Top Consultancies Report Rising Holiday Shopping Fatigue; Clinicians Explain How to Maintain Wellbeing
Illustration of a girl stressed due to holiday shopping
As Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture holiday shopping reports warn of record cognitive stress and rising indecision this holiday season, clinicians explain why constant decision-making drains the brain, and what can be done to support it.
November 17, 2025. Three of the world’s leading consultancies, Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture, have recently released reports on holiday shopping. They highlight record levels of cognitive stress and rising indecision as key features of the coming season. Clinicians warn that, beyond budget tightening and economic instability, this is leading us to a global cognitive burnout.
All three reports represent different sides of holiday shopping struggles. Deloitte’s Holiday Retail Survey 2025 finds that 58% of consumers describe holiday shopping as stressful, while Accenture reports that 85% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to frustration or indecision. PwC’s Holiday Outlook 2025 shows that 84% expect to cut back spending.
“People aren’t just overwhelmed by buying. They are mentally strained by constant decision-making,” said Dr. Hannah Nearney, clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience, a company that develops brain stimulation solutions for mental wellbeing. “When the brain gets overloaded like that, we quickly see stress “mode” kicking in which can worsen other problems like anxiety and depression.”
Dr. Nearney adds that difficulties can include low mood, poor concentration, and overwhelm as a result of decision fatigue overloading the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s region responsible for planning and emotional regulation.
What amplifies the decision fatigue during this holiday shopping season is financial pressure, consultancies’ data shows.
For example, Deloitte reports that 57% of consumers expect the economy to weaken in the next six months. The firm says this is its most negative sentiment in nearly 30 years.
“Economic uncertainty keeps the brain and nervous system in a constant state of anxiety and alertness,” said Dr. Nearney. “This makes it harder for people to manage holiday shopping and planning. Thus, we can’t simply enjoy the season.”
While cognitive burnout is on the rise, one demographic of consumers seems to be resisting it more than others.
According to PwC’s report, Gen Z plans to reduce holiday spending by 23%, more than any other age group, while showing a growing interest in purchases related to wellness and mental health.
“Younger people are realising that mental energy is finite,” she said. “And this is great, to be honest. They’re beginning to view focus and calm as resources worth protecting.”
This shift in priorities appears visible in practice, too, Dr. Nearney adds. A growing number of younger adults are beginning to use mental health devices to manage stress before it escalates into burnout. One of such tools are brain stimulation headsets that are gaining popularity.
“While it’s important to choose the right method that works for you, at-home solutions where you target the brain regions responsible for stress and anxiety are becoming more popular with increasing clinical research to support that,” Dr. Nearney said. “People who incorporate this into their routines often report an improvement in their wellbeing within a matter of weeks, so this may be a suitable practice for some to implement ahead of the predictable “holiday stressor” season.”
Clinical research shows that brain stimulation therapy can improve emotional regulation, mood, sleep, and focus. It can also ease anxiety: based on over 18,800 samples of real-world data, 66% of people using a Flow brain stimulation device reported improvement after three weeks of regular use.
“The answer to cognitive burnout this holiday season is not avoiding decisions, but practicing self-care,” concludes Dr. Nearney. “And this can manifest in different forms, be it meditation, physical activity, “batch” decision-making ahead of hitting the online deals, pacing your shopping to include breaks, taking screen breaks or considering incorporating brain stimulation into your routine.”
About Flow Neuroscience
Flow Neuroscience is a healthcare company that focuses on tDCS therapies and devices. In 2016, it was co-founded in Sweden by Daniel Mansson, a clinical psychologist, and Erik Rehn, an engineer. Erin Lee joined as CEO in 2022, having previously worked at Google, Uber and Babylon, and the company is now based in the UK. Flow is the only at-home medical tDCS device with clinically proven effectiveness in treating depression. It is not only used by the National Health Service (NHS), but also available and has passed regulations in Europe, Norway, Switzerland, and Hong Kong.
Mindful Care same-day mental health access across New York City saves lives
New York, NY — Mindful Care, a pioneering mental health provider offering same-day and next-day psychiatric and therapy services, continues to make high-quality, affordable mental health care easily accessible throughout New York City. With conveniently located clinics across Manhattan and Long Island — and the ability to connect virtually — Mindful Care provides flexible care options for New Yorkers seeking immediate support.
Accessible Care Across the Five Boroughs
Mindful Care serves patients across the New York area with in-person clinics located at:
Midtown Manhattan: 25 W. 45th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Midtown East: 71 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 329, New York, NY 10017
West Hempstead (Long Island): 595 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 200, West Hempstead, NY 11552
Each location offers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy sessions, including Mindful Care’s signature MicroTherapy™ — short, 20-minute sessions designed to fit into modern, busy lifestyles. Patients can also access the same high-quality services virtually through secure telehealth visits, creating continuity between in-person and online care.
A Mission Rooted in Preventing Delayed Care
The story that inspired Mindful Care’s creation is one that still drives the organization’s mission today.
“I’ll actually share a story that begins as a tragedy, because it demonstrates why Mindful Care exists today and how our model is designed to create a better outcome,” said Dr. Tamir Aldad, founder and CEO of Mindful Care.
“When I was in training, I met a young woman named Lauren. She had just come home from college to find her mother locked in the bathroom, dead from an overdose and her baby sister barely responsive. Her sister was rushed to the pediatric ICU, her mother was pronounced dead on arrival, and Lauren herself came to psychiatry.
Despite her obvious trauma, she didn’t meet the criteria for an inpatient admission. Because of the way the system works, we couldn’t start her on medication in the ER. We discharged her with an appointment several weeks out, telling her to come back if things got worse. Two days later, we got the devastating call that Lauren had died by a drug overdose.
That case has stayed with me ever since. And it’s why I built Mindful Care. In our model, Lauren wouldn’t have been turned away or told to wait weeks. She could have walked into one of our urgent-care clinics the same day, received an evaluation, started treatment immediately, and been connected to ongoing support. Mindful Care now exists to ensure no one in her position falls through the cracks again. We’ve had countless patients since then walk in at their breaking point, get same-day care, and stabilize—lives that otherwise could have been lost but were instead saved by this new approach.”
Mindful Care Nationwide
In addition to serving New York, Mindful Care operates clinics in Florida, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Coming soon to Michigan and Illinois.
About Mindful Care
Founded in 2018, Mindful Care is the first national outpatient mental health company to offer same-day and next-day psychiatric and therapeutic care — both virtually and in person. By combining the accessibility of urgent care with the depth of ongoing mental health treatment, Mindful Care is changing how and when people can get the help they deserve.
Dr. Tamir Aldad is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist recognized for his leadership in transforming access to mental health and substance use treatment. As the Founder and CEO of Mindful Care, Dr. Aldad pioneered the nation’s first same-day mental health and addiction treatment urgent care model, expanding access to care across multiple states. Under his leadership, Mindful Care has grown into a multi-state network, serving thousands of patients with integrated psychiatric, addiction, and therapy services.
GLP-1 evidence signals shift in future dialysis care in US, says GlobalData
Emerging evidence that GLP-1 therapies can slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is reshaping expectations for renal care demand in the US. As semaglutide demonstrates measurable reductions in kidney decline, cardiovascular events, and mortality, clinicians and device manufacturers face a pivotal inflection point, balancing delayed disease progression with the likelihood of more patients ultimately surviving long enough to require dialysis and transplant support, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Reportedly, around 14% of US adults had CKD between 2017 and 2020, and more than 815,000 people are living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Comorbidity is common, in 2022, 59% of ESRD patients had diabetes, 25% had heart failure, and 20% had other cardiac disease.
Selena Yu, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “GLP-1s, like Ozempic (semaglutide) used for diabetes remission could ultimately reduce new CKD cases, but uncertain long-term population effects and access limitations (e.g., payer coverage) mean both clinicians and medical device companies must plan for mixed scenarios in service demand and patient access.”
A 2024 clinical trial, “A Research Study to See How Semaglutide Works Compared to Placebo in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease,” found that the decline in kidney function was slower in the semaglutide group compared to the placebo group, and patients on semaglutide risk of major cardiovascular evens was 18% lower and risk of death caused by them was 20% lower.
In turn, the FDA approved Ozempic for use in reducing the risk of kidney failure and disease progression, and heart problems associated with diabetes patients with CKD in January 2025. And the European Medicines agency also added use case of reduction for events related to kidney disease to the label of Ozempic. Although, Ozempic is not curative, it can slow the progression to ESRD, decrease major cardiovascular events and deaths associated with them, thus improving the patient’s journey.
Yu adds: “One thing to note is more patients with CKD are surviving to stage 5 or ESRD. This is because Ozempic will not cure CKD, it functionally works as slowing down the disease progression but eventually patients will develop ESRD as kidney function declines. Therefore, more patients will need transplants and dialysis since they are surviving longer in earlier stages of CKD to reach ESRD. Thus, there may be a rise in the medical devices from HLA testing for organ matching to dialyzers and dialysis machines for dialysis care.
“On the other hand, because type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of CKD, broader use of GLP-1 agonists before kidney impairment begins could potentially reduce future ESRD prevalence. With one in three adults with diabetes developing CKD, achieving diabetes remission through agents like semaglutide may prevent a significant share of these patients from progressing to kidney disease at all.”
Currently, it is difficult to predict the market dynamics for dialysis care in the US with Ozempic’s clinical applications still being tested in clinical trials. Moreover, with budget cuts to public services like Medicare and Medicaid, patients with CKD who would benefit from treatment with GLP-1 agonists may have limited access to care.
Yu concludes: “Semaglutide has been shown to slow CKD progression, reduce major cardiovascular events, and lower cardiovascular mortality in people with type 2 diabetes and CKD, prompting regulatory label expansions for kidney- and heart-protection. Because semaglutide delays but does not cure kidney disease, clinicians should anticipate patients living longer with earlier-stage CKD yet still progressing to ESRD which requires proactive care coordination, earlier transplant and dialysis planning, and aggressive management of comorbidities. On the other hand, industry may see increased demand for dialysis equipment and transplant-related services.”
Quotes provided by Selena Yu, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData
This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.
ACA premiums to rise 30 percent:Health Care Sharing Ministries offer a lifeline amid soaring costs
As inflation, record insurance rate hikes squeeze families, the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries says faith-based sharing offers affordable, values-driven care
WASHINGTON — As Americans brace for a 30 percent surge in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premiums next year — the steepest annual increase in recent memory — Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries (Alliance) leaders say the news underscores the growing need for faith-based alternatives that help families stay healthy, solvent, and free from bureaucracy.
Recent reporting from KFF Health News, The Washington Post, and Insurance Business Magazine confirms that roughly 17 million Americans who buy coverage on Healthcare.gov will see premium hikes averaging 30 percent beginning in 2026. Analysts warn that without continued pandemic-era subsidies, many households could see their premiums double or even triple.
“The Alliance has long advocated for negotiating better prices and having more transparency in health costs of all kinds, from drug prices to medical treatments to hospital stays,” said Katy Talento, executive director of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries. “Non-insurance options such as Health Care Sharing Ministries may be one of the only ways to buck the trend of skyrocketing costs of health care.
“Leveraging the power of the cash-pay economy, as well as the community connections and mutual accountability to live in a healthy way, is not only good stewardship, but also consistent with Christian beliefs.”
The dramatic premium increase arrives amid lingering inflation and partisan gridlock over how to contain health care costs. Congress remains divided: Democrats push to extend COVID-era expanded ACA subsidies, while Republicans argue such subsidies were always meant to be temporary. Meanwhile, middle-income Americans — too prosperous to qualify for expanded assistance but unable to absorb the rate hikes — face excruciating financial choices.
“Families are caught in a perfect storm of inflation, medical debt, and shrinking options,” said Talento. “Health Care Sharing Ministries demonstrate that a community of believers can stand together, care for one another and avoid being trapped in a costly and impersonal system.”
Members of Health Care Sharing Ministries— nonprofit, faith-based communities that share one another’s medical needs — have existed for decades, long before the ACA, and say their approach provides both spiritual and financial relief. Participants contribute monthly “shares” to assist others’ eligible medical expenses and, in turn, have their own needs supported when they arise.
According to the Alliance, members enjoy advantages such as:
Community support and accountability that encourages healthy living consistent with faith principles
Transparency in pricing, as members or their ministries often negotiate directly with providers
Lower monthly costs compared to insurance carriers’ premiums
“When the federal government or insurance carriers announce yet another double-digit rate increase, Americans need to know that a faithful, ethical alternative exists,” said Talento. “Health Care Sharing Ministries are not insurance, but they represent a return to stewardship, generosity and wise financial management in health care.”
The latest ACA premium spike continues a decade-long trend of rising costs that have far outpaced wage growth. These premium increases are just creating an opportunity for more Americans to discover what hundreds of thousands of other people have already discovered, which is the non-insurance option, Health Care Sharing Ministries. The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries reports a steady uptick in Americans exploring health care sharing options, particularly among Christian families and self-employed individuals who value autonomy and transparency.
“As prices rise, more Americans are turning toward health care models that reflect their values and give them control,” said Talento. “This is not just a financial decision — it’s a moral and spiritual one, rooted in how we care for one another as believers.”
Talento added that while insurance carriers grapple with inflation, regulatory complexity and profit pressures, Health Care Sharing Ministries rely on a simpler model of mutual aid: Members directly share funds for eligible medical bills, guided by their commitment to Christian compassion.
“The system is broken when premiums rise faster than paychecks and when government policy punishes personal responsibility,” said Talento. “Lawmakers should focus on empowering Americans with real choices — including Health Care Sharing Ministries — that reward stewardship and transparency rather than propping up a failing status quo.”
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries is a 501(c)(6) trade organization representing the common interests of Health Care Sharing Ministries, which facilitate the sharing of health care needs — financial, emotional and spiritual — by individuals and families. The Alliance engages with federal and state regulators, members of the media, and the Christian community to provide accurate and timely information on health care sharing.
To learn more about the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, visit www.ahcsm.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or X.
‘Fine’ Is the New Fake: Life Coach Darla Nelson on Why Emotional Honesty Is the Key to Connection and Peace
TURLOCK, Calif., Nov. 17, 2025 — “Fine” may be the most common and most dishonest word in the English language, and it’s silently keeping people isolated from one another, explains Christian Life Coach Darla Nelson. She believes the antidote to that isolation begins with vulnerability.
‘Fine’ keeps people at arm’s length; honesty invites connection,” Nelson said. “Vulnerability is where true healing begins, and that’s when peace starts to take root.”
That message is at the heart of Nelson’s new book, I’m Fine. Really?: Moving From Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm. Her book invites readers to drop the mask, embrace grace and rediscover the peace that comes from being real — with themselves, with others and with God.
Her book walks readers through simple, life-giving shifts to help them:
● Understand what’s really behind those feelings of stress
● Release emotional weight that’s been holding them back
● Build healthier thoughts, habits and relationships
● Embrace peace, even amid life’s chaos
“The book is filled with honest, relatable stories — my own and those of people I’ve coached — that show life isn’t always neat and tidy,” Nelson said. “I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. I’m just an ordinary woman who’s learned (and is still learning) to trust God more deeply, let go of stress and build healthier habits one step at a time.”
And that’s what makes Nelson’s narrative so refreshing: She doesn’t speak from a place of perfection. She shares the trenches of real life with readers in a way that is candid and heartfelt. I'm Fine. Really? is an honest, faith-filled guide that can help readers let go of stress and live with more clarity, connectedness and purpose.
“Ultimately, my prayer is that readers feel seen, understood and inspired to let go of the pressure to be ‘fine’ and start creating a life that’s truly fulfilling — spiritually, emotionally and physically,” Nelson added.
I’m Fine. Really?: Moving from Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm
Darla Nelson is a Christian Life and Health Coach, author and speaker who specializes in helping women (and a few wise men!) move from stress and anxiety to peace and purpose. With over a decade of coaching experience and certifications in life and health coaching and NLP, she equips her clients with practical tools and faith-based strategies to navigate life with greater calm and clarity.
She has been married to her husband for 38 years, and together they have built a life filled with love, faith and family that includes three married children and five grandchildren.
‘Fine’ Is the New Fake: Life Coach Darla Nelson on Why Emotional Honesty Is the Key to Connection and Peace
TURLOCK, Calif., Nov. 12, 2025 — “Fine” may be the most common and most dishonest word in the English language, and it’s silently keeping people isolated from one another, explains Christian Life Coach Darla Nelson. She believes the antidote to that isolation begins with vulnerability.
‘Fine’ keeps people at arm’s length; honesty invites connection,” Nelson said. “Vulnerability is where true healing begins, and that’s when peace starts to take root.”
That message is at the heart of Nelson’s new book, I’m Fine. Really?: Moving From Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm. Her book invites readers to drop the mask, embrace grace and rediscover the peace that comes from being real — with themselves, with others and with God.
Her book walks readers through simple, life-giving shifts to help them:
● Understand what’s really behind those feelings of stress
● Release emotional weight that’s been holding them back
● Build healthier thoughts, habits and relationships
● Embrace peace, even amid life’s chaos
“The book is filled with honest, relatable stories — my own and those of people I’ve coached — that show life isn’t always neat and tidy,” Nelson said. “I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. I’m just an ordinary woman who’s learned (and is still learning) to trust God more deeply, let go of stress and build healthier habits one step at a time.”
And that’s what makes Nelson’s narrative so refreshing: She doesn’t speak from a place of perfection. She shares the trenches of real life with readers in a way that is candid and heartfelt. I'm Fine. Really? is an honest, faith-filled guide that can help readers let go of stress and live with more clarity, connectedness and purpose.
“Ultimately, my prayer is that readers feel seen, understood and inspired to let go of the pressure to be ‘fine’ and start creating a life that’s truly fulfilling — spiritually, emotionally and physically,” Nelson added.
I’m Fine. Really?: Moving from Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm
Darla Nelson is a Christian Life and Health Coach, author and speaker who specializes in helping women (and a few wise men!) move from stress and anxiety to peace and purpose. With over a decade of coaching experience and certifications in life and health coaching and NLP, she equips her clients with practical tools and faith-based strategies to navigate life with greater calm and clarity.
She has been married to her husband for 38 years, and together they have built a life filled with love, faith and family that includes three married children and five grandchildren.
AI Is Transforming Hiring – But Human Expertise Remains Essential, Finds Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Report
Toronto, ON – Artificial intelligence is reshaping the Canadian workplace, but the latest Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide reveals that the shift is measured, with human skills and adaptability still at the forefront.
The annual study, based on thousands of employer and employee responses nationwide, shows that while over 53% of Canadian organizations are using AI to supplement their teams, only 2% of roles are being fully replaced by AI. Instead, companies are leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks, fill gaps created by talent shortages, and empower existing staff. More than 40% of organizations are choosing to upskill their teams rather than hire new talent, reflecting a strategic shift toward internal development and resilience.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept, it’s a present force reshaping the workplace,” said Travis O’Rourke, President of Hays Canada. “Canada’s workforce is evolving to adapt to AI, but the shift isn’t as dramatic as many headlines suggest. While AI continues to make waves, its impact on job displacement remains limited, highlighting the ongoing need for human expertise in key areas. The future of work in Canada will be shaped by those who embrace change with intention, leaders who invest in people, communicate transparently, and align technology with human potential.”
Key Findings: The State of Work in the Age of AI (Canada)
AI adoption is widespread but measured: Over 53% of organizations use AI to support teams, while only 2% report replacing jobs outright.
Upskilling over hiring: 42.6% of companies are investing in upskilling current employees, compared to 35% hiring externally to fill skill gaps.
New in-demand skills: Data literacy, automation fluency, and prompt engineering are now baseline expectations across most functions.
Top sectors feeling AI’s impact: Customer service and technology roles are experiencing the most disruption, while skilled trades, construction, mining, and oil & gas remain notably resilient.
Human oversight remains critical: Roles demanding empathy, communication, and complex decision-making continue to show high resistance to automation.
Tariffs and trade policy: Nearly 25% of organizations have paused or delayed hiring due to economic uncertainty and tariffs.
The Human Advantage Endures
Despite the rise of AI, human skills remain irreplaceable.
“The shift to AI is more nuanced than it appears. For instance, finance roles like controllers and analysts are evolving, as organizations increasingly value data literacy and automation fluency. With these capabilities becoming central to performance, clients are starting to benchmark compensation differently by comparing finance talent not only to peers in accounting, but also to roles in analytics and technology,” said Alistair Houghton, Vice President of Accounting and Finance Recruitment at Hays.
Emerging Roles and Economic Forces
AI is not only transforming traditional workplace functions but also generating new opportunities – particularly in high-skilled, technology-driven roles such as machine learning engineers, data infrastructure specialists, and automation experts. At the same time, economic pressures, including tariffs and trade restrictions, are influencing hiring decisions and prompting organizations to accelerate investment in automation and AI.
About the Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide
The Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide is based on an August 2025 survey of hiring managers, HR professionals, and employees across all major industries. The report explores compensation data, workforce strategies, and AI adoption patterns shaping the next era of work in Canada.
COSRX Unveils New 5 PDRN Vital Care Collection and Upgraded Vitamin C 23 Serum on Amazon
COSRX Unveils New 5 PDRN Vital Care Collection and Upgraded Vitamin C 23 Serum on Amazon
November 12, 2025, New York, NY - Award-winning K-beauty brand COSRXis kicking off the holiday season with the launch of its highly anticipated 5 PDRN Vital Care line and the renewed Advanced Vitamin C 23% Serum, available exclusively on Amazon.com starting November 10. Whether you're battling dull, tired skin or looking for high-performance treatments to refresh your routine before the year ends, this launch delivers powerful solutions grounded in skin science and trusted ingredients. The new 5 PDRN Vital Care line was developed as a total skin resilience system - ideal for restoring elasticity, calming irritation, and helping skin bounce back after dermatological treatments like peels or micro-needling.
Meet the New Launches:COSRX 5 PDRN B5 Vital Soothing Toner($23): Infused with 5 PDRN and panthenol (Vitamin B5), this refreshing non-sticky toner helps calm sensitivity, reinforce the moisture barrier, and prep your skin for the products that follow.COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum($25): This 100ml daily-use serum made with 5 PDRN and low molecular collagen helps strengthen the skin barrier and restore youthful elasticity. COSRX 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask ($23): This innovative hydrogel mask melts transparently into skin as it delivers 5 PDRN and 8 types of hyaluronic acid deep into the dermis. With 34g of multi-activating serum per sheet, it's a one-step spa-level treatment for glow, bounce, and barrier repair.COSRX Advanced The Vitamin C 23 Serum - Now Renewed ($25): A longtime favorite with over 7,000 glowing Amazon reviews, this pure 23% vitamin C formula is now back - better than ever. The upgraded version features an enhanced texture, reduced scent, and a clean formula to minimize irritation while maximizing brightness. Formulated with super vitamin E, glutathione, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it targets uneven skin tone, dark spots, and early signs of aging - making it the perfect end-of-year skin reset. Images HERE
Exclusive Availability and Holiday Discounts:COSRX fans can shop the new products starting November 10, exclusively on Amazon.com(with the Vitamin C Serum also available on COSRX.com through 2025). To celebrate the launch, a 20% discount will be offered during COSRX's Black Friday & Cyber Monday Event on Amazon (November 20 - December 1) - the perfect chance to gift your skin, or someone else's, a powerful end-of-year reset. About COSRX:With its powerful yet affordable skincare solutions, COSRX has quickly become one of America's favorite skincare brands. Using a minimal number of highly effective natural extracts in concentrated doses, COSRX products deliver visible results by treating the skin with only the essentials it needs and nothing it doesn't. Find its best-selling skincare solutions at retailers nationwide, including COSRX.com, Amazon, ULTA, Revolve, Dermstore, Nordstromand Target. COSRX is also on Instagramand TikTok.
From “prejuvenation” serums to anti-sunscreen influencers, Dr. Weniger breaks down what’s worth trying—and what’s potentially harmful.
TikTok may be today’s beauty classroom, but not every viral lesson deserves an A-plus. Board-certified plastic Hilton Head, South Carolina Plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Weniger says he’s seeing more patients influenced by social media than ever before. “TikTok can inspire curiosity about skincare, but it also spreads half-truths,” he explains. “My goal is to help people tell the difference between science and spectacle.”
Below, Dr. Weniger weighs in on the newest anti-aging trends flooding social media:
1. The “#MorningShed” Layering Ritual
What it is: An elaborate pre-bedtime routine combining masks, chin straps, mouth tape, and multiple serums—all filmed for TikTok as a nightly performance. Verdict:Not necessary. Dr. Weniger says: “This is more about aesthetics for the camera than for the skin. Over-layering can clog pores, irritate the barrier, and make products less effective. You don’t need ten steps—just the right few.” What to do instead: A simple cleanser, one proven active (retinol or peptide), moisturizer, and SPF in the morning are still the most reliable foundation for healthy skin.
2. The Anti-Sunscreen Movement
What it is: Creators claiming that daily sunscreen use blocks vitamin D or is “unnatural,” encouraging minimal SPF or “sun exposure therapy.” Verdict:Dangerous and misleading. Dr. Weniger says: “This is one of the most concerning beauty myths we’ve seen. UV damage is responsible for up to 80 percent of visible aging—and skin cancer. Skipping SPF accelerates wrinkles, pigmentation, and collagen loss.” What to do instead: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, reapply outdoors, and look for lightweight mineral or hybrid formulas if you dislike traditional sunscreens.
3. Hypochlorous Acid for ‘Inflamm-Aging’
What it is: HOCl sprays marketed as miracle anti-aging mists that calm inflammation and “reset” the skin. Verdict:Promising but not magic. Dr. Weniger says: “Hypochlorous acid can soothe redness and support barrier recovery, especially after treatments like microneedling. But it’s not a wrinkle-eraser on its own. Think of it as supportive care, not a cure.” What to do instead: Combine soothing ingredients with proven actives: retinoids, antioxidants, and professional treatments—to address structural aging at multiple levels.
4. ‘Prejuvenation’ and Cell-Derived Serums
What it is: TikTok’s newest buzzword—“prejuvenation, ”urges users to start anti-aging early with exosome, stem-cell, or growth-factor serums. Verdict:Conditionally positive. Dr. Weniger says: “The idea of preventing aging before it shows is sound, but the science behind many of these products is still evolving. Almost none of the agents in these products are solidly proven. Some do show promise; others are overpriced moisturizers in disguise. Always look for data and medical oversight.” What to do instead: Integrate prevention with evidence-based skincare and, when ready, professional treatments that actually build collagen.
5. Skin Cycling (Still Going Strong)
What it is: Alternating “active” nights (retinol, exfoliation) with “recovery” nights for hydration and barrier repair. Verdict:Smart and effective—when personalized. Dr. Weniger says: “This trend stuck around because it makes sense. It allows the skin to repair itself and prevents over-exfoliation. This can be good for thin skin and more aged skin. People with thick, oily skin would probably be better with a more aggressive routine Just remember that one routine doesn’t fit all, sensitive skin may need longer rest phases. An experienced aesthetician is invaluable for personalized management of your skin.”
Dr. Weniger’s Final Take:
“Social media trends can make skincare seem complicated, but the fundamentals haven’t changed: protect your skin from the sun, support it with proven actives, and rely on professionals for advanced care. Everything else should pass the ‘science or show?’ test before you try it.”
Comfort Food, Reinvented: Flower Chef’s Gluten-Free Pasta Brings Health and Flavor to Fall Meals
(SEATTLE, WA) NOVEMBER 2025 — As cooler weather returns and comfort food takes center stage, Flower Chef Foods is redefining what it means to indulge well. Created by Celebrity Chef Jules Houser and crafted in Italy, Flower Chef’s high-protein, gluten-free pasta combines the comfort of traditional Italian cuisine with modern nutrition and a mission rooted in compassion. With the brand’s guiding message, “Eat Well, Love Well, Live Well,” Flower Chef Foods is helping families rediscover the joy of pasta that nourishes both body and soul.
With the global gluten-free pasta market projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2035, demand is soaring for products that deliver on taste, texture, and clean-label integrity. Flower Chef Foods is answering that call with a pasta that’s not only gluten-free, but also rich in plant-based protein (with 19g per serving), three simple organic ingredients, and authentic Italian craftsmanship. Each bite celebrates a commitment to quality, health, and sustainability, a perfect fit for fall meals, from cozy weeknight dinners to family gatherings.
“At Flower Chef Foods, we believe comfort food should never come with compromise,” said Jules Houser, Founder and CEO of Flower Chef Foods. “Our pastas are designed for people who value good food and good values, for those who want to Eat Well, Love Well, Live Well. This isn’t just gluten-free pasta; it’s an invitation to eat with joy, intention, and connection.”
Made in Italy using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques, Flower Chef’s pasta is a celebration of culinary excellence and ethical innovation. Every purchase supports Project Flower Power, the company’s global food relief initiative that provides nourishing meals to children in need, made from the same wholesome pasta customers enjoy at home.
As consumers seek meaningful brands that blend flavor, function, and purpose, Flower Chef Foods is emerging as a trusted leader in the better-for-you foods movement. This fall, the brand will spotlight new recipes and seasonal serving ideas that showcase its versatile pasta as the perfect foundation for hearty, wholesome, and delicious meals.
Flower Chef Foods is a purpose-driven food company founded by Celebrity Chef Jules Houser, offering premium, high-protein gluten-free pasta crafted in Italy. With a mission to make plant-based eating accessible, delicious, and impactful, the company supports global food security through its Project Flower Power initiative, donating nourishing meals to children in need worldwide. Flower Chef Foods combines culinary artistry, sustainability, and social good to inspire healthier lifestyles across the globe.
Chef Jules’ Pasta Aglio E Olio (with Flower Chef’s Artisanal Gluten-Free Pasta, serves 2-3) • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. • Gentle sauté 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves in ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil until golden. • Add in 1/8 tsp LorAnn chili oil. • Toss pasta into the pan with a splash of pasta water. Swirl to coat and gloss. • Add kosher salt and black pepper, to taste. • Stir in freshly chopped parsley, taste and serve immediately.
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