Many people believe that the modern-day skincare trends are a scam made by the big pharma companies who wish to make more money. This is a recent trend of ‘Anti-Aging’ skincare that keeps yourself on toes for the innate need for women to stay ‘young’ if they wish to be desirable. The beauty industry, in a way, feeds on such societal-made insecurities. But the recent rise in the trend has taken a different turn. While before people did it before to look prettier or fairer, now people are looking at this skincare routine as a way of taking care of themselves rather than doing to match someone else's beauty standards. This is why, this trend has resurfaced in the skin care community. This is the blue light routine.

In today's digital age, where we spend countless hours looking at screens, from phones and tablets to laptops. This constant screen time exposes us to blue light, which research suggests can have negative effects on our skin. It also leads to premature aging and dark spots. The screens also leads to stress, which could further cause harm to skin. While ditching our devices isn't realistic, a growing number of skincare products claim to protect against blue light. But do these products actually work?

What is Blue Light Skincare?

You can find many skincare products that say they protect against blue light, like sprays, creams, gels, and sunscreens. Some promise to undo the damage blue light might cause, while others try to prevent it in the first place. Blue light sunscreens are special because they protect against both the sun's UV rays and blue light. This is what regular sunscreens don't do very well. Regular sunscreens, whether they use chemicals or minerals, don't block blue light as effectively.

However, tinted sunscreens are different. Tinted sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can protect your skin from blue light, as well as UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This is because of the coloring in the tint. Some newer sunscreens also have special ingredients that help protect against visible light, including blue light. While scientists are still learning about how blue light affects skin, many skin doctors have found it to be helpful for skin.

What is Blue Light and Why Might It Be a Problem?

Blue light comes from screens, TVs, and even the sun. While we used to worry mostly about how it affects our eyes and sleep, now we're learning it might also affect our skin. Some studies show that too much blue light can damage skin cells and speed up aging, leading to wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It can also cause dark spots on the skin. This happens because blue light can cause something called "oxidative stress" in the skin, which is linked to aging. It leads to dead skin cells. Blue light goes deeper into the skin than the sun's UV rays and can make skin cells produce more pigment, causing dark spots. It's important to know that not all blue light is bad. There is a difference between the blue light that comes out of the screens and the blue light that is used from a certain blue light wavelength as a therapy. The latter is used by doctors to treat acne and some skin cancers.

Naturopath and health educator Barbara O'Neill believes many of the foundations of good health are simple, inexpensive, and often overlooked.

In an interview with HealthandMe, she spoke about her journey into natural healing. Barbara said her interest began when she was looking for alternatives to repeated medication use for her children.

"I was pulled towards natural healing because I didn't want to give my children drugs," she said, recalling how her first child underwent four courses of antibiotics within six weeks.

That experience prompted her to explore other ways of managing common health issues such as earaches and discomfort.

On Ayurveda And Traditional Healing

Barbara said she sees similarities between her philosophy of health and Ayurveda. "I believe that there's a lot of similarities between what I believe," said the 72-year-old, adding that she supports approaches that work and do not cause harm.

While acknowledging that medicines can save lives in emergencies, she argued that long-term healing depends on creating the right conditions for the body.

"Yes, in a crisis, a drug may save a life, but drugs can't heal us. That's why it's time to go back to the old ways," she said.

According to Barbara, understanding how the body functions is key to understanding healing.

"When you understand how they function, then you begin to understand what they need. And if you give the body the right conditions, the healing will accelerate," she told HealthandMe.

The Healthy Habits

Barbara said that sleep, hydration, exercise, and natural foods are key to better health. She also called out modern lifestyles, which often encourage people to stay awake too late, particularly because of technology; and recommended getting enough sleep.

"Start going to bed earlier and aiming for eight hours sleep a night," she said.

Barbara also emphasized daily movement, whether through running, walking, push-ups, squats, or stretching.

"Every day, I make a point of moving my body," she said.

Why Barbara O'Neill Doesn't Take Supplements

At a time when supplements have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, Barbara revealed that she does not take any supplements herself.

"I take no supplements," she said, noting that she advocates focusing on fundamental health habits.

"What should be there instead is exercise every day, eating food in its natural state, drinking adequate water, and going to bed early," she said.

While she is not opposed to supplements, she believes they are often unnecessary.

"There are times where they may be necessary, but most of the time we don't need them," she added.

Natural Food And Stress Management

Barbara also encouraged people to eat foods in their natural state and suggested a simple dietary habit for Indians.

"Eat dal every day," she said.

For stress management, she said both sleep and meditation are important. She described beginning each day with prayer, reflection, and quiet time.

Barbara said that the human body has an innate ability to heal when supported by healthy habits.

"I want people to remember that they live in a body that can heal. So please look after it," she told HealthandMe.

Many working women who are pregnant tend to dismiss signs such as headaches, swelling, or vision changes, thinking that they are common during pregnancy. However, these issues can be caused by preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires timely attention, especially among busy working women.

What is preeclampsia?

Dr Prachi Sarin Sethi, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon, said, "Pregnancy comes with many physical changes, and it is common for women to experience discomfort such as swelling, fatigue, or headaches. However, sometimes these symptoms may point to something more serious, namely preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition that can affect both the mother and baby. Working women tend to ignore the signs of this condition and struggle in silence. Preeclampsia is a condition that usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is mainly characterised by high blood pressure and can affect organs such as the liver and kidneys. If not managed in time, it can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby."

What are the causes of preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. Certain factors increase the risk, including:

1. High blood pressure before pregnancy
2. First pregnancy
3. Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
4. Obesity or diabetes
5. High stress levels and lack of rest

What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?

Many symptoms of preeclampsia are mistaken for normal pregnancy changes. These include:

1. Persistent headaches
2. Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
3. Blurred vision or light sensitivity
4. Sudden weight gain
5. Pain in the upper abdomen

Consequences of untreated preeclampsia

Working women may ignore these signs due to work pressure, long hours, or frequent travel, assuming they are just tired or stressed. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications such as:

1. Preterm delivery
2. Low birth weight of the baby
3. Organ damage in the mother
4. Seizures (a severe condition called eclampsia)

Early detection and proper care can help manage the condition and reduce risks.

This is why working women miss the signs

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many women continue working through pregnancy without slowing down. Long working hours, stress, irregular meals, and lack of rest tend to worsen symptoms. Many women delay check-ups or ignore warning signs, thinking they are minor issues.

What can women do?

Report any signs and symptoms, such as headaches and vision changes, to a doctor. De-stress by practising yoga and meditation. Monitor blood pressure regularly, avoid overexertion, and maintain a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses. Avoid junk, oily, and canned foods. It is also necessary to stay hydrated, attend regular health check-ups, and follow-up appointments.

Osteoarthritis (OA), long considered a “wear-and-tear” disease of old age, is increasingly being diagnosed in people as young as 30, according to new research.

The review by researchers at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals suggests OA should be viewed as a heterogeneous syndrome rather than a single disease. The condition is driven by a combination of biological, biomechanical, metabolic, genetic, and molecular factors, but in youth obesity and poor lifestyle is surging the cases.

“Osteoarthritis is no longer confined to the elderly — we are now seeing patients as young as 30, often driven by obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This research makes clear that osteoarthritis is not a single disease but a spectrum of conditions,” said Dr. (Prof.) Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Noting that a one-size-fits-all approach may not help, the expert stressed the need for personalized treatment that recognizes the specific phenotype in each patient.

Also read: Can Running Marathons Or Ultramarathons Raise Colon Cancer Risk? Study Sparks Concern

Six Disease Subtypes Identified

The review, published in International Orthopaedics, identifies six disease subtypes, including inflammatory, metabolic, and pain-sensitization variants. Researchers recommend MRI-based tools and biomarker panels to guide treatment decisions.

Emerging technologies such as AI-assisted MRI scoring and PET-MRI with 18F-NaF may also enable earlier detection and better patient classification, although wider clinical adoption will require standardized protocols and large-scale validation studies.

Osteoarthritis Burden Rising Worldwide

More than 500 million people worldwide live with osteoarthritis, accounting for 7.6 per cent of the global population. According to Global Burden of Disease estimates, prevalence has increased by 132 per cent over the past 30 years and is projected to rise by another 60 per cent by 2050.

Women, people with obesity, and those with previous joint injuries are disproportionately affected.

What Is Osteoarthritis And Its Symptoms?

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Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down, causing joints to become stiff, painful, and less mobile.

The disease commonly affects the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands, although it can occur in almost any joint.

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty moving affected joints
• Swelling
• Joint tenderness
• A grating or crackling sensation during movement
• Pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity
• Enlarged or knobbly joints
• Reduced range of movement
• Muscle weakness or muscle loss

How To Prevent Osteoarthritis

Experts say maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding prolonged sedentary behaviour, and preventing joint injuries can help lower the risk of osteoarthritis.

One of the biggest challenges in osteoarthritis treatment is the “care gap.” Many patients are too young or not yet severe enough for surgery but may spend years relying on medications that relieve symptoms without addressing the underlying mechanics of joint stress.

Research suggest gait retraining — adjusting the way a person walks — could help bridge this gap. Unlike medication or surgery, gait retraining is non-invasive and may offer a sustainable long-term solution.

Currently, gait retraining often requires specialized tools such as motion-capture systems and pressure-sensitive treadmills. However, newer approaches, including smartphone-based video analysis and sensor-equipped “smart shoes,” are being developed to make the technique more accessible.

Experts caution against making major changes to walking patterns without professional guidance, as improper adjustments may place additional strain on other parts of the body.