“Cougar Puberty” has entered the chat

Throughout my 20s, I wore four-inch heels to work — and then trained for marathons at night. 

I remember hobbling into the office one day, and a colleague insisting on taking a photo of my ankle brace and heels combo for our corporate Instagram feed. (Different era, very different priorities.) 

It’s easy to ignore your feet. But, if something’s off with your health, feet are where you might see the first warning signs. (Thinning toe hair, swelling, and weak ankles are just some of the tells.)

Here are a few foot-saving moves…

• Breaking in that new pair of loafers? Identify your “hot spots,” and then try these other blister-free tricks. 

• Surprise, four-inch heels are bad for your feet. But there is a “magic number” for shoe height. 

• Do these three quick challenges to test your foot strength and stability.

• Step #1 to avoid a salon infection? Ask about “autoclaving.”  

• It’s (somehow) still sandal season. Tonight, I’m trying out this $13 hack to give my dry heels a little TLC.  

— Anna “Orthotics Are Chic, Actually” Davies, writer

If you’ve tried everything and you’re still waking up groggy… the answer to better sleep might be in the dentist’s chair.

These six foods may not be great for your brain health... and we are in mourning over #3.

FYI for your vitamin routine: These two common supplements cancel each other out when you take them at the same time. 

Ever wondered, “Are we having enough sex?” Science actually has an answer.

Great news, “lethal fungus” has entered the 2025 chat. Here’s what you need to know about Valley Fever.

Wellness culture has come for our pets. Does Stanley Poochi really need a “collagen puptide” glow-up?

If you’re dealing with UTI symptoms, but your labs are coming back normal, ask about “ureaplasma” –– and insist on getting this test.

You’ve heard you need more protein. You just don’t want to make it your full-time job. Permission to put these items in your cart, and move on with your life.

What if you could do puberty all over again… but this time with a cheat sheet? That’s basically perimenopause. (Or, as the Internet is calling it, “Cougar Puberty.” Pass.)  

If your eyes are glazing over because you think that’s years away… stay with us. Symptoms can show up as early as your 30s. 

How to know if you’re “in” it: The only way to know for sure is in hindsight: Once you’ve gone a full year without a period, you’ve officially reached menopause. Helpful, right?

But, you could try this: Hormone panels can help you get a better idea of what’s going on –– including your follicle-stimulating hormone (which measures ovarian reserve), estradiol, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone. At-home kits exist, but there are serious drawbacks. Better to go to your doctor.

How to treat symptoms: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, and talk therapy can make a huge difference. Here's a full list of options to take into your next appointment.

What’s new: You’ve heard of the physical symptoms (hot flashes, weight gain, irregular periods). But research is adding to what we know about perimenopause and mental health. Like, sex might actually be… better? Also, women are at a greater risk of developing an eating disorder during perimenopause. And, massive swings in estrogen and progesterone are the likely cause behind ”perimenopause rage.” 

Men go through it, too –– sort of: They experience hormonal dips in midlife, called “andropause.” If women have to live with “Cougar Puberty,” at least men get this belittling nickname, too. 

For Your Sanity:

• Track your cycle + moods. Data helps you ID patterns, but using cycle tracking apps can put your privacy at risk. If journaling isn’t for you, try this security expert’s advice on how to digitally monitor your symptoms –– without exposing intimate health info.

• Line up your team. Your PCP and OB-GYN may not be the right fit for this next phase of your health. Skimm+ has a handy script that will help you make that call. (Get one month, on us, here.)  

• Know your options. Not finding providers you like IRL? Here are eight telehealth companies dedicated to perimenopause care.

• Go with your gut. Emerging research suggests your microbiome plays a big role in mood stability during perimenopause. Load up on these foods.

• Do less. Something to look forward to? Becoming a card-carrying member of the “We Do Not Care Club.”

It’s always fashion week somewhere. And with it comes a buffet of new beauty trends that we’ve classified according to our highly-scientific spectrum of good and (mostly) evil.

Lawful Good: Glass Hair.For many hair types, it’s actually a pretty easy way to look polished.

Chaotic Evil: Velvet Skin.Is anyone else getting flashbacks to Samantha Parkington’s Christmas wardrobe? Just me?

Chaotic Evil-er: Mannequin Skin.A poreless, plastic doll look that’s giving Spirit Halloween animatronic vibes.

Chaotic Evil-est: The “Dry Look.”For the love of Hugh Jackman, give the man in your life your Stanley.

From budget-friendly to big-family-friendly, here are the best filters for keeping microplastics, lead, and other contaminants out of your water glass…

Here’s the full list of the best water filters, according to experts.

You’ve heard outer order, inner calm, but life keeps shoving “cleaning and organizing” to the bottom of your to-do list. 

This course, Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter, taught by Stephanie Bennett Vogt, is about finally simplifying your space for good. Instead of cramming everything into a Hefty and hoping for the best, you’ll learn to pause, notice what’s holding you back, and clear clutter at a pace that actually sticks.

It’s pay-what-you-wish and self-paced. By the end, you’ll feel lighter — and yes, like you finally have room to breathe.