Selena Gomez Reveals Arthritis from Lupus, Inspires Beauty Brand

• Selena Gomez disclosed her arthritis in fingers is due to lupus on Good Hang podcast.
• Arthritis symptoms inspired Rare Beauty’s easy-to-open, accessible packaging.
• Lupus diagnosis in 2013 has impacted Gomez’s health journey, including kidney transplant.
• Arthritis affects daily tasks and influenced Gomez’s career and business decisions.

Global pop icon Selena Gomez recently revealed a new chapter in her health journey, sharing that her lupus diagnosis has led to arthritis in her fingers. On the September 9 episode of The Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, Gomez discussed how this painful arthritis affects daily tasks, such as opening bottles, and how it inspired her to design her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, with accessibility in mind. Diagnosed with lupus in 2013, a chronic autoimmune disease with wide-ranging effects, Gomez has been open about the physical and mental impacts of the condition, including undergoing a kidney transplant in 2017. This update not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those with lupus but also highlights Gomez’s commitment to inclusivity and user-friendly design in her brand.

Selena Gomez Reveals Arthritis from Lupus on Good Hang Podcast

Selena Gomez, the acclaimed singer and actress, shared on the September 9 episode of the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast that she has arthritis in her fingers, a complication stemming from her lupus diagnosis. Diagnosed in 2013 with lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease, Gomez described how the arthritis causes pain and stiffness, especially affecting small daily tasks like opening bottles. She shared, “I have arthritis in my fingers, and that’s due to my lupus. Before the brand, I was trying to open a water bottle and it hurt really bad before I was on the right medication.” This candid revelation highlights the physical toll lupus and its associated conditions can take, even on high-profile individuals.

How Arthritis Influenced Rare Beauty’s Accessible Packaging

Gomez’s personal struggles with arthritis directly inspired the design philosophy behind her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. She explained that the brand’s products were intentionally made easy to open, responding to challenges faced by herself and others with dexterity issues. “We started to make every product with the intention of working for anybody who has dexterity problems,” she said. For example, the brand incorporates cap-free perfume bottles and simple button dispensers, making application and use straightforward for those with limited hand mobility. Gomez emphasized the significance of such seemingly small design choices by noting, “It’s actually so helpful for anyone at any age to be able to use the products”.

Lupus Diagnosis and Ongoing Health Journey

Selena Gomez’s lupus diagnosis was first publicly acknowledged in 2015 after she abruptly ended part of her tour to undergo chemotherapy. Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organs, and for Gomez, it has resulted in serious health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2017. Her ongoing health battles and openness about them have been instrumental in raising awareness about the disease. “I wasn’t understanding my mind. I wasn’t understanding my reactions and my emotions,” she reflected about her mental health struggles related to lupus. Despite the difficulties, Gomez advocates for self-care and acknowledges the importance of medication in managing lupus symptoms.

The Impact of Arthritis on Selena’s Daily Life and Career

The arthritis caused by lupus has not only impacted Gomez’s daily routine but also influenced her work as an artist and entrepreneur. She revealed that before the right medication, simple actions caused intense pain, which made routine tasks daunting. This pain and stiffness in her hands underscore the invisible challenges of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Gomez’s experience reveals how chronic illness can affect professional responsibilities, reinforcing the need for accessible design and enhanced awareness.

Selena Gomez’s Advocacy for Accessibility and Inclusivity

Beyond just designing products for ease of use, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty brand champions accessibility and inclusivity. The thoughtful packaging is a testament to the brand’s mission to serve diverse needs, including those with physical limitations caused by conditions like arthritis and lupus. This approach is reshaping the beauty industry’s focus on accessibility, proving that luxury can and should be inclusive. Gomez’s advocacy highlights that accessible design goes beyond necessity—it is about dignity and empowerment for all users.

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