Dr. Whitney Bowe is so much more than a dermatologist. She’s a straight-up thought-leader when it comes to asking beyond-skin-deep questions about how your complexion and overall health are totally interconnected.
Given her forward-thinking approach, it’s not surprising that her new book taps into one of the most exciting realms of current science: the microbiome.
The Beauty of Dirty Skin is an introduction to how the microbial community that lives in your gut and on your skin affects your brain—and also your skin. In the introduction, she talks about how she’s been exploring the influence of the bugs that live on her body for years. Now, she’s sharing that knowledge. “Even on your best day, you’re a ‘dirty’ human being, too,” Dr. Bowe says, “whose health and appearance hinges on those bugs!”
RELATED: Why Your Skin Microbiome Matters, Too
In the book, she explains the science in an accessible way, takes you through how it applies to skin-care, and then lays out a simple plan you can use, called “three weeks to radiant.” (She’s even got plenty of recipes, for both meals and masks.)
“The road to a beautiful glow begins with the simple lifestyle habits that support the gut-brain-skin relationship, which is the soul of radiant skin,” Dr. Bowe says. Here’s how she incorporates those habits into her own life, from the inside out. Follow her lead to get #thatBoweglow, and grab a copy of her book to go even deeper.
How Does Dr. Whitney Bowe Live a Nutritious Life?
If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it? The Bowe Glow Diet, because I use an evidence-based approach that not only keeps my body strong and fit, but also ensures my skin has a gorgeous glow!
What’s your go-to breakfast? Pasture-raised egg scramble with spinach, peppers, and avocado.
Your go-to workday lunch? Hearty salad loaded with colorful veggies, diced organic chicken, dressed with balsamic and olive oil and sprinkled with blueberries and walnuts.
Your go-to workday dinner? Grilled wild salmon coated with miso paste, roasted veggies with turmeric or garlic, finished off with a bowl of berries and a few dark chocolate covered almonds.
RELATED: 5 Simple Salmon Recipes You’ll Use Over and Over Again
What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Fresh strawberries.
The snack you always have with you when traveling? A blend of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and Brazil nuts.
Your favorite food indulgence? My avocado mousse. The recipe is in my book!
Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Kombucha and green tea.
How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? 6 days a week, and variety is KEY! I mix it up with running, strength training, Pilates, yoga, and even Zumba when I can squeeze in a class.
How do you stay active outside the gym? As a dermatologist, I’m always on my feet running from room to room to see my patients. As the mom of a six year old, I spend my weekends running around parks and walking through zoos and museum exhibits.
What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? A good run with my favorite playlist. If I only have five minutes, I’ll do guided meditation using an app like Breathe.
How do you pamper yourself when you need it? A massage… the best invention ever. The deeper, the better!
Do you have a favorite health gadget? What is it and why? Love my Vitamix to make my Bowe Glow Smoothies.
How do you express and spread love? I’m a big hugger. It’s hard for me not to hug people.
What does it mean to you to “live consciously”? I find myself pausing just to take it in, and I say aloud, “I’m so lucky. I just feel so lucky.” My family hears me say that ALL the time.
Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? Hiking in nature. When my daughter gets old enough to hike with me, that will change! I can’t wait to go on family hikes.
Lightning Round
Meditation or massage? Massage… I can meditate while I get a massage.
A hot shower or a soothing bath? Hot shower.
Almond butter or peanut butter? Almond. Almond butter has more omega-3s, and we need those!
Coffee or tea? Coffee first, then matcha green tea!
A long run outside or a dark spin class? Long run outside.