In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of The Breakdown, the Nerd Girl Summer issue focuses on Science is Beauty. After I earned my PhD, every social gathering served a bombardment of questions about how, if and why skin care products are worth their price. I was eventually compelled to provide accessible science to consumers. My first article simplified the layers of a celebrity-backed GABA face cream.
Science is injected into every aspect of our daily lives, including what we put on our skin. As a scientist, I believe it is essential to clarify the science of popular product claims without the off-putting jargon. This summer we’re splashing around sun protection, peptides, and Ayurveda- sunscreens that may produce carcinogens or harm coral reefs, peptide hype from a Bieber, and olfactory-stimulating Velveeta nails. Heatwaves also require us to stay cool for our fantabulous professional lives, so Summer Lab Beauty drops gems that keep us looking refreshed.
No Nerd Girl is complete without Summer Lab Style, especially since we’ve returned to in-person conferences. I also added a Fashionable Science piece to highlight the beautiful Louis Vuitton Cruise show orchestrated by Nicolas Ghesquière at one of the most impressive science research institutions on our planet. The collection was complete with jellyfish and microbiomes that lead our gutsy adventures.
Summer is also a season to relax and rejuvenate. I discuss the impact of yoga on neurodegeneration and how Hendrick’s Neptunia gin can cool our doshas. Science is Art takes on ingestible toxicity in a comparison of the Kardashians and Flaming Hot Cheetos. By exposing the reality of desired products, the significance of this piece concerns inspiring young generations to connect with STEM. While I do not find appropriateness in degrading celebrities with undignified terms, I do believe it necessary and crucial to understand the things we are exposed to at high levels- Like UV rays.