Latest news with #MDCSDermatology
Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
First Came Ozempic Face. Now People Are Dealing With Ozempic Hair and Muscle Loss
Ever since Ozempic flooded the mainstream consciousness, the controversial weight-loss drug of choice has come with some well-documented downsides. Many have experienced the infamous Ozempic face, which experts describe as rapid weight loss in the face and loss of skin elasticity, resulting in a significantly older appearance. 'Ozempic face can look gaunt, deflated, and saggy,' New York facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine once told Vogue . 'Think raisin as opposed to grape!' Now people are noticing that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Zepbound, to name a few) are affecting their hairlines and possibly weakening their muscle strength. So what gives? Why is this happening? Though some studies link these drugs to hair loss, experts still say it is not a direct side effect of GLP-1s like Ozempic or other medications like Mounjaro. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains that it's actually more of an indirect result of rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or stress on the body. 'Telogen effluvium is a type of hair shedding that may be noticed a few months after the body experiences some type of change or stress,' says Dr. Garshick. (It's akin to the dramatic hair shedding some saw in the months post-COVID-19.) 'People on GLP-1s may not actually notice hair shedding or thinning for several months after they are on it.' As for muscle loss, that's just a general side effect of losing weight, regardless of whether the impetus is diet, exercise, surgery, or a medication like Ozempic. Holly Lofton, MD, director of the medical weight-management program at NYU Langone Health, tells Vogue that experts are seeing medications like Wegovy and Zepbound causing the same amount of muscle loss as one might experience through more traditional weight-loss methods—and sometimes more. Studies show that 25 to 30% of the total weight loss caused by calorie restriction and exercise comes from lean body mass, which includes muscles. So if someone were to lose 20 pounds, she says, around five to six pounds of that might be muscle that is lost. Studies on medications like Wegovy and Zepbound show patients can lose roughly 15 to 22% of their total weight, with about 25% of that weight loss being lean muscle mass. 'These drugs are not necessarily muscle sparing,' she says. 'However, because people tend to lose more total weight on these medications, the absolute amount of muscle loss can be greater, unless we intervene with resistance training and adequate protein intake.' What can you do about it? There are a few things you can do to treat hair and muscle loss that you might experience when on these medications. Dr. Garshick notes that it is normal to shed approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day, so you should only be concerned if you notice significantly more hair falling out or if your hair loss persists for longer than three to six months. If that is the case, she recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist for a proper evaluation. 'Since telogen effluvium is considered a temporary process, once the weight stabilizes, it is possible the hair loss will slow down and hair regrowth will resume and normalize even without doing any specific intervention,' she says. 'While this process can take 6 to 12 months, providing reassurance that it can get better on its own is often sufficient.' She advises getting blood work done to see if there are hormonal changes or nutritional deficiencies that can be addressed through diet (making sure you are consuming enough protein is key) or the use of oral supplements like Nutrafol or Wellbel. You can also turn to thickening and volumizing shampoos, like the Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo or the Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo, and leave-in products like the Virtue Flourish Density Booster to help increase hair density. For more intense treatments, you can inquire about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate hair growth. For muscle loss, Dr. Lofton says the key to rebuilding is eating enough protein and focusing on muscle-building activities. She recommends a minimum intake of 60 grams of protein per day, which can be obtained from high-quality protein sources such as egg whites, whey, animal meat, or beans. Exercises should total at least 75 minutes weekly, but if you're really looking to maintain or build muscle, she advises increasing the total time to about 240 minutes a week, if possible. It's all about balance. 'These medications are very effective for reducing fat mass, but to preserve muscle mass, we still need to encourage patients to do resistance training and consume enough protein,' she says. 'It's not enough to just lose weight. We want to lose the right kind.'
Vogue
5 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
First Came Ozempic Face. Now People Are Dealing With Ozempic Hair and Muscle Loss
Ever since Ozempic flooded the mainstream consciousness, the controversial weight loss drug of choice has come with some well-documented downsides. Many have dealt with the infamous Ozempic face, which experts describe as rapid weight loss to the face and loss of elasticity in the skin, causing one to look much older. 'Ozempic face can look gaunt, deflated, and saggy,' New York-based facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine once told Vogue. 'Think raisin as opposed to grape!' Now, people are noticing that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Zepound, to name a few) are affecting their hairline and possibly weakening their muscle strength. So what gives? Why is this happening? Though some studies link these drugs to hair loss, experts still say it is not a direct side effect of GLP-1s like Ozempic or other medications like Mounjaro. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains that it's actually more of an indirect result of rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or stress on the body. 'Telogen effluvium is a type of hair shedding that may be noticed a few months after the body experiences some type of change or stress,' says Dr. Garshick (it's akin to the dramatic hair shedding some saw in the months post-COVID-19). 'People on GLP-1s may not actually notice hair shedding or thinning for several months after they are on it.' As for muscle loss—that's just a general side effect of losing weight, regardless of whether the impetus is diet, exercise, surgery, or a medication like Ozempic. Holly Lofton, MD, director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health, tells Vogue that experts see medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are causing the same—and sometimes more—amount of muscle loss as one might experience through more traditional weight loss methods. Studies show that 25 to 30% of the total weight loss caused by calorie restriction and exercise comes from lean body mass, which includes muscles. So if someone were to lose 20 pounds, she says around 5 to 6 pounds of that might be muscle that is lost. Studies on medications like Wegovy and Zepbound show patients can lose roughly 15 to 22% of their total weight, with about 25% of that weight loss being lean muscle mass. 'These drugs are not necessarily muscle-sparing,' she says. 'However, because people tend to lose more total weight on these medications, the absolute amount of muscle loss can be greater (unless we intervene with resistance training and adequate protein intake).' What can you do about it? There are a few things you can do to treat hair and muscle loss that you might experience when on these medications. Dr. Garshick says that it is normal to shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day, so you should only be concerned if you notice significantly more hair falling out or if your hair loss persists longer than three to six months. If that is the case, she recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist to be properly evaluated. 'Since telogen effluvium is considered a temporary process, once the weight stabilizes, it is possible the hair loss will slow down and hair regrowth will resume and normalize even without doing any specific intervention,' she says. 'While this process can take six to 12 months, providing reassurance that it can get better on its own is often sufficient.' She says getting bloodwork done to see if there are hormonal changes or nutritional deficiencies that can be addressed through diet (making sure you are consuming enough protein is key) or the use of oral supplements like Nutrafol or Wellbell. You can also turn to thickening and volumizing shampoos, like the Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo or the Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo, and leave-in products like the Virtue Flourish Density Booster, to help increase hair density. For more intense treatments, you can inquire about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate hair growth.
Buzz Feed
18-07-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
14 Skin Care Products That Deliver Fast Results
Patience may be a virtue but, when it comes to getting rid of that pimple or softening those fine lines, I don't want to wait. While no over-the-counter serum or cream can create a miracle, I wanted to know which skincare products and ingredients could deliver the most rapid results. Fortunately for me and anyone else who loves instant gratification, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Brendan Camp said that such a thing may exist. Certain skincare ingredients may have almost-immediate — albeit more temporary — effects, he said.'These include hyaluronic acid, which effectively hydrates skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles [and] caffeine, which constricts superficial blood vessels, can reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles,' he said. (This is opposed to ingredients like retinol, which promotes cellular turnover over time and delivers noticeable results in 2-3 months.) There are a few other ingredients and skincare products that Camp and other dermatologists named as capable of offering fast-acting results, depending on your skin concern. Take a peek at their product picks in the list ahead. A visible redness-reducing moisturizer Camp said that green-tinted moisturizers can help offset the appearance of background redness in the skin temporarily and suggested this La Roche-Posay moisturizer that is probably best to wear during the day, rather than overnight due to its tint."Formulated with glycerin and prebiotic thermal spring water, this redness-reducing cream contains color-correcting green pigments that instantly improve the appearance of visible facial redness," Camp said. The Rosaliac AR face cream also contains neurosensine, a type of peptide that can help soothe troubled skin for long-lasting comfort. Get it from Dermstore for $30.99. A peptide and ceramide cream Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates, suggested this skin-renewing night cream by CeraVe, a beloved drugstore brand that features three essential ceramides in all its products. "Ceramides [are] part of the skin's barrier," Spearman said. "External use of them helps to restore that natural barrier when it has been damaged. They provide immediate relief for dry, irritated, or dehydrated skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated right away." In addition to CeraVe's signature ceramide-filled formula aimed at strengthening the skin's barrier, the Skin-Renewing night cream is enriched with a peptide complex. Dermatologists previously told us that certain peptides can help boost collagen production and elastin, which can result in skin that's firmer, plumper and with fewer fine it from Amazon for $15.68. A popular water gel moisturizer According to Spearman hyaluronic acid can increase hydration of the skin overnight. "Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water, this plumping of the skin will improve fine lines and smooth the skin's texture," she said. Spearman said she "loves" Neutrogena's Hydro Boost water gel moisturizer, which contains purified hyaluronic acid and has a "light and non-greasy but still boosts hydration noticeably." Get it from Amazon for $16.44. A high-potency hyaluronic acid dermatologists say yields fast results (25% off) If you don't have a hyaluronic acid in your beauty bag, you're disservicing your face and the rest of your skin care products, honestly. I write this as a proud daily user. Hyaluronic acid can increase hydration overnight, according to Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates. "[It] binds 1000 times its weight in water, this plumping of the skin will improve fine lines and smooth the skin's texture," she noted with HuffPost Shopping writer Tessa Flores in a previous dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Brendan Camp, specifically recommended this high-potency serum from Kiehl's."This fast-absorbing hyaluronic acid facial serum is formulated to replenish and intensively hydrate, leaving skin more plump, healthy and hydrated," Camp the perfect time to grab this for your dry skin it from Nordstrom for $36. A multi-dimensional hyaluronic acid-intensifying serum Recommended by Camp, this multi-dimensional serum by the dermatologist-loved SkinCeuticals is more than a standard hyaluronic acid serum. It's actually a hyaluronic acid intensifier that can "amplify the skin's hyaluronic acid levels by 30%," according to the brand. "In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum contains botanical extracts of licorice root and purple rice to support the skin's moisture levels to improve the appearance of firmness, smoothness, and facialplumpness," Camp said. Get it from Dermstore for $120. A caffeine-filled moisture treatment Both Spearman and Camp spoke about the rapid-working benefits of caffeine, which, according to Spearman "will address dark circles, under-eye puffiness and tired skin very quickly."She suggested Kiehl's Facial Fuel, an energizing moisture treatment that may be marketed for men, but anyone can benefit from it. The fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula contains not just caffeine, but an antioxidant blend powered by vitamins C and E from chestnut it from Nordstrom for 33+ (available in three sizes). A de-puffing and brightening eye cream "This brightening eye cream is made with vitamin C, Niacinamide, ginseng, and caffeine to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles," Camp said. It comes in two tones to offer an instant and slightly tinted brightening effect to help conceal dark circles. The moisturizing formula also features Niacinamide, an ingredient that Spearman said can quickly even skin tone and decrease inflammation. Get it from Amazon for $27.30+ (available in two shades). A famous vitamin C serum with antioxidant protection The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is Spearman's favorite vitamin C serum. She asserts that vitamin C is a brightening powerhouse that "reduces dullness and boosts radiance with a brighter complexion after one use."This isn't the first time that derms have sun the praises of this serum, which contains a 15% concentration of pure vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid), vitamin E and ferulic acid — an antioxidant-rich combination that can replenish skin lipids and fend off oxidative stress that can cause premature skin aging. Get it from Dermstore for $185. Skin renewing treatment pads Khalifian mentioned these skin-brightening and texture-renewing treatment pads from SkinMedica because they contain 10% glycolic acid, an ingredient he said is "like a reset button for dull skin.""Glycolic acid will help lighten pigmentation, brighten your skin tone and tighten your pores," Khalifian said, adding that these pads also contain tranexamic acid, which is often used to help manage stubborn pigmentation issues, according to Khalifian. These brightening pads are suitable for the backs of the hands, neck and face. Get it from Amazon for $48. An affordable 7% glycolic acid toner If you're interested in the benefits of glycolic acid but want a more affordable option than the one above, we chose to include this crowd-favorite toner by The Ordinary, which contains 7% glycolic acid to even irregular skin texture and brighten tone. I'm a seasoned fan of this product and can attest to how much smoother and less decongested my skin feels after using this. Get it from Amazon for $8.70+ (available in two sizes). A gentle exfoliating cleanser 'This cleanser has salicylic acid, which will help unclog pores, reduce acne marks, and improve texture," Khalifian said of this exfoliating cleanser by SkinMedica, '[a]s well as ultra-fine jojoba beads to provide a light physical exfoliation, [this] cleanser carries a blend of citrus oils which provides a nice, fresh scent and will act as an astringent to aid in minimizing large pores.' Get it from Amazon for $38.40. A ceramide-packed salicylic acid cleanser If you're interested in a more affordable cleanser that contains salicylic acid, we recommend this sensitive skin-friendly exfoliating acid cleanser. The skin care holy grail has amassed 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and enthusiastic recommendations from both board-certified dermatologists and our editors fact, one of our reporters claimed it completely cleared her acne. The gentle, yet effective formula starts as a gel and then transforms into a rich foaming lather that contains salicylic acid to help slough away dead skin cells revealing brighter, smoother and clearer it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in two sizes). A calming and redness-reliving serum "Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling, while deeply hydrating and cooling the skin. This can provide immediate relief for irritated, sunburned or inflamed skin," Spearman said. Using her guidance, we found this serum from The Ordinary containing 2% aloe to calm and hydrate and palmitoyl pentapeptide, an ingredient that may support the skin's barrier and improve any textural irregularities caused by acne, enlarged pores or a buildup of dead skin cells. Get it from Amazon for $14.50. A peptide-filled cream Board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics Dr. Saami Khalifian, said that some of his patients swear they can see their morning cleavage wrinkles disappear before their eyes with this product — a clinical cream formula by SkinMedica that targets signs of aging on the neck and chest, like sagging, and fine lines. "[It] has peptides that support the enrichment of the extracellular matrix, encouraging collagen production," Khalifian said. It also contains an antioxidant blend that can protect skin from free-radical damage and other extracts that are aimed at increasing thermal thickness, which can be great for those who want to treat thin crepey skin. Get it from Amazon for $108. A skin brightener for hyperpigmentation If one of your main skin concerns involves melasma or hyperpigmentation, Khalifian suggests this targeted treatment that can add radiance and luminosity to the skin and minimize fine lines."This product brightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation promoting a more even-toned brighter appearance," he said. It contains niacinamide and tranexamic acid, which Khalifian said is an ingredient he suggests to patients to manage difficult unwanted pigmentation. The inclusion of silver mushroom may also keep skin hydrated. Get it from Amazon for $142.40.
CNN
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 10 best bikini trimmers, according to dermatologists
If you're looking to upgrade your grooming routine, a bikini trimmer can make all difference, while saving you the pain of waxing and laser hair removal. It can also be a more cost-effective method, since you cut down on repurchasing plastic razors. But electric trimmers can be harder to shop for, since there are a few more features to consider as you're searching. We spoke to dermatologists to find electric trimmers they recommend for a clean shave of your bikini area. On top of that, we shared some of our own picks and read through product reviews of models from top brands to find even more bikini trimmer options. We're breaking down everything you need to know about adding a bikini trimmer to your routine. Clio Palmperfect Electric Bikini Trimmer "This compact, cordless trimmer is ideal for travel and quick touch-ups," Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said. The dual-sided trimmer comes with a foil shaver head, which Garshick said makes it easy to shape and smooth sensitive areas without irritation. She also notes the ceramic blades make it a gentle and versatile option. Remington Smooth and Silky Body and Bikini Kit This kit comes with not only a trimmer for shaving but attachments for detailed grooming and exfoliating for a whole body care routine. "It's a solid pick for those looking for a full-body grooming solution on a budget, though [it's] best used on dry skin," Garshick said. It's also cordless, battery-powered and easy to travel with. Philips Beauty Essential Bikini Trimmer 2000 Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a certified trichologist with a doctorate in biomedical sciences and founder of Alodia, likes this trimmer because it's totally cordless. It's battery-operated so you don't need to worry about charging it either. It's a great option for traveling and easy to store when you're not using it. Meridian The Original Trimmer Beauty editor Sophie Shaw shopped this trimmer after it went viral on social media and was quickly won over. She likes that it's easy to use for any area of your body and can be used for both wet and dry shaving. Shaw hasn't noticed any razor burn in the two years she's been using it. She also said that she rarely needs to charge it, which makes it even more convenient. Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver Chambers-Harris likes this trimmer because it's adjustable, so it can easily fit your needs. It comes with four attachment heads so you can get a clean shave or just a trim. You can also use the shaver wet or dry, making it a versatile tool in your grooming routine. Olov Bikini Trimmer This electric trimmer is designed with ceramic blades that are gentle on the skin. When you're not using it, you can charge it in the included stand until the next time you need it. It's listed as waterproof too, and can be used in the shower. It comes in eight different colors if you want to find something more fun than other standard shavers. Meridian The Slimmer Trimmer The Meridian the Original Trimmer we listed above is designed for overall body grooming, while the Slimmer Trimmer was designed specifically for bikini area grooming. Shaw also tested this one and thinks it's great if you're looking for a more travel-friendly trimmer. It features a small LED spotlight for clear vision while you're shaving, and it has the same waterproof design as the Original Trimmer. Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Electric Razor The head of this electric razor opens up for easy cleaning after shaving, and it's waterproof and easy to pack if you're heading on a vacation. It comes with one trimmer head and one comb attachment to easily glide through thick hair. Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer Philips Norelco makes some of our editors' favorite men's shavers. This rechargeable trimmer can be used by anyone. It's slim, easy to hold and comes with a body comb attachment to make shaving easier. It's IPX7 rated, which makes it a waterproof option for shaving in the shower, though you can use it dry as well. Pritech Bikini Trimmer Pritech's trimmer has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon. It's another rechargeable option that's IPX6 waterproof rated, meaning you can easily use it in the shower, but you can also use it to dry shave. Plus, the trimmer comes with a styling comb, a cleaning brush and four protective attachments for different hair lengths. A bikini trimmer is designed to do the same thing as a women's razor and can get you just as clean of a shave. But, there's a bit more to know before using a bikini trimmer compared to your standard razor. 'Start by cleaning the skin — that helps prevent bacteria from getting into any small nicks or bumps. Then make sure your trimmer is clean,' said Dr. Raman Madan, dermatologist director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health in New York. 'Trim in the direction of hair growth, not against it. After you're done, rinse the area with cool water and moisturize. And don't forget to clean the trimmer afterward so it's ready for next time.' Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare, notes that you'll want to make sure any razor used on the bikini area is sharp and preferably has more than one blade. This increases the chance of getting a clean shave with the fewest passes of the trimmer. Shopping for a trimmer over regular razors can feel intimidating, but it can be a simple process once you know what you're looking for. You'll want to note that there are rechargeable and battery-powered options, and having something cordless makes it easy to use. 'It really depends on what you care about most. But in general, you want something with stainless steel blades, because that holds up better to cleaning and rubbing alcohol,' Madan said. He also recommends looking for something that's waterproof so you can use it in the shower. A trimmer that can be used both wet or dry can make it easier for you to shave your bikini area as part of your regular routine. Madan also suggests looking for a trimmer with adjustable length settings that give you more control. That way, you can trim hair to your preferences and comfort levels. The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologist Dr. Raman Madan and Laura Schubert, the cofounder and CEO of Fur. Is using a bikini trimmer better than shaving? Is using a bikini trimmer better than shaving? The opinions on this are mixed, but overall, it comes down to personal preference. 'It kind of depends on what you're looking for. Bikini trimmers don't go as close to the skin, which actually helps prevent irritation and those pesky ingrown hairs,' Madan said. 'Shaving, on the other hand, gives you that really smooth finish, but you're more likely to end up with bumps or irritation afterward. So, it's a bit of a trade-off.' 'No grooming routine is 'better' than any other, per se, but trimming is a great option for people who deal with extreme skin sensitivity,' Schubert said. Trimming and shaving can be more gentle than waxing, sugaring or laser hair removal. How do you prevent ingrown hairs when using a bikini trimmer? How do you prevent ingrown hairs when using a bikini trimmer? Ingrown hairs occur when the hair follicle has been forced to grow inward due to shaving or another irritant on the skin. The best way to prevent ingrown hairs, according to the dermatologists we spoke with, is to make sure you're shaving in the same direction your hair grows. 'Going against it — that's when you run into trouble,' Madan said. 'It can push the hair under the skin, and it doesn't grow out properly, which leads to ingrowns.' He recommends going with the grain and taking your time to ensure a smooth shave. If you do end up with razor bumps, there are ways to get rid of them. Making sure the area has been cleaned and exfoliated ahead of shaving, and using a shaving cream, can help reduce pores from clogging with dead skin cells. How do you clean a bikini trimmer? How do you clean a bikini trimmer? Keeping your bikini trimmer clean can help prevent hair and dead skin buildup on your razor. 'The best thing to do is clean off any hair first — you can rinse the head if it's waterproof,' Madan said. 'Then I usually recommend sterilizing it with rubbing alcohol. Just let it dry out after that. And if you have clipper oil, it's a good idea to use a drop or two to keep the blades from rusting. That's going to help the trimmer last longer.' If you feel like your trimmer is getting dull or has rusted, it's smart to replace it with a new blade. You want to make sure you're not using a dirty razor blade, especially one with rust, that can cause small infections if you cut yourself shaving. What should you put on your skin after using a bikini trimmer? What should you put on your skin after using a bikini trimmer? Madan said that if your skin feels irritated after trimming, you can use a light hydrocortisone cream. If you don't have that on hand, you can use a gentle moisturizer. He recommends something like CeraVe or Cetaphil. 'You want to keep your skin calm and hydrated,' he said. 'Cool-water rinsing also helps right after trimming.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, trichologist with a doctorate in biomedical sciences and founder of Alodia Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey Dr. Raman Madan, dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health in New York Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare Laura Schubert, cofounder and CEO of Fur CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine talked to dermatologists to learn about what makes bikini trimmers a better option than standard razors and which ones they recommend.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5 places you're forgetting to apply sunscreen (and need to, according to derms)
According to a 2023 report published in the scientific journal Cancers, despite an increase in sunscreen use, the number of melanoma cases in the U.S. grew by more than 40% from 2009 to 2019. Researchers attribute this to multiple factors, including a warming planet and a stronger UV index. However, they also make the case that, though most of us know enough to use sunscreen, we may actually be applying our SPF wrong. For starters, "The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF minimum of 30 that has broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant," says Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. But it's not enough to choose the right sunscreen — to avoid heightened skin cancer risk, dermatologists say we must know when to apply, how much to put on and how often to reapply. The official advice from the American Academy of Dermatology is that adults need at least 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover their entire faces and bodies. In terms of reapplication, Camp says, "The AAD recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outside for extended periods and again after sweating and swimming." Remember that it takes around 15 minutes for sunscreen to fully absorb and start protecting your skin. And, even if you have darker skin, it's important to apply sunscreen frequently, as even the deepest skin tones only offer a natural SPF 13. Last, and maybe most important, is where you're putting all this sun protection. "The face, torso, arms and legs are the first places people apply sunscreen," says Camp. But he explains there are multiple areas of the body that are often neglected or forgotten when we're hurrying to smear it all on. The AAD suggests sun protection must be applied to "all skin not covered by clothing," which obviously includes areas outside the above scope. Below, we've outlined the most common places you might be missing with your sunscreen and just what kind of protection each area needs. When it comes to sun protection, the tops of our feet are an easily forgotten zone — first, because they might be in shoes when you start applying, and second, because they may be wet or covered in sand. But, if left unprotected in the sun, this part of the body is at risk for developing multiple forms of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, in populations of color, feet are among the highest risk parts of the body for skin cancer. A good foot sunscreen should be non-greasy, water-resistant and contain a high level of SPF. Studies show that the ears are the third most common place on the body to develop skin cancer (yikes!) and, still, many people forget to protect them. Among the best sunscreens for this area is a potent mineral SPF stick, which allows for a precise application without the product slipping into your hair. Once the warm weather hits, experts say you should switch out your winter chapped lip treatment for a balm that contains broad-spectrum SPF. If you're eating, drinking or just tend to frequently lick your lips, the best practice here is to apply early and often. The easiest way to protect your eyelids from the sun is to consistently wear sunglasses, but, even if you do don shades, sunscreen is a good backup plan. To avoid irritation, choose protection that's specifically made for this sensitive area, ideally an eye cream with SPF. Camp recommends a wide-brimmed hat for protecting your scalp, but if you plan on swimming, he says, "consider a liquid or powder sunscreen to cover any exposed skin, like the part in your hair."
