Uh Oh: Science Says Skinny Jeans Are Bad for Your Back

Despite the fact One Tree Hill might not have been considered the golden child at the time, the series has garnered a cult following since its on-air days, drawing fans to Wilmington, North Carolina for its anniversary celebration, and nearly breaking the internet when news of a sequel series leaked online.

"It's very, very early development," Burton says. "And so what has been really cool for us? And when I say us, I mean the entire cast, like everybody and our old crew, they're all really proud of the work that we did back then too. And so to see the public support this little show we made 20 years later, that's so special and it's so rare. And I love that, even though that news was leaked, Netflix gets to see that public outpouring of support. That's cool. So, fingers crossed we'll make it to the next step."

Burton was in her twenties for the majority of OTH, and while she (alongside other female cast members of the show) have since vocalized the mistreatment they experienced from showrunner Mark Schwahn, the challenges of her twenties don't overshadow the accomplishments.

"I was not afraid to say difficult things in my twenties," she says. "And what I can tell other people in their twenties is that the long game will pay off. If you say the difficult thing and you say the truth, and you don't mask and you don't make up an alternative narrative, people will eventually realize that you were right."

Although the people pleaser in all of us might not want to rock the boat, she praises young people who refuse to accept toxicity: "We definitely have a feistier generation coming up than what I grew up in."

With her fiery attitude and sharp sense of humor, I have no problem believing Burton was one of the feistiest women of her generation, and she now finds herself advocating for a new phase in her own life: perimenopause. The actress is currently partnering with OLLY for their new Mellow Menopause supplements, bringing awareness to a conversation that should have been happening all along.

Burton never really had a menstrual cycle until she started birth control, which messed with her hormones and led to a Xanax prescription she never needed. And as she aged, she moved from having pain during her period to having it during ovulation. "I felt like there was something really wrong with me because no one had explained that could happen," she says. "So the more we can throw out what the symptoms are, I think the calmer people will be in their exploration of their own bodies."

Knowledge and education are power, and Burton firmly believes the more you understand your body, your hormones, and your emotions, the safer you'll feel. But that's only one silver lining she's found.

"I've talked about the feminine rage that I feel like I've earned," she says. "That Kesha song 'Joyride' came out this summer. She says, 'I've earned the right to be like this.' And I was like, 'Yeah, of course.' I think we spend our twenties experimenting. We spend our thirties kind of, like, establishing our careers and what our goals are. And then our forties are about knowing who we are and owning it. And if biology wants to come out swinging, I think we're in a place where we can control that and we can handle it."

That isn't to say perimenopause hasn't come without its unexpected moments, like having to convince others she really was experiencing perimenopause, despite being "too young." "The more research I did, and then in talking to my doctor, my instinct was right," she reveals. "I was beginning the [menopause] journey, and rather than try to hide it or treat it like a deficit, I get to own it. Now I get to treat it and I get to help other women navigate it. And that feels so much better when you're going through a bad thing, but you know that you're helping someone else through it. It doesn't feel as scary."

But while it's important to be vocal about our experiences, I also can't help but point out how it feels like men never have to talk about aging — they just get to do it and no one bats an eye. "Yeah, I think it's important to act like a man," Burton jokes. She remembers when her husband (actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan) embraced his natural gray hair, no one in the industry considered him too old for Hollywood.

"In fact, people thought he was hotter," she says. "So I wanted to act like a man in that journey [and embrace my own gray hair]. And so the different reaction I had was a little bit startling, but also made me laugh...I want to treat this chapter of my life as my expertise chapter. I know what I'm doing. I've been training for 20 years, 25, it's been a lot and I wanted to acknowledge that I know what I'm doing and when I talk about my body, I want to know exactly what I'm talking about."

And part of that expertise is knowing herself inside and out. On the days Burton doesn't feel like herself, whether because of hormones or mental health, she emphasizes how important it is to actually communicate those feelings. "It has been vital for me to communicate, not just with my husband, but with my teenage son," she says. "I want him to grow up to be the kind of man that's supportive of the women in his workplace and the women in his life. You know, we all talk about how we need to educate our daughters, but we also need to educate our sons."

And looking back on her own teenage years, Burton reveals her experience with perimenopause has actually reinforced the values she identified during that period in her life. "I think being a teenager and seeing these people who were gods [in the industry], seeing how insecure and unhappy some of them were really tipped me off right away," she says. "Success is being okay in your little bubble, being okay in your bedroom at night when you're alone by yourself. And so my goals have always kind of centered on, 'Do I feel okay when I'm all by myself?' and menopause is one of those things that can rattle that safety for people."

"It's about knowing who you are so much that no one else can take it away from you," she continues. "And whether it's your work or a sh—ty boyfriend or whatever, you have to know yourself so well that no one can take it away, and menopause can mess with that sometimes. And I'm gonna fight like hell to keep who I am."

Levi's 501 Original Fit Women's Jeans

Levi's 501 jeans silhouette is the literal blueprint when it comes to denim. They're utterly timeless, and thankfully, very flattering. With a high waistline and straight legs, they're also really easy to wear any way you like. This medium-wash pair in particular will fit closer around the waist and hips before flaunting a looser fit along the legs. The material they're made of boasts a gentle stretchiness to move with you perfectly! Available in sizes 16-24.

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Sky-Hi Wide-Leg Jeans

One major quality I look for in plus size jeans is a high waistline, because I've found it fits my body best and helps smooth out my tummy. This pair from Old Navy features an extra high waist which is balanced out by wide legs, creating a silhouette that favors bodies that might be more top-heavy. The coolest part is the colorblocked design that'll absolutely turn heads wherever you wear 'em. Available in sizes 00-30.

Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans

Gap also has tons of plus size jeans to pick from! Barrel jeans are hot right now, and no one should be left out of the trend. This style is shoppable in a wide size range and four different denim washes to help you find your perfect pair! This one is especially comfy since the legs are meant to be very drapey and loose. The waistline is definitely more fitted, and the hem of these jeans tapers inward to create a playful shape that can work stylish wonders with your body. Available in sizes 24-35.

Good American Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans

Good American's plus size jeans are really unique in that they follow a versatile one-size-fits-four sizing chart and always flaunt a gap-proof waistband. The material they're made of has 100% stretch that "ensures optimal flexibility and unrestricted movement." You'll find that the mid-rise waistline and straight leg styling will work with a variety of outfits and garments, making these a great pair to rock year-round. Available up to size 32.

Madewell The Plus '90s Straight Jean

These jeans are made from a stretchy material that still retains some rigidity for shaping your body, but not restricting it. They are fairly fitted through the hips and thighs but boast a higher back rise for a "curve-enhancing lift." I really enjoy the darker wash on these, too. It feels perfectly formal for in-office days or date nights, but can easily be styled for casual outings. Available in sizes 14-24.

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Low Rise Baggy Jean

Abercrombie & Fitch's Curve Love line is a total godsend for curvy and plus size people. The bespoke fit "eliminates waist gap with additional room through the hip and thigh," and while you may feel weary about rockin' a low-rise pair, I'd argue they're the comfiest silhouette you could ever rock, since the waistband won't dig into your stomach. The baggier fit around the hips and legs is helpful on lazy days, too, all while still making you look put-together. This style comes in so many different washes and lengths. Available in sizes 23-37.

Old Navy High-Waisted OG Loose Utility Jeans

The vertical seaming on these jeans can help shape your body and supply a nice elongating effect for your legs. The waistline sits at the belly button while the fit is only semi-fitted through the hips and thighs. These also have a slight stretch to them, thanks to 1% spandex. Available in sizes 00-30.

American Eagle Stretch Super High-Waisted Straight Jean

American Eagle also brings the range when it comes to plus size jeans. If you're on the hunt for a solid everyday pair, these straight-leg jeans are it! They're crafted from a mid-weight structured denim material with "just enough stretch" for everyday comfort. The medium wash is perfect for pairing with anything from blazers to t-shirts, though they also come in two lighter colors. Available in sizes 000-24.

We The Free CRVY Gia Wide-Leg Jeans

These designed-for-curves jeans have an additional 2-inch difference between the waist and hips to accomodate for larger, curvier bodies. The high waist-wide leg combo is ultimately super flattering since it can help balance out your figure. I'd absolutely wear these with my fave sweater and ballet flats for fall time! Available in sizes 28-35.

Levi's Classic Bootcut Jeans

Another staple in the Levi's jeans vault, this bootcut pair is especially laidback. They have a hint of stretch that's perfect for sporting every day, and the vintage-inspired silhouette is totally on-trend for this season. Levi's says they're their "softest jeans ever." Available up to size 26.

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Cropped Wide Leg Jean

Cropped jeans are especially fun to wear with boots, so you can show off your best footwear. These A&F jeans also follow the brand's Curve Love guidelines, being made with additional room along the hips and thighs. The material is equal parts drapey and rigid to help shape your bod. Available in sizes 24-34.

Best Products For Acne Prone And Combination Skin

Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser

If you have combination skin and dry patches like this user, you may be wondering WTF you should use on your skin. While they decided to use the CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser, another person said they double cleanse beginning with Byoma's Creamy Jelly Cleanser or the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil. As a follow-up, they recommend using a more mild cleanser like Cetaphil's Daily Facial Cleanser. So many great options!

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

Some toners aren't universal buys, but Acwell's Licorice pH Balancing formula is! It deep cleans your skin without stripping it of moisture and truly balances your skin. Besides being formulated with licorice, it also has peony extract, so you'll get double the brightening power to boost your natural glow. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the green tea extract found in this toner helps tackle stubborn dark spots, too. I personally love how affordable it is considering all of the heavy duty lifting it does!

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

One person said they've "had good luck with moisturizers that are a gel-cream consistency" and listed Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Cream as one of the moisturizers they rely on. It's meant to help balance you skin tone, texture and firmness over time with the aid of signal peptide complex, pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, and soybean folic acid ferment extract.

If you're on a budget, the Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer is also another great option!

Best Dark Spot Treatments

I don't know what I did to deserve to stumble across this "comprehensive guide" for treating dark spots, but I'm thoroughly grateful for it!

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

According to the above thread, this is the product you want to use if you're looking for "serious treatment." It helps smooth uneven skin texture and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation over time. Although the tube is small, "a little bit goes a long way."

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

Vitamin C serums can be pricey, but OP (the "original poster") suggests this is an amazing dupe for the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with L-Ascorbic Acid (try not to clutch your pearls at the price!). This one is recommended because it's "an antioxidant that increases the rate of skin cell turnover bringing forward new skin cells while simultaneously improving the effects of SPF."

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

The beautiful thing about this serum is that it addresses hyperpigmentation and also exfoliates your skin. It's full of Tranexamic acid, Kojic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) to target problem areas without stripping your skin's barrier.

Best Products For Sensitive Skin

Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Cleanser

This award-winning gel-like cleanser not only only targets your pores, but it reduces the appearance of dullness and blemishes. Say bye-bye to buildup, makeup, and other unseen gunk each time you use it!

COSRX Centella Water Toner

This alcohol-free toner is one of the gentlest toners your sensitive skin will ever feel because it's only intention is to minimize any inflammation or breakouts you're experiencing. If you use it with a hydrocolloid patch, it can help get rid of any reoccurring infections, too!

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Lastly, someone in this extensive thread outlined why you should use Niacinamide. They wrote, "It is anti-inflammatory so it improves redness and it may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time there are less lesions and improved skin texture." One of their recommendation's is The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%!

Best SPFs & Tinted Moisturizers

Sun Bum Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30

Sun Bum's mineral tinted sunscreen is a fabulous SPF-based alternative to all your typical tinted moisturizer needs. It's zinc-based, and it basically works just like a primer does. It's a gluten-free way to receive a hint of color and optimal protection from the sun.

EltaMD Broad Spectrum SPF Sunscreen

EltaMD's Broad Spectrum sunscreen offers a little more protection than Sun Bum's tinted moisturizer! It also helps improve your skin over time so that it looks refreshed with the aid of squalene. The other ingredients you'll find in it is ginger root extract and bountiful antioxidants to reduce any fine lines you may have, too.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this Melt-In Milk Sunscreen is going to give you optimal protection from the sun with it's Cell-OX Shield. You also don't have to worry about it leaving behind a lingering white tint because it absorbs into the skin quickly and has a smooth texture you'll love spreading onto your face.

Best Under Eye Products

Celebrity Esthetician Ian Michael Crumm says that a "lack of sleep causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to dark circles and puffiness around the eyes." If your under eye area still needs a little help, here's what this 30 Plus Skincare Reddit channel suggests!

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

This isn't the first time I've noticed ginseng in one of the beauty products I've added to my wish list, so it makes me think it's worth noting! Backed by this healing ingredient, the Revive Eye Serum zeroes in on everything from fine lines to late nights that are beginning to show. You'll start to see more elasticity under your eyes with continued use and that's always something to look forward to!

The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream

One person said they noticed a "big difference" in their "fine lines" after consistently using The INKEY List's Caffeine Eye Cream which makes sense because it's a community favorite on Sephora. Like the name says, it have caffeine, Matrixyl 3000, and Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract (exfoliation and smoothing) in it to bring life back to your under eye area!