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Cast iron skillets are a kitchen essential for any home cook. They can help with anything from perfectly seared steaks to decadent cakes and roasted vegetables. No matter what you choose to cook in your cast iron pan, however, cleaning it can be a challenge, as you'll want to use as little water as possible to combat any rusting and clean the skillet while it's still hot. (It all sounds a bit counterintuitive, we know.) Though at first an intimating task, it's actually quite easy to learn how to clean a cast iron skillet after use. As long as you follow the right steps, you'll have a clean pan that's ready to use again and again for years to come. How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet Gather Your Supplies There are just a few simple household items you need to clean a cast iron skillet: paper towels, a soft sponge with an abrasive side, and oil that can take high heat, like avocado oil. Clean the Pan Put the skillet in your sink and put some hot water on the cooking surface. Use the sponge to loosen up any burnt-on bits and get any excess oil or spices off of the skillet. Do not use soap on a cast iron skillet because it may strip away the seasoning. Dry and Oil the Skillet After washing, you will want to completely dry the skillet to ensure no water is left behind. Water is the enemy of cast iron and will cause the skillet to rust. Use a paper towel and a small amount of oil to reseal the skillet. This is best done while the pan is still hot so the oil can get down into the pores of the cast iron and not just sit on top. Buff away any excess oil with a new paper towel. Put the Skillet Away After the skillet is clean, place it on your stovetop or cutting board to allow it to cool down the rest of the way. Once cool, store it in a dry space. The Fastest Way to Remove Rust From Cast Iron Now, if you didn't follow the above steps and ended up with a rusty skillet, here's the fastest way to remove rust from a cast iron. While you normally want to avoid scrubbing a cast iron so as not to strip it of oil, in this scenario, you'll want to go ahead and scrub the rust off with a tough sponge or steel wool, as well a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. (If you've got time, let the skillet soak in that solution for a couple of hours first.) After scrubbing, it's very important to "re-season" the skillet immediately, which will help restore the pan's necessary oils. To re-season a cast iron, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Cover the pan (handle and all) in a nice coat of oil and place the pan upside down in the middle rack of the oven. (Put a baking sheet or aluminum foil beneath to catch any oil drips.) Bake the pan like that for an hour. Turn off the oven and leave the pan in there to cool. - Additional reporting by Kelsey Garcia Related: The Ultimate "Sunday Reset" Checklist to Prepare For the Week Ahead

LED therapy is everywhere right now, especially in the beauty world. While LED (light-emitting diode) was first developed for NASA to use (and later was only available in medical offices), it's now something you can use to achieve glowing skin from the comfort of your own home. LED therapy can help treat fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and inflammation through different wavelengths. Red light helps to stimulate collagen production, while blue light fights against acne. Yellow light has been proven to improve the texture of skin, and infrared light helps with skin elasticity. With so many benefits, it's no wonder that there seems to be a new LED product on the market every day. There are options for just your eye area, just your lip area, and even products that cover your entire décolletage. There are even tools that will massage your face while you get LED benefits - sounds like a dream, right? We'd have to agree, and so do dermatologists. However, because consistency is key when it comes to using LED therapy, it's important to find a mask that works for you and your specific skin-care concerns. Ahead, we rounded up our favorites, so keep scrolling and get ready to hit "add to cart."

If you like pickleball, you're going to love playing padel. We know what you're thinking: first, how do you pronounce it? And second, is it as fun as pickleball? For starters, it's pronounced PAD-el, not to be confused with its homograph paddle, which is a different sport. And yes, padel is just as fun as pickleball. Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, while pickleball is "only" the fastest-growing sport in the United States, says Julian Wortelboer, executive VP and chief padel officer of Ultra Club Miami, the largest padel club in the world, and co-host of the Padel Smash Academy podcast with Cesar Caceres. Wortelboer's Ultra Club Miami has 28 courts, and Wortelboer says the club is at capacity for its full operating hours – 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.– more days than not. Padel will be an invitational sport in the Paris Olympics, and a full Olympic sport for the 2028 Olympics held in Los Angeles. In other words, padel is a big deal, and it's only getting bigger. Want to get in on the fun? In addition to Wortelboer, PS tapped padel pros Scott Colebourne, of the United States Padel Association and Victor Perez, one of the top ten padel coaches worldwide, for a padel primer, including how to play padel, tips for beginners, and a break down of padel vs. pickleball. What Is Padel, Exactly? "Padel is a form of tennis that is easy to play, fun and extremely sociable," says Perez. Colebourne describes padel as a blend of tennis and squash that involve lots of strategic, fast-paced play. "Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court that's roughly 25% smaller than a tennis court," he says, and balls can be played off the court's walls in a similar way to squash. Where Did Padel Begin? Padel has a fascinating origin story. The sport began in Mexico in 1969, says Colebourne, when Enrique Corcuera set up the first court in the backyard of his summer house. According to Wortelboer, Corcuera had limited backyard space, so he created a smaller-sized tennis court, enclosed on either side by the walls of his neighbor's houses, and started playing a version of tennis that allowed playing the ball off the walls. When he shared the game with two of his high-society friends from Spain and Argentina, they loved it, and quickly brought it home to their respective countries, says Wortelboer. The sport exploded in Argentina and Spain in the early 1980s, and spread to global popularity from there. According to Wortelboer, major growth happened in 2018 and 2019, and now there are 30 million padel players worldwide. Spain is currently hosting the Seniors World Padel Championships, with over 35 countries participating. How to Play Padel Padel is played on a court with enclosed walls 20 meters (about 66 feet) long and 10 meters (about 33 feet) wide, which is larger than a squash court, but smaller than a tennis court. The court is completely enclosed by walls, typically made of concrete, glass, or wire mesh, and a net similar to a tennis net divides the court in half, says Perez. Court surfaces vary, but common materials include artificial grass, carpet, or concrete. Padel is always played in doubles, and uses the same scoring system as tennis, says Wortelboer. Games are typically played to six points and need to be won by two points, says Perez. Like tennis, players serve into the opposite box, with the ball required to bounce once on the floor and a key rule is that the serve must be underhand, says Colebourne. The ball can only bounce on the ground once, says Perez, but it can bounce on the walls more than once. Once the ball is in play, you can play it off the ground or wall. What Gear Do You Need to Play Padel? Like tennis, you'll need the basics: balls and rackets. Padel balls are slightly smaller than tennis balls, and less pressurized, which results in a slower bounce, says Perez. Padel rackets are like tennis rackets but smaller, with a perforated face instead of strings, and a shorter handle for better two-handled play. Perez also recommends padel shoes, which offer the best traction on the specific court surface, but says that tennis shoes can work in a pinch. And of course, comfortable athletic clothing that you can break a sweat in. Benefits of Padel According to Wortelboer, padel can give you more exercise per minute than other racket sports. "When you play 60 minutes of tennis with two intermediate players, you're only actually exercising and hitting the ball for about 15-17 minutes, because the rallies are so short," he says. "In contrast, playing the same amount of padel with the same level of players gives you 43 to 48 minutes of that concentrated exercise." Padel gives you more exercise in the same amount of time, in part because you're enclosed in a box, so you aren't wasting your workout time picking up the ball. Depending on the intensity, says Perez, playing an hour of padel can burn up to 700 calories. According to Colebourne, padel is also easier to learn than tennis, and offers a great cardiovascular workout, improving agility, reflexes, and muscle tone. One study demonstrated that it can improve fitness and body composition in middle-aged women, and a systematic review has shown its benefits for improving physical fitness and overall health. And since padel is played in doubles, Perez adds that it's also a great way to socialize with friends and meet new people. Padel vs. Pickleball: What's the Difference? From a structural standpoint, pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, and composite or wooden paddles without strings, says Colebourne. It's played on a badminton-size court, with a net that's slightly lower than a tennis net, and the court is not enclosed by walls that you can play off of. In contrast, padel uses a solid racket, rubber ball, and playing the ball off the walls is a key part of the game, he says. Pickleball can also be played as a singles game, adds Perez, whereas padel must be played with a partner. In addition to the rules, there are differences in gameplay, too. "Padel requires a lot of focus on the force used and knowing how to control the bounce of the ball off the walls to keep the game dynamic," says Perez. Wortelboer puts it succinctly (despite the warning that he might piss off diehard pickleball fans!): "Pickleball is a game; padel is a sport." For pickleball, you have between six and eight easy shots you need to learn, he says. "In padel there are 39 different shots to master, so it's a little more complex." Wortelboer adds that as padel is traditionally played on texturized fake grass, like turf, it can also be lower-impact and safer on your joints. Padel Tips for Beginners "Just get onto the court, start hitting a few balls, and you will fall in love with it," says Wortelboer. In terms of strategy, Colebourne recommends focusing on control, rather than raw power; learning to play the ball off the wall effectively; working on your footwork; and playing with different partners to improve your all-around game. Perez echoes the above, and also highly recommends practicing volleys as well as communication with your partner. Most importantly, he says, padel is a social sport, so remember to have fun! Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for POPSUGAR who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for POPSUGAR for over four years.

When browsing the internet for new hairstyle inspiration, it's easy to spot your favorite influencers and celebrities rocking a standard middle part. But every now and then, you might just see a style icon looking so good in a side part that it makes you do a double-take and rethink all of your beauty choices. On #HairTok, the debate over the best hair part is never-ending. According to Gen-Z, side parts are passé, but any professional hairstylist and beauty industry veteran will tell you that it's an underrated classic that really stands out when done right. "While the middle part has been having its moment, the side part never truly went out of fashion," celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons tells PS. The middle part is often viewed as a "safe" option; it's straightforward, it fits any hairstyle, and it's difficult to get it wrong. But where's the fun in always playing it safe? With a side part, you can style it in many different ways, with each look bringing a unique twist. If you're ready to lay your middle part to rest and try something different, read ahead for a comprehensive guide on side-part hairstyle inspiration and tips from celebrity pros. How to Style a Side Part Many people think they don't have the right face shape or hair texture to pull off a side part, but that's the beauty of this style: it really works for everyone. "Side parts are suitable for mostly all hair types and face shapes," Clark says. "It helps add dimension and balance to your overall look." The best way to style a side part all depends on your mood and the occasion. "Side parts are versatile and can be styled in various ways," celebrity hairstylist Dereq Clark says. "You can wear them as slicked back for a formal look or tousled for a more casual vibe." Clark advises you first determine which side your hair naturally falls to. Then, depending on how you want to wear your hair, you can let it air-dry or blow-dry it before styling as you normally would. For side-part hairstyle inspiration for all hair types and lengths, keep scrolling.

No matter what stage of life you're at when you experience acne, it's never that easy to manage and often, the only way to get rid of it (or reduce its appearance), is to do a lot of trial and error. There are a variety of different types of acne that all respond differently to different treatments. For example, tea tree oil for acne is a common natural remedy that you can often find people waxing poetic about. This essential oil has been touted for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properities, but let's be real: not everything you read (or see) on the internet is true. So, does tea tree oil help with acne? We consulted three skin-care experts to find out what all the fuss is about. And, more importantly, to find out if you should try it for yourself. What Is Tea Tree Oil? "Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia," Rekha Tailor, a medical director at Health & Aesthetics in in London, tells PS. It has been used in herbal and alternative medicine for years. Boasting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it remains popular in skin care today, sold as a pure oil or incorporated into products like moisturizer and face cream. Tea Tree Oil's Benefits For Skin According to Ross Perry, MD, a medical director at London's Cosmedics Skin Clinics, tea tree oil is a natural astringent. "It works to remove excess oil from the skin and lessen bacteria growth on the skin while speeding up the healing of scars, scabs, and infection due to antiseptic properties." This makes it perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as a quick-fix treatment for breakouts. Basically, tea tree oil kills bacteria to ensure your skin is squeaky clean (in a good way). Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Acne? While NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, favors ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, dapsone, and sodium sulfacetamide for treating acne, she believes that tea tree oil is a great natural alternative. In addition to being antibacterial and having anti-inflammatory properties, she claims that tea tree oil also boasts antifungal and antiviral properties. Pointing to a study featured in The Medical Journal of Australia, which compares tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide, Dr. King notes that the two work to combat acne similarly; however, though tea tree oil is less irritating, it doesn't work as quickly. Dr. Perry, on the other hand, believes the effectiveness of tea tree oil all comes down to the severity of the acne. "Tea tree oil alone isn't going to get rid of severe acne," he says, adding, "It would be generally recommended to help keep skin clean and aid the healing process of acne alongside other treatments and products." How to Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne "Depending on the severity of the acne, I'd recommend using it after a double cleanse," says Dr. Perry. "You can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with witch hazel and apply using a cotton swab, and let it sink in before applying a light non-greasy moisturizer. Or you can mix a few drops in with your normal moisturizer and apply that way." In other words, try to avoid using it on your face in pure form. Tea Tree Oil Side Effect The main downside of using tea tree oil for acne is that it's an irritant. "Tea tree oil can be incredibly drying on some people's skin, especially if used undiluted or if you have sensitive skin," Dr. Tailor says. Dr. Perry agrees, advising that you patch test on first use to see how your skin reacts to it. If there's any sort of irritation or burning, it's not for you. Beyond this, Dr. King says the other downside is that data regarding the efficacy of tea tree oil is quite limited. While it's definitely worth trialling, you may be better off opting for an alternative that's been scientifically and medically proven to fight acne. - Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products. Phoebe McRae is a former PS contributor.

After a busy weekend, Kayla Dickhoff and her husband head back to work each Monday morning. But her six kids stay at home, relaxing and finishing up homework, with the older ones looking after the younger ones. "We use Monday as a catch-up and a refresh, like a breather day after a weekend," she says. They can do this because their district in Belgrade, MN, is on a four-day school week. Dickhoff loves it. "I hope we never, ever have to go back to five days," she says. Fortunately for her, it's unlikely they ever will. In recent years, more and more schools in the US have adopted the four-day school week, and, historically, few ever revert back. This school year, nearly 900 districts across the country (about seven percent) have opted for the shorter week, according to the Associated Press. That's up from a little more than 100 in 1999. "Every state west of the Mississippi now allows the four-day school week as an option," says Jon S. Turner, PhD, who has researched the effects of the four-day school week as an associate professor at Missouri State University. Unsurprisingly, most students love this setup. But what do parents have to say? The approval ratings in parent surveys show that far more agree with Dickhoff than you might expect. How the Four-Day School Week Became Popular Four-day school weeks began for practical reasons. Dr. Turner says districts that were early adopters of the practice transitioned to four days to save a little money - mainly because one less school day per week equates to 20 percent less diesel fuel used by the school buses. (The environmental benefits of that are just a bonus, but very much embraced in liberal counties.) The vast majority of these schools are in rural areas, where the bus ride can take two hours or more. Emily Morton, PhD, who's been studying four-day school weeks since 2017, says the average district saves about $50,000 per year this way - not exactly a windfall, but not nothing either. Soon, nearby school districts found they were losing teachers and staff members to four-day week schools, so they adopted the truncated schedule to stay competitive. Dr. Turner says that when Independence School District in suburban Kansas City changed to four days this year, it saw the number of teacher applications go up by four times, and for the first time in recent memory, there's no longer a bus driver shortage. "In this tightening job market, the four-day week is just very attractive," he says. Fewer days doesn't necessarily mean less school, though. The minimum instructional hours mandated varies by state, but most districts make up the lost time by lengthening the school day. Others add an extra week or so at the end of the year. What Parents Think of the Four-Day School Week One might assume families would resent a schedule that doesn't line up with the work week, or be wary that a lighter schedule might mean kids aren't learning enough. Yet Dr. Turner says his research team's surveys have found that 70 to 80 percent of parents overall actually like the four-day week. "Some of the benefits they talk about are increased family time. They think students are less stressed. They think their morale at the school is better," says Dr. Morton. "There's mixed hard evidence on that. But in analysis of discipline events we do see that bullying and fighting incidents decrease." Kathryn Mounce, in Lincoln, AR, says the extra day off helps her kids go back to school after the long weekend feeling more refreshed, making them more productive during the week. "A shorter school week helps alleviate stress and burnout," she says. Research conducted by the RAND Corporation in 2021 also shows a small tick up in school attendance rates at four-day schools, which could be due to the flexibility of having an extra day off. "I try to schedule as many appointments that my kids need as possible on Mondays when we have off," Dickhoff says. "That way, I don't have to pull them out of school." Not everyone loves the setup, however. Approval numbers for the four-day school week dip closer to 50 percent among parents of children with special needs and parents who only have younger kids - circumstances that make childcare trickier. "I hope we never, ever have to go back to five days." And one important area that concerns some parents and experts alike is student achievement. While Dr. Morton's research, published in the Oklahoma Education Journal, has found that rural districts see little to no effect of a short week on academic performance, there is a small negative effect in more populated areas. It's not entirely clear what causes this difference, she says, though there's speculation it could be tied to the amount of instructional time. The benefits of teacher retention and easier scheduling of school sports in rural areas may also balance out any adverse effects of having one less day in school. There are also those who worry about children who don't have a safe space at home or consistent access to food. While some schools do offer breakfast and lunch on the day off, it's up to the families to get the students there. So, What Do Families Do on Day Five? Despite the cost savings and better school-life balance, one day less of school can obviously leave parents in the lurch. Amanda Kay, who lives in Bethel Park, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh, says when she first heard talk of a four-day school week online, she couldn't imagine how working parents could pull it off. Her 10-year old goes to school five days a week, which she's very glad for. "I'd have to figure out something for her to do," Kay says. "I work from home, but she wouldn't really have anybody to be there and be engaged with her." Even though her daughter is old enough to look after herself, Kay says she wouldn't want to leave her to her own devices all day. Yet research shows that most kids with three-day weekends are not spending the extra day off playing video games and watching TV. Dr. Morton surveyed kids about how they spent their time, and says, "The category that students reported most of the time increasing on was actually chores." School itself also keeps many kids busy. Most districts use the day off for extracurricular activities like sports or theater practice, or targeted academic intervention for students falling behind. "On the fifth day, we may be having field trips where we're going to college visitations or visiting museums," Dr. Turner adds. Some schools give virtual assignments for students to complete from home. Those in more tourist-friendly areas often schedule Fridays off so that high schoolers can work in industries that get busier Fridays through Sundays. Dr. Morton says childcare is actually far less of an issue than most people would assume. "It's pretty amazing the lack of concern about childcare," she says. The vast majority of school districts on this schedule are still in rural areas, she explains, where people are typically less transient and parents are more likely to have extended family members who can pitch in living nearby. Parents may even work out of the house on a farm or ranch, so they get the kids involved (hence those chores). Even if they don't, Dickhoff says some parents in her community set up their work schedules so they are off on Mondays to stay home with their kids. Some districts do underwrite free or low-cost childcare for families that need it, but there's not always the demand you'd expect. "A few districts actually started childcare on Friday to support parents and closed it because they didn't have enough take up," Dr. Morton says. Four-Day School Weeks Have Staying Power With benefits for strapped schools and most parents in support, four-day school weeks are likely only going to grow more common, at least in rural areas. In Missouri, Dr. Turner says, more than a third of the school districts have taken up truncated weeks - and only two districts have ever reverted back to five days. "It's a game changer for my family," says Mounce. "As a parent, I firmly believe in the benefits." Related: How Much Does Daycare Cost in 2024? The Stats Are Sobering Jennifer Heimlich is a writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience in fitness and wellness journalism. She previously worked as the senior fitness editor for Well+Good and the editor in chief of Dance Magazine. A UESCA-certified running coach, she's written about running and fitness for publications like Shape, GQ, Runner's World, and The Atlantic.

Your astrological sign can reveal a lot about your unique personality traits, quirks, weaknesses, and strengths. So, it's natural to seek inspiration from your zodiac sign if you decide to get an astrology tattoo. If you are born between July 23 and Aug. 22, your astrological sign is Leo, as per Western astrology. Ruled by the sun, Leos are symbolized by a lion and are often considered natural leaders due to their go-getter attitude in life. Those belonging to the fifth sign of the zodiac are known for being ambitious, confident, and charismatic. For some, that innate boldness might be channeled through their body artwork. When it comes to Leo tattoos, there are plenty of opportunities if you get creative. You can opt for classic designs, such as one-word script inks depicting the sign's name, symbols, or constellations. However, if you're looking for options beyond traditional tattoos, the fire sign can offer a multitude of artistic alternatives you can tap into, including symbolic as well as abstract interpretations. Whether it's going to be your first ink or the latest addition to your growing collection, we've rounded up a handful of Leo tattoo ideas to help you draw inspiration from. From classic monochrome options and fine-line needlework to elaborate graphic illustrations and colorful pieces of ink, we've included a wide range of tattoo inspirations that have something for everyone. Read on to find the best Leo zodiac tattoo ideas.

Out of all the accessories we could pile on, we almost never leave the house without a pair of sunglasses. For one, they shield our eyes from being blinded by the sun, which is always a plus. Aside from that, sunglasses also have the ability to make an outfit look more pulled together and stylish overall. Plus, they can hide tired, puffy eyes much better than most drugstore concealers - though only time will tell how well that theory actually holds up. There's no better time to stock up on staple sunnies for your wardrobe, which is precisely why we found several editor-backed styles that are available to shop online and worth having on your radar - including a few pairs of designer sunglasses. From trending sunglasses to classic silhouettes that stand the test of time, we scoured the internet and found the best sunglasses for women to stock up on this season. These styles will not only add the perfect pop of color to your outfit, but they'll also become your go-to shades, no matter what you're doing. From cool geometric shapes to classic cat-eye styles and even some fun designer sunglasses, each of these frames were designed to make a serious statement - regardless of your personal style or vibe. We found stylish options at every price point, including options that start at just $14 - and it really doesn't get much better than that. Shop the best sunglasses for women ahead, including sunnies from Quay, Ray Ban, and more. - Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy Related: The 25 Best Sneakers For Women to Shop in 2024

TikTok delivers an endless stream of content, from makeup tutorials to political reporting to entertaining and wholesome trends. But, like with most things, all the good also inevitably comes with some bad. The app has long been criticized for its tendency to push harmful weight-loss content to its audience, especially younger users. And now, TikTok is cracking down on it. Last week, the app updated their community guidelines to state that it will be paring back content involving restrictive low-calorie diets, medication or supplements for weight loss or muscle gain, exercises designed for rapid weight loss, before-and-after transformations, and more starting in May. And while the guideline updates are certainly a step in the right direction, experts are also warning that they may not go far enough, considering what we know about how weight-loss content has a way of slipping through the cracks. This isn't the first time TikTok has attempted to control weight-loss content on the platform. Back in 2020, the ByteDance-owned app came out with restrictions that were designed to limit users' exposure to potentially harmful imagery and language, including a ban on "ads for fasting apps and weight loss supplements, and [increased] restrictions on ads that promote a harmful or negative body image," Tara Wadhwa, TikTok's safety policy manager, said in a press release. But while 2020's restrictions were specifically for advertisements, these new guidelines are more expansive, taking aim at organic, creator-generated content that gets shown to users under 18 years old, or winds up on the For You Feed. "We know that being exposed to harmful content online that promotes dangerous dieting behaviors can actually lead vulnerable young people to engage in those behaviors," says Amanda Raffoul, PhD, instructor at the University of Toronto and researcher with STRIPED (Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders). But with millions of videos being uploaded to the platform each day, it's likely that this content will continue to be created and circulated. (Unless, of course, TikTok itself is banned - something that's looking more and more like it may become a reality.) After all, restrictions on certain kinds of content haven't stopped users from posting or finding them before. "By issuing a blanket ban on all of these types of content, there's still a likely chance that people are going to get creative and find ways to promote diet products or encourage really low-calorie diets and get through whatever filters TikTok might have for that," Dr. Raffoul says. Currently, TikTokers say "corn" instead of "porn" and "unalive" instead of "kill", or type "d1s0rder" in their captions instead of "disorder?" Loopholes like that have always existed on the platform, and creators are likely to find similar workarounds when making and posting weight-loss content. Of course, by doing something to begin to restrict this type of content, the app may be sending a message that it knows weight-loss videos are harmful and wants them off the platform, which is at least the right statement to be making. "I'm hopeful because something needs to be done about the fact that dangerous weight-loss content is being promoted to young people especially," Dr. Raffoul says. "But I'm skeptical because it seems like whenever platforms make these types of promises, what they're doing is trying to restrict user-generated content and not changing the way that the platform itself gets dangerous content to vulnerable users," she adds. Dr. Raffoul is referring to, of course, TikTok's (in)famous algorithm, which tracks what types of content users interact with, then feeds them more of the same. That means that if someone checks out the comments of one video centered on weight loss, they'll start seeing more. And that can be all it takes to lead them down the road to developing body image issues and even disordered eating. That's not a stretch: more TikTok use is related to higher levels of body satisfaction, according to a 2022 study in the journal Body Image. Instead of restricting users, then, brands would do a much better job at culling harmful content if they focused on algorithms. "What platforms can do is audit and tailor the ways in which algorithms might be pushing more extreme content to vulnerable users," Dr. Raffoul says. "Things like algorithm risk audits are being embedded in a lot of different social media legislation now because what they do is require an external organization or auditor to take a look at the ways that a TikTok algorithm, for example, might unfairly be pushing out eating disorder content, and hold them accountable for that." Ultimately, users can't rely solely on the guidelines of TikTok, or any other social media platform, to keep them protected from triggering or harmful content, which has a weed-like way of surviving. Instead, we all have to consume content mindfully: unfollow accounts posting harmful content, report videos that make their way onto your feed anyway, and perhaps most importantly, aim to get your health advice from a balanced selection of sources - not just your FYP. Elizabeth Gulino is a freelance journalist who specializes in topics relating to wellness, sex, relationships, work, money, lifestyle, and more. She spent four and a half years at Refinery29 as a senior writer and has worked for House Beautiful, Complex, and The Hollywood Reporter.

Stylish loungewear remains a highly sought-after trend, and it's no surprise given the multitude of brands embracing fashionably comfortable attire. One such brand is Gap. Its website boasts a wide array of sweatpants for spring and beyond, ranging from eye-catching floral-patterned pieces from its highly anticipated LoveShackFancy collaboration to wide-leg knit sweater pants that look high-end to classic joggers that are bound to become a wardrobe staple and so much more. Gap's sweatpants offerings go beyond the expected. While the brand is synonymous with casual comfort, it also offers pieces with a trendy edge. Think: cargo sweatpants, split-hem designs, and sophisticated seamed styles. Plus, many come with a matching top for those who love the ease of co-ords. So what are you waiting for? If you haven't already started browsing, now's the time. Keep scrolling to shop the eight best Gap sweatpants while they're still in still in stock. Related: 10 Gap Activewear Pieces So Luxe, They Look Triple the Price