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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
‘Too much screen time gives me puffy eyes': a busy illustrator gets a skincare-routine expert makeover
'I'm a children's illustrator working on books, including the lovely Welcome to Our … series, which looks at how children live around the world. I'm also a part-time graphic designer with Cambridge University Press. Mainly I work from home but I go into the office once a week. It's not far from where I live in Cambridge. My day changes depending on the project. I start about 7:30am with my morning routine and skincare. Working from home gives me more flexibility but it can make me a bit lazy, skipping some steps. I don't do makeup because it's quite rare to have video calls. I have started to use retinols in the evening though so I need more sunscreen because of the extra sensitivity they cause. On my office days, I put in more effort. I've got dry skin so when I wear makeup I try to make the base really hydrated, otherwise I get quite red later on. I'm Korean and there's the popular Korean beauty trend – the seven skin method – that involves applying a hydrating toner seven times so your skincare products are better absorbed. I don't have time to do seven layers so I do three!' Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme Dr Ejikeme says: 'Harriet's approach to layering hydration is thoughtful, but the persistent redness suggests her skin barrier is under some stress, likely from a combination of environmental changes and dry indoor conditions. A barrier-first strategy is key. Start with Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Essence Toner with niacinamide and ginseng, which gives the skin essential hydration and helps balance tone and texture. Follow this with Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha. This simple pairing mimics the benefits of the 'seven skin' method with fewer layers, helping Harriet maintain hydration without the time commitment or risk of product overload.' 'My home workspace is a desk in my bedroom. I have two monitors and lots of illustrations and pictures on the wall. It's a corner full of colourful artwork, which makes me happy. Most of my work is done digitally, so I spend a lot of time at this desk. I use the downstairs dining table when I need more space, especially during the initial sketch phase, because I still like to work with pen and paper for that part. I start work around 9am, after dropping my son off at school. I'm not really a morning person – it takes me a long time to warm up, so I use that time for admin and image research. Then I'll do some light sketching to warm up my hands and get some layout ideas. By that time, the morning's normally gone. My husband, who's a software engineer, works from home as well, so we usually have lunch together and then take a short walk for a proper break. Even though I try to remember to drink water during my working day, I'm really bad at doing it. I'm sitting down, so I don't feel like I need it. I have quite dry skin anyway, so it often feels tight and dehydrated.' Dr Ejikeme says: 'Harriet's low water intake combined with indoor heating or cooling leads to transepidermal water loss [evaporation from the skin]. Harriet needs both hydration and barrier support. To achieve this, I'd recommend Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha.' 'The afternoon is my focus time. I put on music or a podcast and then I just draw for three to four hours without stopping. It's hard to get into the flow, but once you're in it you don't want it to end. Some days I'll need to draw for 10 hours if I have a pressing deadline, but that's not often. 'I always double cleanse in the evening' Because I sit for such long periods, I think my skin looks really tired, especially around the eyes, and I've noticed more dark circles and puffiness there in the morning. I'm not sure if it's my lifestyle or something else, but my hyperpigmentation is worse. I've heard it's because of the blue light from screens.' Dr Ejikeme says: 'Harriet's long hours in front of multiple screens can contribute to tiredness around the eyes and worsening pigmentation. This is common in people who spend extended periods in front of screens. For the eye area, Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream with vitamin C and caffeine is highly effective; it brightens, reduces puffiness and hydrates without feeling greasy. To address pigmentation, using a stable vitamin C serum such as Chemistry Glow 10% Vitamin C Serum With Ferulic Acid is a smart addition to Harriet's routine. This will help reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten overall tone.' 'Creating these images brings me real joy' 'Around 4 or 5pm, I stop work to spend time with my son, make dinner and help with homework. Then after he's gone to bed, I might do some editing on a personal project – a picture book I'm writing. I'll also check Instagram to see what others are doing. Before bed, I do some cardio exercises for 20 minutes and then shower. I always double cleanse in the evening, and I apply a hyaluronic acid essence twice, to try to hydrate my skin. Twice a week, I mix a 0.5% retinol with my moisturiser and if I've had a stressful day, I'll pop on a sheet mask for 15 minutes before bed. I've been drawing ever since I was young, I always loved it. I think it's how I tackle the world around me and express my feelings. Creating these images brings me real joy. Most of my personal work starts with random ideas and then the characters start coming to life. Someone once described my illustration style as 'friendly yet stylish' and I quite like that. Working on the Welcome to Our … series was special because I got to draw children from many different cultures all around the world. It's incredibly meaningful to be able to share the message of diversity through my illustration. I feel so grateful that it could help make the world a little more welcoming and open.' Dr Ejikeme's summary: 'Harriet's skin is responding to the demands of her environment, long hours in front of screens, low water intake and the drying effects of central heating. Though she's already applying hydration in layers, her persistent dryness and sensitivity suggest a compromised barrier. A gentle yet effective routine that combines targeted hydration, antioxidant support, and consistent barrier repair will help rebalance her skin. With the right products, including lightweight hydrating essences and calming serums, her skin can remain resilient and radiant even through long creative sessions and screen time.' AM routine Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream Cleanser: use a mild, non-stripping cleanser to protect the skin barrierEssence: apply Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Essence Toner with niacinamide and ginseng to replenish hydration and prep the skinSerum: follow with Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha to help reduce the appearance of redness and fortify the skinEye cream: use Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream with vitamin C and caffeine to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and brighten the under-eye areaMoisturiser: apply a lightweight moisturiser containing squalene and glycerin to lock in hydrationSPF: always use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 to protect the skin from UV PM routine Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum Double cleanse: start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup/SPF, followed by a gentle water-based cleanserEssence: reapply Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Essence Toner with niacinamide and ginseng for a hydration boost post-cleansingSerum: on non-retinol nights, use Modern Chemistry by Boots Restore Hydrating Serum with niacinamide and ashwagandha to soothe overnightEye cream: Apply Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Brightening Eye Cream with vitamin C and caffeine to help reduce the appearance of puffiness Moisturiser: use a rich night cream with ceramides or oat extract to nourish and protect the skin overnightOptional (twice weekly): apply Modern Chemistry by Boots Glow Exfoliating AHA/BHA Toner on clean skin to gently refine texture and brighten dullness Find the right formula for you: Modern Chemistry by Boots – skincare products and supplements with science at their core
Daily Mirror
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Study confirms women in politics receive more attacks and abuse on social media than men
The research, which analysed millions of posts, also found that the language aimed at politicians in the UK contained more abusive words than those in other countries Female politicians in Europe receive more identity-based attacks than other politicians, according to new research. The study analysed 23 million posts on X addressed to politicians in the UK, Spain, Germany and the US, and found that women in Europe experience online "incivility" regardless of how well known they are. Incivility has been defined as posts which contain hate speech or assign stereotypes, undermine or exclude a social group, or threaten someone's rights. It also includes posts that name-call (such as 'weirdo' or 'idiot'), cast aspersions ('liar' or 'traitor'), use pejorative speak, sarcasm, and all-caps. It comes after Nigel Farage unveiled an ex-Tory who made racist remark on WhatsApp as its newest defector. This incivility faced by female politicians can include everything from misogynistic and sexist comments to violent threats, or attempts to defame or humiliate. Lead researcher of the study, Maarja Lühiste, associate professor of politics at Newcastle University, said: "We noticed that female candidates targeted with abusive language typically receive more morality-focused words, such as 'vile,' 'shame,' 'shameful,' 'disgraceful,' 'hypocrite,' and 'deluded.'' Lühiste added: "They also receive messages with more references to personal attacks—including words like 'kill,' 'destroy,' and 'rape'—rather than simple swear words." The study, published in Politics & Gender by Cambridge University Press, found that the posts aimed at Spanish and German politicians appeared to use fewer deliberately abusive words than those aimed at US and UK politicians. Lühiste explained: 'Both men and women politicians experience incivility and, overall, the more famous they are, the more abuse they receive. BUT women in Europe receive uncivil tweets even when they're not well known.' For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. She added: 'Political culture and electoral rules may matter, too: German and Spanish politicians in our sample receive less incivility than their UK and US counterparts. And the incivility in less personalised systems - especially in Germany - is relatively 'polite' compared to the other countries in our sample.' Multiple female politicians in the UK have opened up about experiencing online abuse. In 2019, Heidi Allen said she would be stepping down as MP after experiencing 'utterly dehumanising' abuse. Nicky Morgan also announced that she would no longer be serving as an MP that same year, saying: "I think the role of being an MP has changed. I think the abuse, because of the platforms, because of how strongly people feel about the current political situation, that has changed enormously in the almost 10 years since I started." Angela Rayner has previously spoken up about facing such abuse that she barely read online posts. In 2023, she said she believed female politicians experienced more abuse, explaining: "Whether it's a Conservative MP, SNP or Labour it doesn't matter, it's mainly women that get the abuse. They want to silence us.' Rayner added: "The one thing I'm asked every time I visit a school is 'how do you deal with the abuse you get?' and that shouldn't be the first question young people ask me." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
RTÉ News
17-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
'Beggars belief' that HHC products are available without restrictions
The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has said it "beggars belief" that products containing a man-made drug which produces similar effects to cannabis, and which they say has done major damage to people's mental health, are still available without restrictions in this country. The college issued its statement as a new study examining the use of the drug Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC, found it was the second most common drug involved in patients presenting with psychosis at University Hospital Galway between May 2023 and December 2024. The drug contained in some vapes and edibles, produces similar effects to the natural ingredient in cannabis - THC - which causes the drug's high. The products are available to buy for anyone over 18, despite ongoing calls for them to be banned. The study was published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It involved an examination of the medical notes of 214 admissions for psychotic illness to the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit at University Hospital Galway - over a period of 21 months from May 2023 to December 2024. The researchers found that 28 of the admissions were preceded by self-reported use of HHC. Nine of these admissions reported using only HHC while the others used other substances such as cannabis, cocaine and psychedelics. The study found that HHC users were more likely to be male and ranged in age from 18-49 with a median age of 24 - significantly younger than the median age of those who did not use HHC. HHC was the second most used illicit substance in the admissions, with cannabis being the most used. When the researchers examined those admitted for a first episode of psychosis, they found that out of 47 such individuals, 16 were preceded by HHC use. The researchers say that to their knowledge, this is the first study to examine the prevalence rates of HHC use in people experiencing acute psychotic disorders. The chief executive of a company that makes and sells Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC, a drug contained in some vapes and edibles, has said he believes there needs to be more regulation in Ireland around selling the substance. Luke Gavin, CEO and Founder of Owls Oil, said that in his opinion the issue comes back to education and that he believes some people may be taking "too much." He said that because of the lack of regulation here there are issues in relation to the supply chain and testing of the products. Researchers, meanwhile, say HHC is now the second most common drug involved in psychosis presentations. However, they say this aligns with previous data when other psychoactive substances were available legally in head shops. They acknowledge limitations in this survey and say it is likely that it underestimates the prevalence of HHC. This is because toxicology tests may give a false positive for THC, and a lack of awareness about the prevalence of HHC may mean patients were not directly asked about it. They also point out that when asked a question about illegal drug use, patients may not have mentioned HHC as it is not an illegal substance. They also point out that the study looks only at people experiencing severe or very acute psychotic episodes and not those who were managed as out patients. They do acknowledge that the results of this survey in one hospital may not apply generally. However, the researchers say the results lend further support to a link between HHC use and psychotic illness. The study raises concern about the ability of Irish legislation introduced in 2010 to regulate products sold in head shops, to prevent the sale of HHC products and the sale of future "novel psychoactive substances". They say the delay in banning HHC and its "longstanding, tolerated and ongoing sale", has already led to significant harm for a number of individuals and failure to react more quickly to the next new substances will likely cause future harm. Asked about the study, Mr Gavin said there was a "big issue" in Ireland because people were unsure how to consume it and they may take too much. Mr Gavin said "dosing was extremely important and he said he believed it was a better alternative to alcohol and that many people were using it to relax. In a statement, the College of Psychiatrists said HHC was a particularly harmful substance that had done major damage to the mental health of many people – adolescents in particular – in just a few years since its creation. It said it beggared belief that it was still freely available around Ireland without any restrictions, given the "overwhelming evidence" of its harms. The statement added that the legislative framework existed for the Government to ban it and it called on the Government to act urgently to do so "before more people and their loved ones were negatively impacted."
RNZ News
13-07-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
How can the education system keep up with a changing world?
In a world that seems to be constantly changing - what and how should children be learning? It's a question that educators around the world are grappling with, particularly as artificial intelligence cements itself in the learning landscape. Paul Ellis is at the forefront of these challenges, as Head of Thought Leadership for Education Futures at Cambridge University Press and Assessment. His focus is on helping schools work out how best to arm their students with what they need now, and into the future. He says climate change and environmental challenges is one area that will become more important for students to navigate - and should be brought out from under the science umbrella to other parts of the curriculum. He also believes global perspectives can help with understanding geopolitical problems, and there's a need for educators to strike a balance giving students a good foundation of knowledge - along with the skills to use it. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
The Irish Sun
29-06-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Huge stone temple built 1,000 years ago uncovered in mountains – and reveals secrets of ancient civilisation
A MASSIVE stone temple built 1,000 years ago has been uncovered, revealing the secrets of an ancient civilisation. The historic structure, known as Palaspata, was discovered in a remote part of South America and is thought to have been built by the Tiwanaku civilisation. Advertisement 3 A huge stone temple built 1,000 years ago has revealed the secrets of the Tiwanaku civilisation Credit: Cambridge University Press 3 The enormous area where the temple once sat Credit: Cambridge University Press 3 The ancient civilisation lived around Lake Titicaca in western Bolivia Credit: Cambridge University Press Sitting on top of a ridge near Lake Titicaca, in western Bolivia, the temple is an impressive feat of craftsmanship. But due to its remote location, researchers only spotted the area when they spotted unusual shapes in satellite photos. Drone 3D imaging confirmed the ancient site with researchers believing it provides key insight into the Tiwanaku civilisation. The ancient society was a powerful Andean civilisation that existed around 400 to 1000 CE. Advertisement Read more on World Researchers say Tiwanaku individuals formed part of a "highly organised societal structure", which left behind remnants of impressive monuments including pyramids, temples and monoliths. Most of these are located in sites around Lake Titicaca. Though little remains of it now, researchers believe the temple once housed an advanced irrigation system, and fine art and pottery before disappearing around 1000 AD. The site measures around 410 feet long by 476 wide and features 15 rooms which encircle a central courtyard. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Archaeologists suggest over 20,000 people may have inhabited the area, believing it to have been a "strategic hub" or "entry point" for trade. It is believed the temple enabled access to a number of goods and foods. Bible archaeologists discover ancient relic that may 'prove the existence of legendary warrior from holy book' Lead researcher José Capriles told the "This was a place where people, goods, and gods all crossed paths." Advertisement The discovery comes just weeks after an ancient Mayan city was discovered by archaeologists in northern Guatemala. The nearly 3,000-year-old remains include remarkable pyramids and monuments that appear to be "sculpted with unique iconography". This Los Abuelos gets its name from two human-like sculptures of an "ancestral couple" found there. Advertisement These figures "could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship", the ministry added. The city is likely to have been "one of the most ancient and important ceremonial centres" of Mayan civilisation. Monuments unearthed at the site have been dated to the Middle Preclassic period of 800-500 BC, while the city itself "presents remarkable architectural planning". The city covers an area of around six square miles and is found in Guatemala's northern Petén department. Advertisement Researchers also found a 108 foot high pyramid nearby that had Preclassic murals and "a unique canal system". "Archaeological investigations have included the active participation of Guatemalan and international professionals, with the support of the Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia," a ministry spokesperson said.
