The One Thing
Our series, The One Thing, is a Sparknotes version of the products, rituals, and moments your favorite celebrities and influencers swear by—their go-tos, must-haves, and can’t-live-withouts. So go ahead—take a brief, intimate peek into the lives of your favorites through the things (and people, and moments) they hold dear.
Gabby Douglas spent her teenage years making sports history. At the 2012 Olympic Games, 16-year-old Douglas became the first American gymnast to snag gold medals in the team and individual all-around events and the first Black person to win an all-around title. Then, in 2016, Douglas went on to win her third gold medal at the Rio Summer Olympics.
After achieving monumental heights in her sport, Douglas notably took time away from competing (and social media) to focus on her well-being. Now, after eight years away from the competitive circuit, the 28-year-old is stepping back into the spotlight with hopes of qualifying for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
As she's getting back into her intense training schedule, Douglas is prioritizing caring for her body, especially her feet, since gymnastics puts a visible strain on them. She recently inked a partnership with Dr. Scholl's—one of the buzziest foot care companies around—and says the brand's skincare line has been a game changer in her body care routine. Ahead, Douglas fills us in on her favorite foot care products, wellness routine, and beauty essentials.
The One Thing She Loves About Dr. Scholl's
"I've always been a big fan of Dr. Scholl's. I believe in health care and self-care. Since returning to training, I've been putting my feet through the wringer. I use a lot of chalk, which dries up the skin on my feet. So, this partnership was the best thing. Dr. Scholl's products add moisture to my skin and soothe my dry feet."
The One Foot Care Routine She Swears By
"I love the Severe Cracked Heel Repair Restoring Balm ($8) and the Ultra-Hydrating Foot Cream ($8). Both products contain Epsom salt mixed with essential oils, so it really helps soothe my feet."
The One Body Care Routine She Adheres To
"I do a lot of cryotherapy, icing, heating, and meditation."
The One Skincare Step She Never Skips in the Morning
"I wake up very early because I have training sessions in the morning. So, I normally wash my face and apply a little vitamin E oil on my skin."
The One Fragrance She Loves
"I love Sol de Janeiro scents. They're super summery."
The One Thing She's Looking Forward to This Year
"I'm very excited to be training again and return to the competition floor because it's a big part of my life. I want to feel the crowd, be back on the podium, and be in front of everybody again."
The One Thing She Does to Unwind
"I like to chill with my family. I live on a farm and spend a lot of time with my cows, llamas, and dogs. It's very therapeutic. We're planning to get chicken and goats, too. We love being out on the farm, in nature, and our garden."
The One Thing She'd Tell Her Younger Self
"I like to flip that question and think about what my younger self would tell my older self. I would probably tell my current self to stay joyous and strong."
The One Mantra Defining Her Year
"I have so many quotes saved on my phone. There's not one specific one I always think about. Over the years, I've learned so much from different people I've met during my career."