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This month's inside advice to a happier, healthier, fitter you—all in 15 minutes or less!

Decode beauty labels Dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D., of Cambridge, Massachusetts, translates skin-care head-scratchers.

 

All-natural is a term that is undefined in beauty products the same way it is with food. Don't assume that plant-derived products
are gentler. "Just because it's natural, doesn't mean it's less likely to hurt skin," Dr. Hirsch says.

 

Detoxifying products promise to boost skin's antioxidant levels and remove impurities, but Dr. Hirsch says skin naturally neutralizes
toxins. "The skin doesn't need to be detoxified—your body does an excellent job on its own."

 

Hypoallergenic items should contain low amounts of known allergens, which is good for sensitive or allergy- or acne-prone skin.
You're less likely to break out or have redness after using one of these items than with other products.

 

Dermatologist-tested means M.D.s have tried the product on a number of patients and checked for skin irritation. "This is one of
the best things you can hope for on a label," Dr. Hirsch says.

 

Lifting typically means a product contains alcohol, which strips the skin of humectants, which draw in water. Your skin is temporarily
tightened and lines are smoothed. But "it's a quick fix, not a long-term solution and may dry skin," Dr. Hirsch says.

Avoid gym germs Our guide zeros in on health club hot spots.

 

Water fountain With more exercisers toting their own H2O, it's low on the germ scale. Drink up, but don't touch the spout, says
Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D., author of The Secret Life of Germs (Atria Books).

 

Medicine ball The weighted ball is less popular than other hand-held equipment and thus less of a bacteria hotbed. Still, after use,
avoid touching your eyes, mouth and face until you've washed your hands.

 

Yoga mat Lay a towel over it or bring your own. An hour's worth of sweat mixed with body heat makes the mat a virtual bacteria
breeding ground.

 

Handrails Equipment touched by multiple hands is going to be the germiest. Stash a disinfecting towelette in your gym bag and
discreetly wipe down handles before your workout.

 

 

 Studiosoma.com and our very own Thalia Thomas
 

Pump up your pilates Take pilates to the next level by getting off the mat. "By practicing the moves upright, you double the toning power of pilates," says Thalia Thomas of Studio Soma in West Hollywood, who's trained Kylie Minogue and Cate Blanchett
Move 1 Stand with right hand on wall, left hand behind head, pulling in abs. Raise left leg to front, toe pointed (as shown, top), then out to side and back. Lower leg and repeat. Do as many reps as you can quickly, without pausing, for two minutes. Repeat on other side.		Move 2 Step away from wall. Spread arms out, forming a T. Bend right leg, point toes and lift right knee to right elbow (as shown, bottom).Alternate sides for two minutes.