My beauty secrets to looking this good at 41...and why using this £18 skincare product from a young age is better than Botox
The dilemma nagged away at her until, in 2021, the mum of one hung up her press pass and founded SPF brand Naked Sundays – a range of easy-to-apply products, including make-up packed with sun protection and an SPF spray for fuss-free top-ups.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie athlete Tiana, 22, suddenly felt like her head was 'swollen'. It was the first warning sign of a diagnosis that would turn her life upside down
A Sydney athlete was living the fun life of a typical 20-something before she noticed a 'fiery and swollen' feeling in her head out of the blue. A fever followed and her illness quickly escalated into a full-blown seizure. It wouldn't be the last. Tiana Death (pronounced Deeth) had her world turned upside down in 2023 when she was just 22 when she was diagnosed with a rare, excruciating and debilitating condition called autoimmune encephalitis. Up until that point she had had what she would describe as a 'normal upbringing' in the suburbs with her mum Kylee, dad Trevor, two younger siblings Kirralee and Brodie and half-sister Briony. Tiana had completed school in 2018 and had been promising competitive athlete at that time. Throughout her teen years Tiana trained almost daily and had the honour of representing Australia in the 100m hurdles at the 2018 Youth Commonwealth Games. 'Honestly, before all of this, I was fit and healthy - especially after years of training as an athlete,' Tiana told the Daily Mail. Post-school, Tiana had completed qualifications to work as a dental nurse and just prior to her health issues had decided to transition into the corporate world, landing an Account Executive role for a major food brand. 'I was 22, working full time and honestly, living my life,' she recalled. She was still living at home and enjoying going out with friends on the weekend, having a blast. 'I would go out partying on a Friday and Saturday, just like everyone else,' she said. 'And then all of a sudden one day in 2023, everything changed.' Tiana's memories of the period of time that culminated in her first seizure are hazy. But there are certain aspects - and red flags - that have stuck in her mind. 'I remember just one day suddenly having these flu-like symptoms, like a fever well over 38 degrees. I also felt really dizzy and really fatigued,' she recalled. 'What it felt like most was that my brain felt just so big in my head. Like, it was swollen. 'But I knew something wasn't right and I really did not feel like myself.' Tiana called in sick to work and and went to see a doctor. The GP checked her over and ordered bloods, but was unconcerned about it being anything serious. 'I went home and thought I would just sleep it off,' Tiana said. That evening, Tiana's mum popped her in bed with the air conditioning running and damp face cloths draped on her neck to try and bring down her soaring temperature. But the next morning when Tiana's mum went to wake her, she discovered Tiana unconscious, incontinent and foaming at the mouth. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital emergency. The following 10 days saw Tiana slipping in and out of consciousness in the ICU as she experienced 'tonic seizures' - sometimes as many as 10 in a day. Tonic seizures are short and swift, characterised by a sudden stiffening of the body. The seizures were so continuous that doctors even discussed the possibility of putting her into an induced coma if they couldn't be brought under control. 'I don't remember being in ICU at all, but I was told sometimes I would just stare at people and couldn't speak,' Tiana said. 'People would come in and I wouldn't remember them - I didn't even recognise my own dad. 'I thought I was losing my mind, literally.' Numerous medical observations, tests and even lumbar punctures were performed to try and ascertain what was going on. 'Nothing was showing up, it was very frustrating', Tiana said. Eventually with the aid of epilepsy medication, Tiana was moved to a ward where she would re-learn simple activities like how to speak, walk and write. Various epilepsy treatments and medications were trailed to get Tiana's seizures under control. However one that stood out for her was an IVIG plasma infusion. IVIG, or intravenous immunoglobulin, is a blood product made from human plasma that contains a concentrated solution of antibodies and is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the immune system. Even though a precise diagnosis of Tiana's condition beyond general epilepsy alluded her medical team at that stage, she felt relief after the IVIG infusion. Following the infusions and a myriad of prescription medications, Tiana was discharged from hospital. But without a clear diagnosis, the decision was made for Tiana to resign from her job to focus on her health. She endured many more years of intermittent and inexplainable seizures. After cycling through countless appointments and tests, Tiana was finally connected with current neuro specialist. She said he figured out that she had the 'kind of epilepsy caused by an autoimmune disease'. The precise condition? Autoimmune encephalitis. Autoimmune encephalitis refers to a group of conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing inflammation. This can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including cognitive issues, seizures, and psychiatric disturbances. 'It's essentially your body and your immune system, attacking the brain,' Tiana explained. 'It explains why my brain can feel like it's on fire.' But before that determination was made, Tiana had tried in vain to claw back any semblance of a normal life. She would intermittently work part time as a dental nurse, but would often have to leave when her seizures became too frequent. She's also tried moving out with friends on a couple of occasions, but wound up having to return to the family home as her health spiralled. 'At one stage I didn't have a job for about six months and was living back at home because I just couldn't do anything because of the frequent seizures,' she said. It was around this time that Tiana had periods when she felt truly 'low'. 'Throughout this whole thing, I've tried to be so positive, but by this point I was like, "I can't do this anymore". I just wanted to just sit in bed all day,' she said. 'And also just seeing my parents go through it, and my siblings, was tough. 'Even now, my parents are always texting me and ringing me every single day to check if I'm okay. That'll always be the hardest thing because it will always be [part of] my life.' However, once she was armed with her definitive autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis, positive treatment steps were made. The current neurologist not only confirmed Tiana's condition - but additionally noted that Tiana was 'drug resistant', meaning the swathe of epilepsy medications she'd been taken were relatively ineffective. One of the specialist's recommendations was consistent and monthly IVIG plasma infusions. 'I now have IVIG monthly and have been seizure free ever since,' Tiana said. Tiana praises the 'incredible' medical support team she's now supported by, including her neurologist, immunologist and epileptic psychologist. 'They all work together,' Tiana said. 'And with my neurologist particularly - I know if if I send him an email about something, he'll get back to me straight away, which is important.' Tiana is also hugely grateful for her family's endless love and support throughout the battle - as well as her close friends, including best friend Laura and another friend Anna, who is by Tiana's side daily and helped here through countless seizures. 'I have a really good support crew around me at home,' she said. 'You also realise in this situation who your true friends are. And I think I've come out of all this a lot stronger as a person too.' Although Tiana is fortunate enough to be emotionally supported, she and her family are currently grappling with the vast financial pressures of funding her ongoing treatment management. It's the reason Tiana's family kindly set up a GoFundMe page on her behalf with the hopes of raising $15,000 to set aside for her continued treatment, specialist appointments and medications as well as other ongoing costs. But beyond financial contributions, Tiana said a simple generous gesture that almost anyone can make is to become a plasma donor. Regrettably, Tiana notes that there are currently only a handful of Australian Red Cross locations in Sydney where people can donate plasma, but hopes one day plasma donation will be as common as blood donation. 'I think plasma donation needs to be talked about a lot more, because there's so many people like me with different autoimmune diseases who need it,' she said. 'I hope to one day be an advocate for IVIG because I know first-hand how much it benefited me and has changed my life for the better.' With the support of her doctors and a long-term treatment plan in place, Tiana, who is now 24, has finally begun to put the pieces of her life back together. She's moved out with her best friend on Sydney's northern beaches and has resumed working a part time job as a dental nurse. Tiana can even go out with friends on the weekends - but with limitations. 'I can go out maybe once, but no more than that because I need at least eight to 10 hours sleep,' she explained. 'Anyone with with an autoimmune disease needs rest because you get very, very tired easily.' Tiana has also now returned to working four-days per week as a dental nurse. But she also recognises that she sometimes has to go easy on herself because it's something 'you have to do for your health'. Interestingly, Tiana has also tried to adopt a stress-free lifestyle despite her autoimmune disease diagnosis, because she has noticed a casual connection between feeling snappy and irritable and the increased likelihood of having a seizure. 'Even before my first seizure, my mum said in the weeks leading up to the first one I seemed quite manic and irritated,' she said. 'We've both since noticed that it happened quite often in the lead-up to a seizure. 'Now, I try to be more aware of when I'm feeling that anger or irritation. I'll even sometimes cautiously stay home on those days. Although it's not possible for anyone living with an autoimmune disease to ever feel completely stress-free, she tries to remain aware of this factor as much as possible. 'I know that if I'm really angry and frustrated, that's just my brain telling me I need to relax. You can't always live a stress free life, but I need to try and live as stress free as possible.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How US doctor helped fuel public fears over 'toxic' sunscreens as reality star Sam Faiers faces backlash for not putting cream on her three children
When reality TV star Sam Faiers revealed last week her children don't wear sun protection, she became the latest celebrity to claim that sunscreens are 'harmful' and full of 'toxic ingredients'. Posting to her 2.5million followers on Instagram, the former The Only Way Is Essex star, 34, shared photographs of her children Paul, nine, Rosie, seven, and Edward, two, as they holidayed in Majorca. She wrote: 'My whole family don't actually wear sunscreen. 'Over the years, the kids have built up a really good tolerance to being in the sun. 'Of course, if it's really hot and the sun feels too harsh, I'll make sure we head into the shade… I'm really careful about sunscreen in general, because a lot of them are actually pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients.' Other celebrities have adopted the same approach: influencers Kelsey Parker and Lauryn Goodman have told their followers they ignore NHS advice to wear sun protection factor of at least 30. Health experts are horrified at what they see as a dangerous conspiracy theory, fearing a fall in sunscreen use will lead to a rise in skin cancer. According to market researchers Mintel, 72 per cent of UK adults used sun protection in the 12 months to September 2024, falling from 77 per cent in the same period in 2023. So, how did the worrying pseudo-science about sunscreen take hold? The Mail on Sunday has traced its genesis back to a scientific paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and posted on Twitter in May 2019. The paper, by 19 scientists, tested four sunscreens on the market and found the concentrations of some chemicals exceeded thresholds established by the US Food and Drug Administration. It made clear further studies were needed to determine the clinical significance: 'These results do not indicate individuals should refrain from the use of sunscreen.' But the next day, New York medic Dr Tro Kalayjian, a specialist in obesity, stepped into the debate. He reposted the paper and told his 158,000 Twitter followers: 'Have said this many times now: Be careful what you smear on yourself and your children.' Over the next six years, the 2019 paper – Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients – has become one of the most hotly debated scientific works on Twitter and social media site BlueSky. Just last month, Dr Tro, as he refers to himself online, wrote on the website of his company Toward Health: 'Our skin and our gut are literally the physical ways our bodies interact with the world. 'They're how we absorb sunlight and nutrition… but also how toxins, heavy metals, parasites, plastics, and chemicals make their way into our bodies.' He added: 'I often tell patients, 'If you wouldn't trust it inside your body, think twice before putting it on your skin or in your mouth'.' While Dr Tro does not advise against all sunscreens, he says some – like other cosmetics – contain harmful substances. He says barriers such as clothing, hats and shade should be considered. He founded Toward Health, which specialises in obesity treatment and diabetes management in New York in 2017 after losing 150lb on a low-carbohydrate diet. Dr Tro told The MoS: 'I understand those who deeply value public health messaging may struggle with the idea previously recommended practices can become outdated or even unsafe. 'It can feel more comfortable to trust the guidance as-is and view any challenge to it as fearmongering or misinformation. 'But the truth is, these issues are complex. People benefit most when they think critically and independently. Public health messages are important and should be heard, but should also be open to question, especially when the science evolves faster than the guidelines.' UK doctors dismissed the scares. Skin cancer prevention doctor Ross Perry said he is 'horrified' by influencers' comments, calling Ms Faiers 'naive and irresponsible'. Dr Perry told The MoS: 'Children do not build up a tolerance to sun exposure – they are just storing up more sun damage for later on in life. 'It is a well-known fact if children get any degree of sunburn, it more than doubles their risk of getting skin cancer at a later date so that is completely false and misleading. 'Remember any tan or sunburn is creating damage to the skin so SPF should always be worn in the sun.' HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN To stay sun safe, experts recommend people: Seek shade between 11am and 3pm, which is when the sun's rays are typically strongest Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen Apply sunscreen 30 minutes, and again just before, UV exposure Opt for water-resistant sunscreen if necessary and reapply after swimming, sweating or using a towel Cover up with protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses Be extra careful with babies and young children. Infants under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight Do not use sunbeds or sunlamps Checks moles and skin for any changes
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
Online shoppers warned of ‘dangerous' weight-loss scam as ‘ghost stores' impersonate real people to sell Ozempic-like treatments
Online 'ghost stores' masquerading as Australian businesses have expanded into advertising Ozempic-like weight loss treatments, and are impersonating real people, including a well-known dietitian, to recommend their products. After uncovering more than 140 sites falsely claiming to be Australian fashion retailers that prompted a public warning from the consumer regulator, Guardian Australia has identified a new scam that targets people trying to lose weight. Consumer experts say the scam is dangerous, because it goes beyond financial risk and threatens people's health, while dietitian Lyndi Cohen says her image has been used without her consent to spruik a product she would never endorse. In one example, a Facebook page called 'Emma Davis', which claimed to be a 'team of specialist in diabetes care and weight management' based in New South Wales, ran advertising for a product it claimed was a 'GLP-1 plant based oral solution'. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Following the explosion in popularity of drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, it has become easy to order supplements, patches and pills online that claim to mimic their GLP-1 stimulating effects – even from reputable suppliers. The ad featured a testimonial signed off 'Helen, 68, Sydney' who apparently considered the product to be 'one of the best gifts I've given myself in years'. The promotion used a series of 'before and after photos' which appeared to be AI-generated. It included detailed claims about the product, which it said was 'perfect' for people with 'big appetites' or 'anyone who's tried GLP-1 drops or injections without much result'. The comments section was filled with hopeful messages and glowing testimonials, posted by what appeared to be Australian women. But details in their profiles told a different story. A reverse image search suggested they were fake and their pictures stolen from real women including, in one case, Polish war correspondent Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, whose photo was used for a profile of Gold Coast woman 'Isla Taylor'. Pikulicka-Wilczewska confirmed it was her image and that she didn't know it was being used in this way. 'Obviously, the account in question should remove it asap and should not use it again,' she said in an email to Guardian Australia. Sign up: AU Breaking News email Another profile, apparently that of a middle-aged blonde woman from Canberra, used photos of three women including a guest columnist at a local newspaper in Ohio and a well-known former US TV host. Guardian Australia sought comment from both of these women and contacted the fake profiles. The ad linked to the website which was still active as of Friday, although the page with the weight-loss products appeared to have been taken down after Guardian Australia contacted the site for comment. The site claimed the product, 'STDEI GLP-1 Weight Loss Oral Liquid', was made in Australia and developed by a local, family-owned company, even though it is readily available elsewhere on the internet including on AliExpress, eBay and an array of other 'ghost stores'. The site, portraying itself as Australian, claimed the treatment had even saved the life of a customer who had been 'seriously obese and close to death' and was 'especially endorsed by Lyndi Cohen, one of Australia's leading dietitians'. Cohen told Guardian Australia she was aware of the site and that her likeness was 'being abused and misrepresented' to promote a product she would 'obviously not endorse'. 'We sent them a cease and desist letter. We have not heard back. For me, the challenge is: I don't know how to action it,' she said. 'It feels like international waters in a way, there's no jurisdiction. Whose job is it to control and manage this?' Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Guardian Australia bought the product for $46 on 23 July, using PayPal. As of Thursday, no shipping notification had been sent. The PayPal receipt showed the payment was made to an entity called Altrix Limited, which Guardian Australia contacted for comment. Altrix Limited appears to be based in Hong Kong. But it is also the name of an English company, according to the UK's companies register. The website is linked to another Hong Kong entity called Lanee Limited, which shares its name with a Welsh company which was dissolved in 2023. PayPal has previously conceded that it may not verify the identities of online sellers based outside Australia, while swindled customers have called for the platform to do more to help scam victims. A spokesperson on Thursday said PayPal had 'zero-tolerance' for fraudulent activity on its platform. 'Our teams work tirelessly to protect our customers,' they said. 'Under PayPal's Buyer Protection Policy, we will refund the full purchase price plus the original shipping charges for eligible claims.' The Consumer Action Law Centre's legal practice director, Stephen Nowicki, said the use of fake profiles and fake reviews was 'particularly insidious' and digital platforms should be held responsible. 'It is important platforms are penalised for failing to block these fake ads, as they continue to benefit from the harms these ads cause for consumers,' he said. 'In our view banks also have an obligation to identify scam accounts receiving these payments and block or flag them with consumers.' The deputy chief executive of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, Chandni Gupta, said pursuing each misleading profile or ghost store would be like 'an endless whack-a-mole'. 'A more systemic approach is what's needed and it starts with holding digital platforms accountable to take real responsibility for fuelling such profiles in the first place,' she said. Advocates have previously called on Shopify and Meta to take responsibility for enabling this type of website and allowing them to run false advertising. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) last month put the platforms on notice after it publicly announced it had written to them urging them to act on the ghost stores issue. Guardian Australia understands the ACCC has received responses from Meta and Shopify. A spokesperson for the regulator said scam websites should be reported to Scamwatch for assessment to determine whether they should be taken down. Meta declined to comment. Shopify, the Canadian multinational e-commerce platform headed by Tobias Lütke, has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
