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Everything black women need to know about chemical peels

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Chemical peels are a trendy beauty treatment. Popular due to their regenerating properties, peels use acids (including: dermatologist’s preferred alternative for physical peelings) to remove dead skin. However, if you may have wealthy skin, using chemical cocktails may cause burns or discoloration should you aren’t careful.

“Deep chemical peels are generally not suitable for darker skin tones,” dermatologist and founder Rose MD skin Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton tells ESSENCE. Fortunately, peels vary depending in your skin tone and sort. That said, black women can still safely profit from treatment.

Below, Ingleton discusses all the things you need to know about chemical peels.

What is chemical peeling?

“A chemical peel is a controlled chemical exfoliation procedure,” says Ingleton. More suitable for wealthy skin tones, “superficial peels typically use more gentle acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin.”

According to American Academy of Plastic Surgeonsa lightweight chemical peel uses milder acids (corresponding to hydroxy acids) to treat uneven pigmentation, dryness, pimples and wrinkles. Meanwhile, “deeper peels may include stronger acids such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol, which penetrate deeper into the skin” and will require up to 8 weeks of preparation and anesthesia.

How it’s working?

After cleansing your face, “the therapist will apply an acid solution to the skin to loosen the outer layer of skin cells and speed up cell turnover,” she says. As with microneedling, “this causes controlled damage to the epidermis.” The peeling is left on the skin for just a few minutes, which can cause a slight burning sensation, after which it’s washed off and neutralized. With controlled damage, the skin will regenerate and heal, which in turn can improve the tone, texture and overall appearance of the skin.

What are the advantages?

“Targeted chemical peels can be helpful for a variety of skin concerns,” she says, including dullness and discoloration, rough texture, energetic pimples, sun damage and visual signs of aging. You can perform a lightweight peeling every two to five weeks depending on the skin type, with higher results the more often you utilize the peels. However, watch out not to overuse them as it could damage the skin’s protective barrier.

Which peel is correct for me?

Although there are home chemical peels (e.g Shani Darden tri-acid chemical peel)“Chemical peels are best done by a trained dermatologist or experienced physician who can determine what type of peel is right for your skin and your specific skin concerns,” she says. For example, Ingleton warns that deep chemical peels are generally not suitable for darker skin tones because they may cause burns and discoloration. “In general, I always recommend starting with superficial chemical peels as they are suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and do not require any downtime.”

How to prepare your skin?

Before going to your appointment, it is vital to let your skin know first. “I always recommend introducing fruit acid peels to your skin at least two weeks before starting a chemical peel,” she says, recommending RoseMD SuperFruit exfoliating tonic. This peel incorporates AHA acids that help the skin get used to chemicals. It may be used twice every week.

“You also want to stop using prescription retinoids 48 hours before peeling, and avoid anything that exfoliates the skin for at least 24 hours before treatment,” she says, including waxing, dermaplaning and scrubbing, in order not to irritate the skin. “It’s very important to communicate honestly with your provider to make them aware of any underlying issues you may have, such as a history of herpes or allergic reactions.”

What does recovery seem like?

For at-home or light in-office chemical peels, downtime shall be minimal compared to medium or deep treatments. “After a chemical peel, your skin may feel sensitive and flaky as it heals and regenerates, so it’s important to keep your routine extremely simple,” says Ingleton. “Use a gentle cleanser, basic moisturizer and SPF until your skin recovers.”


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Is TikTok right? Does eating sea moss have health advantages?

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Sea moss is the newest “superfood” that influencers are raving about. They claim that sea moss products – often in gel form – have many health advantages. These include supporting brain and immune function or protecting against viruses and other microbes.

But do these health claims overlap? Let’s have a look.

What is sea moss?

Sea moss is made out of a kind of seaweed – particularly red algae – that grows in various places around the globe. There are three major species utilized in sea moss products:

  • (often known as Irish moss or carrageenan moss)

  • (seamoss or seabird nest)

  • (Irish moss or ogonori).

Some products also contain brown algae (commonly often known as bladderwrack, black wrack, rockweed, sea grape, bladderwrack, sea oak, cutweed, dye wrack, red wrack or wrack).

Most sea moss products are sold in gel form, which may be added to recipes, utilized in smoothies, frozen in ice cubes, or consumed by itself. The products are also available in the shape of capsules or you may buy them “raw” and use them to organize your individual gels at home.

Several kinds of red algae are utilized in commercially available sea moss products.
Nancy Ann Bowe/Shutterstock

What is the evidence?

Sea moss products have many potential health advantages, from supporting immunity, to promoting skin health and improving mood and focus, and way more.

But is there any evidence to support these claims?

Recent studies have reviewed the biological properties of the major sea moss species (, i).

They suggest that these species may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and probiotic properties.

However, the overwhelming majority of research related to , and – like all research on – comes from studies conducted in test tubes or using cell and animal models. We shouldn’t assume that the observed health effects will probably be the identical in humans.

In cell and animal studies, researchers typically administer algae within the laboratory and use specific extracts wealthy in bioactive compounds, fairly than commercially available sea moss products.

They also use very different – ​​often relatively larger – amounts in comparison with what someone would typically eat when eating sea moss products.

This implies that existing research cannot tell us in regards to the processes that occur within the human body when eating and digesting sea moss.

Sea moss may have similar effects on humans. However, to this point there could be very little evidence that individuals who eat sea moss will experience any of the claimed health advantages.

Nutritional value

Eating sea moss doesn’t replace the necessity to eat a balanced eating regimen that features a wide range of fruit and veggies.

and, like many seaweeds, they’re a wealthy source of nutrients corresponding to fatty acids, amino acids, vitamin C and minerals. These nutrients are also more likely to be present in sea moss, although some could also be lost during preparation of the product (for instance, soaking may reduce vitamin C content), and people who remain could also be present in relatively small amounts.

There are claims that sea moss could also be harmful to people affected by thyroid problems. This refers back to the relationship between thyroid function and iodine. The algae used to supply sea moss are a major source of iodine, and excessive iodine intake may contribute to thyroid problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions. That’s why these products often contain caveats related to iodine sensitivity or thyroid health.

Is it value it?

So you could be wondering if sea moss is value trying. Here are some things to contemplate before you choose whether to begin adding sea moss to your smoothies.

A 375ml jar costs around A$25-30 and can last for around seven to 10 days for those who follow the really helpful dose of two tablespoons a day. This makes it a comparatively expensive source of nutrients.

Two glass jars filled with dark pink gel.
Sea moss is often sold in gel form that may be eaten on the kitchen table.
April Sims/Shutterstock

There is sea moss often overrated since it comprises 92 different minerals. Although there could also be 92 minerals present, the quantity of minerals in algae will probably be differ depending on the place of cultivation and conditions.

The efficiency with which algae minerals may be absorbed and utilized by the body also varies between minerals. For example, sodium absorbs wellalthough only about 50% iodine is absorbed.

But sea moss does it has also been shown to contain lead, mercury and other heavy metals – in addition to radioactive elements (corresponding to radon) that may be harmful to humans. Seaweed is understood for its properties ability to build up minerals from their environment, whether helpful or harmful to human nutrition. Remember that more doesn’t at all times mean higher.

What else do I eat?

While you will not discover a full dietary breakdown on the jar, it is usually sensible to examine what other ingredients you could be consuming. Sea moss products may contain plenty of other ingredients corresponding to lime, monk fruit powder, spirulina and ginger, amongst others.

These ingredients vary by brand and product, so pay attention to your needs and at all times check.

Despite health claims, most sea moss products also contain disclaimers indicating that these products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If you have any concerns about your health, at all times seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for accurate and personalized medical advice.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Telling Our Stories: How StoryCorps and the Jordan Brand Will Amplify Black Voices with the Brightness in Black Initiative – Essence

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StorCorps

StoryCorpsa national nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the voices of on a regular basis people has launched a groundbreaking latest initiative, “Brightness in Black.” This three-yr project, in partnership with Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand’s Black Community Commitment, goals to spotlight Black stories in a way that shifts the narrative and celebrates the joy and diverse richness of Black life.

To dig deeper into this multi-yr initiative, ESSENCE sat down StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark. She emphasized that Brightness in Black goes beyond traditional storytelling and seeks to alter the way black stories are told and received. Launched in September, the project launched in Philadelphia and Atlanta – two cities deeply rooted in black culture and history.

Clark began by emphasizing that Light in the Black is rooted in StoryCorps’ core mission – empowering people to inform their very own stories in their very own voices. “StoryCorps has traveled across the country over the last 20 years, collecting stories from everyday people. And what we know about these stories is that when people can tell their own stories in their own voices about what is most important to them… they become a legacy,” Clark said. “These stories combined together constitute the true history of America.”

As Clark explained, this initiative will not be nearly documenting experiences; it’s about addressing oversimplified and often negative narratives about Black life. “Our stories are often oversimplified. The narratives about our lives are often very limited,” she said, reflecting on how Black communities are typically portrayed in the media. Brightness in Black is a probability to flip the script – to give attention to the nuances, joys and aspirations that are not all the time at the focus.

Brightness in Black officially premiered in Philadelphia and Atlanta in September, and Clark explained that the alternative wasn’t nearly demographics; it was about history, community strength and local partnerships. “These cities have such a rich Black history, and the people here are no strangers to working to change the narrative,” Clark said.

Telling Our Stories: How StoryCorps and the Jordan Brand will amplify Black voices through the Brightness in Black initiative

StoryCorps doesn’t just parachute in and ask people to inform their stories. Clark explained that the project relies heavily on collaboration with community organizations, creators and educators in these cities. “We work with local partners — organizations and educators who have been doing this work for a long time. They understand the power of storytelling and the importance of capturing the full scope of Black life,” she said.

Through partnerships with HBCUs, community organizations and local creators, Brightness in Black will launch with storytelling events, recording sessions and workshops designed to have interaction each individuals and larger communities. “It’s not just about coming in, recording a story and leaving,” Clark explained. “We are creating connections by working with local leaders to ensure this initiative is deeply rooted in communities.”

One of the key pillars of the initiative is changing the typical narrative specializing in combat. Clark said that while difficult elements of the Black experience can’t be ignored, there may be also way more that needs attention.

“We as Black people are used to telling our stories, starting with trauma, hardship and hardship. And while these experiences are certainly part of our lives, there is much more to our story. Brightness in Black gives us a space to talk about our dreams, aspirations and the joys of everyday life. We want to focus on the greatness of Black life in all its forms,” Clark said.

Telling Our Stories: How StoryCorps and the Jordan Brand will amplify Black voices through the Brightness in Black initiative

The initiative includes in-person and virtual opportunities to share your stories through the StoryCorps app, community storytelling sessions, and StoryCorps Connect, which allows friends and family to record conversations from anywhere.

Black Joy and Black Fatherhood are examples of the stories Clark desires to amplify through this initiative. So what happens to all these powerful stories once they’re shared? The recordings collected during the three-yr initiative shall be archived at the Library of Congress, making these stories a part of the historical record. Additionally, the stories shall be shared widely – through radio, podcasts and local events that bring these narratives to life in their communities.

“Changing the narrative works best when everyone can hear the stories,” Clark said. “It’s not just about sharing our stories in Black communities – it’s about the wider world hearing these stories. This is how we change the perspective.”

Each city involved in Brightness in Black can have the opportunity to present these stories locally, allowing residents of Philadelphia, Atlanta and other future cities to listen to reflections on their very own community in a meaningful way. As “Brightness in Black” develops over the next three years, Clark is worked up about the project’s potential impact. “This is not just a collection of stories – it is a movement to change the way we view and value Black lives,” she said.

“We want to ensure that at the end of this initiative, we have created a lasting legacy that future generations can look back on and see the full picture of Black life in America.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Why Monday is the most dangerous day on a construction site

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The Australian construction industry employs over 1.3 million employees. That’s about 9% of the workforce.

But there could also be construction sites dangerous workplaces. There are also more accidents on the street Monday than every other weekday, as we see on this pattern many countries.

Many aspects give us this “The Monday effect“. We can address these and other issues to scale back avoidable workplace accidents on Mondays and other weekdays.

Construction is dangerous

The construction sector has higher rates accidents at work than the national average.

The industry reported that in 2023 45 employees diedwhich is a rise from the five-year average of 33.

Construction employees most often die from being hit by moving objects. The next most common causes are deaths resulting from falls, trips and slips.

Financial yr 2022-23 There were over 16,600 serious employees’ compensation claims in the construction sector. The median salary is now A$18,479 and the median lost work time is 8.5 weeks – each higher than in previous years.

“The Monday Effect”

Various studies conducted in numerous regions confirm that “The Monday effect”in construction. For example, a Chinese study found that fatal accidents occurred 12.6% more often on Mondays in comparison with other weekdays. There was a similar trend in Spain AND Hong Kong.

We also see “The Monday effect” IN other industries, akin to agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing.

A Spanish study that checked out records almost 3 million accidents at workincluding construction, confirmed the Monday effect across industries, firms of all sizes, every kind of employees, and every kind of injuries.

Linked data from all workplace accidents in Queensland also confirms Monday’s impact.

Why Mondays?

Construction accidents are more likely on Monday many reasons.

For example, staying up late on Sunday night and getting a poor night’s rest the night before the work week starts contributes to “cognitive failures” and mistakes at work on Monday.

Mondays often involve starting recent tasks or projects. This may cause unknown risks.

Construction site conditions, including weather, may change over the weekend, causing unexpected hazards. For example, strong winds over the weekend could cause scaffolding or unsecured materials to maneuver, increasing the risk of accidents on Monday.

We need to handle the root causes

AND test chargeable for the safety and efficiency of the Australian construction industry, stressed the have to proactively anticipate and stop accidents somewhat than taking motion after they occur – on Mondays or other days of the week.

The study used in-depth interviews with 30 industry professionals at 14 firms to discover several aspects contributing to construction accidents:

  • unrealistic deadlineswhich might prompt employees to rush and cut corners to get the job done on time

  • shortage of expert laborwhich suggests some employees could also be doing work for which they aren’t qualified

  • employees are afraid to talk out about safety concernswhich can result in failure to report and address potential threats

  • complicated and unknown custom structureswhich can involve unique risks and challenges that employees may not have encountered before

  • insufficient human factor risk assessmentwhich include fatigue, stress or cognitive overload and might result in errors and unsafe decisions on the spot

  • rushed training programsparticularly for safety reasons, which can leave employees unprepared to cope with risks or follow proper procedures.

What can we do to forestall accidents?

Part of the solution to a few of these problems is supporting a workplace culture during which security it is perceived as a core value and shared responsibility of employers, superiors and employees.

In construction firms, where safety is treated as “psychological contract” – unwritten but mutual obligations of employees and superiors – employees are higher equipped identifying and eliminating security threats.

Awareness campaigns highlighting issues akin to the “Monday effect” can even encourage adjustments to workflows to scale back the risk of accidents. This may include scheduling less dangerous or less complex tasks for Mondays to present employees time to return to their every day duties.

What else can we do?

Technology it will possibly also help prevent accidents.

For example, wearable sensors on a wristband or smartphone can discover, track and monitor employees body posture. These sensors can detect unsafe lifting practices, excessive bending, or prolonged exposure to a static or uncomfortable position. These are aspects that may contribute to ergonomic risks and injuries.

Augmented reality could be used to simulate tasks to assist employees practice techniques safely.

Artificial intelligence could analyze the image from the camera Down monitor workplaces in case of dangerous activities and signaling threats.

But cost concernsprivacy and industry belief that these investments are worthwhile are amongst the barriers to the adoption of those technologies.

Talking about money

Raising awareness of the economic costs of workplace accidents can change attitudes and priorities.

2019 Australian study found that the average cost of a construction accident ranges from $2,040 to $6,024,517. This depends on whether the accident resulted in brief or long absence from work, whether someone is partially or completely unable to work, or whether someone dies.

Elements of this estimate include compensation, lack of income or earnings, costs of coaching and retraining of staff, social welfare advantages, in addition to costs of treatment, tests and care.

Goal: zero deaths

Deaths and injuries at work on construction sites mustn’t be dismissed as accidents. They are a symptom of many systemic aspects that should be addressed through thoughtful motion and a commitment to safety.

Just as road safety initiatives aim to realize zero fatalities, the construction industry should focus on achieving zero workplace fatalities.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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