Delaney spills the tea on how she lives her best, healthiest, life. Her recent fundraiser to end human trafficking is truly inspiring and sets a perfect example of how social media can be used for a good cause. She has a keen interest in veganism, CBD, and GMO-free foods and is a big advocate of putting good in (the body), to get good out. And we can’t tell you how much we agree! Read on for her full interview (and pics of her in some easy-to-do yoga poses!).
1. How has yoga contributed to your overall skin and mental wellness?
First of all, connecting breath and body, while letting go of the stressors of the day is so amazing for managing cortisol levels which in turn really helps my skin, sleep patterns, and overall outlook. Secondly, all those twists and bends are super detoxifying. Deep compression and release encourage freshly oxygenated blood to enter different areas of your body. This leads to healing and reduction of inflammation. I can truly see the impact yoga has had on my life, which is why I love to teach and share it with others who can similarly benefit!
2. What prompted you to get into yoga?
My mom did. Growing up I was a competitive dancer. I had big dreams of moving to NYC to join a professional company, but by the time I got to high school my body was a total mess. I had recurring pulls in both piriformis muscles, collapsing arches, a rib that refused to stay in place...you name it. Finally, my mom took me to my first hot yoga class when I was about 14. I was hooked immediately! Yoga not only acted as an amazing source of cross training and rehabilitation for my body, but it was just plain addictive to me. I got certified to teach during the
summer between graduating high school and my freshman year of college. Since then I’ve never looked back!
3. Can you tell me a little bit more about your first period and your experiences?
This is actually a pretty funny story. I had my first period and my first kiss on the same day. Something that stands out in that memory is how uncomfortable I felt asking for help when it came to obtaining and using pads and tampons. I tried to figure it out by myself and really struggled because I was too embarrassed to talk about my period with my older sister or mom. It took me a couple of months to finally figure out how to use a tampon and I remember cringing the whole time as my mom explained it to me. It’s so funny to think back to my younger days and how scary periods were. I just hope that if I have a daughter someday she’ll feel a little more comfortable coming to me and asking for help!
4. What is your biggest concern when undergoing hormonal imbalances during your
cycle and how do you treat the symptoms?
My biggest concern is light hormonal acne. During my cycle I get a few hormonal, cystic breakouts on the lower portion of my face. Lately it’s been exacerbated by wearing a face mask while teaching yoga and fitness classes, given the current circumstances with COVID. That’s why I make sure to drink plenty of water, cut back on unnecessary sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, and exercise outside in fresh air as much as possible. Then I treat it a little further with soothing products such as the Be Kind To Your Skin Mask. It’s so luscious and hydrating, which my skin LOVES!
5. Is there any advice you would give to women out there who are struggling to embrace
their natural self?
I think that we, as women, are so prone to the comparison game. It’s so easy to compare ourselves, at our most natural/unfiltered states, to the made-up highlight reels of others’ lives via social media. At the end of the day, everyone is dealing with something that they don’t share with the whole world. Maybe it’s hormonal acne or body dissatisfaction. Maybe it’s PCOS, or something completely different! It’s ok to struggle and it’s ok to not always feel 100%. Nobody is perfect, I promise. Focus less on the things outside of your control and more on the things you can do to improve your quality of life. This could be eating healthy meals, exercising, getting together with someone who makes you happy, and the list goes on. Oh, and one more thing: I’ve learned this from firsthand experience. Don’t pop your zits!
6. All Knours products are EWG verified and made safe with no EDCs that most products might contain. Out of all Knours products, what is your favorite and why?
I love all of the Knours products that I’ve tried so far. If I have to decide on my favorite, I think I’ll have to go with the Be Kind Double Duty Mist. I love it because I’ve never seen anything quite like it! It’s a mist so it’s obviously light and delicate, yet it packs so much moisture. The first few times I used it I couldn’t believe how dewy, hydrated, and glowy it made my skin feel. Pair all of that with EWG, clean, cruelty-free ingredients. I’m officially obsessed!
To learn more about Delaney, follow her on Instagram @wellnesswithdelaney