The bedtime habit eye doctors hate

Two things have stuck with us after watching the second half of Bridgerton season four: that bath scene — and the fact that the biggest love story might’ve been the female friendships (both on and off screen). New alliances formed. Old ones cracked. And yes, we got a reconciliation arc that felt more satisfying than some of the romances.

Turns out, the ton may be onto something. Emerging research suggests strong social ties don’t just make us happier, they may help tamp down inflammation and even slow biological aging at the cellular level. 

The reassuring part? You don’t need a Queen Charlotte-Lady Danbury-level bestie. It’s about consistent connection over time. But modern life isn’t exactly designed for that.

There’s also the very real “forties friendship dip.” Divorce, parenting, job shifts (and the resulting income gap) all impact relationships. I’ve felt it this year, losing two friendships. Not in a fireworks way, but in a values-shifting drift. Painful… yet clarifying.

So I’m getting more intentional about how I show up. Starting with:

• This quiz to figure out what type of planner I actually am. Every fruit fly needs their golden retriever.

• A surprisingly simple hack to carve out more quality time when schedules are tight. 

• And while I’m not ready to request a performance review from my friends, I am self-reflecting on how I can flake less and initiate more.

— Anna “Coffee Dates as Medicine” Davies, writer 

Eye doctors are begging you to break one common bedtime habit.

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While gut health has taken over group chats and grocery store aisles, vaginal health is often framed like a math problem — if it comes up at all. More Lactobacillus equals good. Anything else equals bad. And if something feels off, you must have thrown the balance out of whack and should drink some cranberry juice. 

But new research suggests it’s not that simple. A recent peer-reviewed study found that vaginal bacteria don’t behave uniformly, even when classified as the same species. Researchers identified 25 distinct vaginal microbiome community types, challenging the long-standing “good vs. bad bacteria” framework that dominates women’s health messaging.

In practical terms, that means that two women can have the same bacterial species present and experience completely different immune responses or outcomes. That may help explain why one person deals with recurrent BV, yeast infections, or fertility complications while another doesn’t — even when their hygiene routines look similar. It could also shed light on why so many women feel stuck in treatment cycles that don’t fully solve the problem.

This research opens the door to more personalized gynecological care in the future, and challenges the idea that there is one “optimized” vagina.

For Your Sanity:

• Fluctuation is normal. Hormones, sex, pregnancy, perimenopause, and antibiotics can all shift your vaginal microbiome. Change does not automatically mean something is wrong.

• Symptoms still matter. Persistent itching, unusual discharge, odor, or pain warrant a call to your doctor. 

• At-home kits aren’t diagnoses. Results can be interesting — and these femtech startups are doing important research — but review them with a clinician before self-treating. 

• Basics count. A varied, fiber-rich diet, hydration, and overall immune support help create conditions for balance throughout the body. 

• If you’re trying to conceive, take a breath. “Trimester zero” culture pushes optimization, but piling on supplements without medical guidance isn’t the move.

Lately, my feed has been full of lymph talk — about how puffiness, bloating, and that general blah feeling are all byproducts of a “backed up” drainage system.

Which has me wondering whether I need a $200 lymphatic massage, a vibrating device that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie, a dry brush, or a gua sha stone to get things moving?

Quick refresher. Your lymphatic system cycles a clear fluid called lymph through your body, helping filter waste and support immune function. Unlike your circulatory system, there’s no heart pumping it. Lymph moves when you move. Walking, stretching, and everyday muscle contractions help keep things flowing. Which means most people don’t need to “activate” their lymph. 

So why does drainage feel transformative? Because shifting fluid — even temporarily — can reduce visible puffiness, especially in the face. 

A key detail: Lymph vessels sit just under the skin. True lymphatic drainage is intentionally light touch. If you’re craving the kind of massage that hurts so good, this might not be your vibe.

The bottom line: These treatments can feel good and function as self-care. But they aren’t essential detox tools, and they’re not a cure for chronic bloat or fatigue. If you’re persistently swollen or dealing with painful limbs or joints, that’s a conversation for your doctor — especially to rule out conditions like lymphedema. 

Otherwise? Go with the flow. Your body already is.

"Neither is actually better across the board. They each have strengths, and the right choice depends on your teeth, dental work, and how consistently you’ll use them.

Traditional string floss physically scrapes plaque from between teeth and along the gumline, and that mechanical action is very effective at removing sticky buildup. It’s also portable, inexpensive, and doesn’t require electricity or water. The downside? It takes some skill and manual dexterity to do well, and it can be tricky to maneuver around braces, bridges, implants, or very tight contacts.

Water flossers, on the other hand, are especially good for gum health and can help reduce bleeding and inflammation. Many people find them easier and more comfortable to use, particularly if they have braces, implants, bridges, or limited dexterity. They can also reach below the gumline and flush debris from hard-to-reach areas. However, they don’t physically scrape plaque the way string floss does, so they may miss sticky buildup in very tight spaces — and they require counter space, water, and power."

PS: Curious which models are worth the bathroom real estate? Here’s a look at eight of the best water flossers, according to dental pros and hands-on testing.

You know how a squeeze of lemon keeps your avocado from going all sad and brown? That’s vitamin C doing its thing. And turns out, it can bring that same energy to your face. Vitamin C serums are antioxidant overachievers: They brighten, even out tone, and help fade dark spots. Make these ones your glow-to:

Here’s the full list of the best vitamin C serums, according to experts.

Have a question, comment, or just want to be friends? Reach out to us at well@theskimm.com

Written by Anna Davies. Edited by Jordan Galloway and Kylie McConville.
Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.