Latest news with #AmericanAcademyOfDermatology
Globe and Mail
18 hours ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Morning Update: Sunscreen skepticism goes viral
Good morning. The TikTok generation is trading sunblock for sunburns, using apps to optimize their summer glow — more on that below, along with the one-year anniversary of Jasper's wildfire and Ozzy Osbourne's musical legacy. But first: The kids are tanning again. They're frying themselves to a Paris Hilton Y2K crisp. They're speeding along the entire process with gels that are basically Vaseline and lotions that are literally beer. (The Cleveland Clinic actually stepped in to warn about the perils of 'beer tanning.') They're using apps with names like Rayz and Beam to track peak UV hours, so they can hustle outside and sharpen their tan lines by laying in the sun. Then they're showing off their handiwork on social media, where the hashtag 'tanlines' has appeared in more than 236 million TikTok posts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 70 per cent of Gen Z report actively tanning. Half of them say they returned with a burn, a number that ticks up to 57 per cent in Canada. And while the pursuit of a sun-baked complexion is at least a century old – back when Josephine Baker launched her own tanning oil and Coco Chanel said 'a golden tan is the index of chic' – this generation appears to be worryingly unaware of the risks. Maybe the beer tanning tipped you off: 28 per cent of 18- to 26-year-olds say they don't believe suntans cause skin cancer. And 68 per cent admit they often forgo sunscreen. Real quick: Scientists estimate that exposure to UV radiation is associated with 80 to 90 per cent of all skin cancers. That includes melanoma, which is its most fatal form. Sunscreen isn't a silver bullet – flat-out sun avoidance and sun-protective clothing are the best ways to keep your skin safe. Still, study after study after study have shown that regular sunscreen use reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. But that message doesn't tend to accompany those #tanlines Tiktoks. Timothy Caulfield, a professor of health law and science policy at the University of Alberta, told The Globe that what's playing out on social media instead is nothing short of an 'anti-sunscreen movement.' He chalks that up to the power of online influencers such as American podcaster Joe Rogan, who has floated the idea that sunscreen can damage the brain. (It can't.) Wellness bro Andrew Huberman said on his show that the chemicals in sunscreen may be endocrine disruptors. (They're not.) Trad-couple influencers Nara and Lucky Blue Smith whipped up their own sunscreen from coconut oil and shea butter. The process – which you really should not try at home – has been viewed on TikTok nearly 22 million times. To the most bullish sunscreen truthers, the sun is all-natural and SPF is synthetic, peddled by Big Pharma to keep you sick. It's an easy theory that fits tidily into the whole Make America Healthy Again movement, where measles are treated with cod liver oil, not vaccines, and milk is best when it's raw, not pasteurized, and bone marrow is a daily menu staple. Sometimes, MAHA worlds collide: A brand called Primally Pure is now hawking a sunscreen alternative made from beef tallow. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – who sports a serious bronze himself – posted last year that the war on sunshine (and anything else that 'can't be patented by Pharma') was about to end. It's all having an impact on young adults. The Orlando Health Cancer Institute found that 14 per cent of them felt it was more harmful to wear sunscreen every day than to go without. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z said getting a tan was more important than preventing skin cancer anyway. In his inaugural address last January, U.S. President Donald Trump – another tanning enthusiast – promised to usher in a new golden age. This might not exactly be the hue he was aiming for, but it's looking increasingly like the one he'll get. One year ago, a 50-metre-high wildfire overtook Jasper, displacing the entire town and destroying at least a third of its buildings. Read more here about the long road to recovery – and how residents are working to rebuild their community. At home: A cybersecurity breach at the $4-billion hedge fund manager Waratah, which handles money for wealthy Canadians, may have exposed names, social insurance numbers and account sizes. Abroad: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early for the summer to avoid a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. Music: Just weeks after playing the final Black Sabbath concert, heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. Sports: Canadian soccer phenom Olivia Smith is the first female player to fetch a £1-million transfer fee after signing with Arsenal of England's Women's Super League. Pop: It was a banner second quarter for Coca-Cola, which beat profit estimates and is about to put cane sugar back in its drinks.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
TikTok trend tracking UV index for tanning is "alarming," dermatologist says
On sunny or even cloudy days, the UV index can be a good thing to check. "It's five, moderate. But you're still supposed to use sun protection it says," explained Claira Wright, a University of Minnesota sophomore as she checked her phone. But many Gen Z-ers aren't using the index to avoid peak UV hours — they're tracking them for tanning. "It's incredibly alarming. They're using it to optimize the amount of time they need to spend sun tanning and getting as dark as possible," said Dr. Cynthia Nicholson, a pediatric dermatologist with M Health Fairview. A recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology says 67% of Americans report getting tan or darker skin in 2024, up from 54% in 2020. "We know that the early sun exposure that you get early in life, even before 20 or so, increases our risk quite dramatically of developing a skin cancer," said Nicholson. The UV index measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun on a scale of 0 to 11. The higher the number, the higher the risk of UV exposure, Nicholson says. When the UV index is low, she says it's still a good idea to wear sunscreen. Between 3 and 7, sunglasses, hats, and a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher are needed to help protect you. At the very high or extreme levels, more action is needed. "If you're looking at nine to 11-plus you really shouldn't even be outside," said Nicholson. Wright's friends often tan when the UV level is nine or higher. "And I usually go with my friends. Some of my friends don't use SPF but I'm always the one using SPF," said Wright. While social media trends eventually disappear, the effects of sun damage can last a lifetime.
Medical News Today
02-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
What to know about skin pigmentation disorders
There are two types of skin pigmentation disorders: hyperpigmentation, in which the skin produces too much melanin, and hypopigmentation, in which the skin produces too little pigmentation refers to the amount of color or 'pigment' in a person's skin. This differs according to the concentration of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin, which gives skin its involves darker spots or patches on the skin, whereas hypopigmentation involves lighter spots or of skin pigmentation disorders There are two main types of skin color changes in skin pigmentation disorders: hyperpigmentation and is where the skin's pigment-producing cells — melanocytes — produce too much of the pigment melanin. This causes darker spots or patches on the to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), examples of hyperpigmentation include:frecklessolar lentigines, also known as sun spots, age spots, or liver spotsmelasma, which typically develops as a result of hormonal changespost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can occur following acne or other inflammatory skin conditionsHypopigmentationAs the American Academy of Dermatology explains, hypopigmentation is where the skin's melanocytes produce less melanin than normal. This causes lighter spots or patches on the causes skin pigmentation disorders?Some changes in skin pigmentation may not be due to health conditions. For example, sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation. Similarly, medications or injuries to the skin may cause underlying cause of a skin pigmentation disorder may depend on the type of condition a person of hyperpigmentation disordersA 2023 review states that sun exposure is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. However, hyperpigmentation disorders may have other underlying causes blue-gray or brown spots on a person's face or arms. It can occur due to sun exposure or hormonal changes, which may occur due to medications such as the birth control occurs when a person's skin remains darker than typical after a lesion heals. Injuries or skin conditions that may cause these lesions include:chemical exposure or burnsacnepsoriasisatopic dermatitisCauses of hypopigmentation disordersThe 2023 review suggests most hypopigmentation occurs as a result of prior skin trauma, such as from blisters, infections, or following conditions may also cause hypopigmentation:Albinism: Albinism is a rare genetic disorder that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and versicolor: Also called tinea versicolor, this common fungal skin infection occurs due to an overgrowth of yeast that usually lives harmlessly on the skin. It can cause hyper- or hypopigmented scaly alba: This condition causes hypopigmented lesions that tend to affect the arms, face, and upper torso. Most cases resolve in around a Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes. This can cause one or more of the following symptoms: lighter spots or patches on the skin or inside the mouth or nostrilsa white streak in the hair on the head or whitening of the eyebrows or eyelashesloss of color in the iris of an eyehearing loss due to the loss of melanocytes inside the earHow do doctors diagnose skin pigmentation disorders?When diagnosing skin pigmentation disorders, a doctor will begin with a physical examination of the skin and may ask about a person's medical history and any family history of skin or dermatologists may also use a device called a Wood's light to help detect areas of hyperpigmented or hypopigmented skin. The device emits ultraviolet (UV) light that causes the skin to glow. Certain patterns of fluorescence can help a doctor diagnose specific pigmentation some cases, doctors may order additional tests to help confirm a diagnosis. For example, if a doctor suspects vitiligo, they may order blood tests to look for commonly associated are the treatment options for skin pigmentation disorders?The treatment for hypopigmentation disorders depends on the type. Some disorders, such as pityriasis alba, may resolve on their own. Others, such as vitiligo, may improve with sun protection and oral or topical to a 2023 review, the preferred method of treatment for skin pigmentation disorders is laser therapy. This treatment works by targeting and breaking down excess melanin in the skin to achieve a more uniform skin tone.A 2019 review suggests laser therapy and intense pulsed light therapy (IPLT) may help treat some forms of hyperpigmentation, such as solar lentigines and certain types of the authors caution that laser therapy and IPLT may be less effective at treating melasma and PIH. These treatments may also be less safe, particularly for people with darker skin tones, causing a higher risk of PIG, burns, scarring, or worsening of other skin pigmentation disorders, doctors may recommend a treatment plan that combines sun protection with topical medications, such as:hydroquinonetretinoin and a mild corticosteroidother medications, such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin CPeople can speak with a doctor to learn the most suitable treatment for their skin treatment is not necessaryIn some cases, treatment for atypical pigmentation may not be medically necessary. However, if these changes in skin pigmentation affect a person's mental health or self-esteem, a doctor may recommend ways to cover the skin, including:cosmetics, such as foundationover-the-counter skin care productsself-tanning products, including creams or sprays»Learn more:How can people even their skin tone?When to contact a doctor People can speak with a doctor if they have any concerns about their skin to the AOCD, most types of hyperpigmentation are usually harmless, though for some people, they may cause cosmetic concerns. However, hypopigmentation can sometimes signal an underlying issue, such as an autoimmune disease like vitiligo. As such, people should contact a doctor if they notice lighter spots or patches on their a medication causes skin changes, a doctor may recommend stopping or changing the medication. However, people should never stop or change a medication without their doctor's asked questionsHow do skin pigmentation disorders appear on different skin tones?Hypopigmentation disorders, such as vitiligo, involve a lightening of the skin, regardless of a person's natural skin disorders may present differently depending on a person's natural skin tone and the cause of the pigment example, people with dark skin may notice skin spots or patches that are brown, gray, purple, or black. People with light skin may notice skin spots or patches that are pink, red, tan, or disorders, such as vitiligo, involve a lightening of the skin, regardless of a person's natural skin disorders may present differently depending on a person's natural skin tone and the cause of the pigment example, people with dark skin may notice skin spots or patches that are brown, gray, purple, or black. People with light skin may notice skin spots or patches that are pink, red, tan, or there any natural remedies for managing skin pigmentation disorders?According to a 2018 review, the following natural remedies may have the potential to help to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, but further research is necessary:azelaic acidsoylignin peroxidaseascorbic acidellagic acidlicorice extractsniacinamidemulberry People should speak with a healthcare professional before trying natural remedies on their to a 2018 review, the following natural remedies may have the potential to help to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, but further research is necessary:azelaic acidsoylignin peroxidaseascorbic acidellagic acidlicorice extractsniacinamidemulberry People should speak with a healthcare professional before trying natural remedies on their diet affect skin pigmentation disorders?Diet's effects on skin pigmentation disorders may depend on the condition a person to a 2022 review, most studies agree that a combination of vitamin B12, folic acid, and sun exposure can help restore skin pigment in cases of vitiligo. The review adds that there is some evidence to suggest zinc may also help to manage the effects on skin pigmentation disorders may depend on the condition a person to a 2022 review, most studies agree that a combination of vitamin B12, folic acid, and sun exposure can help restore skin pigment in cases of vitiligo. The review adds that there is some evidence to suggest zinc may also help to manage the skin pigmentation disorders, the skin produces too much or too little of the pigment melanin. Hyperpigmentation describes an overproduction of skin pigment. Examples include solar lentigines and melasma. Hypopigmentation describes an underproduction of skin pigment. The most common example is of these disorders are harmless, though they may cause cosmetic concerns. Some may also signal an underlying hormonal imbalance or autoimmune condition. Anyone with changes to their skin should contact a doctor to find the underlying cause.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Heading to the beach or pool? What to know about sunscreen, tanning
Summer is here! 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
Health Line
26-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How Often Should You Shower?
There's no right answer when it comes to shower frequency. While a daily shower may fit most adults' needs, those with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may benefit from fewer showers. There's tons of conflicting advice about how often you should shower. Some dermatologists recommend showering only 2 to 3 times a week, depending on your skin. Others say daily is the way to go. What's the recommended shower frequency? Dermatologists haven't reached a consensus on how often most people should shower. Everyone's skin is different, and each person's skin can change from season to season. For example, your skin might be drier in the winter, in which case, too many showers can bring on extreme dryness. Yet, a shower every day in the warmer months may not negatively affect your skin. Since there are no rules regarding how much is too much, it's important to get to know your body and determine what your skin can tolerate. Too many showers You may not want to skip a daily shower due to personal preference, but showering more can potentially strip your skin and hair of essential oils, causing: Too many showers may also rinse away 'good' bacteria from your skin, putting you at risk for infections. Water conservation According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average shower uses more than 16 gallons of water. Taking shorter showers or reducing the number of showers you take can drastically decrease your water consumption. The American Academy of Dermatology recommended shower length is 5 to 10 minutes. Too few showers A skipped shower here or there probably won't trigger body odor, especially if you haven't been exercising. However, it's inevitable the longer you go without a shower, particularly in your armpits and groin. Acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema may also be exacerbated by infrequent showers due to the buildup of: dead skin cells dirt sweat bad bacteria If there aren't enough beneficial bacteria to balance out the harmful bacteria in your skin microbiome, you're at higher risk for skin infections due to inadequate cleansing. Bathing also removes dead skin cells. When you don't bathe enough, these cells can stick to your skin and cause hyperpigmentation. More frequent showering can correct this. Where the Healthline team stands Naturally, we at Healthline also wanted to weigh in on this highly debatable health topic (check out our take on morning and night showers, too). We polled 22 of our team members and determined that a majority (18 people) take a shower once a day, usually. Only four people take showers twice daily, and no one showers more than that in a day. Everyone had different reasons for their shower frequency, with some stating that they want to conserve water, work mostly from home, or follow separate schedules for washing their body and hair. What this demonstrates is that shower frequency is truly a personal preference. The takeaway Although personal hygiene is important for your health, it's possible to bathe too often. Daily showers might be part of your schedule, but at the end of the day, you need to do what's best for your skin. If you experience dry skin and are looking for a way to stop skin inflammation and irritation, experiment with fewer showers. Or limit your showers to 5 minutes and opt for warm water and gentle products instead.
