SHOPPING

A beginner’s guide to sound baths − what they are, how to choose a good one and what the research shows. In recent years, sound bathing, a therapy in which sound is used for healing, has been marketed as one of many “self-care” practices, such as journal-keeping or candle-burning, in support of personal well-being. Sold also as sound “immersions,” or sound “healing” or “therapy,” sound baths are pitched as a safe and effective way to reduce stress and increase inner peace. Do they, though? If so, how? As a medical anthropologist who has conducted research on the sound bath boom, I have some evidence-based insights to offer. What is a sound bath? Dedicated yogic sound baths are typically intimate, hourlong, small group events hosted in yoga studios or other private settings. Lights dimmed...

Skin science secrets for smooth winter skin: Insights from a chemist to break free from dry skin woes. If the dropping temperatures instantly make your skin feel dry and uncomfortable, you're not alone. Between the frigid air outside and overheated air inside, the winter months are loaded with skin stressors that can put your skin on a seemingly endless dry skin roller coaster. According to Dr. Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, this roller coaster can lead to a weakened skin barrier. "Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, and you're constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers — but things like changes in temperature and humidity levels can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks," explained Kate. "The best solution is to fix the holes in the bucket to st...