Heading to the beach or pool? What to know about sunscreen, tanning
For scores of people across the Northern Hemisphere, that means trips to the beach or pool.
While achieving a "sun-kissed" tan is on many a summer bucket list, health experts are warning you not to ditch the sunscreen in an attempt to get your desired results more quickly.
"Tanned skin is not a sign of healthy skin," dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky previously told USA TODAY. "Tanning is your body's attempt to produce more melanin to protect your skin from further DNA damage."
Here's what you need to know about sunscreen and tanning before your next sunny outing.
Is chemical or mineral sunscreen better? Dermatologists discuss UV protection
The short answer: Yes, when it's used correctly. The longer answer: That's a good thing.
"Sunscreen works to reduce the amount of UV exposure to your skin," Zubritsky explains.
Excessive UV exposure is responsible for more than 90% of skin cancers, according to Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. Getting one severe sunburn before adulthood more than doubles the chance of developing skin cancer later in life, and getting more than five sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma, a less common but more deadly form of skin cancer.
Research has shown that roughly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and experts estimate that 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
But, Zubritsky adds, "even in a perfect scenario, most SPFs do not block 100% of UV rays from touching our skin, so there is still a risk that we can tan even when applying sunscreen, especially if sunscreens aren't used according to their instructions."
Sarah Ferguson treated for skin cancer: What to know about melanoma, sunscreen
Refraining from using sunscreen isn't the answer to quick tanning, experts say.
For an even faster – and safer – tan process, Zubritsky recommends getting a spray tan or purchasing sunless tanning products, such as over-the-counter self-tanners.
While self-tanning products are considered safer than spray tans or natural tans, some concerns have arisen surrounding dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is the ingredient in fake tanning products that gives skin a brown pigment. But it's approved by the Food and Drug Administration for topical use, and medical experts say that when applied to the top layer of skin, it's unlikely to cause any major concerns.
Zubritsky also notes that there's no truth to the idea that getting a "base tan" before vacation is safer: "This will not protect your skin from burning or further DNA damage," she says.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does sunscreen prevent tanning? What experts say
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
24 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Massachusetts advocates fear Trump's bill will unravel health safety net in Obamacare's model state
BOSTON — In the state that served as the model for Obamacare , advocates and health care workers fear the Trump administration is trying to dismantle piece-by-piece a popular program that has provided insurance, preventive care and life-saving medication to hundreds of thousands of people. Provisions contained in both the Senate and House versions of the massive tax and spending cuts bill advancing in Congress — a centerpiece of President Donald Trump's agenda — could strip health insurance from up to a quarter of the roughly 400,000 people enrolled in the Massachusetts Health Connector, according to state estimates.
Medscape
33 minutes ago
- Medscape
New Trials, New Targets: New Hope for Alzheimer's
After decades of frustration and failure, the landscape of drug development for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is starting to shift beyond anti-amyloids. Fueled by a growing pipeline of investigational agents, a broader range of therapeutic targets, and a record number of active clinical trials, a growing, but cautious, optimism is taking hold. The Alzheimer's Drug Development Pipeline 2025 reported there are currently 138 novel drugs under evaluation in 182 clinical trials — up 9% from 2024. Initiated by Jeffrey L. Cummings, MD, and colleagues in 2016, this year's annual report showed these clinical trials are being conducted at more than 4500 sites worldwide and included more than 50,000 participants. 'There's great reason for optimism. It's not just the increased amount of clinical trials, but the targeted therapies being studied,' said Cummings, Department of Brain Health, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Nevada, in a statement. Howard Fillit, MD, cofounder and chief science officer of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, agreed. 'What's going on is really quite remarkable. We have the first disease-modifying drugs on the market, which is amazing, and I think the portfolio of drugs in development has changed dramatically from even 5 years ago,' Fillit told Medscape Medical News . James Rowe, PhD, professor of cognitive neurology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, was equally impressed by the latest report. 'What strikes me is not just the number of new drugs but their range of targets in which they work, giving us multiple shots on goal,' Rowe commented during a media briefing on the report. The Next Big Thing? Currently 12 phase 3 trials are expected to report results this year. In an interview with Medscape Medical News , Cummings noted that 'one of the most interesting and probably most influential of the readouts that will occur this year' involves two trials evoke and evoke+ of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist semaglutide in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD dementia. 'Semaglutide is a drug approved for diabetes and obesity, and it has epidemiologic and laboratory support for testing in Alzheimer's disease. And what's important is that this is an oral medication and it would just be fabulous if we had an oral alternative for treatment,' said Cummings. Phase 3 data on the combination of xanomeline plus trospium, a medication approved for schizophrenia in adults, which is being tested for psychosis in AD, is also highly anticipated, Cummings said. 'There are no approved treatments for psychosis in Alzheimer's disease, so this is going to be a particularly interesting readout,' he noted. Cummings also highlighted BIIB080, Biogen's investigational antisense oligonucleotide targeting tau, as another promising compound for early-stage AD. The therapy received Fast Track designation from the FDA in April. In early testing, BIIB080 reduced soluble tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), decreased aggregated tau pathology in the brain and showed favorable trends in exploratory clinical outcomes. New data on BIIB080 is expected in 2026. Hopes are also high for trontinemab (Roche), a modified version of the anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody gantenerumab. The therapy uses brain shuttle technology to improve its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. 'This so-called brain shuttle technology is exciting because they've found a way to get much more of the antibody across the brain barrier and into the brain and engage the target. And this technology could be used to get other drugs into the brain,' Cummings said. The Big Picture There are currently 48 trials assessing 31 drugs in phase 3; 86 trials assessing 75 drugs in phase 2; and 48 trials assessing 45 drugs in phase 1. Of the 182 trials, 16 are long-term extensions of agents in prior trials. Since the beginning of 2024, 56 new trials entered the pipeline across all phases, including 10 new phase 3 trials. A total of 12 therapeutic agents are expected to complete phase 3 trials and 29 are scheduled to complete phase 2 in 2025. Disease-targeted therapies (DTTs) continue to dominate the AD drug pipeline. Biological DTTs comprise 30% of the pipeline and small molecule DTTs account for 43%. Drugs targeting cognitive enhancement make up 14% of the pipeline and drugs aimed at ameliorating AD neuropsychiatric symptoms comprise 11%. Repurposed agents represent 33% of the pipeline agents. In addition, biomarkers are among the primary outcomes of 27% of active trials. Beyond Amyloid: New Targets Anti-amyloid agents, lecanemab and donanemab, became the first disease-targeting medications for AD and represented a 'huge leap forward in our understanding and ability to treat AD,' Sheona Scales, PhD, director of research, Alzheimer's Research UK, told reporters attending the press briefing. Scales noted that a key focus of ongoing anti-amyloid research is to find ways to increase brain exposure and reduce the side effects of these agents. Beyond anti-amyloids, the latest pipeline report showed not only numerical growth but also increased biological diversity among the agents under investigation. 'Research is revealing even more complexities around how Alzheimer's disease starts and progresses, and this goes beyond amyloid. The current therapeutic pipeline has more diverse targets than in previous years,' Scales said. Similar to 2024, this year only 18% of drugs in the pipeline target amyloid-related pathophysiology, whereas 11% target tau-related processes. 'Neuroinflammation, in particular, is a highly active area of therapeutic development,' Emma Mead, PhD, interim chief scientific officer, Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, told reporters. 'Neuroinflammation is the brain's response to injury, infection or disease, and research has suggested that in neurodegenerative conditions, microglia, the immune cells of the brain, become dysregulated and this contributes to the damage associated with Alzheimer's disease,' Mead explained. Thirty drugs (22%) in the pipeline target neurotransmitter receptors, 24 (17%) address neuroinflammation/immune processes and 6% address synaptic plasticity/neuroprotection. Combination Therapies and Prevention Given the complexity of AD, it's become clear that targeting a single pathway may not be sufficient for effective treatment. Combination therapy targeting multiple complementary pathologic mechanisms will be necessary to maximize therapeutic effects. The 2025 AD drug pipeline includes 20 trials of combination therapies, comprising 11% of all current trials. Ten of these trials target aspects of both inflammation and amyloid. For example, two trials are testing dasatinib, in combination with quercetin, as a senolytic therapy for dementia. Senescent cells accumulate with age and are believed to contribute to age-related diseases like dementia. Six trials are assessing combinations of dextromethorphan and a CYP2D6 inhibitor for reducing agitation associated with dementia. Four trials are assessing the combination of xanomeline plus trospium. 'Because Alzheimer's disease is so complex and different pathologies develop at different times across the disease course, it's likely that in the future, patients are going to be offered specific treatments that target distinct mechanistic pathways depending on their disease stage,' Mead said. Rowe said one of the most compelling findings in the latest pipeline reported as the notable increase in late-phase trials focused on prevention. These AD prevention trials aim to intervene before symptoms appear — targeting individuals at high risk due to genetics, biomarkers, or early pathological changes — to delay or even prevent clinical onset. 'The aspiration to prevent, not just treat, is starting to be seen in the figures and that's very exciting,' he told the briefing. Repurposing Current Medications? About a third of the agents currently under investigation are repurposed medications — drugs originally approved for other conditions — which may offer a faster path to patient access. They include the GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) used to treat diabetes and obesity. In addition to semaglutide, another GLP-1 RA, liraglutide, demonstrated a 50% reduction in brain atrophy and 18% slower cognitive decline in the phase 2b ELAD clinical trial of adults with mild to moderate AD. The diabetes medication metformin is also in phase 3 testing for AD with results expected in 2026. Antihypertensive medications — including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) — are also being studied for their potential neuroprotective effects. A randomized trial of the ARB candesartan showed positive neurocognitive effects independent of, and in addition to, their blood-pressure lowering effects. Further, a low dose formulation of the antiepileptic levetiracetam has also shown potential in the treatment of MCI and early AD by targeting hippocampal hyperactivity, a hallmark of AD. Research has also hinted that antibiotics, antivirals, some vaccines, and anti-inflammatory medications may protect against dementia, possibly by mitigating pathogen-induced neuroinflammation. Closer to a Cure? 'Trial innovation' is also evident in the 2025 AD drug development pipeline, the report's authors noted, with plasma biomarkers playing a greater role in AD diagnosis. Recent studies have suggested that plasma p-tau 217 measures are equivalent in diagnostic accuracy to CSF biomarkers of AD pathology. Several trials entering the pipeline this year are using plasma p-tau 217 to confirm AD diagnosis and serve as an eligibility criterion for clinical trial participation. In one trial, eligibility was based on Aβ 42/40 plus the ratio of p-tau 217/nonphosphorylated tau 217; a separate trial used 'blood biomarkers' or past CSF or PET evidence of Aβ abnormalities for eligibility. CSF levels of microtubule-binding region tau243 have been shown to correlate with insoluble tau detected by tau PET imaging and are being used as a primary outcome measure in an anti-tau antibody trial. 'The use of biomarkers to determine eligibility and as outcomes in clinical trials shows the increasingly important role that biomarkers play in AD drug development,' Cummings and colleagues wrote. Summing up, they said the 2025 AD drug pipeline report demonstrates 'robust' momentum toward identifying new therapies for the treatment of AD. 'Seeing the broad range of scientific research that's taking place, I am extremely hopeful that we are closer than ever to finding a cure for Alzheimer's,' Cummings said in the news release.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Celebrities are eating sea moss to boost their health and prevent aging — I tried a tablespoon every day, and this is what happened to my body
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Touted as 'the plant-powered rival to Collagen' and loved by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kim K, sea moss is having its moment in the spotlight as a potent superfood that can supercharge your health and wellbeing. But is it fad or fact? I decided to take a tablespoon every day and find out for myself. The benefits of sea moss are said to include boosting skin health, immunity, gut health and thyroid function while reducing inflammation. It's a nutrient-dense bomb of beauty benefits that people are using as a 100% natural skincare supplement — no tablets, capsules, or powders in sight. Could sea moss transform my skin? Here's what I really think. Sea moss is part of the red algae family found in places like the Caribbean. Its scientific name is Chondrus crispus, which I (personally) think is catchier for the market, and incidentally sounds like either a character from the Harry Potter franchise or my future rap name. It's also low in calories and fat and is packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and iodine. According to Wyld Herbs (more on that shortly), sea moss promotes natural collagen production to improve skin health, fight inflammation and boost immunity. Its fiber and live bacteria content can also support optimal gut health. Sea moss contains iodine, which supports thyroid and hormone function; however, it's worth consulting your physician first if you have a thyroid condition and use medication already. Then there's the iron content, which can help battle tiredness and fatigue and boost energy, and nutrients like calcium and phosphorus are also present. Although your diet should ideally contain all the vitamins and minerals you need, sea moss is a great supplement to include to give you that little extra boost. Prices start from £15, depending on the product, and can be shipped internationally, although you may have to pay extra for imports. You can also mix and match flavor bundles before Deal A common method for consuming sea moss is a gel, which is what I've been using. I used Wyld Herbs, which offers sea moss gel in a range of flavors such as turmeric, raw honey (sourced from local beekeepers) and strawberry (my favorite — it tastes like a jam tart!). There are other ways to consume, but I found this the easiest, as I could just swipe a tablespoon straight from the jar. I also sometimes added it to smoothies, shakes, or my go-to oats recipe. Wyld Herbs works with female farmers and wild forages their sea moss from protected Caribbean waters. You can even apply it topically to your face twice per week as a mask if you prefer. Sea moss is high in iodine, so intake should be discussed with your physician if you have a thyroid condition and use medication. General guidelines suggest that one to two tablespoons of sea moss gel consumed daily is safe for most people. The British Dietetic Association doesn't recommend consuming brown seaweed or kelp every day, though, and warns against using seaweed or kelp supplements as iodine levels can vary. You should also avoid sea moss gels if you are pregnant or have a seafood or shellfish allergy. First, the sea moss gel I used tasted delicious, so I consumed it each morning straight from the jar or added it to my smoothies or oats, opting for one heaped tablespoon. I do have a thyroid condition, but didn't experience any adverse effects using this amount. However, always listen to your body, and as mentioned before, ask your physician if you're unsure. I'm going to say straight up that I've been using this product for more than a month, and I haven't noticed any physical or mental benefits so far. That isn't to say that consuming extra vitamins and minerals isn't doing my body good, but I haven't noticed a change to my skin or physical well-being that I can chalk up to sea moss. I'm enjoying the product, and it's a great low-fat and low-calorie topper for yoghurts, oats, or smoothies — or even just straight from the jar when you're feeling peckish. But I wouldn't stray from a balanced diet or expect a wonder cure for your skin, gut and well-being needs. Further research is needed, and I'll be reporting back if I notice any changes to my health over the coming months. Although sea moss is related to seaweed, the majority of research supports the health benefits of seaweed as opposed to sea moss specifically. The benefits are reported to be similar, but the research is (at this stage) limited. A 2021 study suggests marine seaweeds contain 'bioactive components that promote a healthy diet,' listing properties like anticancer, antiviral, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, neuroprotective and antifungal — to name a few. However, it adds that seaweeds can accumulate heavy metals and minerals, so consumption should not exceed the recommended daily allowance (150 mcg for adults). A risk assessment published by Environmental Science and Pollution Research suggests 4g per day of dehydrated Irish moss seaweeds contributes 'greatly' toward the recommended daily allowance for iodine in children (roughly 25.7%). A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Chondrus crispus (sea moss) found that it could have prebiotic effects, improving gut health and immune modulation. However, the research was conducted on animals (rats) and not on humans. It's promising, at least, but a gamechanger in tablespoon form? Not yet. Forget running and swimming — study finds this sport adds 10 years to your life I review running watches and these are my top 3 suggestions for most people Over 60? Forget running and swimming — these 5 bodyweight exercises help strengthen your entire body, using just a chair
