Cristina Cuomo is a Renaissance Woman if there ever was one. Raised in Manhattan, she began her publishing career, helming several luxury magazines, before turning her laser-like focus on wellness founding the Purist. The site serves as the ultimate guide to health and well-being, All the while raising her three beautiful children. Oh, and she’s married to CNN anchor Chris Cuomo. Here she shares her insights on what’s next in wellness, how vitamins are our friends, and surfing the wave.
1. INGREDIENTS
What do you think is the most effective clean beauty skincare ingredient?
Vitamins. Since the skin is our largest organ, it can show us a lot about our whole body health (blemishes indicate internal inflammation). The micro-nutrients that vitamins provide topically are essential antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free-radicals (i.e., UV rays, pollution), which damages the skin’s DNA structure and can result in age degradation and even cancer. Vitamins like C and A preserve collagen production, which slows down as we age. B can help with inflammation and acne.
Vitamins. Since the skin is our largest organ, it can show us a lot about our whole body health (blemishes indicate internal inflammation). The micro-nutrients that vitamins provide topically are essential antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free-radicals (i.e., UV rays, pollution), which damages the skin’s DNA structure and can result in age degradation and even cancer. Vitamins like C and A preserve collagen production, which slows down as we age. B can help with inflammation and acne.
2. UNPLUGGING
You have so much going on. How do you truly relax? What do you do to unplug?
I love to surf. When I am in the ocean, I am happiest. My favorite quote is from psychologist Timothy Leary. He best describes surfing, “The act of the ride is the epitome of ‘be here now’…Which is: your future is right ahead of you, the past is exploding behind you, your wake is disappearing, your footprints are washed from the sand. It’s a non-productive, non-depletive act that is done purely for the value of the dance itself. And that is the destiny of man.”
I love to surf. When I am in the ocean, I am happiest. My favorite quote is from psychologist Timothy Leary. He best describes surfing, “The act of the ride is the epitome of ‘be here now’…Which is: your future is right ahead of you, the past is exploding behind you, your wake is disappearing, your footprints are washed from the sand. It’s a non-productive, non-depletive act that is done purely for the value of the dance itself. And that is the destiny of man.”
3. BEGINNINGS
Thanks to Purist, you are a major force in the wellness space. Tell us how you got interested in clean beauty and wellness.
Growing up, my mother took me to organic farms, showed me how to cook, eased me into better taste buds by showing me how to prepare and season not-so-kid-friendly foods, and gave me oil of oregano when I had a cold. She shared her skincare rituals and the importance of reading ingredients. My father took me on adventures—hiking, playing tennis, skiing, swimming in the ocean all the time. As a budding editor in my twenties, I migrated toward experiential journalism like kayaking, hiking on an ashram in Brazil, or meditation and chronicling its results. In my forties, I saw my city evolve toward wellness—every block converted from a hardware store, pizza parlor, or deli to a fresh juice joint, a spin studio, and a spa. I created Purist to chronicle this movement, first in NYC, and then beyond.
Thanks to Purist, you are a major force in the wellness space. Tell us how you got interested in clean beauty and wellness.
Growing up, my mother took me to organic farms, showed me how to cook, eased me into better taste buds by showing me how to prepare and season not-so-kid-friendly foods, and gave me oil of oregano when I had a cold. She shared her skincare rituals and the importance of reading ingredients. My father took me on adventures—hiking, playing tennis, skiing, swimming in the ocean all the time. As a budding editor in my twenties, I migrated toward experiential journalism like kayaking, hiking on an ashram in Brazil, or meditation and chronicling its results. In my forties, I saw my city evolve toward wellness—every block converted from a hardware store, pizza parlor, or deli to a fresh juice joint, a spin studio, and a spa. I created Purist to chronicle this movement, first in NYC, and then beyond.
4. THAT ONE THING
What is the one product you can’t live without?
I love vitamin-rich botanical night oils: Uma Oil’s absolute-anti aging face oil with clary sage which is calming at bedtime, and Prima’s Night Magic with CBD.
I love vitamin-rich botanical night oils: Uma Oil’s absolute-anti aging face oil with clary sage which is calming at bedtime, and Prima’s Night Magic with CBD.
5. RECOVERY
We’re so relieved you and your family recovered from COVID 19. Are you experiencing any long term effects?
Thank you, yes, after seven months, I am just regaining my smell and taste back minimally. I still have fatigue and lack of energy.
Thank you, yes, after seven months, I am just regaining my smell and taste back minimally. I still have fatigue and lack of energy.
6. THE FUTURE
What’s next in wellness?
More sleep-focused remedies and rituals. We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, so why should that time be spent fitfully? Our cells regenerate when we sleep, and our neurons, or nerve cells, reorganize. Our brain clears out waste—literally removing toxic byproducts—so that our minds are working well when we wake up. Everything depends on enough sleep and a good night’s sleep, so falling asleep well by creating rituals is becoming more of a business. The hypnagogic state of consciousness, or the onset of sleep, is one of my favorite moments of the day.
What’s next in wellness?
More sleep-focused remedies and rituals. We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, so why should that time be spent fitfully? Our cells regenerate when we sleep, and our neurons, or nerve cells, reorganize. Our brain clears out waste—literally removing toxic byproducts—so that our minds are working well when we wake up. Everything depends on enough sleep and a good night’s sleep, so falling asleep well by creating rituals is becoming more of a business. The hypnagogic state of consciousness, or the onset of sleep, is one of my favorite moments of the day.
7. LESSONS
What has been the most significant life lesson that’s come to you recently? What has truly inspired you?
My kids inspire and motivate me. Spending additional time with them due to home-schooling has tested all of life’s lessons. I am constantly learning and pushed to stay on a path to doing better and helping others.
My kids inspire and motivate me. Spending additional time with them due to home-schooling has tested all of life’s lessons. I am constantly learning and pushed to stay on a path to doing better and helping others.
8. ELECTION DAY
What will be happening at the Cuomo house on November 3?
Chris will be covering the election around the clock. My kids hopefully will not feel my manic energy as they will be in person in school. Lots of deep breathing for me, glued to the tube.
Chris will be covering the election around the clock. My kids hopefully will not feel my manic energy as they will be in person in school. Lots of deep breathing for me, glued to the tube.
CRISTINA'S FAVORITES
