While research has shown that birdwatching has grown in popularity over the years, a study now suggests that becoming an expert birder may even be beneficial for your brain health.

Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience last month found that the brains of study participants who were categorized as expert birders showed structural differences in areas related to attention and perception compared to the brains of participants who were not experts in birdwatching.

The Canadian study involved 58 participants split evenly into two groups. The expert group consisted of 29 people, ages 24 to 75, who were recruited from the Toronto Ornithological Club and Ontario Field Ornithologists. The novice group consisted of 29 people, ages 22 to 79, recruited from the same birding groups and other groups focused on outdoor activities, such as hiking and gardening, NBC News reported.

All the participants underwent what’s called a diffusion-weighted MRI, which assessed structural differences in their brains. The results showed that the expert group had lower “mean diffusivity,” or MD, in certain areas of their brains. Mean diffusivity is a measure of the average rate at which water molecules move through tissue, and lower MD is associated with greater tissue density.

The lower MD (and greater tissue density) in the brains of expert birdwatchers suggested increased structural complexity in certain brain areas compared to those in the novice group, according to the study. The expert group had a “potential attenuation of age-related decline” in those regions. The lower MD was also associated with higher bird identification accuracy.

The researchers also evaluated brain function in both groups using an MRI. The participants were asked to match and identify local and nonlocal bird species. The study found that an area of experts’ brains that had shown lower MD was also actively engaged “when experts judged less-familiar nonlocal (vs. local) birds.”

Erik Wing, a lead author of the study, told NBC News that the research “gives us a window into how these regions might be important for developing the expertise in the first place.”

“We can see [birders] actually deploy those types of skills to help them identify new, unfamiliar species of birds,” he said.

Wing said the researchers chose to evaluate birders for the study because birding “combines fine-grain identification, visual search and attention to the immediate environment and sensitivity to motion, pattern detection, building these elaborate conceptual networks of different related species.”

The researchers used a bird familiarity screening test to determine whether a participant was an expert or a novice in birding, Medical News Today reported.

Wing cautioned that the study could not prove a casual link between positive brain changes and birding experience. But he told Medical News Today that “behavioral work from our group and others has shown that areas of specialized knowledge accumulated across life might be drawn on to support memory function in older adults.“

“We found that people who have spent years learning to identify birds show differences in both brain structure and brain activity — especially in regions that support attention and visual recognition,” he said elsewhere.

While this study evaluated participants based on their expertise in birding, Wing said past research suggests that brain changes have also been associated with expertise in “fields ranging from music to chess to ‘sports’ in the broadest sense (dancing to juggling).”

Dr. Emer MacSweeney, a consultant interventional neuroradiologist and CEO at Re:Cognition Health — who was not involved in the study — told the website that she believes there should be future research comparing different areas of expertise.

“While the findings resonate with a broader literature linking mentally engaging activities to healthier aging, future research should explore how different types of expertise compare and how lifestyle factors (social engagement, physical exercise, diet) interact with domain-specific training to influence brain structure and function,” she said.

Overall, when it comes to brain health, engaging in mentally stimulating activities in addition to physical ones is good for the brain in many ways. Research has shown that learning may even help older adults reduce their risk of dementia.

A study published in 2023 found that middle-aged and older adults who took adult education classes had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia within five years compared to adults who did not take classes. The participants in that study had self-reported attending adult education classes, but the frequency or type of class was not included.

“As we transition into later life, late middle age and beyond, we have to be more deliberate with making sure that we have enough intellectual stimulation and that we keep our minds healthy,” Dr. Zaldy Tan, the director of the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai in California, previously told HuffPost.

Many middle-aged women don’t necessarily “have it easy.” They’re experiencing mental and physical health changes, such as depression and menopause. They’re inaccurately portrayed in the media. They may feel “invisible.” That’s only the beginning of the list.

The good news is, many of their concerns can be addressed. Today, doctors want to focus on a major example — declining bone density and muscle mass from menopause — and how middle-aged women can address it to improve their quality of life.

Their No. 1 tip? More strength training.

As mentioned, middle-aged women are experiencing changes in their bodies, particularly due to perimenopause and menopause. That may require them to change their habits, including those related to exercise.

“We’re becoming more aware of what actually happens in perimenopause: the metabolic shifts, the muscle loss, the bone changes, the mood fluctuations,” said Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya, a urogynecologist, pelvic reconstructive surgeon and menopause and sexual health expert.

Strength-building exercises help all of those things. They increase bone mineral density, improve muscle mass, support metabolic health, decrease fall risk, improve mood and more.

“Strength training is one of the most important and most underutilized ways that women can protect their health and independence as they age,” said Dr. Clarinda Hougen, a primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles and a team physician for Angel City Football Club.

Bone health concerns, in particular, are more common for this group than you may realize, thanks to hormonal changes. As many as 1 in 3 women over 50 experience an osteoporosis fracture, and women can lose up to 20% of bone density in the five to seven years after menopause.

“Resistance training is one of the most effective non-pharmacologic tools we have to slow this process,” Dubinskaya added.

If you’re a middle-aged woman who’s not super familiar with strength training, fear not: Experts share some beginner-friendly tips and exercises you can do right now (some even from the comfort of your home).

Before making any health changes or starting a new exercise routine, check in with your healthcare provider.

“Let your practitioner know your goals of starting a resistance program, and make sure that cardiac concerns, such as high blood pressure, are not a roadblock for you to start,” said Yvonne Di Edwardo, a physical therapist at Atlantic Health.

While you’re there, she also suggested getting your bone density and balance evaluated.

Exercise doesn’t have to be a lengthy, expensive, scary thing — a couple of days a week at home will do.

“You do not need a gym membership,” Hougen said. “Start with body weight exercises, like squats, step-ups, modified pushups and planks.”

She encouraged focusing on your form to ensure you avoid injury. Checking with a personal trainer can help.

“As you get stronger, you can add light weights with dumbbells or kettlebells,” Hougen added. “Resistance bands are also handy for a variety of exercises.”

Di Edwardo shared some great starter exercises that use resistance bands:

• Sit to stand from a chair without using your hands. For an extra challenge, add a resistance band above your knees and put light pressure into the bands as you stand up.
• Supine march (basically, “march” while lying on your back) with resistance bands above your knees.
• Do gentle rows with resistance bands while standing or sitting. Pull the bands back to your chest with good posture.
• Side-step with a resistance band above your knees, using a countertop or wall to assist with your balance if necessary.

Don’t forget about warming up beforehand. “It is always a good idea to warm up — even for a short walk or a small amount of time on a recumbent or upright bike is a good way to warm muscles,” she added.

You may also experience urinary incontinence or the weakening of pelvic floor muscles during menopause. Resistance training can help.

“In pelvic floor training, the use of resistance training, either bands or light weights, with appropriate integration of our pelvic floor muscles and breathing technique, can make challenges such as running, lifting and stair-climbing less stressful on our pelvic floor and aid in maintaining our bladder control,” Di Edwardo explained.

Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor include kegels, bridge pose, squats, pelvic tilts and “bird dog.” A pelvic floor therapist can work through those with you.

When attending to your pelvic floor, Dubinskaya encouraged patients to “lift smarter” by paying attention to warning signs.

Examples include lower back tension, pelvic heaviness, a feeling of fullness or “something stuck” in the vagina, symptoms that worsen at the end of the day and new urinary leakage during lifting.

Let’s be real: Exercise isn’t always enjoyable. Even fitness pros don’t always want to work out. To stick to a routine, you may want to grab a couple of friends or attend a class.

“For some individuals, the social component to exercising is an added perk, and it helps in compliance and routine,” Di Edwardo said.

She recommended a water aerobics class to work your muscles and aid in muscle-building, or checking out a community-based activity focused on light resistance challenges.

The way you feed your body matters, too. In this case, protein is particularly important. “Make sure you are eating an adequate amount of lean protein to support muscle growth and repair,” Hougen said.

Lean protein food sources include chicken, turkey, beef, pork and others.

Don’t forget about adequate hydration, either. “Muscles that are underhydrated can cause us to cramp or not recover quickly,” Di Edwardo explained.

Going slow with exercise changes is key — especially for women who have connective disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos. According to Dubinskaya, aggressive heavy lifting in particular can cause symptoms to flare up earlier and progress faster.

“Weightlifting is good, but more is not always better,” she said.

Di Edwardo agreed. “As with all resistance training, know your limits,” she said. “Allow your muscles to take a break when needed.”

The “golden rule” here, perhaps, is to push yourself, but not too hard.

“Midlife health is not about extremes,” Dubinskaya said. “It’s about longevity. The goal isn’t to lift the heaviest weight in the room, but to still be lifting safely 20 years from now.”

If you’re a parent, “tummy time” is probably a familiar term, considered by many to be key to the physical development of babies. But now, tummy time is trending for adults, too.

Getting out of your desk chair and spending some time on your stomach might seem awkward at first, but if you think about how long you sit in the same position much of the day — at the office, on the couch and in the car — it makes sense. Experts say it’s offsetting the effects of tech neck and tight hips, too.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker spends 45% of the day sitting. In addition to sitting, they stare at electronics all day; 91% of Americans own a smartphone. Screen-based lives might be causing a variety of orthopedic problems.

“Lying on your stomach for 10 or more minutes a day while watching TV or reading can improve bad posture and relieve ‘tech neck’ — the strain in our necks and shoulders caused by looking down at phones and laptops for hours each day,” said Julie Landis, a physical therapist and ergonomist in Washington, D.C.

Here’s what to know as you consider getting out of your chair and down on your belly — a position that’s no longer just for babies.

Tummy time is an activity in which new babies spend time while awake on their stomachs. There, they build multiple muscle groups and improve mobility as well as arm, trunk and neck strength.

In a TikTok post from 2023 that has recently gained popularity again, physical therapist “Sammy” on her profile “unifiedptandyoga” focuses on how adult tummy time can help one age gracefully by achieving more mobility. She shows viewers a progression of lying on your stomach with multiple pillows under you, and then reducing the number, assuming pain goes away each time.

She recently made a new video, noting her old one probably gained traction due to tech neck, a term used to describe the chronic shoulder or neck pain experienced from using technology. She showed some updated techniques in the video and stated that it’s even hard for some patients in her clinic to get into that position on their stomachs — but it’s important to be able to do.

“I’ve seen a noticeable increase in patients of all ages complaining about neck stiffness, tightness or pain, which can be linked to prolonged screen time,” said Dr. Ehsan Jazini, a spine surgeon at VSI in Reston, Virginia.

“The mechanics of looking down for long periods squishes our spinal discs, which I refer to as ‘shock absorbers’ of the spine,” Jazini said. “Over time, this pressure placed on the discs can accelerate disc degeneration, pinch nerves, reduce mobility and trigger symptoms that radiate into the shoulders, arms and hands.”

He said not addressing poor posture affects your spine’s function in the long term. “That strain can lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness, instability and pain throughout the rest of the body. If left uncorrected, poor posture can lead to wear and tear on the spine that’s harder to reverse down the line.”

Adult tummy time also helps to open up the front of the hips and activate the core and back muscles, which are key players in everyday back pain.

“Many people spend far too much time sitting, whether at a desk, in a car, or on the couch. The human body was not designed for such inactivity,” said Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a spinal and orthopedic surgeon at the Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care in New York and New Jersey. He fears if we don’t change these habits we will soon see “an increase in musculoskeletal issues across all age groups.” These include:

• Degenerative disc disease, where the discs between the vertebrae begin to wear down due to constant pressure and a lack of movement. “This can lead to stiffness, pain, and even nerve compression.”

• Sciatica, occurring when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, often by a herniated disc or tight muscles in the lower back. “People may experience sharp pain that radiates down the leg, along with numbness or weakness.”

• Tight hip flexors, leading to pelvic misalignment and lower back pain. “Over time, this can impact your gait and make everyday movements more difficult.”

Flipping onto your stomach can counteract extended sitting just as it does for infants, he said. “When you lie on your stomach, you naturally extend the spine, which helps reverse the flexed posture that sitting creates. This gentle spinal extension relieves pressure on the discs, especially in the lower back, and allows the back muscles to stretch and activate differently.”

In addition, you are able to open the hip flexors, which are often tightened and shortened from sitting too much. “By relaxing into a prone position, the hips and pelvis can realign more naturally, which supports better posture when you return to standing or sitting,” Okubadejo said. So, your tummy time actually makes you better at sitting too.

“The adult tummy time position isn’t natural for most of us, so I recommend starting slow, and breaking adult tummy time into increments,” Jazini said. “Take three to five minutes at a time, a few times a day, lying on your stomach while propped on your elbows. You should feel a stretch in the front of the neck, as well as in your back and in your hips.”

Katie Breaker, a sales director in Denver, said she’d tried various seat cushions and stretches without much improvement in back pain. Then, her physical therapist suggested tummy time — simply lying face down for 10 minutes per day. “No devices or setup. Just a flat surface, arms by the side, and a quiet room. After about a week of doing this twice a day, I added a thin towel under my chest and held it for fifteen minutes,” she said. Two weeks later, she could feel her back decompressing and had less hip tension and more flexibility.

“I could walk longer during event setups without fatigue,” she said. So, she kept upping her time and now does two 20-minute sessions per day, especially during long workdays on a computer.

Jazini recommended pairing this practice with a screen break, too. “Take five minutes to do something away from your screen whether it’s going for a short walk, stretching, or grabbing some water.” You can work up to hourly breaks of around five to 10 minutes, setting a reminder or timer to stay on schedule.

Breaker said: “I still sit most of the day, but I do not carry the same tightness I used to. It has been the simplest thing I have added, and it has worked better than anything else I tried.”

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

Can you remember how your favorite grandma smelled? If you think back to a beloved elder, you might be able to summon up the memory of a scent that’s been described as a blend of stale oil and musty cardboard. It might remind you of opening up old books or unpacking a box of vintage clothing. And while it’s much more subtle than the sweaty body odor of youth, it’s definitely noticeable and probably filed away in your memories as “old person smell.”

As it turns out, that smell is an actual biological phenomenon, caused by an epidermal change that happens to everyone as they age. According to skin experts, every birthday after age 40 increases the likelihood of these changes in the way skin smells. Research has identified the culprit as something called 2-nonenal (pronounced noh-neh-nahl), an organic compound known as an aldehyde.

That “aging odor” is caused by increased production of this aldehyde in older people, which is the source of a distinctive, dusty “granny” smell. Not all aldehydes smell the same, by the way, and another example is cinnamaldehyde, the organic compound that gives cinnamon its characteristic flavor and aroma, explained Dr. Delphine J. Lee, chief of dermatology and residency program director at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

We spoke with dermatologists and other experts to get to the bottom of why this happens.

The compound 2-nonenal has its own unique scent, and it proliferates as people get older. “As we age, several things happen simultaneously in our skin,” said Dr. Sonal Choudhary, a dermatologist from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Antioxidant defenses in the skin decline, the composition of our sebum changes, and our cumulative UV exposure and environmental stress increase oxidative damage in the skin.” As these things are weakening the skin, 2-nonenal has an opportunity to make its presence known.

“Research suggests measurable increases in 2-nonenal typically begin after age 40, with more noticeable accumulation in the 50s and beyond,” Choudhary said. “It’s a gradual process, not an instant switch. The intensity of the smell varies significantly from person to person depending on genetics, skin type, lifestyle and environmental exposure.”

It’s something that happens to most people, said dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, founder of Bergen Dermatology. “Evidence suggests that 2-nonenal production is a common age-related phenomenon, not something limited to a small subset of people,” she noted. “Studies consistently detect this grassy, greasy scent in older adults of both sexes. While levels vary between individuals, there is no evidence that only certain people produce it.”

Since so many factors, including genetics and lifestyle, contribute to the condition of your skin, you may get lucky and avoid the 2-nonenal odor altogether. And even if that distinctive smell does show up, remember that it’s all in the nose of the beholder. “People can exaggerate that this smell is unpleasant or disgusting,” Lee said. “It may even be more neutral or pleasant than the body odors of younger and middle-aged people.”

As Choudhary mentioned, this process happens gradually, and that gives your brain an opportunity to become accustomed to the new scent, thanks to something called olfactory adaptation. You might not notice a prevalent scent after a while, since brains often filter out familiar odors, while staying alert for new information. An example of this “nose blindness” is that we might notice a friend’s house always smells a certain way but are probably unable to detect our own home’s unique scent.

Since 2-nonenal is a fatty acid, it won’t easily dissolve in soap and water, the way sweat does. “It’s hard to get rid of this molecule, because it’s very sticky,” said Danielle Reed, chief science officer at Monell Chemical Senses Center, a nonprofit research institute that studies taste and smell. “It loves to stick to your skin and it loves to stick to fabrics. You’ll remove some of it when you bathe, but your body is constantly making it, so washing isn’t a cure.”

Boakye suggested it might be helpful to use antioxidant-based cleansers. She also said products with ingredients that bind aldehydes, like tannins, may help reduce odor persistence in some people. “Persimmon soap, which contains tannins, has a plausible mechanism and a long history of use, though large randomized trials are lacking,” she noted. While none of these experts recommended specific products, Mirai’s clinical persimmon soap, with Japanese persimmon and green tea extract, is popular and highly rated.

Recent research has looked at the potential role eggplant extract might play in reducing the oxidative stress that contributes to 2-nonenal formation. In a study published last year, researchers said the fruits, leaves, stems and roots of eggplant, along with their active ingredient N-trans-feruloylputrescine, exhibited excellent 2-nonenal scavenging activity. But that’s a “someday” option, Lee said: “Human clinical data remain limited, so this should not be positioned as a cure.”

An older study was initially positive about how the consumption of white button mushroom extract could alleviate body odor in subjects aged 50 to 79, but there have not been large clinical trials to follow up on that.

So there’s still no sure-fire way to completely eliminate it from your skin, experts agreed. “If you could figure this out, you’d be very rich, but so far there’s nothing that’s truly helpful,” Reed said.

If you’re noticing this scent on yourself or someone you love, don’t be ashamed or judgmental. Choudhary noted that it’s not a sign of poor hygiene, nor is it inevitable or unmanageable. “This is a normal biochemical change of aging skin, similar to wrinkles or dryness,” she said. “With thoughtful skin care, antioxidant support and proper laundering, it can often be minimized significantly.”

Another consideration is that smell is a subjective area for humans. “We’ve decided we don’t like the odor of old people, but we love the odor of babies’ heads,” Reed said. “Perhaps, as a society, we could learn to love the smell of aging. Not everyone finds this smell unpleasant, and there’s always something for everybody when it comes to smell.”

There’s also the opportunity to lean into this and other age-related changes, because they’re going to happen whether we like them or not.

“As a dermatologist, I emphasize that aging is a natural, lifelong biological process experienced by us all,” Lee said. “We should focus on promoting health and well-being across our lifespans, while recognizing and valuing the wisdom, resilience and lived experience that accompany advancing age. I’d like us to place less emphasis on cosmetic or physiological changes such as body odor or wrinkles, which are often part of a life fully lived.”

The day before President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history to a polarized electorate, a new poll revealed growing doubts about his stability, even among members of his own party.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll, which concluded Monday, found that 61% of Americans would describe Trump as having “become erratic with age.” Some 89% of Democrats, 30% of Republicans and 64% of independents described the president this way.

Only 45% of respondents said they would describe Trump as “mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges,” down from 54% in a September 2023 poll conducted over a year before he was re-elected for a second term.

The survey, which was conducted online between Feb. 18 and 23, measured the attitudes of 4,638 American adults.

When Reuters asked for comment on the poll, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle shot down the results as an example of a “fake and desperate” narrative while praising Trump’s “sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility” in comparison with his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

While other recent surveys have hinted at a larger dip in Trump’s approval rating, the poll found 40% approved of the president’s performance, a 2% increase from earlier this month. The president’s overall approval has remained within a point or two of its current level since April 2025, according to Reuters/Ipsos research.

Scrutiny over Trump’s health and physical stamina has surged in recent months, as evidenced by the public reaction after he has seemingly struggled to stay awake at a number of recent White House meetings. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month, the 79-year-old president repeatedly confused Greenland and Iceland, raising questions about his mental acuity.

A number of prominent Republicans, however, have reacted to the discourse with grandiose assertions about Trump’s well-being.

“He can work harder and he has a better memory and he has more stamina and has more energy than a normal mortal,” Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, told New York Magazine last month. “The headline of your story should be ‘The Superhuman President.’”

Appearing on “The Mom View” in December, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles also defended the president’s working habits, saying her boss “works 24/7” and never sleeps.

She also attempted to assuage Republicans’ concerns about this year’s midterm elections by assuring them that Trump would be hitting the campaign trail vigorously.

“I haven’t quite broken it to him yet, but he’s going to campaign like it’s 2024 again,” she said. “He’s a difference-maker, and he’s certainly a turnout machine.”

When it comes to mature skin and body care, you may think you’ve seen it all. Yet, if you’ve been side-eyeing the skin around your chest or you find that sleeping on your side is causing lines you don’t love, you may be as surprised as we were to know: there’s a mask for that!

Made from washable silicone with a latex-free adhesive, these reusable overnight chest patches from Cleverfy are designed to give that decolletage area more TLC by locking in moisture and preventing skin creases as you twist and turn through the night. The pads come in “V” and “T” shaped options, in packs of two-six. While the “T” shaped 3-pack is currently under $20, the best bang for your buck (in terms of price per mask) is the 6-pack supply.

The clear pads are particularly loved by side sleepers — especially side sleepers with larger chests — who report their preferred slumber position was causing chest wrinkles, and “boob frown lines,” like “someone ran a rake down my chest!”

While there have been a number of government studies on sleep and facial wrinkles, there seems to be a lack of empirical data about sleep and chest lines. A 2020 Healthline story reports side sleeping may put you at a “higher risk” of chest wrinkles, thanks to gravity and the way your chest likely “hangs” in one direction as you snooze. Yet, many, many reviewers say their side sleeping is causing lines, noticing them appear as early as their late 20s. As the Cleveland Clinic says, wrinkles and skin lines are *completely* normal, and only really need treatment if you don’t like the way they look.

This seems to be the case for many fans of these chest pads, who report them addressing the chest lines they’ve started to notice. “I have large boobs and am a side sleeper and the creases were so embarrassing that I started wearing blouses up to my neck to hide my skin,” one wrote. “The change makes me feel so much more confident.”

Further, users who want to address their chest wrinkles without changing their sleep position consider these pads a clear winner. “I hope I never have to live without these because I will probably always be a side sleeper,” T Miller wrote. Others, who have tried different methods of chest-wrinkle smoothing (like $800 professional microneedling?!) say the Cleverfy pads are more effective for their wallet, lifestyle and skin appearance. “I have tried high-end creams and even professional lasers and this is the only thing that works,” one wrote.

You want to apply the patches to clean, dry skin — without any other skincare or body products. The brand says the patches work in three ways: as an “occlusive” (i.e., super-hydrating barrier) to help keep skin from drying, to increase blood flow to your chest to help boost collagen production, and as a “mechanical” smoothing mechanism, or external, physical pressure holding your skin down flat.

Each pad lasts up to 15 days, according to the brand, so even the smallest pack gives you a month of coverage. (Many mention wearing them for wayyy longer, being sure to frequently wash them with soap and water.) Some report the pads taking a bit to get used to as you’re sleeping, though others compliment the comfort, saying you may even forget you have it on.

Users report not just positive results, but fast ones, sharing that the masks smooth wrinkles from side-sleeping, sun exposure and general “yay big boobs” -related issues, within the first night.

“I have had wrinkles on my chest because of being a side sleeper, sun lover and larger chest and when I woke up after the first night using this, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” one reviewer some girl wrote. “…My wrinkles were gone – where did they go?!?”

Another “side sleeper, sun-worshipping, big-breasted gal” reports waking up to “minimal lines” after the first night using the pad, sharing that they could barely find their previously prominent chest wrinkles. “My mind is blown after one night of use,” they wrote. “I don’t know what kind of magic this is but I’m in shock especially since I didn’t really believe they would help.”

Fans who have used the pads for longer periods agree, with one user saying their chest wrinkles are “virtually gone” after months of use. Others who have used chest pads for “years” call Cleverfy their favorite brand, for not just smoothing their existing wrinkles, but even preventing new ones from forming.

Reviewers love these silicone patches for keeping their chests smooth, even when they’re side sleepers. Read more 5-star reviews and try a pack for yourself.

“I’ve used other chest pads in the past, and this one works just as good as the others for a lot less. I put one on at night, and it sticks to my chest and doesn’t move- I move around a lot and sleep on my side and stomach at times. When I wake up in the morning, I do not see the wrinkles on my chest that I see if I am not wearing a pad. This is a must have for women who are starting to see lines on their chest area when they wake up in the morning.” — De

“I am a side sleeper, sun worshipping, big breasted gal, my chest lines were getting very bad almost over night. I just got these pads yesterday, I put one on last night. I woke up with minimal lines. 🤯 literally I was able to feel the lines on my chest without looking for them, this morning I can barely find them, or see them. My mind is blown after one night of use. I don’t know what kind of magic this is but I’m in shock especially since I didn’t really believe they would help. Gonna continue to use them and wait for the full body version to be released 😅 🤪” — Jal

“These worked for me on night one. I side sleep and have been waking up with cleavage wrinkles because gravity sucks, but side sleeping is great. Used this for the first time last night and woke up smooth like butter. Update: I cut one to fit my forehead and between my eyebrows. For the first time in 3 or so years I have no frown lines. Pretty soon I’ll be coating my entire body in these.” — Amazon customer

“I am 40 and I am a side sleeper and just noticed last 6 months that I’m starting to get noticeable wrinkles. Ugh. It looks like someone ran a rake down my chest! The first night and I noticed about 60% improvement. I am on night two now. The adhesive is great. It’s clear and not too heavy. I am treating mine with extra care but keeping it in a separate box after it air dries. I HIGHLY recommend it! I wish I could sleep on my back, but I am definitely a conditioned side sleeper, ugh.” — NicolaDavies

Another sensitive area? The neck! Here are three other on-sale or affordably-priced dermatologist recs for addressing or preventing wrinkles there, curated by Senior Shopping reporter Tessa Flores.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Whether your hair has thinned with age or is hurting from heat damage, you may think fixing will require lots of dough and extra salon trips. Lucky for you, we spotted a collagen and argan oil hair mask from the brand Karseell, which reviewers deem “a five-star professional experience delivered in a jar.”

The at-home mask is made with a blend of nourishing oils, proteins and herbal extracts. Easily used in the shower, it’ll save you the time, effort and inconvenience of leaving home. It’s also currently on sale for 20% off, the lowest price it’s been in weeks, saving you some precious coins, too.

Reviewers say this creamy, dreamy mask “turns back the clock” on their strands, repairing damage they thought was permanent and making hair feel *Madonna voice* “like a virgin again…”

Teresita Rodriguez Bermùdez professes that it’s a “worth every penny” mask and far more than a conditioner; “it is a total hair transformation.”

“My hair went from being dry and brittle to feeling incredibly silky, hydrated and full of life,” they wrote, calling the mask “the gold standard” for high-end hair restoration treatments.

Made with an active collagen blend, wheat and soy proteins, shea butter, and chamomile extract — the coconut-scented mask is equal parts strengthening, soothing and shine-producing. (Note: The mask has wheat in it so it’s NOT gluten-free, for those with allergies and severe sensitivities.)

Unlike lengthy, often noxious salon strengthening sessions, this at-home mask functions almost like a conditioner. The brand recommends applying it weekly to washed, towel-dried hair, spreading the mask from root to tip, letting it hang for 5-10 minutes and then rinsing. For a longer “mask” feel, some reviewers leave it on all night, “resulting in noticeably softer and smoother hair the next morning,” one said. Yet many reviewers report using it as they would a normal conditioner, for about 3 minutes while showering.

To make the container last longer and keep their routines quick, some reviewers say they mix the mask in with their normal conditioner for a little extra oomph. Another reviewer with type 3C natural hair used the mask before flat-ironing their hair. “My hair is frizz free, silky and has a salon look,” they wrote. “I will buy again. I’m hoping to be frizz free for at least a week.”

Those with menopause, hormonal changes, and general age-related hair changes vouch for the mask strengthening and restoring their strands.

″…One application and my hair is no longer dry and brittle,” a shopper in their 60s said. ”…It’s now soft and feels like it has life back in it!” A user almost 70 calls the mask “the greatest” they’ve ever found, noting it made their straw-like hair feel “like silk again.”

People with color- and chemically-treated hair, “dry and brittle” hair after going through chemo, those who use a lot of hot tools, or who just crave a “mirror-like” shine and frizz management.

It’s also loved by users for helping revive curls. One grandparent calls the mask “miracle in a jar,” for their 16-year-old grandson’s hair.

″…With the application of this product, detailing wasn’t bad and I could see his natural curl pattern shine through,” they wrote. ”…It was the first time in ages that I had seen his hair curl definition…”

Reviewers love this collagen and argan oil hair mask for making their strands smooth and strong. Read more 5-star reviews and take advantage of this great sale.

“This product is very good. I felt like I went to the spa. I am a 67 year old female, with 3 inches below shoulder length, very dry and thinning hair. So opposite of what I used to have. I do not want to start cutting my hair short yet. I have tried dozens and dozens of products over the years. I can honestly say that Karseell hair treatment is by far, the best that I have used. Very easy to use. My hair feels and looks like I turned the clock back. My hair feels softer and more youthful. I only used it once so far, but what a difference. It’s a much try product.” — Amazon customer

“My hair is straight, thin, and over-dyed for going on 3 decades. I skip hair trims. I like to use cheap hair dye & dry shampoo & heated tools. My hair usually goes up in a hair-clip as soon as I get up. Saying all that… this conditioner, after one use, made my hair feel like a virgin again… like super soft & shiny & with volume! I don’t understand the science of products and maybe this just coats my hair in a temporary silky substance, but it feels so good & I love it. I just put it on after shampooing & let it stay as long as I can find other things to do in the shower (so like 3 mins?) If one were to leave it on longer as the bottle suggests … holy moly… bet it’s amazing. It works for my hair.” — Jess

“This conditioner is absolutely amazing. I have very dry hair due to menopause and it’s left my hair smooth and glossy. I use it twice a week for best results.” —Brigitte Elzarki

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

If you’re on the lookout for the latest skin care ingredient that can smooth and plump your complexion, you’ve probably seen influencers talking about exosomes, which claim to offer a wealth of anti-aging benefits. But before you buy into the hype, have you really thought about what they are, and whether they’re effective?

Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring vesicles that skin and other types of cells release. They transport bioactive molecules (think: peptides, fats and proteins) to other cells, explained Dr. Jacob Beer, a dermatologist at Beer Dermatology in West Palm Beach, Florida.

There are dozens of serums, creams and other skin care products, some selling for hundreds of dollars, that contain exosomes, and medical spas often incorporate them into procedures like microneedling and laser treatments. But it’s important to note that exosomes are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use.

Exosomes are a misunderstood skin care trend, though, since their behavior varies widely depending on their source and what they’re transporting, according to the experts we spoke to.

Still, exosomes “show promise” for skin rejuvenation, Beer said. “It’s important to just remember that not all exosomes are the same, not all preparations are the same, and some formulations have more data than others.”

Here’s what to know about exosomes and their potential benefits and risks.

Think of exosomes as tiny “message bubbles that cells send to each other,” explained Dr. Jennifer Holman, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler in Texas. The bubbles contain instructions (in the form of proteins, growth signals and genetic material) that “tell cells how they should behave.”

They can be derived from different sources, such as platelets, stem cells, fat or plants, and carry “biologically active messenger cargo,” such as proteins, lipids or signaling molecules, added Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon in New York City. Those instructions can potentially influence inflammation, repair, recovery and regeneration in the “recipient cells.”

Some exosomes have been studied more than others, and much of the research has involved small patient samples or hasn’t been done on human subjects, Beer said.

“Not all exosomes are created equal, as they don’t contain the same instructions,” Holman said, so their effectiveness depends on what’s inside the bubble.

Take platelet-derived exosomes, for example. Platelets are cells that are drawn to areas of injury and help the body heal. Holman said platelet-derived exosomes are tiny and combine with or dissolve in fats, so they can be applied topically and tell the skin to heal itself.

Some studies have shown that exosomes applied topically can lead to “collagen production, repair of elastin and new elastin production, decreased inflammation and redness, and speeds post procedural healing time,” Holman said.

Vyas noted: “These effects are thought to occur through regulation of inflammatory pathways and activation of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin synthesis.”

Exosomes are also sometimes applied to the skin after microneedling, a treatment that uses tiny needles to treat acne scars, wrinkles and sagging skin. Vyas said this approach may enhance the topical penetration of exosomes. While this is an off-label use and potentially risky, a small study suggests that pairing exosomes and microneedling could reduce pore size and improve skin texture.

However, since there are no long-term, randomized clinical trials on exosomes, Vyas said their benefits should be considered “as promising but not conclusively established.”

Redness and irritation are commonly reported side effects of topical exosomes, Beer said. Those usually go away once you stop using the products.

However, when exosomes are administered with microneedling or injected into the skin (which is done in some medical spas), “all bets are off,” Beer said. There are cases of patients developing scars, discoloration, mycobacterial infections, or an immune response known as a granuloma.

“The greater concern lies in uncertainty surrounding long-term safety, repeated use and product consistency,” Vyas said.

Since exosomes are derived from different sources, there’s a lot of variability in products that makes quality control, reproducibility and safety challenging, he added. Exosomes aren’t FDA-approved for medical or cosmetic use in the U.S. So there’s no universal quality standard for products containing them, Holman said.

“Exosomes can be sold under cosmetic regulations as long as they are not making therapeutic claims,” Holman said.

Serums and moisturizers containing exosomes for topical use are mostly safe, Beer said.

Still, it’s difficult to know what type of exosome products contain or how they’re sourced because they’re not subject to the FDA’s labeling requirements, Vyas said. Some may make exaggerated claims about the product’s benefits, Holman noted. In South Korea, officials recently started prohibiting the term “exosomes” as a cosmetic advertising term to prevent misleading claims.

However, when it comes to injecting exosomes or pairing them with microneedling, Beer said, “I avoid that like the plague.”

Many providers don’t understand what exosomes are, the data behind them, or what can go wrong with their use (such as infections or immune reactions), Beer added. “I counsel my patients to avoid injecting or microneedling exosomes until we have better data because, however expensive the treatment was, it will likely be much more to correct it later.”

Complications from these procedures could mean numerous laser treatments to treat discoloration and scarring, for example, he noted.

Because of the variability of products, lack of transparency, and limited scientific data, Vyas said, “Exosome-based aesthetic products should be considered investigational rather than established therapies.”

Removing unwanted body hair is a thankless, repetitive chore that seems to just. keep. happening. While laser removal can be a more permanent option, treatments are pricey. It can also be really uncomfortable, with one Reddit user deeming the process “the single most painful thing I’ve ever endured.”

If you’ve been looking for a long-lasting way to deal with unwanted hair, but don’t want to break the bank, writhe in pain or even leave your house — we spotted a highly-rated, cooling hair-removal tool from Ubroo, starting at $63, depending on the color. (Blue gives you the best deal.) According to our price trackers, that’s over 40% off. Reviewers call it “salon quality permanent hair removal at a fraction of the price,” offers results with “no pain” — to you or your wallet.

The device uses Red-light Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which, according to WebMd, is gentler and more gradual than traditional laser treatments — often making it far less painful and irritating.

As WebMD describes, because IPL is less intense than laser treatment, it can require more sessions, but often demands less (or no) recovery period. Reviewers agree with this, noting the sensation from this device is “nothing” compared to ”the hours I’ve wasted from plucking and waxing.”

“Even from using it everyday, there is no skin irritation or lingering redness or adverse effects,” Megan wrote.

According to the brand, the device works by emitting a range of IPL wavelengths into your hair follicles, disrupting hair growth and hindering regrowth. Reviewers say the result isn’t just removing existing unwanted hair, but slowing, or even stopping new hair from popping up.

One calls the regrowth “so fine and sparse and not itchy at all,” noting that after three months of consistent use, “very very few fine soft hairs grow back.” While others call the treatment “permanent,” with their hair never growing back, leaving them to enjoy “smoother, softer skin without the hassle of constant shaving or painful waxing sessions.”

“I was a bit skeptical at first about how comfortable it would be, but it really does make a difference,” one wrote. “The cooling sensation helps soothe the skin, making the hair removal process nearly painless. I was worried it might sting or be uncomfortable, but it’s surprisingly gentle!”

The device has nine preset levels for different skin and hair types, as well as a “manual” mode for sensitive and high-precision areas. The brand recommends starting at a lower intensity, and gradually working for your way up, suggesting manual mode for areas like your underarms or bikini line and the auto levels for bigger, less sensitive spaces like your legs, arms or back. It also suggests shaving any visible hairs before using the device and rocking the safety googles included with purchase. You’ll likely need to use it two to three times a week for six to eight consecutive weeks to see “significant hair reduction,” the brand says.

The device needs to be plugged in to work, and the brand recommends holding it perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to your skin. With an ergonomic grip and rounded curves and two smartly placed buttons, reviewers call it “comfortable and easy to use at home.”

People especially love it for dealing with unwanted hair from aging, menopause, hormonal changes and more.

Users love this device for making them feel more confident and in control of their grooming, regarding all sorts of unwanted hair. One user jokes, “my perimenopause grannie hairs are going away,” while another says the device helps them manage their “65 year old chinny-chin-chin hairs.” Eugene Hoeppner shared that the tool helped solve the “constant struggle” of removing unwanted menopausal facial hair, while others use it for taming their bikini line, replacing shaving their legs or just to have control when they want it, instead of going to the salon for “expensive and painful waxes.”

“For the cost of 1 professional [laser hair removal] session, I have all the sessions I could ever need in the palm of my hand,” Eugene Hoeppner said.

[NOTE: As with all skin care products and devices, please consult with your dermatologists to determine whether or not this device is best for your skin and its condition.]

Reviewers love this at-home hair removal tool for making hair removal more comfortable for their changing bodies, schedules and wallets. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one for yourself while it’s on sale.

“I’ve had laser hair removal in a professional office, I’ve tweezed, waxed, exfoliatd, and threaded. None of the at home treatments lasted more than a few days. I’m menopausal so, facial hair was a constant struggle. That is until I bought this. The results last longer, and thanks to the cooling feature, it isn’t painful. The best part is I don’t have to leave home. For the cost of 1 professional LHR session, I have all the sessions I could ever need in the palm of my hand! I had to search YouTube for instructions. The ones included weren’t clear. However there’s a plethora of videos available. And once you get started, its straight forward. The kit includes protective Eyewear(very important) power cable, device, and a disposable razor. Its great quality! Ive been using it for a few moths now and haven’t had any issues. This is well worth the cost in my opinion and I would recommend this device to anyone struggling with unwanted hair.” — Eugene Hoeppner

“THIS right here is a game changer!! No more heading to the salon to get expensive and painful waxes. This is such a great find. There are many of these on the market and I’ve actually tried a different product before and it didn’t work… THIS one is actually helping me. My suggestion is to trim your hairs down low and then start using this. It helps with slowing down growth which is the best part! Easy to use and it’s attractive enough to leave out on the counter! Really glad I decided to give this a chance!!” — Aaron Hilgen

“I’ve tried various hair removal methods over the years, but this laser hair removal device is by far the most convenient and effective. Right from the first use, I was impressed by how easy it is to operate—no confusing setup or complicated instructions. Just plug it in, adjust the intensity, and you’re good to go. One of the biggest advantages is the ice-cooling feature, which makes the process virtually painless. I have sensitive skin and was worried about irritation, but this device has been gentle while still being effective. After just a few uses, I’ve already noticed a reduction in hair growth, and my skin feels much smoother. I also love how compact and lightweight it is—perfect for storing or even taking on trips. It’s a fantastic alternative to expensive salon treatments, saving both time and money. If you’re looking for an easy, pain-free, and efficient way to remove unwanted hair, this device is definitely worth considering!” — Krunal Patel

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)