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Anti-cellulite products are big business – but here’s what the science says

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Though 90% of ladies have cellulite, now we have yet to see it represented as a traditional anatomical feature in popular culture. For example, in Greta Gerwig’s 2023 Hollywood blockbuster, Stereotypical Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, develops dimples on her upper thigh as a part of an existential crisis – together with other human flaws comparable to halitosis, flat feet, and uncontrollable thoughts of death.

When Stereotypical Barbie asks the Weird Barbie doll what dimples are, she explains: “It’s cellulite. This will spread in every single place. Then you begin getting sad, clumsy, and complex. Barbie’s perfect, smooth plastic perfection is ruined.

Despite its commonness, cellulite has been constructed as a defect requiring correction. Consumers appear to agree, especially in the event that they are fed a eating regimen Photoshop smoothed out the skin models, social media influencers and Hollywood stars.

“NO!” Barbie screams when Weird Barbie tells her she has cellulite.

Cellulite often occurs in areas where there’s a greater amount of subcutaneous fat, when fat deposits break through the connective tissue under the skin, causing lumps to form. It’s common often painless and harmless.

Human skin is the largest organ of the body, composed of three layers. On the surface, the epidermis is our first line of defense against the environment. This outermost, impermeable layer consists of cells that consistently renew and exfoliate, protecting our body from external aspects.

Beneath the epidermis is the dermis – a solid layer containing fibroblasts – cells chargeable for the production of essential proteins comparable to collagen and elastin. These proteins provide structure and elasticity, contributing to the strength and elasticity of the skin.

Even deeper is the subcutaneous tissue, also called the hypodermis. This layer is wealthy in adipose tissue – consisting mainly of fat, which plays a key role in cushioning and insulating the body, in addition to storing fat that might be used when needed. Underneath these three layers of skin are muscles. They run from the muscles to the dermis bands of connective tissuewhich keeps fat tissue in “pockets”.

Cellulite doesn’t affect your health, although some people say it affects them self-esteem and body image but it has more to do with societal pressure on women to be physically perfect – or to spend money, time and energy attempting to be as near perfection as possible.

Cellulite has subsequently grow to be big business in the cosmetics industry. Especially in the run-up to summer, corporations will promote themselves every kind of products from creams and serums to gadgets and pills, all to create perfectly smooth limbs. The hottest query appears to be, “Do these treatments work?” but as an anatomist, I believe the more pressing query is, “Why are healthy women’s bodies considered something that needs to be treated, cured, or corrected?”

The beauty and wellness industry has long benefited from societal beauty standards. The concept that cellulite is undesirable and must be improved it has been occurring since Vogue magazine was first the first magazine in English use the term “cellulite” and introduce this idea to hundreds of ladies. This marketing strategy acknowledges the insecurities of consumers, especially women, and promotes the never-ending pursuit of “perfection” for bodies with normal anatomical variability.

By treating cellulite as a condition requiring treatment, corporations can sell a wide selection of products and services, backed by celebrity endorsements that add credibility and aspirational value to pseudo-medical “smoothing” products. However, there is proscribed scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of those supplements in treating cellulite. In fact, first scientific work on cellulite, published in 1978, called it “the so-called cellulite: an invented disease.

The latest product launches include: Give me smooth, Kourtney Kardashian-Barker’s newest addition to her vitamin and complement lineup. The product’s promotional materials state that the capsule “visibly reduces cellulite in 28 days.” But what does science tell us?

Supplements like Lemme Smooth improve skin texture and reduce cellulite from the inside. The Kardashian-Barker complement incorporates a mix French cantaloupe melonhyaluronic acid, chromium and vitamin C. The body’s ability to soak up and use these ingredients in a way that affects cellulite remains to be a matter of debate.

There is evidence of this swallowed hyaluronic acid can migrate into the skin, stimulating collagen production in the dermis – and vitamin C has been shown to thicken the top layer skin. However, the lack of standardization in testing the use of those ingredients to treat cellulite means it remains to be unclear whether they may have a curative effect. significant effect.

Other products marketed to scale back the appearance of cellulite include topical creams and lotions containing ingredients comparable to caffeine, retinol and herbal extracts. Cosmetic products are unable to penetrate the epidermis enough to significantly affect the underlying fat deposits and connective tissue.

Some invasive treatments, e.g laser therapy, subcutaneous therapy and acoustic wave therapy may give more promising results. These treatments work by breaking down the bands of connective tissue that cause dimples and stimulating collagen production in the dermis to enhance skin elasticity. Although these methods could also be more practicalthey are often expensive, require multiple sessions to realize results – and are not without risks.

Maintaining a healthy eating regimen, drinking loads of water, and exercising recurrently may help improve the overall appearance of your skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Losing weight and strengthening the muscles in your legs, buttocks and stomach may make cellulite less visible, but it won’t make it disappear. disappear completely.

The most significant thing, nevertheless, is that cellulite doesn’t should be treated. It’s a traditional anatomical variation that has been transformed right into a disease fueling a lucrative drug market that do not exist.

My top expert tip in the run-up to summer? Beware of claims from cosmetic corporations and save your money.


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

Method Man Says He ‘Doesn’t Want to Be Seen as a Sex Symbol’ and Wants to Blend In

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Method Man wants to be known for greater than just his looks. During a recent appearance on the show, he shared the importance of prioritizing respect over his status as a sex symbol.

On the show, Tamron Hall asked him about a quote from his 2023 speech. Men’s health cover. “In the article, you said, ‘I’m not a sex symbol.’ You said that sometimes you don’t want to be desired; you just want to be respected.” Hall also touched on Method Man’s tendency to take his shirt off in public, such as at a recent Usher concert: “How do you reconcile not wanting to be desired with constantly having your shirt unbuttoned?”

He quickly responded, “That’s the thing; now that I have it, I’m going to show it, but not for that reason.” The legendary rapper continued, “I’m showing it while I still have it. But that’s the thing, right? I love the admiration. I love it. Does it ever get awkward? Absolutely. Sometimes you just want to blend in, and I’m that type of person.”

Hall replied, “You can never fit in.” Method Man continued, “Sometimes I do. Again, I can appreciate the admiration. And then there are the only things where he’s like, ‘The Greatest Man Alive.’ I mean, you can pour fuel on the fire all you want, but honestly, I think we’re all beautiful and sexy in our own way, so let’s be sexy together.”

In his cover, the artist shared that he just isn’t a sex symbol. “That’s the fucking point, man. Put the words together. Sex and symbol. What’s the symbol? I ain’t doing nothing. So what’s the symbol?” he said. “I’m not gonna lie, I love every damn minute of it, but I don’t want to be that guy who, when the clock starts ticking, is still trying to be sexy.”

He continued, “I mean, Smokey Robinson will always be sexy to someone. I’m not using him as an example — I’m just saying that considering where Smokey is now, if Smokey was around at the same time as he was then, it would look ridiculous. And Smokey knew he was a sexy motherfucker. You get to a certain age where you just stop caring, and I think that’s the sexiest thing in the world.”

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

Men bear the brunt of the ‘loneliness epidemic’ amid intense societal pressure

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A couple of weeks before Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey announced in May 2024 that they were expecting a baby, the pop icon posted a selfie of he looks tearful and desperate.

While media attention quickly focused on the pregnancy, little attention was paid to the significance of the male star and the future father publicly shares his sensitivity.

But Bieber’s social media post is noteworthy since it highlights his internal conflict.

Emotional pain is linked to serious health problems. Yet the public’s response to male displays of emotion and vulnerability is commonly minimized, if not dismissed. In response to Bieber’s tearful post, for instance, Hailey described it as “pretty crybaby.”

A yr ago, Canadian rapper Dax released the song “Being a person.” He said at the time: “This is a song that I put my heart into. I pray that it reaches everyone who needs it.”

The message of this song remains to be relevant today. Contains song lyrics:

How researchers Who study fatherhood and the roles that men play their familieswe recognize the loneliness and pain in these lyrics. We heard fathers describe the cost of attempting to keep their feelings in check.

IN the last study we conducted for 75 latest and expectant black fathers, they spoke of the need to deal with individual and collective trauma. This, they said, will ultimately help support their families. But they said resources to assist men with mental health are sometimes unavailable or very limited. They said they often feel invisible to health care providers.

“Being a father and a man,” one participant said, “you have to keep the peace and be strong on the outside. But on the inside, you know, you’re falling apart.”

Dax’s writing and our research reflect a perennial societal health concern—the deafening silence that typically surrounds men’s mental health issues.

The impact of isolation on men

In May 2023, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a warning highlighting what he described as the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the country. Our research confirms this plague.

Because men’s social support networks—colleagues, family, close childhood friends—are sometimes weaker than women’s, the epidemic disproportionately affects men. The resulting loneliness has very real health consequences.

Research shows that loneliness is related to negative health consequences, comparable to a better risk of heart disease and dementia.
Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images

In Murthy’s report, loneliness is related to negative health outcomes, including “a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults. In addition, a lack of social connections increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.”

Although Murthy’s report focuses on each men and girls, research shows that it’s men are less likely than women to hunt mental health helpFurthermore, men have a more negative attitude towards searching for help and usually tend to discontinue treatment prematurely than women.

With these consequences in mind, a caring society might ask itself: Why do men bear the brunt of this health threat, and what will be done about it?

Redefining the value of men beyond just making a living

Many aspects can contribute to men feeling isolated and disconnected.

In “To Be A Man,” Dax points out one vital factor:

Traditional definitions of masculinity emphasize the importance of the man’s role as the family breadwinner.

Uncertain economy AND increasingly more expensive apartments and food prices make it unaffordable for a lot of men to offer financially for his or her families. These aspects also undermine men’s self-esteem and contribute to loneliness and feelings of alienation.

As partners and fathers, men are still often seen as inadequate in the event that they are unable to offer financially. And social norms emphasize that they are usually not valued for his or her abilities as caregivers, whilst they’re more involved in raising children than ever before.

This is detached from reality.

Men play a crucial role as caregivers of their children’s lives, in keeping with our research, and have a powerful influence on their children’s health and well-being. Men also find meaning of their role as fathers.

As Dax says:

The Cost of Suppressed Vulnerability

In addition to the pressure to offer for themselves, men must also overcome stereotypes that suggest they ought to be stoic and conceal their fears and sadness.

Here too, gender norms should be updated. Boys and men have to feel comfortable presenting their true, authentic selves to the world. When they suppress their vulnerability, it creates a barrier to searching for help. It also perpetuates stigma and the epidemic of loneliness.

A man sitting in a hospital room.
Men are less likely than women to hunt mental health help.
Getty photos

There is a fancy relationship between society’s assumptions and beliefs about men and fatherhood.

As a result, men are less likely than women to hunt mental health services. As a result, health care providers are they usually tend to underdiagnose and misdiagnose menFurthermore, when health resources are made available, they are sometimes not tailored to the needs of men.

Societal expectations can create unbearable pressure on men. And the most marginalized groups, as low-income black fathersbear a disproportionate burden, research shows. This has turn into more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Black fathers working in high-risk and essential jobs have prioritized supporting their children and families over their very own risks of infection and mental health.

As men proceed to redefine their roles inside families and communities, it is necessary for society to create an area that recognizes and accepts their vulnerability and full humanity in all social roles.

Men need an outlet for his or her pain. They would profit from relationships – with partners, family and friends – who support and nurture them in moments of joy and emotional challenges. Their loneliness will proceed to be disproportionate without the obligatory connection to services.

Men may consider participating in low-stakes discussion groups of their communities, online groups, and at their churches. They may additionally hunt down therapists in person or online for introductory sessions test the therapeutic interaction before establishing a more consistent pattern of therapeutic services.

In the song “To Be a Man” Dax sings:

As the Biebers adjust to life as parents, Justin can find people to talk over with about his experiences and emotions, individuals who see and appreciate him fully. And we hope that is the same for each man and father, living out of the highlight and doing the best they’ll for themselves and their family.


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

ESScent of the week: Purple dreams come true with the latest fragrance from Parfums de Marly – Essence

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Remember when Rihanna he said that her reign just won’t let up? Well, neither will Parfums de Marly — especially with their recent purple reign.

I had been anticipating the release for weeks (like many of us), and after I finally got to smell it, I used to be absolutely blown away—in the very best way. You’d think I’d expect nothing less from one of my favorite area of interest perfume houses, but this scent was truly something special.

You know that feeling when a perfume is only for you? It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s magical. It’s shiny, floral, and absolutely charming — housed in a classy mauve bottle that is as stunning as the scent itself (but let’s be honest, all Parfums de Marly perfumes are masterpieces).

What stands out is the balance of fruit, florals, and a touch of powdery softness. It opens with mandarin and pear (two of my favorite notes) which are immediately uplifting. But once that violet petal shows up? Game over. It’s fresh without being too sweet, and I really like the way it dries all the way down to a smooth, creamy sandalwood finish. It’s a scent that feels each fun and complicated—perfect for a daytime brunch or an evening out.

There is something about Parfums de Marly that keeps them at the top of the area of interest fragrance game they usually prove it once more. Their scents aren’t just well-made; they evoke a mood, a sense, a vibration. They know the best way to create luxury without being over the top, and every of their scents looks like a piece of art. Whether it’s sensual, flirty or opulent, you realize you’re in for something special.

Why I find it irresistible: is a robust fragrance centered around a contemporary floral bouquet with fresh fruity and powdery notes. I really like the way it revolves around the violet petal, enhanced by the unique masculine-turned-feminine lavender. This lightness gives it an unsettling twist unlike the rest in my collection. In addition, the base notes of musk, patchouli and vanilla give a warm, velvety hug that lasts all day. At $375, it’s an investment, but well value it for its luxurious composition and longevity.

It’s not only me who can’t get enough of this scent — beauty lovers and scent connoisseurs all over the place are raving about it . In fact, #FragranceTok OGs like Zoe, Princess of PerfumeAND Karolina Stern have singled it out as a standout addition to Parfums de Marly’s already excellent offering, with some loving how the violet and sandalwood give it an unconventional twist. The purple bottle can be successful, attracting fans who appreciate the combination of elegance and playfulness.

But what really sets them apart is their ability to mix beautifully with other scents. , with a creamy sandalwood base, it begs to be mixed and matched. Which brings me to…

Perfect mixtures: If you like experimenting with scents like I do, you’ll have plenty of room to play with . For extra warmth, try layering it on yourself so as to add a comfortable, woodsy vibe. It enhances the sandalwood and adds extra depth. It’s also an awesome layering partner for floral days. Peony adds a soft, romantic touch to violets.

It’s a flexible fragrance that will be worn day or night. It has presence without being overpowering, and leaves a mark that’s each sophisticated and playful. As at all times, Parfums de Marly offers something special and is solely the latest example of their mastery of fragrance. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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