Health

Is Self-Care Just Marketing? The Truth Behind Beauty and Mental Health

Published

10 months ago

27 June 2025

In today’s world, self-care feels like both a necessity and a trend. One minute, you’re watching a video about setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental health; the next, you’re being sold a rose quartz face roller, a $50 candle, and a “detox” bath soak. It’s hard not to wonder, is self-care just a marketing scheme wrapped in pastel colors and wellness buzzwords? Or is there something real beneath the skincare masks and yoga poses?

Let’s unpack the truth behind the self-care industry, how beauty gets tangled with mental health, and where the line lies between genuine care and clever branding.

The Rise of Self-Care Culture

Self-care didn’t start with beauty brands or Instagram influencers. Its roots trace back to medical and psychological practices where patients, especially those dealing with chronic illnesses or mental health struggles, were encouraged to take small, manageable steps to support their well-being.

But in the last decade, the concept exploded into mainstream culture. Thanks to social media, the term “self-care” is now plastered on everything from luxury skincare kits to guided journaling apps. It’s become a lifestyle, a hashtag, and a billion-dollar industry.

And here’s the twist: while some of it is absolutely beneficial, a lot of it is also branding.

What is painted Self-Care

Beauty Products in the Name of Mental Health

We’ve all seen it. A brand drops a new face mask and calls it a “mental reset.” A beauty influencer shares her “healing” skincare routine as a way to deal with anxiety. And while there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a nighttime ritual, the problem starts when beauty products are sold as mental health solutions.

Using a body scrub or serum can feel good. It can be soothing, calming, and a part of how you unwind. But it’s not therapy. It’s not a substitute for sleep, real emotional processing, or reaching out for help when you need it.

And yet, more and more products are blurring that line, offering a bubble bath when what someone might truly need is a therapist, medication, or meaningful connection.

Self-care ‘looks like’

The Problem With Commodifying Self-Care

When self-care becomes something you have to buy, it becomes less accessible and more performative.

Think about it. A young woman scrolling through TikTok sees countless creators sharing “self-care hauls” filled with expensive items. She starts to believe that unless she has the right candle, the right skincare fridge, the right aesthetic journal, she’s not really taking care of herself.

And that’s not just unfair, it’s harmful. Because the real essence of self-care isn’t glamorous. It’s setting boundaries. It’s turning off your phone. It’s saying no, drinking water, going to therapy, going for a walk, getting some sleep, asking for help. Most of these things cost little to nothing, but they rarely make it into the curated Instagram grid.

Self-care routine

The Beauty Industry’s Smart Play

To be fair, the beauty industry caught onto something important: people are tired, anxious, and overstimulated. Mental health struggles are more openly talked about now than ever before. And for the first time in a long time, society is collectively trying to slow down and prioritize wellness.

So brands saw an opportunity, and they ran with it.

They swapped “anti-aging” for “self-love,” “pampering” for “healing,” and suddenly, skincare isn’t about vanity anymore, it is about vitality. But let’s not ignore that a lot of it is strategic. The language of self-care is being used because it sells.

And unfortunately, that can water down the deeper, more complex conversations we need to have about mental health.

What Real Self-Care Actually Looks Like

Self-care doesn’t have to be bought. It doesn’t have to be trendy. And it certainly doesn’t have to be perfect.

Real self-care looks different for everyone. It could mean:

Turning off work emails after 6pm.

Getting honest about your burnout.

Going to therapy or joining a support group.

Saying “no” without guilt.

Eating actual meals, not just coffee and snacks.

Moving your body in a way that feels good, not punishing.

Sure, a skincare ritual can be part of it. So can candles and bubble baths. But they should support your well-being, not define it.

Feeling nature is self-care

So Is Self-Care Just Marketing?

Partly, yes. The term has been commercialized, aestheticized, and in some cases, diluted into something unrecognizable. But at its core, self-care is still deeply important and valid.

The trick is learning to separate what you’re being sold from what you actually need.

If a product helps you feel grounded, relaxed, or joyful, go for it. But don’t let anyone convince you that healing can only happen if you can afford it. Don’t let marketing turn self-care into another source of pressure.

You don’t have to spend money to take care of yourself. Sometimes, the most radical act of self-care is doing what’s best for your mind and body, even if no one else sees it.

Reading is self-care

Self-care isn’t a sheet mask. It’s not a cute planner. It’s not a trend. It’s the everyday practice of showing up for yourself, whether that means resting, crying, journaling, stretching, or speaking up for what you need.

So the next time someone tells you to buy something in the name of self-care, pause and ask yourself:

Is this helping me feel better, or just helping someone make a sale?

Because when we strip away the filters and fluff, real self-care is still here. Quiet, personal, and powerful.

Related Topics:#EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #MindfulLiving #RealSelfCare #SelfCare #WellnessJourney

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Health

Unexplained Weight Gain? It Could Be a Sign of PCOS

Published

1 week ago

6 April 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo - Pinterest

Weight gain that happens without a clear change in diet or activity is often treated as a lifestyle issue. However, clinical research points to a more complex possibility: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. One key aspect is its impact on weight. This goes beyond calorie intake and expenditure. Many women with PCOS experience metabolic changes that make weight gain easier and weight loss more difficult.

Photo – Pinterest

A key factor is insulin resistance. The body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. As a result, insulin levels rise, which encourages fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. This explains why some women gain weight even when their routines have not changed significantly.

Hormonal imbalance also contributes. Elevated levels of androgens, hormones commonly associated with male physiology, are typical in PCOS. These can affect metabolism and contribute to fat storage. At the same time, irregular ovulation affects how the body regulates energy use.

Photo – Pinterest

PCOS-related weight gain rarely occurs alone. It often appears alongside irregular menstrual cycles, acne, thinning hair on the scalp, or increased hair growth on the face and body. When these symptoms occur together, they form a pattern that should not be ignored.

Early recognition is important. PCOS is associated with a higher risk of long-term conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this context, weight gain signals underlying metabolic issues rather than a cosmetic concern.

Photo – Pinterest

Management varies by individual. Doctors may recommend dietary adjustments, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medication to improve insulin sensitivity or regulate hormones. The goal is to stabilise the body’s metabolic response over time.

For anyone experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially alongside other symptoms, it is worth seeking medical advice. Identifying PCOS early allows for targeted management and better long-term health outcomes.

Health

The Truth About Perimenopausal Weight Gain and How to Keep It in Check

Published

4 weeks ago

19 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo:Getty images

Perimenopause is a phase before menopause, which usually affects women in their 40s. During this time, many women notice unexplained weight gain which could be frustrating. Here are some reasons it happens and how to manage it.

Why Weight Gain Happens During Perimenopause

One of the reasons weight gain happens during perimenopause is change in the hormones. Levels of estrogen reduce, affecting how the body regulates metabolism. Studies show that while menopause itself does not cause weight gain, they are linked to increased body fat.

Photo: Getty images

Lower estrogen causes hunger and fullness hormones . This makes women feel hungry after meals. As a result, calorie intake may increase without a person knowing.

Aging also plays an important role. The body muscle mass naturally reduces with age. Without making the right adjustments in daily activity and nutrition, weight gain happens.

Photo: Getty images

Another factor during Perimenopause is sleep stress. Sleeping disorders affect hormones that control appetite. Experts note that many women gain weight during this time, though experiences are different.

How to Keep Perimenopausal Weight Gain in Check

1. Practice Strength Training

Photo :Getty images

Building muscle becomes important during perimenopause. Muscle helps maintain metabolism and improves glucose usage. Health experts recommend combining aerobic exercise with various muscle activities.

2. Take Balanced Diet Meals

Instead of dieting, experts encourage eating food rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle and supports fullness. Calorie reduction can slow metabolism and make weight management harder.

3. Sleep

Photo: Getty images

Getting the required sleep everyday goes a long way to improve your health. Everything doesn’t have to be work or movies, sleeping 7-8 hours daily is recommended. Poor sleep can cause weight gain. It’s advisable to sleep early and avoid sleep disruptions to stabilize appetite.

4. Avoid Stress

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which promotes fat storage around the abdomen. Regular movement and relaxation practices can help support overall wellbeing.

5. Speak to a Professional

For some women, talking with a health professional helps manage symptoms. With their experience and knowledge, these experts can provide insights on how to manage this phase. .

Perimenopausal weight gain is real, but the above-mentioned tips help. Exercise, eat well and get enough sleep to maintain a healthy weight.

Health

Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Overlooking Fibroid Symptoms — 4 Warning Signs Women Should Know

Published

1 month ago

7 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Source:Instagram

Lupita Nyong’o has spoken out about her struggle with uterine fibroids. She hopes her experience will encourage women to pay attention to their bodies. She revealed how many fibroids over the years. The Oscar winner said she has carried 77 uterine fibroids, and 25 were removed through surgery.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths found around the uterus.They are common and affect millions of women worldwide. Studies suggest that 80% of women may develop fibroids during their childbearing years.

Photo: Instagram

Nyong’o said she ignored the symptoms for years because she thought it was part of being a woman. She advises women to talk to a professional when they notice reproductive health issues.

Here are four warning signs women should watch out for.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

One of the common signs of fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. This includes having periods that last longer than usual.

Nyong’o has spoken about experiencing heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Experts say if your period is heavy, consult a doctor.

Persistent Pelvic Pain

Another warning sign is abnormal pain in the pelvic area. Fibroids can grow large and press against nearby organs causing discomfort.

Some women describe this as a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. Others experience sharp pain during their period.

Photo:Instagram

Nyong’o shared that pain was one of the symptoms she lived with for years before she understood the cause.

Frequent Urination

Large fibroids press on the bladder, causing frequent urination. This symptom is mistaken for a urinary issue. However, if frequent urination occurs along with other symptoms, it could be due to fibroids. Experts believe this happens when fibroids take up space in the pelvic area

Abdominal Swelling

Some fibroids cause swelling in the abdomen. In certain cases, the stomach appears bloated. This swelling is mistaken for weight gain. Fibroid sizes vary based on several factors.