logo
I never wore suncream as a teenager – my skin looked like leather & I looked 50 in my 20s – now I've reversed the damage

I never wore suncream as a teenager – my skin looked like leather & I looked 50 in my 20s – now I've reversed the damage

Scottish Sun25-06-2025
SUN WARNING I never wore suncream as a teenager – my skin looked like leather & I looked 50 in my 20s – now I've reversed the damage
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE SUMMER season has well and truly arrived and now it's more important than ever to look after your skin.
But while millions of beauty buffs kickstart their day by applying SPF, there are still plenty of those who skip the crucial step.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Lora, now 44, admitted to skipping sunscreen as a teenager - which later resulted in premature ageing
Credit: tiktok/@loracroftcheck
2
The mum has since managed to reverse some of the visible damage - and looks better than ever
Credit: tiktok/@loracroftcheck
Now, one woman has revealed the shocking damage of her ''leather'' skin after she gave suncream a miss as a teenager - and how she now looks totally different.
Mum Lora Croftcheck left TikTok users gobsmacked after she shared snaps of herself after skipping sunscreen in high school.
Lora, who graduated in 1999, told fellow social media users she never bothered with sun protection.
Sun safety should be non-negotiable and there are plenty of reasons to not skip this step, such as avoiding sunburn, minimising the risk of melanoma and premature ageing.
Sun damage, also known as photoaging, is skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun without SPF protection.
There have been plenty of studies that show that skipping sunscreen can lead to premature ageing, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Sun damage is a significant concern because it can cause both cosmetic issues and serious health problem, experts have warned.
However, it wasn't until later that Lora began to notice the true extent of the damage - and in her 30s, looked like she was in her 50s, she bravely shared in a now-viral video.
Uploading selfies, the mum said ''the sun damage and bags were awful'' and admitted to always hiding behind cakey make-up to cover the spots and uneven skin tine.
But as she approached her ''upper 30s'', Lora decided to start focusing on skincare - and the results have left people with their jaws on the floor.
I let my kid start wearing make-up aged 3 - I've spent £1.5K on her 200 products & her skincare regime has 9 steps
The mum, now looking more radiant than ever at 44, wrote: ''For the past seven years, I have worn sunscreen every single day, and I have never missed a day using skincare.
''I have used multiple brands over the years, and this is not a sales speech.
''It is just meant to motivate you to stay consistent, because it is truly key,'' said Lora who's also admitted to getting ''fillers and lasers'' on top of using the viral Korean skincare.
The Importance of SPF
WITH summer finally here, here's everything you need to know about SPF.
1. Protects Against UV Radiation: SPF shields your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer: Regular use of SPF can significantly lower the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
3. Prevents Premature Aging: UV exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. SPF helps maintain youthful skin by blocking these aging effects.
4. Maintains Even Skin Tone: Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Using SPF regularly can help prevent these issues, leading to a more even and radiant complexion.
5. Essential for All Skin Types: Regardless of skin type or tone, everyone is susceptible to UV damage. SPF is crucial for all skin types to maintain healthy skin and prevent damage.
6. Everyday Necessity: UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, making daily SPF application essential, even on cloudy days or when indoors.
While it's not possible to completely reverse sun damage, you can significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin through various treatments and skincare practices.
These methods, especially introducing SPF to your beauty routine, can help reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, and boost collagen production.
Regular sunscreen use can minimise the formation of new sunspots and wrinkles and help repair some of the visible signs of aging caused by the sun.
Other skincare buys worth investing in include retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants and chemical peels, explained the experts at Cleveland Clinic.
'You de-aged 20 years'
The jaw-dropping video, posted under the username @loracroftcheck, has since taken the platform by storm, amassing over 4million views.
Close to 2,000 people flooded to comments in total shock, with one viewer writing: ''Australian here (so I know about sun damage) and finished high school in 1990.
''The difference between people who wear sunscreen and people who didn't is staggering at my age.''
Another was stunned by the epic glow-up, commenting: ''you de-aged 20 years, great job girl.''
Someone else said: ''I've been using sunscreen everyday since I was 21 I am now 65 and skin is really good with no wrinkles.''
''Class of 2001! Tanning beds and now hiding my face from the sun!'' a beauty buff chimed in.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The 7 foods that could protect you from common fat jab side effect, suggest scientists
The 7 foods that could protect you from common fat jab side effect, suggest scientists

Scottish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

The 7 foods that could protect you from common fat jab side effect, suggest scientists

Find out more about side effects linked to fat jabs below NO WEIGH The 7 foods that could protect you from common fat jab side effect, suggest scientists Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WOMEN and older adults who use increasingly popular weight-loss drug semaglutide could protect themselves from a common side effect by eating more protein, say scientists. It may be an important step in reducing insulin resistance and preventing frailty in people with obesity, they add. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Women and older adults using semaglutide nay be at risk of losing muscle mass, previous studies have found Credit: Getty A previous study presented at ENDO 2025 suggested women and older adults using semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, for weight loss may be at a higher risk of losing muscle mass. Muscle loss, also referred to as lean mass loss, is a frequent consequence of weight reduction in people with obesity. According to lead researcher Dr Melanie Haines of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in a new study, this type of muscle loss can negatively influence metabolism and bone health. That's because muscle helps manage blood sugar levels after eating and contributes to bone strength. According to a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, up to 40 per cent of the total weight lost while using semaglutide may be lean mass. But Dr Haines noted it's still unclear which patients are most likely to lose muscle and how this muscle loss might impact blood sugar control. To explore this further, researchers observed 40 adults with obesity over a three-month period. Of these participants, 23 were treated with semaglutide, while the remaining 17 took part in a weight-loss programme called Healthy Habits for Life (HHL), which focuses on diet and lifestyle changes. The team then monitored shifts in the participants' muscle mass over the course of the study. They found participants who were prescribed semaglutide lost more weight than those who participated in the diet and lifestyle programme. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons But the percent of weight loss that was lean mass was similar between the two groups. After accounting for weight loss, the researchers found in the semaglutide group, being older, female, or eating less protein was linked to greater muscle loss. Losing more muscle was also linked to less improvement in blood sugar levels. 'Older adults and women may be more likely to lose muscle on semaglutide, but eating more protein may help protect against this,' Haines said. 'Losing too much muscle may reduce the benefits of semaglutide on blood sugar control. "This means preserving muscle during weight loss with semaglutide may be important to reduce insulin resistance and prevent frailty in people with obesity.' There are both animal and plant-based sources of protein. Here are seven to include in your diet: Animal sources Lean meats - chicken breast, turkey, beef, and pork are excellent sources of high-quality protein, offering a range of vitamins and minerals. Fish - salmon, tuna, and other fish are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs - a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Dairy - milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), and cheese (especially cottage cheese) are good sources of protein and calcium. Plant-based sources Legumes - beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Nuts and seeds - almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds offer protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. Tofu and soy products - tofu, tempeh, and edamame are good sources of protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. In the UK, semaglutide for weight loss is available under the brand name Wegovy, and is prescribed through specialist weight management services within the NHS. It's an injectable medication (once weekly) that is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Ozempic, another semaglutide medication, is specifically for type 2 diabetes and is available on the NHS.

The health benefits of old-fashioned castor oil
The health benefits of old-fashioned castor oil

Telegraph

time8 hours ago

  • Telegraph

The health benefits of old-fashioned castor oil

The internet is rife with self-proclaimed health experts who insist they have the answers to life's ailments – from taping your mouth shut for better sleep, to juice cleanses, and intermittent fasting for weight loss. Now, traditional remedies are back in vogue. Castor oil may not have the most glamorous reputation, but it's the hottest new trend on TikTok – with influencers touting its supposed stomach-flattening effects. The method? Rubbing castor oil into the belly button, in a process known as 'navel pulling'. In a TikTok video which now has over 7.5m views, Miranda Wilson, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, says she 'started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion', and claims her stomach 'has never been so flat '. It's the latest in a long line of health claims linked to castor oil. Whilst it was used traditionally as a laxative, the humble plant oil has since undergone a renaissance and can supposedly strengthen hair, moisturise skin, and lengthen eyelashes. So, is navel pulling the cure to bloating – and which castor oil trends actually work? What is castor oil? Castor oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, explains Dr Dev Patel, skin doctor and founder of Perfect Skin Solutions. It is thick and a pale yellow colour. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine, and today appears in a variety of products. Its main active component is ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which gives castor oil its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial powers. It can be bought in pure liquid form, in a pack (which can be applied to the skin), and in a variety of hair and skincare products. @ IYKYK #castoroil #navelpulling #digestion #tips #viral #fyp ♬ dźwięk oryginalny - Does navel pulling work? Dr Patel explains that applying castor oil to the navel is inspired by an ancient Ayurvedic belief that the belly button is a central energy point in the body, connected to multiple organs via nerve pathways. Social media users claim it helps digestion, reduces bloating, and can even alleviate period pain. However, navel pulling enthusiasts, look away now. Both our medical and nutritional experts agree this trend is a fictional fad. 'Putting castor oil into your navel seems like just another odd health myth based on no clinical evidence,' says Dr Frankie Phillips, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Whilst it's unlikely to do any harm, she says it seems to be, 'entirely pointless with no physiological benefits'. Dr Patel agrees. He says there is no robust scientific evidence to suggest that placing castor oil in the belly button has a direct effect on digestion. 'However, the act of massaging oil into the abdomen may indirectly support digestion by stimulating the vagus nerve, enhancing parasympathetic activity, or simply encouraging relaxation and awareness of the digestive tract,' he adds. So while it may have value as part of a self-care routine, the claimed digestive benefits remain anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Is castor oil an effective moisturiser? Castor oil is an excellent occlusive, Dr Patel says, which means it helps to lock moisture into the skin by forming a barrier. Its high viscosity can help those with very dry or cracked skin, whilst the ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to soothe irritation. However, he warns those with acne-prone or oily skin to beware. Due to its thick texture, it can block hair follicles which could lead to more spots or – in extreme cases – folliculitis (infection of the follicles). Dr Patel says it's best used as part of a moisturising blend or for targeting dry areas, such as heels or elbows. Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, agrees – and advises people not to apply pure castor oil directly to the skin as it can cause irritation and breakouts. A 2023 clinical trial involving 22 people found that creams containing castor oil appeared to reduce dark under-eye circles – suggesting it could be an effective alternative treatment. However, due to the limited sample size, the researchers said further trials were needed to confirm their findings. Does castor oil improve hair health? Many have claimed that castor oil is the key to hair growth, however there is no scientific evidence to suggest this is true, says Dr Wong. It's not all bad news for those who have been coating their locks, though, as she says the rich proteins and fatty acids in castor oil can moisturise and strengthen the body of hair. Dr Wong warns those using castor oil on their hair not to overdo it as excessive use, combined with infrequent washing, can result in scalp acne, hair follicles becoming clogged, and the worsening of issues such as dandruff and eczema. In rare cases, overuse of castor oil can lead to sudden matting of the hair, known as hair felting. She suggests using a thin coating of castor oil once a week as a conditioning and moisturising agent. 'Focus on application from the mid lengths to the tips of the hair and not the scalp', she says. Can castor oil lengthen eyelashes? This is a very popular claim, Dr Patel says, however unfortunately there's no strong clinical evidence to suggest that castor oil directly promotes eyelash or eyebrow growth. However, there are still some potential benefits for those who have been coating their eyelashes in oily serum. Dr Patel says 'it can improve the appearance and condition of lashes by coating them and reducing breakage due to dryness or environmental damage'. It's best to view castor oil as a conditioning agent, rather than a hair-growth stimulant, he concludes. Is castor oil a useful laxative? In one of its most popular and traditional uses, castor oil is a popular laxative, historically used for short-term constipation relief. The ricinoleic acid is 'released in the small intestine and stimulates intestinal muscle contractions, typically resulting in a bowel movement within two to six hours,' Dr Patel says. In the US, castor oil is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter stimulant laxative for occasional use, however this is not the case in the UK. The MHRA (UK's equivalent to the FDA) can only approve medicine and medical devices if they are marketed as such. However, in the UK, castor oil is typically sold and labelled as a cosmetic or massage oil – not a medicinal product – meaning people use it informally for its laxative effects, Dr Patel explains. It's perfectly safe for most people to take castor oil by mouth for constipation relief, says Dr Tony Fincham, a GP at Benenden Hospital. Adults can take a single dose of one to four tablespoons a day, but it should only be used for short-term relief. It's not suitable for everyone though, Dr Patel warns. Pregnant women, children under 12, people with inflammatory bowel disease, and individuals on certain medications such as steroids, should not use it without consulting a medical professional. Can castor oil heal wounds? In its role as a wound healer, castor oil has traditionally thrived. Ricinoleic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties and castor oil-based ointments, often made in combination with other ingredients, have been used over the years to improve healing and reduce pain, Dr Patel says. A 2020 study in the Pharmacognosy Magazine highlighted castor oil's anti-inflammatory potential, as well as its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, Dr Fincham says that whilst some plasters used to contain castor oil, this is no longer the case as there was found to be a risk of irritation or allergic reaction. Therefore castor oil should only be used to treat wounds if recommended by a doctor, and under professional guidance. Expert verdict: What's the best use for castor oil? Dr Fincham and Dr Patel both agree that castor oil is best used for moisturising and conditioning – 'particularly for dry skin, brittle lashes, eyebrows, or hair'. It's also a great choice for cuticles, dry heels, and patchy rough areas, Dr Patel says. But he urges those with sensitive or acne-prone skin to use with caution or in a diluted form. 'As a natural, multi-purpose ingredient, it can be a valuable addition to your skincare cabinet,' he concludes, 'But it's not a miracle oil, and I would say its effects are mostly supportive rather than transformative.'

Dad who lost 7 stone on Mounjaro reveals how he deals with loose skin after rapid weight loss
Dad who lost 7 stone on Mounjaro reveals how he deals with loose skin after rapid weight loss

Daily Mail​

time8 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Dad who lost 7 stone on Mounjaro reveals how he deals with loose skin after rapid weight loss

There's an unavoidable side effect of rapidly losing a lot of weight—you're often left with a lot of loose, sagging skin—and a man who shed seven stone in a year has opened up about the realities of living with it. Many people in his situation undergo painful plastic surgery procedures, known as full body lifts, to tighten their redundant pouches and folds of flesh, trusting surgeons slice off excess bits of skin to give them a sleeker silhouette. But super slimmer Jon, who shares his experiences taking weight loss jab Mounjaro on social media, has decided to do the opposite. Jon, who boasts over 21,000 followers on his TikTok page @jonboys_losingit, revealed that he's happy with his new shape, even if it might seem unsightly to other people. In a video, he poses confidently in front of the mirror pinching the skin on his abdomen and hips. He added in the caption: 'Biggest question I get asked… I can deal this with this.' His followers loved his attitude, with one man commenting: 'I'd be happy with that. What was your skin routine through your weight loss journey?' Jon explained that he hadn't followed anything in particular, but was keen to start lifting weights. Another follower said: 'The loose skin is my struggle, not quite ready to embrace it yet but well done you'. Showing a different attitude altogether, another follower said: 'I see the loose skin as a battle scar, it's there to remind me everyday of what I've achieved.' Jon previously told his followers how he came to lose seven stone in just 12 months, sharing his five top tips for success. After starting on Mounjaro on June 25 2024, he has maintained a calorie deficit, using a Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Calculator to find out his basic calorie needs. He explained: 'All you'll simply do is put your height, your weight, your age in. It'll work out what your specific calories need to be each day. 'I definitely recommend in your first few months of starting Mounjaro, that you start tracking calories. 'That's going to make sure that you're not going above your calorie deficit, but also, again, more importantly, that you are eating enough. 'It's good to make sure that you have actually enough, because you are going to feel crap if you don't eat enough calories.' Jon says he is often asked about loose skin, but he can 'deal with it' His second tip was also related to nutrition, urging his followers to make sure they are hitting their daily protein goals. 'That's going to prevent muscle loss, and it's also going to make you feel fuller for longer as well,' he said, adding that the TDEE calculator can also work out your macros so you can make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need. Tip number three was to make sure you stay hydrated, and number four was to avoid comparisons with people's extreme before and after photos, and to stay focused on maintaining a calorie deficit. His final tip was to not get caught up in the pros and cons of different jab sites—users can inject in any fleshy area in the thighs, stomach or backs of their arms—and just go with what is comfortable for you. Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is a weekly jab that can help patients shed up to a fifth of their body weight in a year. It will reportedly be offered to around 220,000 people over the next three years under new NHS prescribing rules. GPs can now prescribe the drug to patients with a BMI over 40 – classed as severely obese – and at least four obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store