s health, especially through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

We asked Caroline to break down the mineral connections every woman should know. Here, she shares six overlooked ways mineral depletion may be quietly impacting everything from your mood and metabolism to your sleep and skin.

6 Overlooked Mineral Connections Every Woman Should Know

+ Low energy or low stamina:
Mineral depletion is a silent energy drainer, leaving you feeling exhausted even after rest. With amino acids, minerals fuel energy generation inside your cells.  Your body makes amino acids, but it makes no minerals.  All the mineral fuel for your cells comes from the outside of your body, via food, water or supplementation. When your body doesn’t have enough minerals, it will like your dimmer switch is turned down.  If this goes on for extended periods, your body will be like a city operating in a constant brownout. It will be unable to complete all its functions, leaving you dragging.

+ Irritability, mood swings, or anxiety:
Regulation of your nervous system relies on minerals.  Imbalanced mineral levels can make emotional regulation feel harder than it should be. Moods are related to neurotransmitter washes in your body, all of which require minerals for their production!  General mineral deficiency is linked to low endorphin release and heightened sensitivity to pain. Adequate magnesium levels allow natural “feel-good” chemicals to work effectively.

+ Hormonal fluctuations:
PMS, Menopausal hormone shifts can all be intensified by depleted mineral stores. Every biosynthesis process that is required for women to adjust to perimenopause and menopause requires minerals. When the body doesn’t have the fuel it needs, it struggles to adjust and to these changes creating a host of acute and chronic symptoms.

+ Hair, skin, or nail changes:
Dull and breaking hair, ridged or chipping fingernails, dull skin, these are the body’s way of communicating that it is experiencing mineral shortages.

+ Sleep Interruptions:
Cells that don’t have enough minerals will not be able to complete all of their intended functions This can lead to an amping up of the nervous system as your system sends you looking for what’s missing.  Full spectrum mineral replenishment can be the simplest and most straightforward solution to the sleep issues associated with the hormonal shifts resulting from perimenopause and menopause.

+ Vaginal Tissue and Microbiome Health:
As women age the health of vaginal tissue and secretions is an important part of longevity and quality of life.  Minerals support tissue regeneration and the on-going development of healthy vaginal secretions, as well supporting the overall balance of the vaginal microbiome.

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