“How is the lotion my massage therapist uses different than the everyday lotion I use at home?”
Believe it or not, therapists put a lot of thought into the lubricant they use. There are many choices—cream, gel, lotion, and oil—and each offers different degrees of glide on the skin, viscosity (thickness), and absorption into the skin. These factors affect the deliverability and quality of the strokes and techniques therapists use, so they will carefully choose a product that facilitates and enhances the specific type of work they do. Your health is an important factor, too: please let your practitioner know if you are allergic to any chemicals, nuts, or scents so they’re sure to use a lubricant that does not contain these ingredients.

Kristin Coverly, LMT, is a massage therapist and educator for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

“Can certain foods actually cause acne?”
You betcha! The foods we eat can play a large role in achieving a gorgeous, unblemished complexion—or not. Take for example tomatoes: while this food might be a powerhouse for your body nutrient-wise, acne sufferers will point to this food as a culprit for breakouts. The reasoning for this is greatly debated. Perhaps it’s because of the tomato’s high acid content or the fact that they are a member of the nightshade family (a group of edible and nonedible plants that contain solanine, which is a glycoalkaloid poison). Regardless, if you notice small bumps around your mouth after ingestion, you might want to avoid them in the future. Some other advice: decrease your intake of fried and processed foods, and keep sugar to a minimum.

Alex Caspero is a St. Louis-based registered dietitian. Her blog, Delish Knowledge (www.delishknowledge.com), focuses on simple, healthy recipes.