13/05/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 13, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

@thesundaily @t

Being pressured into ‘looking good’

self-worth begins to depend on trends designed to change. Social media does not merely sell clothes – it promotes a standard of constant newness. The more we try to keep up, the more we risk feeling that we are falling short. The truth is straightforward. There is far more to a person than what is in their wardrobe. Ideas, capabilities and values carry far greater weight than any label or trend. Choosing differently does not mean giving up style – it means redefining it. Sustainable fashion begins with intention and shows in everyday decisions. It is reflected in choosing pieces that last, wearing the same outfit with confidence and appreciating what we already own. It also appears in thrifted finds and pre-loved clothing given a second life. These choices may seem small, but they shape habits over time. Wearing clothes for longer and buying with intention can significantly reduce environmental impact. More importantly, they shift attention away from external validation towards personal clarity. There is a quiet confidence in stepping away from the noise. When we stop chasing trends, we begin to understand what truly suits us, not just what is popular. Fashion becomes less about keeping up and more about expressing something genuine. So the next time you feel tempted to buy something new, pause for a moment. Ask yourself whether it reflects who you are or simply what you are being told to be. Because real style does not come from constantly changing what you wear. It comes from knowing yourself well enough not to. And in a world that profits from insecurity, choosing to feel enough already may be the most powerful statement of all. This article is contributed by Nur Shahira Abdullah, Master’s student, Sustainability Science (IIUM Gombak).

T HE problem with fashion today is not style – it is the feeling that what we have is never enough. Fashion remains a powerful form of self-expression. Yet somewhere along the way, it has also become a source of quiet pressure, shaping how we see ourselves and how we choose to present our lives. Much of this pressure is shaped by social media. Endless scrolling exposes us to carefully curated outfits, “outfit of the day” posts and frequent clothing hauls that make repetition feel like a flaw. Without realising it, we begin to compare ourselves with these filtered snapshots of life. That lingering sense of not looking new enough or stylish enough slowly influences what we buy. Fast fashion thrives on this insecurity. With new collections appearing almost weekly, it creates the impression that what we already own is outdated overnight. Clothes are no longer worn until they wear out – they are replaced because they feel socially expired. Many garments today are worn only a handful of times before being set aside, a sharp shift from how clothing was once valued. Behind this cycle lies a cost that often goes unnoticed. The fashion industry contributes roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and consumes vast amounts of water. Producing a single cotton T-shirt can require about 2,700 litres, reflecting the hidden impact of everyday choices. Synthetic fabrics add to the problem by releasing microplastics into waterways each time they are washed. The deeper impact, however, is personal. When confidence becomes tied to clothing, o How constantly keeping up with trends can impact environment, self-worth

Fashion is a form of self-expression but can also be the source of quiet pressure. – 123RFPIC

Illusion of completeness: Effective oral care demands more than just brushing

IF you were to wash your face but skip your jawline or step out of the shower the moment the soap lathered, you would feel unfinished. You would feel, quite frankly, unclean. Yet, every morning and night, millions of Malaysians perform a ritual they believe is complete. Brushing is the essential foundation of oral hygiene, but science suggests it may only be the first step in achieving total mouth health. We are a nation caught in a sensory trap that confuses a minty tingle with actual total-mouth health. Paradox of the Malaysian sink In Malaysia, oral hygiene is not a neglected habit – it is a cultural staple.

We are taught to brush from the moment our first milk teeth appear. However, there is a glaring disconnect between our effort and our outcomes. Despite high rates of daily brushing, the Health Ministry reports over 85% of Malaysian adults suffer from dental caries. This is because we treat the toothbrush as an all- purpose tool, when in reality, it has specific function. Sensory deception: Why ‘fresh’ is not ‘clean’ The Malaysian consumer is highly driven by sensory cues. We love the foam, we love the immediate hit of menthol. For most, that burst of

freshness

is

the

“mission

accomplished” signal. This is a behavioural shortcut. We have conditioned ourselves to believe that if the breath smells good and the teeth feel smooth to the tongue, the job is done. But the teeth only account for approximately 25% of the mouth. By stopping at brushing, we are effectively cleaning the “windows” of a house while leaving the floors, walls and ceilings untouched. The remaining 75% – the gums, the tongue, the inner cheeks – remains a breeding ground for biofilm that a brush simply cannot reach. Invisible gap in our ‘wellness’ obsession Malaysians are currently in the midst of a wellness revolution. We obsess over the steps in our 10-step skincare routines, we calculate the macros in our grain bowls, we track our steps on smartwatches. Yet, when it comes to the gateway of our entire digestive and respiratory systems – the mouth – we settle for a two-minute shortcut. In every other facet of Malaysian life, the final step is what seals the benefit. Why is oral care the exception? Question of completion, not awareness The data suggests Malaysians know about mouthwash, but they view it as a “bonus” – a cosmetic extra for when we have a big meeting or a hot date. The opportunity lies in reframing mouthwash not as a replacement for

Brushing teeth alone is not enough for maintaining long-term oral health.

final step carries meaning. A meal is not just about what is eaten – it is about how it ends with a pencuci mulut . That last touch signals completion. Challenge to the Malaysian public As we move towards a more health conscious society, we must ask ourselves: Are we practicing oral hygiene, or are we just performing a ritual? The distinction is vital. If we continue to stop at the point where it “feels like enough”, we will continue to see the same dismal oral health statistics. It is time to bridge the “complete” illusion. A routine is not finished when it feels fresh – it is finished when the job is done. Are you a half-brusher, or is your routine actually complete? This article is contributed by Listerine.

brushing, but as a complementary step that enhances overall oral hygiene. Using a liquid crystalline solution (mouthwash) is not about smelling like mint – it is about reaching the microscopic crevices where 85% of our dental issues begin. It is the “finishing move” that neutralises the bacteria the brush leaves behind. Together, brushing and rinsing create a more comprehensive routine. But perhaps the more pressing question is not whether Malaysians are aware of this – but whether they have ever truly seen the gap for themselves. Because when individuals are shown their oral condition through simple plaque detection tools, the results can be surprisingly confronting. Areas that feel clean often reveal otherwise, exposing what brushing alone leaves behind. In many parts of Malaysian life, the

Mouthwash is often viewed as a cosmetic extra for important meetings or dates.