ÁMEZING NEWS #25: Biohacking Babes w/ Paige Elkington

In conversation with the internet’s wellness princess

Paige Elkington is a self-appointed researcher. Sure, some of her jobs include actress, writer, director, and podcast host, but her overarching purpose in this world is to explore what it means to be human. Including what it means to be in a human body. After dealing with her own health issues a few years ago (and being intimately reminded of the many failures of traditional healthcare in this country), Paige became obsessed with figuring out how to best care for herself.

She describes her inclusive approach to wellness in “On the Brink,” her Substack publication like this: “If it feels like something straight out of Black Mirror, I want to do it. If it’s an old ritual steeped in mysticism, I want to do it.”

Paige also writes about how talking about her own experiences has made her a resource for others. “People who know me, know this about me,” she writes. ”That’s why they come to me for advice about almost everything: where to get a facial, what to do when your cousin gets Lyme, which shower filter is the best. I’m not a professional but I am a compulsive researcher.”

Last month, we sat down with Paige to discuss our health and wellness obsessions. While they are both operating at expert levels of personal care, Paige reminds us to be inspired, not intimidated, by her rituals and routines.

“Stressing about toxins is arguably worse for your health than the toxins themselves,” she writes. Make sure to follow Paige on Substack! And if you’ve got questions for us, please drop them in the comments at the bottom of this post.

Enjoy our conversation! [From time to time, you’ll also notice my notes in brackets like this. Just to clarify some lingo and make sure we’re all on the same page!]

Paige: Where are you right now?

Andrea: I’m in my kitchen in Echo Park! You’re on the road?

Paige: I’m back home in the south. St. Marys, GA. I’m grounding on the lawn right now. I always feel a lil’ better on the East Coast. Even though the West Coast now (14 years in LA!) feels like home, I’m kinda itching to make the switch back.

Andrea: I have to say born and raised here, I’ve been feeling similarly. But then on days like this, when it’s like 75 degrees and I can go on a walk, I don’t know where else I’d go.

Paige: As for grounding! I try to get my feet and body on the grass for 15 minutes every day. Hopefully more. Some studies show it’s helpful for inflammation, but I more so do it to connect to my surroundings and nature. I do it so much now that if I don’t go outside for a few days and put my feet on the earth, I feel weird.

Andrea: I feel like I could write a dissertation on inflammation, maybe I should.

Paige: You should! Give me the CliffsNotes!

Andrea: I try to pay attention to the sun. Sun charge! I’m hyper-aware of my sun time because for the last decade, I sadly just spent so much time indoors. And I know most working people do, but maybe because I work on people it felt extra bad to not be outside.

Paige: You mean getting sunlight on your eyes?

Andrea: No, I mean vitamin D surge for my body! I try to get sun in my armpits. Where the sun doesn't shine! And it really helps my mood. I feel less anxious.

Paige: Omg in your armpits? I must try!

Andrea: I believe it’s an Ayurvedic practice to sun charge your booty! Specifically the anus.

Paige: Oh you’re sunning down there? Love. I’ve tried it a few times and felt extremely relaxed.

Andrea: I did it once in my backyard and started laughing. Lasted maybe 45 seconds. But I love the idea of it and…hello… free. I’m working on being outside more! I completely neglected nature for years, besides the beach and ocean.

Paige: What else do you do for wellness that you swear by?

Andrea: I’m a fish! This Pisces needs water. I bio-mat a lot! I have one on my treatment table and a lower back belt for at home.

Paige: Same. I’m so damn earthy but I loveeeeeee water. I fully believe in its healing properties.

Andrea: I actually tell some clients if their skin is acting up to jump into the ocean for mineral purposes.

Paige: If you don’t follow Veda Austin on IG… you absolutely MUST.

Andrea: It always helps! Even in LA water. Oh I don’t! Do tell!

Paige: I was this close to impulsively booking her water retreat in Bali - she’s a water researcher who wrote a book called “The Living Language of Water.”

Andrea: Wow, that’s probably the most beautiful thing ever. Should we do it?

Paige: She’s a water crystallographer and believes that water can store information, respond to human consciousness, and communicate in a language of its own.

Andrea: What’s her freezing method? Ordering the book now.

Paige: Are you into Solfeggio frequencies?

Andrea: I am! I was actually thinking about tone and frequencies at this event yesterday. Laraaji did a performance for an hour, and by the end I felt energized and so happy. And this was a non-alcohol event, mind you.

Paige: Just looked up Laraaji. Hadn’t heard of him.

Andrea: But he almost did a quick body meditation. He’s sort of the king of modern ambient for me. Interestingly enough, I play him a lot during my treatments, and people often fall asleep.

Paige: Oh, I believe it.

Andrea: He must know about solfeggio frequencies.

Paige: For sure. They trace back to Gregorian monks, but I find they’re incredible for getting out of fight or flight.

Andrea: Do you have a playlist that you listen to?

Paige: I kind of alternate between YouTube and Spotify randomness.

Andrea: I was just going to say that this feels like YouTube. I’m gonna play some now.

Paige: I’m just a big believer in the healing possibilities of sound therapy.

Andrea: Absolutely. Last night reminded me of this!

Paige: When my mom got diagnosed with cancer last year, I was looking into new treatment options. And saw the FDA approved HIFU [high-intensity focused ultrasound]. It’s a cancer treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to bust up tumors [and treat other conditions]. Like what!

Andrea: Wow! Mom must try! Andrea: Ugh, I’m so sorry to hear this, Paige. I saw this bodyworker in Venice last year; I was really in the shits. So much pain and depression. And she worked primarily with oncology patients. Mainly children. When our session was done, I collapsed, fell on my knees, and started crying.

Paige: Bodywork is wild. I had an insane experience too.

Andrea: Tell me.

Paige: I booked a myofascial release session after the horrible TMJ when I found mold in my home last year. [Myofascial release is trigger-pointed fascia release!]

I was a wreck and explained my whole laundry list of physical symptoms and pain.

He was like, “But what about emotionally?” I gave him a quick recap of my emotional life and mental health, from back in childhood on, before I got on the table. He did something intuitive that lead him to play with with my ears and I was immediately transported to being a child. I had a repressed situation come up and sat and cried for like 40 minutes. He held me. It was bonkers. I left feeling 10000 pounds lighter.

I booked the session because of my TMJ, but of course, the root of the issue is so much deeper. It’s kind of like this interview. I love how we were gonna talk about skin, but here we are talking about cancer and breaking down during bodywork. It’s all connected.

Andrea: This is foundational for skin! It absolutely is all connected. How is your TMJ? And your post-mold recovery? I’ve had clients experience severe mold journeys. It can destroy your skin barrier, depending on the person. And the rains last winter got us bad.

Paige: Oh, my skin was horrid. I looked like I aged 5 years.

Andrea: How did you discover the mold? Was it obvious? Or was your body making it obvious?

Paige: No, not even slightly obvious. It was in the drywall. But there was water damage on the floor when I moved in. I was sick. I had palpitations, sinus issues out of nowhere, etc. I wrote a whole Substack post on how I found it and what I ended up doing for treatment. One of the craziest things I did for treatment was called EBOO [Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation]. Basically, they draw your blood, filter it, infuse it with ozone/oxygen, and then put it back in your body. It takes like two hours.

Andrea: So it’s under the ozone therapy umbrella? And how often did you do that?

Paige: Yup. I did it twice.

Andrea: I love oxygen ozone anything.

[I love oxygen- based modalities because they’re a wonderful way to soothe the skin. In my treatments, I use both an oxygen dome and oxygenation gun to create custom toning cocktails and to soothe and calm the skin (even if you don't have an inflammatory condition, I consider it to be a holy grail modality). Benefits include: improved circulation, increased oxygen levels in cells, and and most importantly, a boosted immune system to help fight diseases and infections. Ozone therapy is most commonly distributed intravenous infusion, injection to direct sites, ozone sauna and can be topically applied through skin care products like ozonated-infusion oils.

I have not tried an ozone treatment like Paige, but I would. Ozone therapy is great for those who are immunocompromised or dealing with chronic health issues. It's an interesting facet of medicine and science that I predict will gain popularity in the next few years.]

Paige: I just got an ozone machine from a friend.

Andrea: Are you consistent with your at-home machines and gadgets?

Paige: No. I’m not type-A at all. I really benefit when I have structure though. I’m a “whenever I remember” kinda gal. But consistency is key.

Andrea: That makes me feel better! Even if I’m only consistent a few days a week, I’m still proud of myself.

Paige: For me, skipping sometimes works to my benefit. I think cycling is good. Even with supplements. Take time off! Let your body/face just be.

Ok wait, how would you describe your wellness philosophy overall?

Andrea: My philosophy is a little bit of everything. I’m a naturalist and a maximalist. But I’m not afraid to try anything once.

Paige: Yeah, you’re like me!

Andrea: But if something, like a product or procedure, works, then that becomes my constant. I believe that’s how you achieve results, slowly and over time. I’m into longevity, the long-game, not short wins. Although short wins can feel good.

Paige: How do you feel about lasers? I’ve never done any, which is kinda crazy because I’ll try anything. I’m scared of anything that even has the slightest chance of causing fat loss!

Andrea: I haven’t really done laser but I have laser hair-removed most of my body, ha. Totally, that’s my concern too. And with my clients, I’ve seen it often where lasers trigger melasma or slight hyperpigmentation, which is literally the opposite goal.

Paige: Embarrassed to say this, but I’m in a radio frequency/laser support Facebook group (even though I haven’t done either lol) and I read all the horror stories. But I might try a BBL later this year [BroadBand Light, a non-invasive laser treatment].

Andrea: Yes, BBL is popular amongst my clients. Clear and Brilliant [another non-invasive laser], and IPL [Intense Pulse Light, not technically a laser but works similarly] are also popular. As for that Facebook group, what’s the scariest horror story you’ve read there?

Paige: This girl got a “gentle” CO2 laser and looked 10 years older. All of her fat melted. Same with Morpheus…countless stories. Disappointment. Saggy skin. Not for moi.

Andrea: Ok, Morpheus is a 98% huge no. I honestly think it’s a wonderful body treatment! But don’t put that near my face! I blame the internet for making it so popular.

[Morpheus was the buzziest aesthetic treatment of the last two years. Honestly, the intensity of the marketing push should have already been a red flag. Morpheus is radio frequency + microneedling which is amazing for severe scaring or as a "preventive" anti-aging treatment. However many of my clients who have done the treatment found that they saw little to no improvement or a slight reduction of collagen and fat to the face, which is the literal opposite of what they typically want. If you have more fat on your face, you’re a better candidate than someone who is already showing signs of rapid collagen loss.

I would suggest PRP, microneedling or lasers before this treatment. I think Morpheus makes more sense as a body tightening treatment. For example, a postpartum mother who is trying to tighten the skin on her lower abdomen.

Again, I'm not a registered nurse or physician, so please ask the necessary questions with your provider. As you do your research, make sure to ask if you’re the right candidate and if it will reduce your facial fat and volume.]

Paige: I’m trying to tighten up. Although I’m not sure there is a way to truly do that beyond surgery, if we’re being real. I will say copper peptides might be the closest thing I’ve experienced to having some tightening effect. But it’s still minimal. People always ask me about threads and I’m like, “Hell no.”

Andrea: Threads are for such a specific candidate. There was a period where it was like, “Ooooh yes.” But I generally just don’t believe in too much trauma to the skin. Threads are wild. And so invasive.

[Threads are collagen stimulators mainly used to treat the upper, mid and lower face for a lifted soft look. This is typically the modality used to do non-surgical brow lifts. The threads themselves are dissolvable sutures that help induce collagen and work to create subtle lift. Although they are technically classified as non-surgical and non-invasive, I personally find the process invasive. In general, we have seen threads become slightly less popular in the industry due to a rising popularity in face lifts, which are arguably safer than injectables and threads for example.]

Paige: Threads create so much scar tissue. And I feel like they last a week, tops. I’m like honey, where do you think the extra skin goes? It’s still in the room with us! By the way, what do you think about the new tallow [beef fat] craze? I just bought some.

Andrea: I’m into it! In an SPF formulation, I think tallow is interesting.

Paige: I like it! I have an SPF with tallow and bee propolis that I love. For the face. The brand is Sky and Sol.

[Tallow was something that we saw trend upwardly this year. It’s rendered from meat (usually beef) and packed with triglycerides.

As it trends, I’ve mostly been seeing SPF applications. From a product formulation perspective, I think this is genius. Since tallow has a high composition of fat and minerals, it’s a natural protectant for the skin, so it makes total sense for SPF.

While I haven’t explored tallow products myself, I will next summer (or whenever I get away to some serious sun!). For my vegans, this may be obvious to you, but tallow is animal-based so it’s not suitable for you. If you’re looking for an alternative to chemical sunscreens, this may be a great option for you. I like the brand Paige mentioned, Sky and Sol.]

Andrea: I haven’t tried tallow yet because I’m coming off a year of a lot more rosacea flare-ups. Although tallow is good for rosacea, it seems damp to me. In a Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] way. I live a very heavy TCM lifestyle. I’d have to consult my acupuncturists about tallow! I haven’t been able to utilize oils on my face (because oils are damp). I’m literally the queen of dampness. I have a slow lymph system, had my gallbladder taken out, and rosacea is heavy in my gene pool. So I definitely don’t think tallow is for everyone.

[My acupuncturists explain to me that oil is damp by nature so someone like me who is prone to rosacea flare ups like me (which is a result of excess heat) I would say that something like tallow spf may not be a good fit for someone who has an active acne condition as it's molecular density would seem to heavy or occlusive for someone with inflammatory conditions. However tallow is said to be wonderful for treating such conditions SO that being said, this is one of those instances where you would have to slowly introduce and try. Maybe you try tallow sof on the body first and graduate to the face, every skin and body is different so I would try it! Im interested in intrigued by this part of the skin care industry!]

In terms of dampness, my mom is the same way. She has ocular rosacea [inflammation in the eyes and skin around them], but she controls it by taking flax seed supplements to get her omegas.

Paige: Oh yes, I just got some Omega3s from Nordic Naturals. I love their fish oil because it’s non-oxidized. You gotta be careful with oxidation with the oils.

Andrea: I know. I’m already a freak about seed oils. Are you?

Paige: A seed oil hates to see me coming.

Andrea: Since I don’t have a gallbladder, I have trouble processing fats and oils.

Paige: Butter, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and tallow are my friends.

Andrea: I’m olive and avocado oil for life! And coconut too. Girl, I love butter. I go through a lot in my house. I have a dream of going to Vermont and doing some butter shit. I think there was a line in “The Bear” about Vermont butter. When Carmy spends like $14,000 on butter.

Paige: By the way, I’d never guess you have rosacea. You have the best skin I’ve ever seen! Hence your modeling career.

Andrea: Thank you. I work really hard at it!.And honestly, beyond my skin, rosacea was sort of this warning sign. Rosacea is so heavily gut and hormone-related. It’s a journey.

Paige: Yeah—skin—health—nervous system—all connected. The glow really does come from more than just skincare.

Andrea: Can we talk about hormones for a second? Have you noticed changes? This was my big hormonal year at 33. In terms of my body, skin, my moods, menstrual cycle. It’s a privilege to age, but I’m noticing changes. I did a hormonal saliva test at Healthwise in March, and I was producing no estrogen, which explained a lot—fatigue, low libido, mood swings.

Paige: People need to get comprehensive hormone panels done! 33 was a big year for me too.

Andrea: Now I’m taking some supplements, like Symplex F and organically bound minerals by Standard Process for thyroid regulation and adrenal support.

[These are two types of supplements that were recommended to me post my saliva hormone test. They were easy to incorporate and I really trust Standard Process.]

But I’m mainly trying to supplement with food. And adrenal complex! It’s been about 5 months, and I feel so much better! I need to get another panel, but my body is already telling me it’s happier.

Paige: I started taking a lil’ drop of Kenogen Progest E Complex Replenishing Oil every few days during my luteal phase. For my thyroid, I take desiccated thyroid and pop a Brazil nut each day for the minerals. Women need to talk more about the changes that occur in their thirties and beyond.

Andrea: Pop a Brazil nut? Now I feel bad I never ate them in trail mix as a kid!

Paige: Yep. Regarding inflammation, I like experimenting with peptides like BPC-157. But people really should understand peptides first before participating. I don’t think it’s smart to do them willy-nilly. And you need to know your source!

[NAD+ is one of the most popular forms of peptide therapy. It’s regulated in the U.S. as a supplement but it’s not FDA-approved (at least not yet). It kind of exists in a grey area, so be responsible if you seek out this kind of care. I believe in NAD+ therapy because it is regenerative science at it's core. Of course, not every doctor is going to offer this, but you can find specialized doctors and labs who do peptide work.

As for BPC-157, it’s a peptide that can decrease inflammation around the organs. Highly recommended by certain doctors like Dr. Andrew Huberman. Listen to this Huberman Lab podcast episode for more info (It’s one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S., but it also has its critics!)]

Andrea: How did you decide what peptides to get on? Because there are thousands! Were you nervous to start?

Paige: Yes! Using needles? Feels extreme and scary.

Andrea: So you self-administer? You are brave!

Paige: It feels psychotic at times.

Andrea: How did you learn?

Paige: I got on the GLOW Stack for skin and a friend showed me the ropes.

[“GLOW Stack” refers to a blend of peptides blended to support your skin, tissues, joints and bones.]

Paige: I think all the peptides I’m on are anti-inflammatory, but I was focusing on tissue repair.

Andrea: Oh yes! Because your main concern is fat loss? Rebuilding! Loss of volume sucks.

Paige: I wanted to focus on healing. I have hypermobile EDS and a weak connective tissue thing, mitral valve prolapse. Inflammation and tissue healing stuff. I was so puffy, and now I feel much more sculpted. And I’m looking into building muscle.

Andrea: I do NAD+ at the moment.

[More on NAD+ aka Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a compound that supports cellular processes in your body. As we age, our NAD+ decreases and impacts our metabolism, cellular regeneration. I was initially recommended NAD+ for my lower back and hip injury, which was an ongoing issue for me for a couple of years. I did my research and found that NAD+ is the future of regenerative medicine (along with peptides in general). I believe there are so many benefits around decreasing inflammation as it works on the mitochondrial level. There are many schools of thought about the administration, intravenous drips and injections, and at this point I have done both.

Andrea: I want you to try NAD+. The onboarding sucks, but it helped my hip/lower back injury from weightlifting so much. And of course, it’s reduced my inflammation. It’s the oddest feeling though, especially at the beginning. Intense pressure.

[Although beginning the treatment can be different for everyone, I felt a combination of pressure in my body and a low level of nausea. This wasn’t surprising to me because I know I have a lot of inflammation in my body. My partner doesn’t feel any pressure though–for him it’s more a true shot of energy.

I started at Modwella with a nurse coming in and giving me the treatment. All in all, I have been on an NAD+ journey for about 8 months and have noticed a reduction in pain and anxiety. I'm far less dependent on caffeine and I notice a general glow with my skin and hair. If needles are not your thing, there is also the option of NAD+ supplements. I’ve researched these and consider them a great option. These too. Please be careful when purchasing NAD+ because there’s a lot of targeted advertising on TikTok. You want to be mindful of the quality.]

Paige: When you do it, do you get a flushed feeling?

Andrea: It goes straight to my gut, my lower back, and my hip. You feel high kinda. In a cellular way. That sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.

I take 500mg every 6 weeks or so. There’s a lot of research and debate on how to administer. If you can’t afford intravenous or needles aren’t your thing, there are capsules. Which is slower, but again, slow and consistent is just as impactful. My partner does it too. He played college baseball and has multiple shoulder injuries, so this has helped him a lot.

As we wrap up, I have to ask, do you identify as a biohacker? I think of you as one! Highest compliment.

Paige: I do. Some people might say that’s lame, but I don’t give a fuck. I’ve always gravitated towards longevity stuff. And experimental stuff. I’m obsessed with the “cutting edge.” And the ancient stuff too.

Andrea: Yeah, I’m so stimulated by it. I suppose if I could start over, I’d be a scientist. Maybe a chemist. Thanks for your time Paige! Questions for us? Drop them here.

myfriendpaige

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I’m not a doctor! Please consult a trusted medical provider before experimenting with any of the treatments discussed above. This conversation is intended as inspiration to support your wellness journey, not medical advice. If you are in urgent need of psychological or physical help, please seek professional care.]

The editor of Ámezing News is Tierney Finster. Follow her here and here. Listen to Tierney interview Andrea on her podcast here!