Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 2 juin 2020
8 Impactful Books on Race in America White People Should Read
Throughout this last week of May, protesters across America have demanded justice for the continued acts of fatal violence against Black Americans. In the wake of George Floyd's killing by Minneapolis police - which followed the recent shootings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade - many people are asking what they can do to turn their opposition to racism into action. White Americans, especially, should be asking that question of themselves. To be better allies, we need to educate ourselves, donate what we can, demonstrate, speak out, and confront our own complicity - even when it's uncomfortable. And it's not a one-time exercise, but an ongoing process.
Earlier in the week, activist and writer Brittany Packnett circulated a list compiled by two white activists, Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein, on Twitter. The list is full of resources for other white people to educate themselves on race - books, podcast, articles, and films. The selection of books below is partly culled from and inspired by that list. It also includes additional books I've read in recent years that helped me understand how I can become a better ally, educated me on our nation's real history, and exposed me to new ideas and understandings about both systemic and interpersonal racism. These are books I think may help you do the same.
Education is just the start - but it's an important step that's incumbent on white Americans to take ourselves. Of course, these books are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the outstanding literature on the topic that's available, but I think they're a good place to begin:
These Are the 44 Most Effective Exercises For Strong Arms and Sculpted Shoulders
Whether you have no equipment or just a set of dumbbells, you can strengthen your upper body with these 44 effective exercises. Choose a few of these moves to create your own upper-body workout, or combine them with leg exercises and core moves for a full-body strength-training workout. As a bonus, some of these moves work your abs and lower body - have fun getting strong!
The 18 Best Home Items You Can Shop on Sale This Week
As someone who shops and writes about home content daily, I can say there's truly nothing better than finding that one piece you want on sale. As I'm constantly browsing sites for new products and hot deals, I can't help but come across seriously good items on major discount. If you're looking for a little home shopping inspiration, then you've come to the right place to find a good deal or two.
Ahead, I curated a list of 18 home items on sale right now that'll bring some joy into your space. Whether you're looking for a comfy sofa to lounge on all day, handy storage finds, or just cute decor, there's no shortage of good finds ahead. Keep reading to shop them all and snag the ones your home is missing.
Fashion Designer ASAI Is Selling Rihanna's Insta-Famous Dress to Support Black Lives Matter
Fashion brand ASAI is bringing back Rihanna's memorable vacation dress for a good cause. Amid protests in response to George Floyd's death and police brutality, British-Chinese-Vietnamese designer A Sai Ta took action to stand with the Black community by bringing back the singer's outfit to raise funds for Black Lives Matter, Solace Women's Aid, and The Voice of Domestic Workers.
Rihanna has close ties to ASAI, since they created a 24-piece capsule collection for Selfridges last year. Back in February, the brand was forced to cancel its Autumn/Winter fashion show due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, but it appears to be back in business for one particular piece of clothing. "No one else has this dress apart from me and RiRi," ASAI's caption reads. "We will be producing this iconic dress exclusively for three charities!"
In order to purchase Rihanna's Hot Wok tie-dye minidress, interested customers should direct message ASAI's Instagram account (@asaitakeaway) or or email info@asaita.co.uk. Keep reading to get a refresher on the famous dress, and make sure to check out these Black-owned fashion businesses you can support right now.
I'm an Old Navy Shopping Pro, and These Are the 20 Cutest New Releases For June
Old Navy just dropped tons of new pieces! What's even better is that you can get 30 percent off everything in the store today with the code HURRY. Luckily for you, I track the site's newest releases that customers are raving about. Whether they're tried-and-true bestsellers customers trust or fresh drops that are generating a lot of buzz, I always have the inside scoop on Old Navy's apparel.
I've curated a list of my favorite June picks that are worthy of your attention, all discounted. Sift through my favorite dresses, pants, sandals, and accessories that are worth every penny. Let's check all the goodies out.
This 5-Minute Morning Yoga Routine Helps Me Feel Refreshed and Ready to Tackle the Day
I fell in love with yoga in college. Every Saturday morning of my freshman year, a few friends and I would ride the bus to the free class offered at a Lululemon downtown. It was a half-hour commute for a class that started at 8:30 a.m., but we went religiously, regardless of how much or how little we'd slept, only skipping when we were home for break.
For an anxious college freshman who could never turn her brain off, yoga was a godsend. Focusing on the physicality of the practice helped me tune out my own thoughts. Supporting myself on the mat and leaning into each stretch provided a different, deeper form of focus than lifting weights or going on a run. It was just as beneficial for my mind as it was for my body.
I loved how calm, centered, and ready to take on the day I felt after those classes, and that inspired me to incorporate the practice into my daily life. While I don't always have time for a class, I make sure to start my mornings with a short yoga routine. It helps me wake up my body and get in the right headspace for the work ahead, plus discover any sore spots that might need extra attention.
While working from home, it's been easy for me to fall into the trap of opening my computer as soon as I wake up and responding to emails while I'm still in bed. Sticking to my yoga routine helps me remember to take a few minutes for myself: to breathe, to focus, and to set an intention for my day. I've tried starting my mornings with meditation, but always struggle to turn my focus inward, and away from the day ahead of me. Yoga helps me ground that meditative focus in movement, and to stay mindful throughout the practice.
It also wakes up my mind and body enough that returning to bed isn't an option. I usually get out of bed thinking it'll take a cup of coffee to wake me up, but after this routine, I feel refreshed and energized. I start my routine (below) in child's pose, set an intention, then flow through the practice twice, once on each side. (Start the second sequence at the first Warrior 1.)
lundi 1 juin 2020
Watch Angelina and Brad's Kids Grow Up Before Your Eyes in These 25 Pictures
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are the proud parents to six beautiful kids: Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 11. Even though the couple may no longer be together, we've been seeing more and more of their kids as they get older. When Angelina isn't speaking up on important issues like gender equality, or focusing on her humanitarian work through trips to refugee camps, she's taking her kids to fun movie premieres and museum openings. Each time the Jolie-Pitt kids step out together, it always amazes us how much they favor their famous parents. Keep reading to see even more sweet moments between the family.
Watch Angelina and Brad's Kids Grow Up Before Your Eyes in These 25 Pictures
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are the proud parents to six beautiful kids: Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 11. Even though the couple may no longer be together, we've been seeing more and more of their kids as they get older. When Angelina isn't speaking up on important issues like gender equality, or focusing on her humanitarian work through trips to refugee camps, she's taking her kids to fun movie premieres and museum openings. Each time the Jolie-Pitt kids step out together, it always amazes us how much they favor their famous parents. Keep reading to see even more sweet moments between the family.
Top-Rated Cleansers at Sephora to Help Clear Your Acne-Prone Skin - Once and For All
You may worry that not cleaning your face every night before bed will cause breakouts (among other problems), but what if the face wash you're using is actually doing more harm than good? Well, if you experience acne, excess oil, or other skin irritations, now's the time to look into a new cleanser that can fight these issues, or a mild sudser (without soaps or sulfates) that's less likely to aggravate your complexion.
We took a look through the face washes at Sephora and picked the best ones to help acne-prone skin. Some have ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil to tackle pimples head-on, while others are gentle, hydrating formulations that remove bacteria from pores on the most sensitive of faces.
Whether you're looking for something that lightly foams or gently exfoliates, there's an acne-fighting face wash at Sephora for you. All the face washes included here have four stars or more from other shoppers - and we won't consider it cheating if you peek at their homework before your own final answer.
Angelina Jolie May Be Known For Acting, But She's Given Us a Few Useful Beauty Tips Too
Angelina Jolie is one of the most respected actresses and humanitarians in Hollywood, but she's also somewhat of a beauty icon. Without even trying, the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil star has taught us a lot about beauty throughout her decades-long career, whether she's speaking out about natural beauty, the importance of inner beauty, or why you shouldn't allow others to define what's beautiful for you. In honor of Jolie's 45th birthday on June 4, we rounded up some of the best beauty lessons we've learned from her over time. Read ahead to check them out.
FYI, You Should Be Putting Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread on Everything You Eat
Attention, Trader Joe's shoppers: try adding Cinnamon Bun Spread to your shopping cart. The grocery chain famous for gifting us with Cookie Butter has added another sweet spreadable option to its collection. And it might just be the key to a successful breakfast, brunch, or dessert - unless you empty out the jar on your first meal. This gooey jam sells for a little over $3 and includes the autumnal spices you've come to expect from a tasty cinnamon roll. Douse pancakes, waffles, cookies, french toast, regular toast, apple slices, ice cream, and everything in between in it, or dive right in and eat it on its own. We won't judge.
The next time you're perusing the aisles of your beloved Trader Joe's, be sure to add this item to your cart. Trust us, you'll too wonder why cinnamon bun spread never existed before.
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Top-Rated Cleansers at Sephora to Help Clear Your Acne-Prone Skin - Once and For All
You may worry that not cleaning your face every night before bed will cause breakouts (among other problems), but what if the face wash you're using is actually doing more harm than good? Well, if you experience acne, excess oil, or other skin irritations, now's the time to look into a new cleanser that can fight these issues, or a mild sudser (without soaps or sulfates) that's less likely to aggravate your complexion.
We took a look through the face washes at Sephora and picked the best ones to help acne-prone skin. Some have ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil to tackle pimples head-on, while others are gentle, hydrating formulations that remove bacteria from pores on the most sensitive of faces.
Whether you're looking for something that lightly foams or gently exfoliates, there's an acne-fighting face wash at Sephora for you. All the face washes included here have four stars or more from other shoppers - and we won't consider it cheating if you peek at their homework before your own final answer.
FYI, You Should Be Putting Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread on Everything You Eat
Attention, Trader Joe's shoppers: try adding Cinnamon Bun Spread to your shopping cart. The grocery chain famous for gifting us with Cookie Butter has added another sweet spreadable option to its collection. And it might just be the key to a successful breakfast, brunch, or dessert - unless you empty out the jar on your first meal. This gooey jam sells for a little over $3 and includes the autumnal spices you've come to expect from a tasty cinnamon roll. Douse pancakes, waffles, cookies, french toast, regular toast, apple slices, ice cream, and everything in between in it, or dive right in and eat it on its own. We won't judge.
The next time you're perusing the aisles of your beloved Trader Joe's, be sure to add this item to your cart. Trust us, you'll too wonder why cinnamon bun spread never existed before.
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Angelina Jolie May Be Known For Acting, But She's Given Us a Few Useful Beauty Tips Too
Angelina Jolie is one of the most respected actresses and humanitarians in Hollywood, but she's also somewhat of a beauty icon. Without even trying, the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil star has taught us a lot about beauty throughout her decades-long career, whether she's speaking out about natural beauty, the importance of inner beauty, or why you shouldn't allow others to define what's beautiful for you. In honor of Jolie's 45th birthday on June 4, we rounded up some of the best beauty lessons we've learned from her over time. Read ahead to check them out.
The Surprising LGBTQ+ History Behind Some of Your Favorite Beauty Brands
Pride is more than rainbow flags and Ben & Jerry's Hubby Hubby ice cream (although, these are indeed welcome, especially now and when enjoyed while humming Lady Gaga's "Born This Way") - it's also a time to reflect on the progress, and room for growth, needed to support the LGBTQ+ community. A good place to start: the workplace.
After all, under federal and most states' laws, LGBTQ+ people aren't explicitly protected from discrimination. That's why entrepreneurship in the community matters and, in an industry where people are seeking, celebrating, and demanding inclusivity now more than ever, there's no better time to commemorate the queer-owned hair, makeup, and skin-care companies out there.
What are you waiting for? If you can't physically march your support at a parade this year, click ahead for a list of beauty brands you can be proud to add to your stash.
FYI, You Should Be Putting Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread on Everything You Eat
Attention, Trader Joe's shoppers: try adding Cinnamon Bun Spread to your shopping cart. The grocery chain famous for gifting us with Cookie Butter has added another sweet spreadable option to its collection. And it might just be the key to a successful breakfast, brunch, or dessert - unless you empty out the jar on your first meal. This gooey jam sells for a little over $3 and includes the autumnal spices you've come to expect from a tasty cinnamon roll. Douse pancakes, waffles, cookies, french toast, regular toast, apple slices, ice cream, and everything in between in it, or dive right in and eat it on its own. We won't judge.
The next time you're perusing the aisles of your beloved Trader Joe's, be sure to add this item to your cart. Trust us, you'll too wonder why cinnamon bun spread never existed before.
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
12 Celebrities Who Coordinate Their Beauty Looks With Their Best Friend
When you discover a life-changing beauty tip or product, chances are you let your best friend know. After all, you want them to look and feel their best too. As it turns out, celebrities are just like us and sometimes even coordinate their beauty looks with their best friend for red carpet events.
While some moments are obvious and memorable - like when Gigi and Bella Hadid looked like twins at the VMAs in 2019 or Kendall and Kylie Jenner wore complimentary ensembles from head to toe at the 2019 Met Gala - others might be a little more subtle. From matching hairstyles to identical cat-eye makeup looks, we rounded up a few of the best times celebrity best friends were twinning with their beauty style, ahead.
50 Tiny Friendship Tattoos You Won't Regret, Even If You Lose Touch
Forget about friendship bracelets - nowadays, it's all about friendship tattoos. Nothing quite says "best friends forever" like a matching permanent inking. The experience will be something you both look back on for the rest of your lives.
If you and your bestie are nervous about getting tatted together, opting for a teeny-tiny tattoo design will ease any anxiety you may have. These small illustrations can hold just as much meaning as a big tattoo and take half the time to get. Getting a tattoo with someone is a big decision so you'll want to find something that you both love. That's why it's important to put in the research now and save it for later. Whether you're looking for a meaningful tattoo that signifies your friendship or just a fun, whimsical design that will make you smile, grab your BFF and prepare to be inspired by one of these 50 tiny tattoo.
12 Celebrities Who Coordinate Their Beauty Looks With Their Best Friend
When you discover a life-changing beauty tip or product, chances are you let your best friend know. After all, you want them to look and feel their best too. As it turns out, celebrities are just like us and sometimes even coordinate their beauty looks with their best friend for red carpet events.
While some moments are obvious and memorable - like when Gigi and Bella Hadid looked like twins at the VMAs in 2019 or Kendall and Kylie Jenner wore complimentary ensembles from head to toe at the 2019 Met Gala - others might be a little more subtle. From matching hairstyles to identical cat-eye makeup looks, we rounded up a few of the best times celebrity best friends were twinning with their beauty style, ahead.
50 Tiny Friendship Tattoos You Won't Regret, Even If You Lose Touch
Forget about friendship bracelets - nowadays, it's all about friendship tattoos. Nothing quite says "best friends forever" like a matching permanent inking. The experience will be something you both look back on for the rest of your lives.
If you and your bestie are nervous about getting tatted together, opting for a teeny-tiny tattoo design will ease any anxiety you may have. These small illustrations can hold just as much meaning as a big tattoo and take half the time to get. Getting a tattoo with someone is a big decision so you'll want to find something that you both love. That's why it's important to put in the research now and save it for later. Whether you're looking for a meaningful tattoo that signifies your friendship or just a fun, whimsical design that will make you smile, grab your BFF and prepare to be inspired by one of these 50 tiny tattoo.
Amazon Released Tons of Rompers and Jumpsuits, but These 15 Picks Are Summer Goals
If there's one item I could wear every day during the Summer, it would be a romper or jumpsuit. It's an entire outfit in one piece of clothing. Plus, in the heat, wearing an airy ensemble is the best option - it's comfortable without sacrificing style. There are so many pretty designs out there right now, so we rounded up our favorites from Amazon.
Don't force yourself to wear a tight dress - go for one of our picks instead. The one-and-done outfit is both stylish and easy to move in. These picks come at a variety of price points and styles, so you'll undoubtedly find something perfect for you. Prepare to want to live in these pieces. Trust us: once you snag one, you'll never want to take it off.
Bored at Home? Watch Dr. Pimple Popper’s Best Extraction Videos to Date
Whether you are a Dr. Pimple Popper fan or not, chances are you've seen at least one (if not more - hey, no judgement here) of her oozy cyst or blackhead extraction videos before. Regardless of their squirm-inducing nature, these short clips by dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, are not only universal (we've all had our challenges with blackheads and acne) but also strangely satisfying.
If you're not sure what to watch next and are looking for a quick fix of satisfying pimple extractions, scroll through for some of her best (but also the gnarliest) pops to date. Forewarning: you might want to watch this after you eat your dinner for the night.
A Look at Chrishell Stause's Relationship History: From Matthew Morrison to Justin Hartley
While Netflix's Selling Sunset mainly revolves around luxury residential properties in Los Angeles, it also follows the lives of elite real estate brokers at The Oppenheim Group. One of those real estate brokers just so happens to be soap star Chrishell Stause. The 38-year-old actress is best known for her roles on All My Children, The Young and the Restless, and Days of Our Lives, and season three of the show looks like it's going to be centered on her recent split from This Is Us star Justin Hartley. Though this may have been Chrishell's most publicized relationship, it hasn't been her only one. As we wait for Selling Sunset to return to Netflix on Aug. 7, keep reading for a look at Chrishell's past romances.
Bored at Home? Watch Dr. Pimple Popper’s Best Extraction Videos to Date
Whether you are a Dr. Pimple Popper fan or not, chances are you've seen at least one (if not more - hey, no judgement here) of her oozy cyst or blackhead extraction videos before. Regardless of their squirm-inducing nature, these short clips by dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, are not only universal (we've all had our challenges with blackheads and acne) but also strangely satisfying.
If you're not sure what to watch next and are looking for a quick fix of satisfying pimple extractions, scroll through for some of her best (but also the gnarliest) pops to date. Forewarning: you might want to watch this after you eat your dinner for the night.
People Are Making Croissant Bites Stuffed With Nutella, Because Breakfast Is Best Served Sweet
I don't have any kind of culinary degree, but my inner pastry chef is flipping her toque over these mini croissant bites stuffed with Nutella. Originally posted by Sam Schnur, aka @thenaughtyfork on Instagram, the croissant cereal is inspired by TikTok's cookie cereal trend, and it's just as easy to make. So catch me munching on a bowl of this during my next Zoom call or while I'm catching up on all of Dead to Me.
In the video shared to her channel, Sam takes precut pastry dough triangles and slices them into even smaller triangles. She then adds about one teaspoon of Nutella to the widest section of each piece dough before rolling each triangle into a mini croissant. After a few minutes in the oven per the package instructions, each of the teeny-tiny croissants is ready to be thrown into a bowl and served up with milk or an extra drizzle of the chocolate-hazelnut spread. See how Sam makes regular and Nutella-stuffed mini croissants here, and keep reading to treat your eyeballs to something sweet.
Does Having Acne Impact Your Job Prospects? The Answer Might Surprise You
Image Source: Getty
Much to the dismay of anyone with atychiphobia, the truth about job hunting remains: in interviews, like in life, there are only so many things you can control. Even when you've fine-tuned your résumé, researched the company, and concocted a decidedly thoughtful response to the wild card "What kind of animal would you be?" question, sometimes there are other, far less obvious factors playing into your odds of getting hired - like the condition of your skin.
It isn't always conscious, but for some interviewers, the bias is real. Studies have shown that people with facial acne are discriminated against in the job market, with one survey revealing that 78 percent of respondents thought people with blemishes or acne scars were less likely to be hired based on their appearance.
"We live in a society that socializes us to have certain stereotypes that might exist outside of our conscious awareness," said Alison Green, an ex-hiring manager and columnist for the popular career blog Ask a Manager. "These biases can be about race, gender, age, religion, disability, socioeconomic class, physical attractiveness - all sorts of things."
"Whether consciously or unconsciously, we assume that attractiveness is associated with competence, even though we know that it's not true."
From a legal standpoint, no federal law has been passed to protect people based on their appearances, at least not without the evidence of a disability. But that last part - a bias based on someone's physical attractiveness - has been widely researched.
"Whether consciously or unconsciously, we assume that attractiveness is associated with competence, even though we know that it's not true," said Matthew Traube, MFT, a psychotherapist who specializes in the psychological impact of skin conditions. "I have had clients tell me that they felt that they would have gotten a job if they did not have acne."
In some cases, this bias can vary depending on the actual open position; Green notes that more managers will put weight on a candidate's appearance if the job is a client-facing one. "They'll often frame it as looking for candidates who are 'well-groomed and polished,' but in practice that's sometimes more about a particular physical look than it is about polish," she said. "And to be clear, employers should recognize that you can have acne and still be well-groomed and polished."
As for the reason behind the bias, Traube theorizes it could be due to the misguided perception that acneic skin is a result of poor hygiene - an association that, again, the interviewer might only be partly aware of. Dr. Josie Howard, MD, a psychodermatologist and expert for Abreva, agrees: "Blemishes, cold sores, and even psoriasis and eczema are often seen as a source of contagion. Society can have a negative perception of blemishes, especially on the face, even when the condition is common."
In an ideal world, all employers will have trained hiring managers on how to identify, and then guard against, every type of unconscious bias. Still, acne bias can also be self-inflicted. Going into an interview already worried that others will think less of you because of your skin, Traube says, could then negatively affect your performance.
"People become acutely aware of any visible blemishes, and their self-consciousness is intensified."
"Having any visible skin condition - especially one that is on the face, like acne or a cold sore - can have a profound impact on self-esteem," Dr. Howard said. "By definition, job interviews are a time where you are presenting yourself to be evaluated and trying to put your best face forward, so to speak. People become acutely aware of any visible blemishes, and their self-consciousness is intensified - taking their mental and emotional focus off the content of the interview and interpersonal interactions and onto worrying about their skin and appearance."
To make matters worse, if you're prone to hormonal breakouts, the stress that comes with prepping for an interview could also trigger flare-ups. "For skin conditions that are exacerbated by anxiety, this can become a vicious cycle," Dr. Howard said. "Stress can impair the immune system and in turn make you more vulnerable to acne. Then, the stress of a visible outbreak increases stress, further worsening the blemish."
When you feel stress acne coming on, the most important course of action is to stick to your normal skin-care routine. Don't add an extra step or spend too much time in front of a magnifying mirror - that only makes it worse, she says. Keeping a fast-acting spot treatment or hydrocolloid bandage in your purse can give you peace of mind. More importantly, though, wear your confidence as if it were included with purchase of your Cole Haan loafers.
"The single most important factor is presenting yourself as comfortable in your skin," said Dr. Howard. "You might have a visible blemish, but focusing your attention on your excitement about the job will quickly shift your interviewer's focus as well. As Sophia Loren said, 50 percent of beauty is believing you are beautiful."
The 26 Best Patterned Cloth Face Masks Online
Searching for a cloth face mask? The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that Americans wear face coverings when out in public, which means it's vital to stock up. Wearing face masks can help to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
To make things easier, we created an easy-to-reference shopping guide of all the patterned face masks available to purchase online right now. These options include cool prints that allow you to express your personality. Check them out ahead and order a mask today.
Does Having Acne Impact Your Job Prospects? The Answer Might Surprise You
Image Source: Getty
Much to the dismay of anyone with atychiphobia, the truth about job hunting remains: in interviews, like in life, there are only so many things you can control. Even when you've fine-tuned your résumé, researched the company, and concocted a decidedly thoughtful response to the wild card "What kind of animal would you be?" question, sometimes there are other, far less obvious factors playing into your odds of getting hired - like the condition of your skin.
It isn't always conscious, but for some interviewers, the bias is real. Studies have shown that people with facial acne are discriminated against in the job market, with one survey revealing that 78 percent of respondents thought people with blemishes or acne scars were less likely to be hired based on their appearance.
"We live in a society that socializes us to have certain stereotypes that might exist outside of our conscious awareness," said Alison Green, an ex-hiring manager and columnist for the popular career blog Ask a Manager. "These biases can be about race, gender, age, religion, disability, socioeconomic class, physical attractiveness - all sorts of things."
"Whether consciously or unconsciously, we assume that attractiveness is associated with competence, even though we know that it's not true."
From a legal standpoint, no federal law has been passed to protect people based on their appearances, at least not without the evidence of a disability. But that last part - a bias based on someone's physical attractiveness - has been widely researched.
"Whether consciously or unconsciously, we assume that attractiveness is associated with competence, even though we know that it's not true," said Matthew Traube, MFT, a psychotherapist who specializes in the psychological impact of skin conditions. "I have had clients tell me that they felt that they would have gotten a job if they did not have acne."
In some cases, this bias can vary depending on the actual open position; Green notes that more managers will put weight on a candidate's appearance if the job is a client-facing one. "They'll often frame it as looking for candidates who are 'well-groomed and polished,' but in practice that's sometimes more about a particular physical look than it is about polish," she said. "And to be clear, employers should recognize that you can have acne and still be well-groomed and polished."
As for the reason behind the bias, Traube theorizes it could be due to the misguided perception that acneic skin is a result of poor hygiene - an association that, again, the interviewer might only be partly aware of. Dr. Josie Howard, MD, a psychodermatologist and expert for Abreva, agrees: "Blemishes, cold sores, and even psoriasis and eczema are often seen as a source of contagion. Society can have a negative perception of blemishes, especially on the face, even when the condition is common."
In an ideal world, all employers will have trained hiring managers on how to identify, and then guard against, every type of unconscious bias. Still, acne bias can also be self-inflicted. Going into an interview already worried that others will think less of you because of your skin, Traube says, could then negatively affect your performance.
"People become acutely aware of any visible blemishes, and their self-consciousness is intensified."
"Having any visible skin condition - especially one that is on the face, like acne or a cold sore - can have a profound impact on self-esteem," Dr. Howard said. "By definition, job interviews are a time where you are presenting yourself to be evaluated and trying to put your best face forward, so to speak. People become acutely aware of any visible blemishes, and their self-consciousness is intensified - taking their mental and emotional focus off the content of the interview and interpersonal interactions and onto worrying about their skin and appearance."
To make matters worse, if you're prone to hormonal breakouts, the stress that comes with prepping for an interview could also trigger flare-ups. "For skin conditions that are exacerbated by anxiety, this can become a vicious cycle," Dr. Howard said. "Stress can impair the immune system and in turn make you more vulnerable to acne. Then, the stress of a visible outbreak increases stress, further worsening the blemish."
When you feel stress acne coming on, the most important course of action is to stick to your normal skin-care routine. Don't add an extra step or spend too much time in front of a magnifying mirror - that only makes it worse, she says. Keeping a fast-acting spot treatment or hydrocolloid bandage in your purse can give you peace of mind. More importantly, though, wear your confidence as if it were included with purchase of your Cole Haan loafers.
"The single most important factor is presenting yourself as comfortable in your skin," said Dr. Howard. "You might have a visible blemish, but focusing your attention on your excitement about the job will quickly shift your interviewer's focus as well. As Sophia Loren said, 50 percent of beauty is believing you are beautiful."
The $26 Blemish Oil That Let Me Skip Foundation For a Full Week
There are some moments in your childhood that you never forget. For me, such landmark memories include meeting my best friend and seeing Colin Farrell's beautiful eyebrows for the first time. I remember my debut breakout less enthusiastically. I was 12, and a group of acne clusters rudely decided to throw a party on my face. The day after, my mother brought me to a Macy's beauty counter, where she introduced me to another cherished friend: Clinique foundation, my OG favorite that I still wear today. Twelve years after first testing it, I still get unwanted breakouts (it never ends, people), and I'm the type of person who doesn't feel super comfortable leaving the house without any base on.
Whoops, I should say I was that kind of person - until this week, when I've been going gloriously makeup-free. Truth be told, I'm testing a lot of new skincare products right now that have brightened up my face in general, but I suspect one reason I'm so comfortable baring my acne-prone face is due to the Blume Meltdown Blemish Treatment ($26). The tiny dropper's packaging promises to "take down pimples overnight," and after reading that, I actually huffed a "yeah, right" to no one in particular in my empty apartment's bathroom. The treatment is a mix of mostly celebrity-approved oils such as rosehip (responsible for Kate Middleton's glow), olive (Chloë Grace Moretz is a fan) and tamanu (many influencers swear by the Farsali iteration). That said, adding oils to a greasy complexion can be somewhat ill-advised, and it's not recommended to treat cystic acne, so I wasn't sure if it would make my face worse.
To be very careful, I used only one drop - not a bit more - for my entire face. It sort of works like the liquid version of an acne patch, sucking the gunk out of your face like a magnet. I went to bed with a little bump forming on my face, and when I woke up the mark was still there, but it looked much less threatening. In less than a week, all active breakouts where gone. I still have some light scarring that I'm treating with other products, but my new complexion is clear enough that I'm willing to trot it around town uncovered. (TMI alert: this formula also works great on stubborn ingrown hairs.) I'll still keep my Clinique base close - I'm not ready to go full Alicia Keys just yet - but it's great to prove the cliche of "feeling comfortable in your own skin" true.
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