Elaine Welteroth Teaches Brit About Finding Your Purpose

Elaine WelterothElaine Welteroth

Elaine Welteroth is an award-winning journalist, the former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, the best-selling author of memoir, More Than Enough, and a spirited TV personality. She joins Brit Morin for an inspiring conversation on finding your why, how to know when it's time to make a career pivot, how to burnout and why it's so crucial to schedule time for joy.

Elaine and Brit also discuss the significance of honoring where you come from and the ancestors who came before you — and how to use your origin story to tap into your purpose and passion. Elaine shares the intimate family history she discovered through a recent partnership with Ancestry — and how resiliency is such a deep trait that runs through the Black community. You can learn more about her discoveries in Ancestry's brand new ongoing video content series, "Questions and Ancestors™: Black Family History" by watching the full episode here.

To learn more about all the things with Brit, subscribe to Teach Me Something New on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring beauty stories!

Make way Olivia Culpo because Karlie Kloss and her husband Joshua Kushner are expecting baby No. 3! We weren't looking for this unforeseen news, but we're overjoyed now that we know about it.

The model and entrepreneur excitedly spilled the beans on Instagram today and was met with an overflow of adoration and support. It's the kind of energy that's erased our Monday blues and has us thinking about all the cute baby names we've been covering!

If we're lucky, maybe Karlie and Joshua will turn to us for inspiration when naming their bundle of joy!

Scroll to learn more about Karlie's pregnancy journey and the announcement we can't stop fawning over!

Karlie posted her pregnancy announcement a couple of hours ago with the first picture in the carousel being one of her holding her and Joshua's youngest son Levi. He's situated atop of her cute baby bump in the black and white snapshot while the third and fourth images are close-ups of Karlie cradling her stomach. But it's the last pic that's tugging at our hearts.

Young Elijah and Levi are wrapped in the sweetest embrace which makes us think baby No. 3 will be born into an affectionate family. Also, Karlie's caption sums up how she feels: "Three’s a party 🥹🫶🎉."

The comment section isn't short on love, but we especially adore model Karolina Kurkova's comment. "Welcome to the 3s club," she wrote. We guess it's a rite of passage to join the multiple kids club!

Also, designer Christian Siriano expressed his excitement for Karlie by writing "omgggg yay" while Parish Hilton said, "Congratulations love🥰."

Most importantly, Karlie's husband Joshua left the "🥰" emoji and that's enough for us to look for Dustin Poynter aka the flag guy to wave something green in his direction.

We can't wait to see if baby No. 3 will be a boy or girl this time.

Follow us on Facebook for updates!

So, you've stopped asking "does makeup expire" and have become a pro at spotting unhealthy particles churning in your foundation. We're proud of you, but this TikTok video suggests there's two more things you're likely overlooking: your face wash and the mold that could be growing in it *insert music from Psycho.* If anything should be considered icky, it's this.

Usually we like to make a funny joke, but we've been telling our trusted cleanser we're not pleased with its sneaky potential to betray us. It's a good thing cosmetic dermatologist Courtney Allen, FNP-C is here to ease our fears! She's the founder of Canvas Skin (recently named Nashville’s top skincare center) who has over 10 years of skincare experience so her advice is one we can rely on!

Learn about why mold develops and what you can do before it makes your skin go haywire

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

Tiger Lily/Pexels

We can agree face wash is meant to tackle skincare concerns like acne, dark spots, and extreme oiliness, right? Great, because it means we're confused about how mold can destroy the thing designed to help our skin. Thankfully, Allen has the answer to our burning question!
She says, "Mold can develop in face wash due to exposure to moisture, improper storage, expired preservatives, or contamination from dirty hands or water." If this made you question how you're currently storing your face wash, you're not alone!

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

Cora Pursley/Dupe Photos

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Imagine you think you've hit the jackpot because you found face wash that was hidden behind other beauty products under your skin. Without checking the expiration date, you eagerly start using it only to experience confusion when you have an allergic reaction.
The reason your skin's unhappy is because "using a mold-contaminated face wash can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, rashes, fungal infections, or worsening of conditions like eczema, according to Allen. Why? It's all "due to exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi," she adds. Oh and if you have sensitive skin? She feels you're "especially at risk."

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA/Pexels

Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

Kaboompics.com/Pexels

To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty tips!

We all want to give our space a tailored and personalized touch, but elevating your home with that touch of "quiet luxury"doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, Marshalls is packed with luxe-looking home decor pieces that rival the high-end finds you’d shop from Anthropologie or West Elm, all without designer prices! I scrolled through Marshalls' site to uncover 10 total hidden gems that’ll easily help you level up your decor game – all under $20.

Scroll on to shop 10 stunning (and budget-friendly!) Marshalls finds that will give your space an instant upgrade!

Marshalls

MDesign Cotton Striped Pillow

This $17 striped throw pillow with tied corners screamscoastal luxury. While playful, it's still fairly understated in terms of the color palette, so it'll match really well with any interior design setup!

Marshalls

Sagebrook Home Nautilus Shell Planter

Same thing goes for this gorgeous shell-shaped planter. Embrace the coastal vibes as the weather starts to warm up for just $15! All your seasonal blooms will adore this piece.

Marshalls

Echante Ribbed Glass Candle Warmer Lamp

Well, hello there! Your search for a chic candle warmer – AKA the most bougie home decor purchase at the moment – is officially over, thanks to this $20 piece you can find at Marshalls!

Marshalls

Enchante Leather Two Wick Candle

Of course, you'll need a delicious-smelling candle to go with your new warmer, which is where this $13 leather scent comes in! While you could go the floral or gourmand route, musky aromas like this one tend to lend your space with more of a sophisticated, grown-up vibe.

Marshalls

Petal Lane Strawberries Framed Wall Art

The ornate gold frame on this fruit-themed art piece gives it such a luxurious feel, though no one has to know you snagged it from Marshalls for just $13! It'll look stunning on any wall you want to hang it from – all the way from the kitchen to the bathroom.

Marshalls

Laura Ashley Printed Curtains

Give your window fixings some extra quiet luxury oomph with this $20 set of curtains! The floral pattern will definitely add a refined touch to any room. If you want to take 'em up a notch, layer each one with a sheer white or lace curtain to enhance the wispy, romantic vibes.

Marshalls

Enchante Bow Detail Tabletop Picture Frame

This picture frame is oh-so Anthro – but only costs $7! Whether it houses photos of recent dear memories or snaps of loved ones, it adds a luxe touch through the gold lining and the adorable little bow motif up top.

Marshalls

Sagebrook Home Glass Taper Candle Holder

This taper candle holder is also reminiscent of something our favorite upscale home decor stores would carry. Luckily, you can find it at Marshalls for $13 to infuse your dining table spreads or bedside table setup with playful opulence!

Marshalls

Madison Scalloped Coir Mat

The scallop trend is hot right now. Without it being overly kitschy, try accentuating smaller spaces in your home with the pattern! This $14 doormat is a great place to start, since it'll welcome each and every one of your guests (including you, of course!) with a lively and youthful effect. Everyone will be asking where you got it!

Marshalls

Sagebrook Home Arch Handle Indoor Planter

As classic as straight, clean edges are for the quiet luxury look, you can still lean into more organic, earthier decor pieces for the same effect, or to get some contrast goin'. This charming $15 plant pot features some unique handles on the side and a textured base that'll make your houseplants feel right at home.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more luxe home decor finds for less!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

We’re currently reveling in all things spring, and Target’s lineup of seasonal fashion is truly too good to miss! Full of plus-size options, we’re especially enamored with their spring dresses. From breezy floral midis to more flirty minis, these 12 Target plus-size spring dresses are perfect for any and every occasion you’ve got going on – they’re also oh-so flattering!

Get ready to refresh your wardrobe with these feel-good plus-size spring dresses from Target!

Target

Wild Fable Maxi Sundress

The halter neckline on this sundress cinches your figure up perfectly with a double-tie design in the front and back. It's fairly flowy, being cut from a blend of lightweight rayon and spandex that'll keep you comfy all day long. Since it's a casual dress, you can rock it with your favorite sneakers or easily dress it up with some spring-y sandals.

Target

A New Day Midi Sundress

Oh, this blue color is so dreamy! Pastels are springtime's BFF, so you'll be ready to step out the moment you slip this dress on. The milkmaid-style neckline is also supremely flattering and femme for your bod.

Target

A New Day Corset Mini Dress

We can never say 'no' to a stark white mini dress for the warmer seasons. The best part about this piece is it's made of breezy cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort while you wear it! Plus, the corset bodice and wide straps really bring the look together in the most flattering way possible. If this bright white isn't quite your jam, it's also shoppable in 4 other spring-ready hues.

Target

Universal Thread Denim Flouncy Dress

Denim dresses are a total staple for any season, though thicker designs can feel like a drag to wear once it starts to warm up. Luckily, this buttoned-up mini boasts a lightweight cotton-blend fabric that won't weigh you down! The cap sleeves and collar up top lend it a super polished look that you can wear just about anywhere, depending how you style it.

Target

Future Collective Sleeveless Flutter Hem Maxi Dress

This pink-ish maxi is one of our favorite plus-size spring dresses at Target right now. The color is downright gorgeous, so you really won't need any additional help pulling a statement look. The ruffles that land at the hem feel oh-so playful, too, to match the energy of springtime.

Target

A New Day Corset Midi A-Line Dress

Preppy and curve-pleasing, this midi is fitted with a corset bodice that adds shape to your already-beautiful body. We adore that the length of this piece allows you to play with so many different types of shoes, from sandals to sneakers and ballet flats to loafers. This blue and white floral pattern is truly everything for spring, but it's also available in 5 more colors (solids and a fun gingham) to suit your personal style.

Target

Wild Fable Maxi Bodycon Dress

Bodycon dresses don't always have to be uncomfortable, and this maxi proves it! The denim material it's made of offers nothing but softness and stretch, so it moves oh-so easily with you. Additionally, the vertical seaming around the dress elongates your figure to a tee! We'd style this baby with some cowgirl boots to truly embrace the timelessness of western fashion.

Target

Wild Fable Flutter Short Sleeve Maxi A-Line Dress

Easter dress, anyone? This stunning maxi features a mellow yellow shade that'll make you feel absolutely stunning. What's more is the hiked-up bodice offers an elongating effect to your look while still letting you feel cozy as can be! The bows that land at the shoulders really seal the deal for it being the perfect style to grab for your spring 'fits.

Target

Ava & Viv Short Sleeve Button-Front Midi Sweater Dress

This playful striped sweater dress is ideal for office days since it offers you a nice touch of warmth. It's also fairly modest, meaning no dress code worries here! The buttons up front make getting ready super easy while also adding some stylish flair.

Target

Future Collective Slip Midi Dress

Floral patterns can get overwhelming pretty quickly, but this slip dress offers a calmer effect with some spaced-out blooms for springtime. It features a classic v-neck fit before falling down into a flowy midi-length skirt that's luckily fitted with a lightweight liner for added coverage wherever you take it!

Target

A New Day Linen Mini Vest Dress

Linen will never not be great for warm weather! This breathable mini dress fits you super easily, but still has some structure, thanks to the vest-like fit up top. The squared neckline is also undeniably flattering, no matter your chest size. We'd rock this cutie with some slip-on sandals and a woven purse to embrace the season seamlessly.

Target

Wild Fable Rosette Mini Sweater Dress

Stunning for any spring festivals and concerts you've got on the cal this year, this cheeky sweater dress is packed with floral accents and an eye-catching pink color. Since it's see-through, we recommend layering this piece over a mini slip or bodysuit if you're seeking more coverage.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning plus-size styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.