By: ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG
When Anu Thubagere received a Leukemia diagnosis at 27 years old, she channeled her energy into creativity instead of despair. Meet the woman behind IUNO, a San Francisco-based pioneer of individualized skincare products that uses proteomics and AI to create genuinely custom products.
BODY OIL / Coconut oil has been incredibly effective for my needs; I appreciate its natural, preservative-free simplicity, especially compared to other branded body oils that often contain a blend of extraneous ingredients.
SKINCARE REGIMEN / For post-workout skincare, which is particularly important given the skin sensitivity I experience due to chemotherapy, I swear by our IUNO repair serum and mister. The serum is formulated to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin while bolstering its resilience. I follow that up with the hydrating moisturizer to boost skin repair. Our specially designed mister sets this apart, as it allows for touch-free application of the serum. This protects sensitive skin from further irritation and enhances product absorption, increasing it by nearly 96 percent. This innovation makes it possible to gain the full benefits of skincare without causing additional discomfort or sensitivity.
MEDITATION MASTER / One of my mentor’s most impactful pieces of advice was to pause and meditate or simply sit in silence, free from distractions, for 10 minutes three times a day. As an entrepreneur, I’m in a constant state of information absorption and decision-making. When I quiet my thoughts and focus on introspection, I gain a greater understanding of my inner workings and values, and the self-exploration allows me to delve deeper into my own mind.
ABHYANGA AFICIONADO / Also referred to as self-massage, this is my definition of self-care. Each morning, I warm up some herbal-infused oil and massage it into my skin, starting with my scalp and working my way down to my toes. Not only does this practice leave my skin feeling soft and nourished, but it also helps me to relax and center myself for the day ahead.
OUTDOOR EXERCISE / As a ‘dog mom’ to Moku, my Australian Shepherd, I love getting outside. One of our favorite activities is hiking. It’s not just about the exercise; it’s also about the bonding experience and the sense of freedom we both get from being out in nature.
PUMPING IRON / I focus on powerlifting as my primary form of exercise. The goal is to maintain and progressively increase muscle mass. To combat some of the challenges I face due to targeted chemotherapy, I’ve committed myself to this practice due to my noticeable reduction in muscle mass.
STRESS-FREE / When I take the time to notice the way the sunlight filters through the trees, the way the wind rustles through the leaves, or the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks, I feel a sense of deep calm and centeredness that is truly beautiful. Spending time in nature is essential for our well-being, as it can help cultivate a sense of inner beauty and calm that radiates to those around us.