Latest news with #HannahKopelman
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Are you using spray sunscreen wrong? Here's what studies say you must stop doing
If you've ever struggled to apply sunscreen on wet, squirming children or tried to cover hard-to-reach spots on your back, it's easy to see why spray sunscreen is appealing. Quick, convenient, and seemingly mess-free, spray sunscreens are especially popular during summer outings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But according to dermatologists and research, this convenience can come at a cost—if used incorrectly. Spray sunscreen can provide effective sun protection, but only when applied properly. According to the (AAD), the clue is choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays—two types of ultraviolet light that damage skin and increase skin cancer risk (AAD). Alarmingly, about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making sunscreen use essential—not optional (AAD) . However, a growing body of research shows that spray sunscreens may be less effective if people don't use them correctly. Let's break down six common mistakes—and what science and dermatologists say to do instead. Not applying enough spray sunscreen? Here's the right amount Unlike lotion sunscreen, which can be measured (one ounce or a shot glass full for the body), spray sunscreen doesn't give you an easy visual cue for quantity. A study published in found that people often apply far less than needed, with sprays delivering only 20-50% of the recommended amount. Dermatologists recommend spraying each section of the body for at least six seconds and then rubbing it in thoroughly. 'If the skin isn't visibly glistening, you're probably not using enough,' says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist. Dr. Rachel Day advises patients to imagine using a golf ball-sized amount for each body part—even with sprays. Why you must rub in spray sunscreen for full protection Many users wrongly assume that a quick spritz is all it takes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But dermatologists warn this leads to uneven coverage and leaves skin vulnerable to burns. 'Sunscreen needs a uniform layer to work effectively,' says Dr. Kristin Baird, FAAD. Studies also show that unless the product is rubbed in, it may sit on the skin's surface or evaporate before absorption—especially in dry or windy conditions. The worst places to use spray sunscreen—and what to avoid Applying spray sunscreen in windy or enclosed environments, like inside cars or bathrooms, reduces its effectiveness. A breeze can blow much of the product away before it reaches your skin. More worryingly, inhaling the particles—especially with aerosol sprays—can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat. This concern has been flagged by the FDA and dermatologists alike. One layer isn't enough: How to properly layer spray sunscreen Even if you spray correctly, one coat might not be enough—especially for all-day sun exposure. 'I usually spray, rub in, spray again, and rub in,' says Dr. Baird. According to dermatologists, layering sunscreen is particularly important with spray formulations, which tend to go on clear and patchy, making it easy to miss spots. Mineral-based sprays may help, as they apply more visibly and allow users to see where coverage is missing. Don't forget to reapply: The 2-hour rule you shouldn't ignore All sunscreens, including those with higher SPFs, need to be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. High-SPF products can create a false sense of security, but their extra protection is marginal beyond SPF 50 (AAD). Studies confirm that real-world sunscreen effectiveness depends more on reapplication and coverage than SPF alone. Using expired sunscreen? How heat and time break it down Like any skincare product, sunscreen has a shelf life. Heat exposure—like being left in a hot car—can degrade its active ingredients. Dermatologists advise replacing sunscreen at the start of each season. 'New season, new trip, new sunscreen,' advises Dr. Baird. Always check expiration dates and store your spray in a cool, dry place. Spray sunscreen isn't inherently bad—in fact, it can be just as effective as lotions if applied correctly. But research and expert advice agree: most people aren't using it the right way. To make the most of your spray sunscreen: Use enough (six seconds per area) Rub it in Avoid windy or enclosed spaces Layer up for better coverage Reapply every 2 hours Don't use expired products Convenience is great, but only if it protects your skin. With sun damage being the top preventable cause of skin cancer, proper sunscreen use isn't just a good idea.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How a ‘Shot Glass Worth of Sunscreen' Can Prevent Skin Cancer
With summer underway, that means trips to the beach, lake and other places that have people basking in the sun. With that comes sunburn, and while sunscreen is the best way to prevent it, there are some concerns with sunscreen usage. Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration, did an exclusive interview with Newsweek and went into great detail about how using sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. But, there is one notable thing she spoke about that should raise the eyebrows of many: The amount of sunscreen to apply. Some people put on sunscreen and fail to reapply it later, while others only put on a little bit to try and prevent themselves from getting burned. However, Kopelman revealed the correct amount, and it might surprise a lot of people. "Think of it like brushing your teeth: doing it once a day isn't enough. People also underestimate how much sunscreen they need. A full-body application requires at least a shot glass worth of sunscreen, and most people don't even come close to that," Kopelman said. Sure, most of us have been guilty of applying just a little sunscreen, while some also don't apply it again throughout the day. As Kopelman wrote, a shot glass is the proper amount for a full body, which holds about 1.5 ounces of liquid. It's a serious issue, especially considering that skin cancer can be a long-term consequence. Immediate side effects may include pain, irritability, embarrassment, as well as symptoms like fever and a 'Shot Glass Worth of Sunscreen' Can Prevent Skin Cancer first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 4, 2025
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Doctor Issues Stark Warning for Parents on 4th of July Weekend
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As July 4th weekend approaches and revelers prepare to soak up the sunshine in celebration, dermatologists are urging parents to take sun-protection seriously. Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration, told Newsweek that every year she sees the same patterns repeat. Many people come prepared with sunscreen but fail to reapply it regularly or rub spray sunscreens in properly. Ultimately, common mistakes can lead to severe, and sometimes life-threatening sunburns. Dr. Samantha Ellis, another dermatologist with nearly a decade of experience, recently shared a warning on TikTok that resonated widely, with her video garnering over 90,000 views. Newsweek reached out to Dr. Samantha Ellis for comment via TikTok. She described how every year her office receives calls from people suffering from "life-changing, blistering, fever-inducing sunburns" after the holiday weekend. A stock image showing a little girl swimming in the pool. A stock image showing a little girl swimming in the pool. ChristinLola/iStock / Getty Images Plus Kopelman told Newsweek: "Just one blistering sunburn during childhood can more than double your lifetime risk of developing melanoma. That's because UV radiation causes direct DNA mutations in skin cells, and the earlier those changes start accumulating, the more likely they are to cause skin cancer later in life. "The skin has a long memory. I always tell parents: protecting your kids from sunburn isn't just about avoiding discomfort—it's literally cancer prevention." She explained that sunscreen breaks down due to sweat, water, and time, and must be reapplied at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or toweling off. Spray sunscreens can create a false sense of security if not thoroughly rubbed in. "Think of it like brushing your teeth: doing it once a day isn't enough. People also underestimate how much sunscreen they need. A full-body application requires at least a shot glass worth of sunscreen, and most people don't even come close to that," she added. Severe sunburns can also cause physical discomfort and psychological distress, including pain, irritability, embarrassment, and symptoms like fever and dehydration. These burns often limit holiday activities but are entirely preventable with proper care. "Severe burns can even come with fevers, chills, and dehydration. And all of it is avoidable. My best advice? Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, apply it 15 minutes before going outdoors, rub it in thoroughly, and reapply every two hours—or immediately after swimming or sweating. Don't rely on sunscreen alone—wear UPF clothing, seek shade when you can, and protect yourself like your health depends on it—because it does," she said. A stock image showing people enjoying a pool party. A stock image showing people enjoying a pool party. monkeybusinessimages/iStock / Getty Images Plus Many TikTok users shared their own cautionary tales highlighting these common mistakes. Alyssa recounted: "One time my family went on a trip and my aunt fell asleep in the sun (she works crazy hours so we didn't want to wake her) so we liberally applied sunscreen when needed lol. On that same trip, my younger brother was doing great with sunscreen but one day he wore a drawstring backpack without a shirt on and the straps rubbed his sunscreen off in those areas and he burned. I also figured out I have PLME on that trip. I set alarms for sunscreen and didn't burn at all, but I had a horrible rash wherever I was exposed to the sun." Another user shared a family history of sun damage: "My entire childhood my dad would cut the grass without a shirt in southern Louisiana and when he would start peeling after a burn lay on the floor for us to peel his skin. He's in his 70s now and every time I see him and we are outside he tells me I better be wearing my sunscreen. He got skin cancer repeatedly over the last 30 years." The pain of severe burns was also described by Rachel: "I got burned sooo bad when kayaking 6 yrs ago. I had fevers, couldn't sleep, was in extreme pain for over a week. Been a diligent sunscreen reapplyer since. Also I just put a ton of spray sunscreen on, never rubbed it in and it doesn't matter." On the brighter side, one TikToker humorously dubbed themselves "the spf influencer," noting: "My friends and family call me the spf influencer bc I'm constantly reminding them which uv index it is and to cover themselves and stay in the shade with ofc spf50.. my bf even got me an uv umbrella—best Christmas gift!" Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
NBC News
07-04-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Do bug bite patches really work to stop the itch? Experts weigh in
Having an itchy bug bite can drive you nuts and make you willing to do anything to resolve it. Thankfully, there are several bug bite treatments to soothe the scratching. While most of these treatments are creams or gels, there are also bug bite patches on the market. These round dots look like pimple patches, but they promise to soothe the irritation caused by a bug bite. Do they work? 'They aren't a miracle cure, but they can reduce itching, protect the skin and help prevent infection from constant scratching,' says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist and host of the Derm Club podcast. To find out how bug bite patches work and how to shop for ones that will be effective, we spoke to two board-certified dermatologists. Below, you'll also find their suggestions for trying bug bite patches. How we picked the best bug bite patches 'Most bug bite patches work by absorbing the fluid in the area,' says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. 'This can help with itching and help protect you from scratching and irritating it further. The combination of all of this helps speed up the healing process and avoid it from becoming worse.' Some bug bite patches include ingredients like tea tree oil, menthol or hydrocortisone, which calm the itch and reduce inflammation, adds Kopelman. To help you shop, we asked our experts to outline what you should pay attention to when buying bug bite patches. Here's what they said: Type: As mentioned, some patches are simply made of hydrocolloid and intended to help you stop scratching. Others have soothing ingredients baked in. We included both types on our list. Gentle materials: 'I like patches that are hypoallergenic and have ingredients like aloe or witch hazel,' says Kopelman, who notes that these things are particularly good for sensitive skin. Kid-friendly: If you will be using the patch on little ones, Kopelman recommends skipping anything with strong essential oils or fragrances, which can cause more irritation than relief. The best bug bite patches of 2025 Below, we have gathered expert-recommended bug bite patches and highly rated options for your consideration. Kinfield makes one of our favorite sunscreens for sensitive skin, and its bug bite patches are also good for those with that skin type. In a box, you get thirty hydrocolloid patches that are infused with witch hazel and arnica to calm down irritation and cut back on itching, according to the brand. Cutter Bug Bite Patches These patches are made of hydrocolloid and have no other additional ingredients. They work by drawing fluid out of the bug bite to reduce itchiness. This pack comes with 153 bug bite patches of varying sizes to fit any bug bite you may get. You can also get a smaller pack that contains 51 patches. NatPat Itch Relief Stickers Chacon likes these patches for kids because they're plant-based and chemical-free. The patches have no chemicals; instead, they utilize a grid shape design that helps to drain the saliva injected by the bug that causes the itching, says NatPatch. After putting on the patch, users will feel relief in under a minute and the stickers can stay on for up to seven days, according to the brand. Quitch Bug Bite Relief Patch I love you and my beautiful girl brush These bug bite patches are made of hydrocolloid and are infused with aloe and witch hazel, which Kopelman says can soothe irritation and itchiness. The box comes with 36 round patches of different sizes. The patches also have a brightly colored pattern, which is fun for kids — they may not be as discreet as some adults would prefer. Moskinto Itch Relief Patches These patches utilize a grid pattern similar to that of NatPat. They are also infused with a solution that helps soothe irritated skin and itchiness, according to the brand. The patches are water resistant and can be worn for up to 7 days. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on washing workout leggings.
