…in your vocab: "Hater." And why, sometimes, a little negativity goes a long way.
…in your social feeds: These rebels are synonymous with Latinx pop culture. Now, RBD's back with a reunion tour.
…in your FYP: From vanilla girls to Lucky Girl Syndrome. TikTok is serving up viral trends that may just be screaming privilege.
Top Story
Time to Thinx Again
Bloody hell: Recently, headline after headline has put a spotlight on PFAS. The "forever chemicals" are found in things like non-stick cookware, clothing, some cosmetics…and allegedly period underwear. Add it to the list of things people have to deal with while on their period.
The Story
Thinx has settled a class-action lawsuit alleging the brand's reusable period underwear contains potentially harmful chemicals known as PFAS. Reminder: PFAS have been linked to infertility, lowered immune responses, and cancer. The company denied the allegations in the suit but agreed to partly reimburse customers who qualify (see if you do here). Even though the company maintains PFAS aren't part of their product design, news of the settlement has apparently rattled users — especially since the brand marketed itself as "organic, sustainable, and non-toxic." Now, many people say they feel as if they're back to square one.
What do you mean?
Access to quality — let alone comfortable — period products can be a struggle. Pads and tampons can build up waste and include dioxins. Menstrual cups, while cost-effective, can be messy. Then, there's the cost factor: Dozens of states continue to tax period products, which are already pricey. For a lot of people, reusable period underwear was a cost-saving and eco-friendly answer.
What can people do now?
Since the FDA doesn't require companies to list all the individual ingredients in tampons and pads, it can be tricky to find the best fit. One option is to try to stay steer clear of products that include fragrances, colorants, and whiteners — if you can. That can help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Another idea is to call your lawmakers to push for transparency. A few years ago, a New York law was passed that requires ingredients to be listed in period product packaging in the state. But there's still a long way to go.
theSkimm
Once again, we've been reminded that many products have faults. But there are steps you can take to limit your exposure and stay safe.
Bookmark'd
Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…
Downtime doesn't have to mean doing nothing. Here's one idea for making the most of your weekend.
Feeling more distracted than usual? You're not alone. Recently, researchers have found that our attention spans have shrunk in the last 20 years — from 2.5 minutes to 47 seconds. Between social media and regular rings and pings from our phones and laptops — especially common since WFH entered the picture — it's easy to jump from distraction to distraction. The good news? You can take back some control. Here are some tips to get started:
Understand your distractions. Consider muting some of your group chats — or your Slack notifications when you aren't on the clock. Smartphones like the iPhone also make it easier to set Do Not Disturb or Work mode to limit interruptions and help you focus on the task at hand.
Build timed breaks into your schedule. Think: Taking a walk outside without your phone or smartwatch. Meditating on your sofa. Cooking a meal without checking a screen. Trust us, your eyes (and brain) will thank you.
Read material that's not on a screen. Reading on your phones or laptops can make you more prone to scrolling and scanning over whatever you're reading. But by "deep reading" something on paper, you may begin to notice an increase in your focus and engagement. And you're prevented from doomscrolling or finding yourself in an endless video loop on your FYP.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
2. Kitchen knives that are both strong and durable. If you're looking for something that'll make meal prep easier, this set (including three knives and a stand) is your answer. Chop, chop.
3. Products that'll make pet ownership a cinch. From a car seat cover to grooming tools, these essentials will help you care for your pooch (or cat). Less stress, more snuggles.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
Pact's popular Airplane Collection is back in stock. So if you're traveling somewhere warm this winter, snag a set and settle in. Your flight will be departing shortly.
Skimm More
More Skimm, more knowledge. Here's what else we covered this week…
Lunar New Year. It's the Year of the Rabbit or Year of the Cat, depending on where you live.
Tax season filing starts. Grab your W-2s and calculator, it's time to crunch some numbers.
Oscar nominations come out. And they are…stay tuned.
PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.
Skimm'd by: Macy Alcido, Rasheeda Campbell, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Xian Chiang-Waren, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau
