Latest news with #FYP
GMA Network
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Shuvee Etrata says Anthony Constantino made the first move on her
Shuvee Etrata revealed how she met her fellow Sparkle actor Anthony Constantino, who is currently courting her. On "Your Honor," the former PBB housemate said that although she already had a crush on Anthony, it was the Los Angeles-born model who made the first move. "Si Anthony naman, naging crush ko siya sa series ni Esnyr. Nakita ko lang siya sa TikTok FYP ko. Nakita ko siya sa FYP, then ni-repost ko lang," Shuvee said. "Ang type ko kasi taga TDH [tall, dark and handsome], like Donny Pangilinan is my crush. So, nung nakita ko siya, hala, same, gano'n. So, naging crush ko rin siya," she said of Anthony. Shortly after, Anthony followed her on all her social media platforms and even slid on her DMs. "Pero nung nag-chat siya, malakas loob ko kasi akala ko nasa LA [siya]," she recalled. Looking back on their first conversation, Anthony's opening message was, "Hi, ganda," to which she playfully replied, "Hi, pogi." As things began to blossom between them, Anthony brought Shuvee to church and started learning how to court her the traditional Filipino way. "He's a church guy. Pero kasi liberated siya. So, he needs to learn how to court sa Filipino," she said. "Pero he's pure Filipino. So, the core values are like really Filipino. So, nanligaw siya agad. We've been seeing each other. Tapos, 'yun na 'yung nanligaw na siya." Shuvee said that their courtship began before she entered Bahay ni Kuya. The Island Ate ng Cebu also shared that Anthony has already met her parents. When asked if she had taught Anthony how to court in the traditional Filipino way, the Kapuso actress said she didn't. "Ayan ang ayaw kong gawin. I can never teach a man how to become a man," she said. Shuvee and her duo Klarisse de Guzman were the last housemates to get evicted by public voting. When she returned to the outside world, Anthony was among those who welcomed her and even gave her a bouquet of flowers. Shuvee also took to Instagram to proudly show off Anthony, playfully using her signature "TDH" line—short for "tall, dark, and handsome"—a phrase she used to describe house guest Donny Pangilinan. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
New York Post
06-07-2025
- New York Post
Deadly social media trend threatens kids, homeowners defending themselves: ‘Children are going to get killed'
Potentially dangerous social media trends are getting kids, and potentially homeowners, into trouble this summer while kids are out of school. Two trends in particular are going viral on social media, including the 'UrbanEx,' or 'urban exploration,' challenge and the 'door-kicking challenge.' Advertisement 'There's a new trend every day. … You go to the FYP, the For You Page, you see what's trending. And then pretty soon, you'll see content created by children, which is in and of itself problematic. A lot of the children under the age of 13 … are legally not allowed to even be on social media,' Titania Jordan, CMO and chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, a parental control app, told Fox News Digital. Social media challenges prompt users to create more 'content that elicits a reaction,' she explained, 'that has viral components, resurfaces and resurfaces again, thanks again to the algorithm.' 'This sort of content is going to get likes, it's going to get comments, it is going to get shares. It's going to encourage children to try to emulate it because it's clout — they gain clout from their peers because of this,' she said. '…Any challenge like this, children aren't thinking, 'Is this the right thing to do? Is this safe?' They're thinking, 'I want validation,' and children are going to get killed. I mean, just one person who is armed who gets their door kicked in by a kid, and you're gonna have another national headline that is very sad.' Law enforcement agencies across the country are warning of both trends, the former of which challenges social media users to explore abandoned buildings and the latter of which challenges them to kick in strangers' doors. Advertisement While the door-kicking challenge has existed for years, multiple agencies have issued recent warnings, indicating a possible uptick in the trend this summer. An Ohio police department recently warned about the challenge, saying it is investigating four incidents that occurred in Byesville. 'Reports of doors being kicked in on homes began to come in during the middle of the night. Officers have collected evidence from neighborhoods indicating that a social media trend called the 'Door Kicking Challenge' is behind these acts,' the Byesville Police Department said in a Facebook post. 'The suspects are not entering the homes; instead, they are merely kicking the front doors and then fleeing the scene.' Advertisement 8 Social media trends could put kids and homeowners at risk this summer. Friendswood Police Department / Facebook Byesville police added that authorities are collecting physical evidence from the scenes of these crimes, including video footage. Byesville PD Chief Daulton Dolan told Fox News Digital that the door-kick challenges take 'ding dong ditch' to a new level, especially in stand-your-ground states like Ohio. 'If you feel that your life or a life of your family members are threatened, you can take deadly force against somebody right there on the spot. … So, for instance, if someone kicks open [a] door in the middle of the night, and the homeowner believes that they're coming in can physically harm them, they're going to shoot at them if they have a gun nearby,' Dolan said. 'And in Southeast Ohio … we've seen that before.' Advertisement 8 The Friendswood Police Department accused kids of ringing a doorbell and using an object to hit a front door. Friendswood Police Department / Facebook 8 The door-knock challenges could take 'ding dong ditch' to a new level if they happen in a stand-your-ground state, the Byesville PD Chief Daulton Dolan warned. Additionally, in Ohio, if a person's leg enters another person's home by kicking a door in, that can result in a burglary charge, on top of possibly trespassing charges, Dolan explained. Homeowners might also face a lengthy process in the criminal justice system if they choose to defend themselves with a gun if someone kicks their door open, Dolan said. 'Our job would be: if the homeowner did fire a weapon if somebody had kicked open their door, we would conduct an investigation into that. Of course, we would seize the weapon that was used in it as evidence. We would take any kind of interviews and reports, medical exams, pictures, measurements, everything … and then we would turn it over to the Guernsey County Prosecutor's Office … [who] can rule it out as a justified homicide or they can move it up further and go to a grand jury.' 8 A 77-year-old said her door was damaged by kids doing the challenge. Fox 26 Houston / Facebook The Fleetwood Police Department in Pennsylvania on June 8 warned that a 'TikTok 'door knock' or 'door kick' challenge encourages kids and teens to record themselves doing just that; knocking on and/or kicking random doors, usually late at night.' 'While 'ding dong ditch' has been a hallmark for decades of kids who were looking to have a little mischievous fun, today's youth have taken things to a more serious level by kicking at doors and ultimately causing damage,' the department wrote. 'Besides the financial consequences to homeowners who are often left with the expense of repairs, there is the potential for a child to be seriously hurt or even killed by someone who believes, especially in the middle of the night, that their residence is being broken into and ultimately determines there is an imminent threat to life and property.' Advertisement The Flower Mound Police Department and The Oak Harbor Police Department in Washington also said they have seen the trend on TikTok. The Fort Worth Police Department in Texas issued a similar warning recently. 'This trend has been reported across the country, including right here in Texas,' the Fort Worth PD said. 'It is imperative that individuals partaking in this trend understand that even if no burglary or theft occur, this behavior is illegal and considered vandalism and can lead to criminal charges. More critically, it can be mistaken as an attempted break-in, potentially prompting dangerous or defensive responses from homeowners.' Advertisement The department further urged parents 'to speak with their children about the risks and consequences of participating in trends like this,' adding that 'what may seem like a prank can result in very real trouble and/or danger.' 8 Bradenton Police are searching for a suspect they accused of kicking a door and running off. Bradenton Police Department / Facebook Meanwhile, another trend called 'UrbanEx' has made headlines recently for putting participating social media users behind bars. The 'challenge' encourages users to explore abandoned buildings, from old schools to churches to retail and entertainment establishments. The Harris County Constables in Precinct One in Texas recently announced the arrests of three 18-year-old men, who are accused of trespassing in the Houston Astrodome, which has been closed since 2009. Advertisement The Constables office said security guards for the venue saw the three men enter the stadium around midnight and later spotted them running across a parking lot and jumping a fence. The three teens are charged with trespassing. 'Sneaking into closed old historic buildings is dangerous,' Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen said in a June 10 statement. 'You are taking a risk for yourself and first responders, and it is against the law.' 8 The suspect was caught on camera attempting the social media stunt, the Bradenton Police Department said. Bradenton Police Department / Facebook A June 8 video showing the interior of the Astrodome posted by had nearly 845,000 views on TikTok. Advertisement Last year, a 23-year-old man named Guillermo Leflore, known as 'Urbex Tarzan' on TikTok, was arrested after officials said he trespassed on private property while exploring steam tunnels. It wasn't his first time attempting a dangerous stunt for social media; he is accused of previously attempting to climb the Milwaukee Art Museum, as FOX 6 Milwaukee first reported. Ari Lightman, professor of digital media and marketing at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, told Fox News Digital that social media trends resemble what used to be games of truth-or-dare 'on steroids.' 8 The 'UrbanEx' challenge encourages users to explore abandoned buildings. AP 'You're reaching tens of thousands of people. You're not daring somebody face-to-face,' Lightman said. 'Why are they doing that? Is it just to get likes, and those likes might turn into followers, and those followers might turn into advertisers, and those advertisers might turn into profits for some people? Is it even real, or is it AI generated?' Defenders of the UrbanEx trend say it exposes historically significant structures that have been left to rot; many social media users have been calling on local city leaders to revive abandoned schools, houses, churches and event spaces. 'Just the general lack of respect amongst children today, whether it's for people's property in the classroom or other people's feelings, it's a big problem. They're lacking empathy and respect because they're spending too much time in front of a screen and not enough understanding in real-life human emotion,' Jordan said. 8 Law enforcement agencies across the nation are warning homeowners about the dangerous trends. Fox 26 Houston / Facebook She advised parents to join a Facebook group called 'Parenting in a Tech World' where the 'latest trends are being shared there from parents whose children are experiencing it in real time.' She also advised parents to talk to their kids candidly and calmly about what they are seeing online, and Google the trends that are appearing on the social media pages. 'Maybe your kid's playing Roblox and you don't think it's safe. Google dangers of Roblox. Show your child how other children have been harmed by adults they have been lured by on that platform so they realize you're not just being overprotective,' she said. 'All you can do is have candid calm conversations with them, and not just talking to them or talking at them, but asking them what they've seen. What did they think? What do they think the dangers are of hanging around an old building and recording it? Maybe they say they don't know, and that can encourage a conversation right there.'
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Cratejoy Subscriptions To Help You Start A New Hobby
A crow befriending box if your FYP is constantly giving you videos of people making the acquaintance of backyard corvids. If you're looking to connect with nature, take up a new birding hobby, or just spend more time in the outdoors, this is the perfect box for your new fave summer activity. Like this TikTok video, and also this one. Promising review: "I ordered the Spoiled Chic box to see what my flock thought, and now I will be a lifelong subscriber! My flock loves the treats! High quality, great customer service, overflowing with products for the money, and even fun little things for the human. 😉 You won't find better elsewhere!" —Mandy $24.99 per box (also available in a 3-month subscription) A witchy box to add a touch of magic to your everyday. From tarot cards and crystals to mugs and candles, you're sure to find lots of new favorites to appeal to your inner Wiccan sensibilities. Promising review: "I received my first box today and love everything in it! The first box is the same for all new customers, regardless of sign-up date. Since there are no reviews, I took a chance on this one since I love all things witchy. My first box includes a house cleansing kit (rose quartz, matchbook, selenite, and sage). A 'witches gonna witch' mug, and a matching sticker. A gorgeous amethyst bracelet. A 'Thick thighs and witch vibes' keychain, which I adore! And a bar of soap from their shop, which is scented with patchouli and sandalwood. The quality of each item is excellent, and I look forward to my next box!" —Mallory $42 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) A mystery society kit that's basically a game in a box for anyone who never got over their Sherlock phase. Whether you want to play alone or with up to four people, you'll want to find your deerstalker and pipe for these standalone mystery boxes. Basically a twofer hobby because you'll also become obsessed with making all your friends and fam members audition to be your Watson. Promising review: "We love these boxes! Many of the boxes are totally different and unique, like '80s-themed, carnival-themed, etc. We have played with two people all the way up to six, and it's always fun. Some of the puzzles are easier if you write directly on the pages; we found that clear page protectors and wet erase markers work perfectly to keep the originals blank! That way we can give the box away when we're done with it." —Leyna $34.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A Platterful charcuterie subscription because inside every human is a Hobbit wondering when the next mealtime will be, and with this tasty box, you'll fret no longer! It comes with everything you need to make the perfect girl dinner board, and everyone in your life will appreciate sampling your new charcuterie-building skills. Promising review: 'I am still dreaming about the horseradish mustard in the first box. I loved the Perfect Bite, a pairing I wouldn't think to put together. The value of this box is unbeatable; it was a great snack lunch for a few days after the initial board for two people! 12/10 recommend.' —Shannon $89+ per box (available in two sizes; also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A luxury yarn subscription if you always meant to start knitting or crocheting, but just haven't found the perfect yarn to inspire you to begin. Kickstart your journey with the prettiest, most luxurious yarn around delivered right to your door! Promising review: 'The yarn is always so beautiful, and I like that it's a full-size skein. The attention to detail with the curated extras is always spot on. Such a treat to receive this box each month.' —Nevada $36+ per box (available in four styles; also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) Or a Spinning Hand knitting project to get you back in the swing of an old fave or learn a new hobby. It comes with a full-color printed knitting pattern specially designed for the yarn included, so it's perfect for beginners and it's-been-a-minute enthusiasts alike! Promising reviews: "I would give 10 stars if I could! The projects, the yarn, the packaging, everything was above and beyond! The customer service was exceptional, and I loved everything about this subscription. The positive impact on my mental health was major, and I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea." —Miriam O."My box was beyond wonderful. Beautiful, quality yarn, a nice pattern, lip gloss, bath bomb, tea, and a cute project bag. Also, excellent communication with the Spinning Hand staff. I am already looking forward to my next box!" —VirginiaPrice: $50 per box (available in four styles; also available in 2-, 4-, and 6-month subscriptions) A monthly scrapbooking kit if you want to be better at documenting family history, travels, or anything else you want to put on Actual Real Paper. (It's such a vibe to flip through a scrapbook instead of scrolling through your photo gallery, tbh.) Promising review: 'Beautiful quality papers! I've been receiving these kits for three years. Each collection contains 12 double-sided color-coordinated designer papers and a coordinating sticker sheet. There is a challenge presented online each month...a great way to get inspiration from fellow crafters. The Design Team members also post sample layouts on the Facebook page, providing even more ideas to help create beautiful layouts.' —Nancy Price: $13.98 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club kit because nobody wants to be stuck in a cocktail rut. This box has everything you need (except liquor and ice) to make 12 drinks, including syrups, bitters, aromatics, garnishes, and more! Cheers to that and to new bubbly hobbies. Promising review: "Wow! I love this box! I'm not much of a cocktail drinker, but this really stepped me out of my comfort zone. I was able to make amazing cocktails and share them with my friends and family. I highly recommend this box to anyone!! It's so much fun and so delicious!" —John $59 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A BloomsyBox flower subscription for the makings of a perfect bouquet delivered right to your door. If you've ever wanted to give flower arranging a shot but don't know where to start, it's time to put the ~pedal~ to the metal and start strong! Plus, all the flowers are picked from sustainable, eco-friendly farms, so it's good for ye olde earth, too. Promising review: "The lovely flowers were packaged beautifully, I can truly recommend these pleasing flower bouquets as excellent gifts that you can rely on for lovely packaging, beauty, and quality!!!" —Wendell $69.99+ per box (available in three sizes; also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A charcoal drawing box for those of us who constantly doodle on grocery lists, work notes, and lunchbox letters, and want to take our sketches to the next level. But there's no drawing experience needed, so it's also the perfect box for beginners looking for a new hobby to become obsessed with. Promising reviews: "I went into this with a very open mind as I am not an artist and wanted to try something new. I started out nervous and thought, at least I would have a good 'nailed it' fail picture to laugh about in the end. The artist is so super talented and a very good instructor, as I was so proud of the results. Even better, the entire experience was so relaxing and positive. What a wonderful box and well worth the cost." —Kathy"This is so much fun. He's so easy to follow. You have everything in the pack to make a great picture. It's totally suitable for framing and something I'm proud to have made." —JenniferPrice: $44.98 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A Spice Madam box if your ideal hobby is trying new foods in new places. With a new destination as the spicy focal point each month, give yourself the gift of culinary sightseeing right from the comfort of your own kitchen! Promising review: 'Do it! I was searching for quick, healthy, international recipes to expand my family's dinner experience and found Spice Madam. This product brings me so much happiness each month. The boxes are thoughtfully and tastefully designed and assembled — the recipes, the spices, the playlist, the packaging — all of it. The recipes I have made are DELICIOUS, and the amount of each spice provided is generous.' —Mary $29.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A sourdough starter box, because is there a better hobby than fresh bread straight from the oven? I don't think so. Give yourself the ultimate gift of being known as "that wizard of a bread friend." Price: $15 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) An introvert's retreat book box so you can finally get back on the I Am A Reader hobby train in the sweetest, tastiest way possible: A new book, a sweet treat, and a relaxing bath salt or shower steamer to get you in the mood for an introvert's delightful night in. Promising reviews: "I love the scents that were included in the box. The candle smells so good, and I can tell that the soap and bath salts will be amazing. I ate the popcorn as soon as I opened the box, and it was a great snack for starting the book." —Kendal M."I got this as a gift and it's perfect! The best way to spend a night in is with a good book, a candle, and bath salt soaks. Just what I needed to reset! Highly recommend this for book lovers or those just looking for something different to do one night. It doesn't get any better than this." —Keagan $60 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) Or a thriller plot twist book box for similar vibes, but with a little more edge-of-your-seat action thrown in. (Hey, Siri: Play the James Bond theme.) Promising review: "One of my absolute favorite subscription boxes! Everything is so wonderfully curated, shipping time is superb, and customer service at Plot Twist Parcel is unbeatable." —LisaPrice: $19 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) An Adults & Crafts Crate with a trendy new craft to try out each time. Some teach new skills, and some even make functional products you can use around your home when you're through! (So you can show off your sweet, sweet skills to anyone who enters your place!) Promising review: "I love these craft boxes. Everything is good quality, enjoyable, and clear instructions. A bonus to them is that you can do more than just the one, like the mold for the resin project, or stamps and paint for the tote bags. You can use what you've got with the crafts to make more. I look forward to the next shipment." —Liz $36 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A journal savvy box that will help turn your chaotic thoughts into aesthetic reflections, one washi tape piece at a time. Price: $43.95 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) And a vintage craft supply box if you want to go the junk-journal-route instead. (Or a lovely mishmash of the two: Reflections and maximalism!) Check out this TikTok to get some vintage junk journal inspo!Promising reviews: "I love my first box! I didn't expect this much material for the price. Amazing value. I've never used a lot of these items before, so it's great to get to try new materials. There was so much I had plenty to share with my grandson, so he's got cool Egyptian stickers that no one else in his kindergarten has. I'm so glad I just went for it and signed up for a year at once. Very much looking forward to my next box, and a year of lovely goodies in the mail for my journaling and for sharing with my grandson." —Kerra Q."First box is awesome! Will definitely keep this subscription going. The selection and quality of items are thoughtfully curated. Most assuredly worth more than the cost of the subscription. Thank you." —Jan $37 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A clay creations gift set to release your inner Michelangelo and finally sculpt your pièce de résistance. Whether it's of David, your fave animal, or just an homage to what you ate for breakfast, this kit will have everything you need to fully realize your vision. (And start a new hobby!) Promising review: "Such an incredible gift idea for someone special or even just for yourself! I purchased a subscription as a gift for a friend and will be going back to sign up for myself. These craft boxes are incredible for the price and provide all the materials you need to get crafty and add your own creative flair to each product! Would definitely recommend!" —GracePrice: $69.95 A Magic: The Gathering monthly box because even big imaginations can use a little help sometimes, and why not take up a new hobby that will let you stretch those creative muscles in the most fantastical of directions? Promising review: "I will do this forever." —Eva $34.99 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) Or a Dragon's Hoard D&D crate if you're less about cards and more about dice. Each box includes a set of seven mystery TTRPG dice to get you ready to roll for initiative on your new fave evening activity. Psst. New to tabletop role-playing games? Check with your local indie comic book and gaming stores to see if they have campaigns for newbies! (They'll all be so impressed that you came with dice in hand!) Price: $37.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A nature sketch crate that'll have you squinting at leaves like a forest-core scientist with a flair for aesthetics. Each box comes with simple step-by-step instructions so you can have a new watercolor and ink creation each month. Promising reviews: "Lessons are fun and easy to follow. Added perk, I'm learning about how to mix colors and how to get more out of the colors I have." —Kai E. "Fear and anxiety be gone. My previous tries at watercolor have been miserable. Sad even. Now I have these fancy paints, fancy watercolor paper, and the easy lessons, and I am painting! Still need more practice, but coming along. Finally! The ink at the end hides my 'mistakes.' Added bonus: Stephanie is very calm and reassuring. This helps me get much-needed relaxation. I'm learning about nature and painting. Who would have thought I would learn about those at the same time? Amazing." —MackenziePrice: $45 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) A Patio Farmer box to turn your thumbs green and give you the magical ability to grow food in whatever space you have! All items included in this box are suited for growing food in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground. So whether you've got room for rows and rows of veggies or a small windowsill setup, this box has got your new fave hobby ready to go! Price: $36 per box (also available in a 3-month subscription) A mini jigsaw puzzle monthly box for turning your coffee table into a calm little corner of cozy concentration. Promising reviews: "The puzzle pieces are really small, but it was so much fun putting it together. I am so glad that I subscribed and can't wait for the next one." —Ann H."They're small enough to do almost anywhere. Can redo them over and over again and still takes between 30-45 mins. Good way to relax." —Teresa P. Price: $23.99 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) A paint pouring art box so you can make messy magic without needing a single brushstroke of experience. And gloves and an apron are included, so no fear of turning your clothes and hands into unintentional "art projects." Promising review: "I ordered three months of Chartiers Creek Creative Arts paint pour kits for each of two people, including me. The kits included everything we needed for us novices, including detailed instructions. The two of us worked on our kits together, remotely, via Zoom. What a great time. I only wish I had found these during the pandemic when we were home-bound. What a fun way to stay connected. The seller was great to work with. I can't say enough good things about these kits." —Chris $59.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A wood-burning DIY kit if you want a hobby that's also going to do you a solid come holiday season, because you can make so many cool personalized things with your newly honed skills! Prep your friends and fam now: They're going to be getting FULLY CUSTOM wood signs this year. Promising review: "This is a great way to find a new hobby! Lots of fun!" —Electra $44 A Weekend Warrior box so you can start using a "gone fishing" sign unironically. The box comes with a selection of lures and baits to get your tackle box in tip-top shape! Promising review: "Got this as a Christmas gift. The quality and amount of things I have gotten have been exceptional. Definitely recommend!" —Brady $31.99 (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) And finally, a cookbook box that will have you excited to make your meal plan for the week because you'll have SO MANY NEW recipes to explore and work your way through! If cooking is something you enjoy or something you want to gain experience in, have a new cookbook arrive on your doorstep to get you kick-started. Promising review: "I have received two shipments of cookbooks, and am over the moon thrilled! What a treat to open these! Highly recommend!" —MelissaPrice: $34.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions)
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More Than 25 Million People in the U.S. Have Body Acne...So Why Is Everyone Still Hiding It?
Summer is usually the time of year for showing more skin, but not for Aïda Kihal during her teenage years. 'I didn't dare go to the beach, the pool, or even outside in a tank top, which is why summer was, for the longest time, the season I hated the most,' the Paris-based skin positivity influencer says. It wasn't the heat that made her dread this time of the year, but the painful acne on her back and chest that made every white top and racerback feel like an overexposure. This was just one of the many ways Kihal's body breakouts began to impact her life, both IRL and online. 'I'd spend two hours editing one Instagram photo just trying to blur every little bump,' she says. 'I was terrified of what people would say if they saw my real skin.' Though everyone's guilty of being their own worst critic every once in a while, unfortunately, the unwanted comments about her skin weren't just in her head. 'People did make comments,' she explains. 'Little jokes that stuck with me for years,' she adds. 'It completely messed with my mental health.' By the time Kihal was diagnosed with Sharp's Syndrome—an autoimmune disease that made her breakouts worse—she felt invisible and deeply alone. So, in 2019, she started posting about her acne journey on Instagram. The response? Overwhelming. 'I realized so many people were going through the same thing. We just didn't see it anywhere.' She's not wrong: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects around 40 to 50 million Americans, and approximately half have facial and body acne. According to Kunal Malik, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, body acne is caused by the same factors as facial acne—think oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. 'But body skin is thicker and the follicles are deeper, especially on the back and chest, which means breakouts can be more painful and harder to treat,' he says. Throw in friction from tight clothing, sitting for long periods, and sweating through heat waves, and it's a perfect storm. Summer, unsurprisingly, turns up the risk for breakouts, heat rashes, and irritation. 'Heat and humidity increase oil production and sweat, which creates ideal conditions for acne-causing bacteria,' Dr. Malik explains. 'And when sweat isn't washed off quickly—like after a concert or beach day—clogged pores follow.' And just like chronic breakouts on your face, Dr. Malik notes that body acne can be hereditary. Textured skin anywhere on your body is totally normal and common, but you'd never know it from your FYP or literally any festival-headlining pop star stripped down to their skivvies. Every visible body looks airbrushed into oblivion—so where's the buttne and chest breakouts? What about the KP, ingrowns, or hyperpigmentation? Well, it of course still exists. It's just being covered up. While facial acne has become somewhat of an accessory that can be dolled up with kitschy pimple patches, but body acne has yet to get that treatment. 'Natural' makeup looks with hints of skin texture peeking through have become the norm, but those walking the red carpet in a low-cut gown or gearing for a photo shoot still get a full glam routine, just for their chest and back. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli even has an arsenal of products specifically for covering up bodne (along with varicose veins, tattoos, you name it) for his pre–red carpet clients. 'I'll use a green color corrector for redness, then a matte, transfer-proof concealer, and finish with powder and setting spray to lock everything in,' he explains. 'I'll typically cover veins, tattoos, scars, or hyperpigmentation with a peach or orange color corrector and then add foundation over that.' It's no big surprise that celebrities get every inch of their bodies primed and prepped before a big moment in front of cameras. But with filters and AI-supported editing apps added to the mix, real and curated images are becoming hard to distinguish. Social media's obsession with perfection isn't doing any favors for our collective mental health and self-esteem, including when it comes to our skin. 'Social media is still a highlight reel,' says Jessica Stern, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of NYU Langone Health's Department of Psychiatry. 'The more curated the image, the more people compare—and the worse they feel.' For Kihal, the impact of that shame was deeply personal. 'I started believing my skin had to be perfect to be worthy of being seen,' she says. 'It took years to unlearn that, and honestly, I'm still working on it.' She's far from alone. Acne—whether on the face or body—has been linked to increased depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases among adolescents, suicidal ideation. A 2011 study found that people with moderate to severe acne were significantly less likely to pursue romantic relationships. 'Shame thrives on isolation,' says Dr. Stern. 'The less something is discussed, the more it makes someone feel isolated, alone, or defective.' Because body acne is not commonly discussed in the media, Dr. Stern explains this lack of representation can falsely portray as if it is less prevalent, 'which then can make someone who has it feel like there is something wrong with them, which can lead to self-criticism, low confidence, self-rejection, and a poor sense of self.' However, thanks to the rise of skin-positive creators like Kihal, a much-needed shift is slowly happening. Her followers send messages every day thanking her for helping them feel seen. 'Especially when I show my bacne or scars—things people are still scared to share—I get DMs saying, 'I've never seen someone with skin like mine before.' That's the whole point,' she says. But as much as social media has helped normalize real skin, it's also part of the problem. 'There's so much pressure to keep up an image,' Kihal says. 'We see 'authentic' posts that are still filtered. Celebs and influencers rarely admit to editing. If more people were honest about what's real and what's touched up, it would change everything.' Some brands are finally breaking the smooth-skin illusion. A few campaigns in recent years from brands like Billie, Starface, and Fur have showcased stretch marks, acne scars, and texture in an authentic, human way. Still, most beauty marketing treats body texture of any kind like a 'before' problem. Not something that's just there sometimes or that people can live with and feel good about. So what needs to happen? We simply need to accept ourselves, bumps and all, regardless of what we see on TikTok. 'If you catch yourself thinking, Everyone's judging me, ask: So what? What would happen if you stopped hiding?' says Dr. Stern. Kihal echoes her advice. 'For a long time, I thought I had to shrink myself to be accepted,' she says. 'Now, I know better. If I want to wear a backless dress, I will. If I want to go to the beach, I'll go. I'm not waiting for my skin to be 'perfect' anymore.' You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
25-06-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Body Acne Positivity for Summer 2025
Summer is usually the time of year for showing more skin, but not for Aïda Kihal during her teenage years. 'I didn't dare go to the beach, the pool, or even outside in a tank top, which is why summer was, for the longest time, the season I hated the most,' the Paris-based skin positivity influencer says. It wasn't the heat that made her dread this time of the year, but the painful acne on her back and chest that made every white top and racerback feel like an overexposure. This was just one of the many ways Kihal's body breakouts began to impact her life, both IRL and online. 'I'd spend two hours editing one Instagram photo just trying to blur every little bump,' she says. 'I was terrified of what people would say if they saw my real skin.' Though everyone's guilty of being their own worst critic every once in a while, unfortunately, the unwanted comments about her skin weren't just in her head. 'People did make comments,' she explains. 'Little jokes that stuck with me for years,' she adds. 'It completely messed with my mental health.' By the time Kihal was diagnosed with Sharp's Syndrome—an autoimmune disease that made her breakouts worse—she felt invisible and deeply alone. So, in 2019, she started posting about her acne journey on Instagram. The response? Overwhelming. 'I realized so many people were going through the same thing. We just didn't see it anywhere.' She's not wrong: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects around 40 to 50 million Americans, and approximately half have facial and body acne. According to Kunal Malik, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, body acne is caused by the same factors as facial acne—think oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. 'But body skin is thicker and the follicles are deeper, especially on the back and chest, which means breakouts can be more painful and harder to treat,' he says. Throw in friction from tight clothing, sitting for long periods, and sweating through heat waves, and it's a perfect storm. Summer, unsurprisingly, turns up the risk for breakouts, heat rashes, and irritation. 'Heat and humidity increase oil production and sweat, which creates ideal conditions for acne-causing bacteria,' Dr. Malik explains. 'And when sweat isn't washed off quickly—like after a concert or beach day—clogged pores follow.' And just like chronic breakouts on your face, Dr. Malik notes that body acne can be hereditary. Textured skin anywhere on your body is totally normal and common, but you'd never know it from your FYP or literally any festival-headlining pop star stripped down to their skivvies. Every visible body looks airbrushed into oblivion—so where's the buttne and chest breakouts? What about the KP, ingrowns, or hyperpigmentation? Well, it of course still exists. It's just being covered up. While facial acne has become somewhat of an accessory that can be dolled up with kitschy pimple patches, but body acne has yet to get that treatment. 'Natural' makeup looks with hints of skin texture peeking through have become the norm, but those walking the red carpet in a low-cut gown or gearing for a photo shoot still get a full glam routine, just for their chest and back. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli even has an arsenal of products specifically for covering up bodne (along with varicose veins, tattoos, you name it) for his pre–red carpet clients. 'I'll use a green color corrector for redness, then a matte, transfer-proof concealer, and finish with powder and setting spray to lock everything in,' he explains. 'I'll typically cover veins, tattoos, scars, or hyperpigmentation with a peach or orange color corrector and then add foundation over that.' It's no big surprise that celebrities get every inch of their bodies primed and prepped before a big moment in front of cameras. But with filters and AI-supported editing apps added to the mix, real and curated images are becoming hard to distinguish. Social media's obsession with perfection isn't doing any favors for our collective mental health and self-esteem, including when it comes to our skin. 'Social media is still a highlight reel,' says Jessica Stern, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of NYU Langone Health's Department of Psychiatry. 'The more curated the image, the more people compare—and the worse they feel.' For Kihal, the impact of that shame was deeply personal. 'I started believing my skin had to be perfect to be worthy of being seen,' she says. 'It took years to unlearn that, and honestly, I'm still working on it.' She's far from alone. Acne—whether on the face or body—has been linked to increased depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases among adolescents, suicidal ideation. A 2011 study found that people with moderate to severe acne were significantly less likely to pursue romantic relationships. 'Shame thrives on isolation,' says Dr. Stern. 'The less something is discussed, the more it makes someone feel isolated, alone, or defective.' Because body acne is not commonly discussed in the media, Dr. Stern explains this lack of representation can falsely portray as if it is less prevalent, 'which then can make someone who has it feel like there is something wrong with them, which can lead to self-criticism, low confidence, self-rejection, and a poor sense of self.' However, thanks to the rise of skin-positive creators like Kihal, a much-needed shift is slowly happening. Her followers send messages every day thanking her for helping them feel seen. 'Especially when I show my bacne or scars—things people are still scared to share—I get DMs saying, 'I've never seen someone with skin like mine before.' That's the whole point,' she says. But as much as social media has helped normalize real skin, it's also part of the problem. 'There's so much pressure to keep up an image,' Kihal says. 'We see 'authentic' posts that are still filtered. Celebs and influencers rarely admit to editing. If more people were honest about what's real and what's touched up, it would change everything.' Some brands are finally breaking the smooth-skin illusion. A few campaigns in recent years from brands like Billie, Starface, and Fur have showcased stretch marks, acne scars, and texture in an authentic, human way. Still, most beauty marketing treats body texture of any kind like a 'before' problem. Not something that's just there sometimes or that people can live with and feel good about. So what needs to happen? We simply need to accept ourselves, bumps and all, regardless of what we see on TikTok. 'If you catch yourself thinking, Everyone's judging me, ask: So what? What would happen if you stopped hiding?' says Dr. Stern. Kihal echoes her advice. 'For a long time, I thought I had to shrink myself to be accepted,' she says. 'Now, I know better. If I want to wear a backless dress, I will. If I want to go to the beach, I'll go. I'm not waiting for my skin to be 'perfect' anymore.' Jennifer is the former beauty editor for where she's testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she's not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
