Latest news with #MontefioreEinsteinAdvancedCare
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How To Patch Test a New Skincare Product Correctly, According to Dermatologists
It's an all too common scenario: You're excited to try your new skincare product, whether it's an eye cream, serum, moisturizer, or body cream, and slather it all over, only to find yourself with a rash a few hours later. The reality is that skin reactions do happen, but there is an easy way to avoid them—patch testing. 'It's a good idea to patch test products when using them for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin, to identify any adverse reactions before you apply the product to a larger area,' says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. 'It's a safer way to ensure a product is compatible with your skin before regular use.' Now you're probably wondering, what is patch testing exactly? To help break down the procedure, we turned to two dermatologists to get the scoop, including the best way to do it at home. Below, learn everything there is to know about patch testing. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. Kseniya Kobets, MD, is the Director of Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.'Dermatologists or allergy doctors often use patch testing to determine if a specific ingredient or substance can be causing someone to have rashes or skin reactions from contact with the skin, skincare, or the environment,' says Kseniya Kobets, MD, Director of Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. The test is applied in the office and includes a series of 'patches' of concentrated allergens that come into direct contact with the skin. This is typically applied as a bandage with six to twelve patches per strip. "It's checked over a few days to a week to check for a reaction or delayed reaction on your skin after exposure to common and reported allergens," explains Dr. Kobets. While the in-office treatment is recommended by experts, you can also try to patch test at home. According to Dr. Kobets, you should apply a small amount of a cream or other topical you'd like to test to the inner part of your arm and monitor if it causes a reaction within hours to 24 hours. However, she warns that this is not a precise method. At-home testing involves using a product that can contain various ingredients. If you do have an allergy, you wouldn't know which component is causing the reaction. In-office patch testing, on the other hand, uses individually identified allergens at higher concentrations, which are more likely to show a reaction and offer a more targeted result. It's best to do a patch test every time you try a new hair or skin product, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema. 'It's also important to test products that contain active ingredients or fragrances, which are more likely to cause irritation,' says Dr. Engelman. 'Patch testing is best done at least 24 to 48 hours before using the product widely, to give enough time to spot any reaction.' If you choose to perform a patch test at home, Dr. Engelman shares these step-by-step instructions: Choose a small, discreet area of skin to test, such as behind the ear, the inner forearm, or your foot. Apply a small amount of the product to that spot, spreading it thinly and evenly. Cover the area with a bandage or leave it uncovered if the product dries quickly. Wait at least 24 to 48 hours without washing or disturbing the spot. Check the area for any signs of redness, itching, swelling, or irritation. If there's no reaction, the product is likely safe to use on your skin. If irritation appears, avoid using the product and consult a dermatologist if needed. After completing these steps, it is important to take action should a reaction occur. 'It will be easy to tell if a patch test reveals an adverse reaction—you'll likely notice redness, itching, small bumps, and/or unusual warmth, which can signal early irritation,' Dr. Engelman says. 'If your patch test causes a reaction, stop using the product right away and gently wash the area with cool water and a fragrance-free cleanser. Applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help soothe the skin. If the reaction gets worse or doesn't improve in a day or so, consult your dermatologist for guidance.' It's important to note that you can still have a delayed reaction even if your patch test showed no immediate issues. 'Some sensitivities develop slowly and may only appear after repeated or prolonged use of a product,' Dr. Engelman says. 'The patch test checks for quick reactions but doesn't always catch long-term irritation or allergies. Always watch your skin closely when trying something new, even after a clear patch test.' If you have a history of reactive skin and it is only getting worse over time, then Dr. Kobets suggests getting a professional patch test in consultation with a dermatologist. As far as what to expect during a professional patch test, the process is fairly straightforward. A dermatologist will typically apply standard allergens on your back unless you already have an active rash, acne, or reaction on the area. 'You're advised to avoid exposure to sun and moisture, avoid scratching, and to come back at a specific time throughout the week for the first reading at 48 hours and then a second reading at 72 to 96 hours,' Dr. Kobets explains. Your dermatologist or allergist may ask you to avoid specific medications, such as antihistamines and topical or oral steroids, for a specific number of days before the testing, as they can interfere with the results, adds Dr. Kobets. 'You may want to keep a list of products you're allergic to or sensitive to, and note a common unifying ingredient that reappears in all of these,' she adds. If you have sensitive skin or suspect a new product may trigger a reaction, patch testing is a good idea. Going the DIY route can be fine, but keep in mind that it won't always accurately predict a reaction. 'You should see a professional for a patch test if you have persistent or severe skin reactions that don't improve with home care,' Dr. Engelman says. 'It's especially important if you experience widespread redness, swelling, blistering, or intense itching after using products. A dermatologist can perform a more thorough patch test to identify specific allergens or irritants. They can also recommend personalized treatment and help you avoid triggers in the future.' Read the original article on Byrdie
New York Post
28-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
This age window is the most important decade for your health — 3 habits to take up immediately
Talk about pour decisions. While the effects of partying late into the night may not be apparent in your 20s, a new study out of Finland suggests that all that revelry finally catches up to you at 36. Researchers advise that the decade between 36 and 46 is a critical time for shaping future health, even going so far as to highlight three wholesome habits to increase the odds of a long, healthy life. 4 The decade between 36 and 46 is a critical time for shaping future health, according to a new study out of Finland. Nicholas Felix/ – 'The decade between 36-46 is important as it marks the bridge to the later years of life,' Dr. Angela Wilson, a gynecologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in NYC, told The Post. 'The risk of various diseases increases, and prevention, early diagnosis and intervention are paramount,' added Wilson, who was not involved in the new research. The study followed a few hundred children born in the Finnish city of Jyväskylä in 1959 until their early 60s. Mental and physical health data were collected when the participants were 27, 36, 42, 50 and 61. Researchers assessed their blood pressure, waist size, blood sugar, cholesterol and other blood fats as participants answered questions about their psychological wellbeing. The study authors noted whether they smoked, drank heavily or exercised less than once a week at any point in time. These three vices fueled mental and physical woes, often felt as early as 36. 'Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviors, such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, as early as possible to prevent the damage they do from building up over the years, culminating in poor mental and physical health in later life,' said lead study author Tiia Kekäläinen, a health scientist who focuses on aging. 4 Reducing alcohol intake lowers the risk of hypertension, liver disease, certain cancers and improves sleep and mental health. kamiphotos – The results, recently published in the Annals of Medicine, come amid a startling increase in heart disease, stroke and some cancers among people under 50. While researchers are still investigating the exact reasons, certain lifestyle factors and environmental exposures are being implicated in these rising rates. Obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking and exposure to environmental toxins are among the leading culprits. 4 Quitting smoking reduces cardiovascular risk and cancer risk and improves lung function and life expectancy. Nopphon – 'When it comes to cardiovascular disease or diabetes, for example, those looking to reduce their risk typically focus on behavioral factors such as diet and physical activity,' environmental epidemiologist Maayan Yitshak-Sade told The Post. 'Even small changes in our daily lives — such as improving ventilation while cooking or walking instead of driving when possible — can significantly reduce these harmful exposures and consequently reduce cardiovascular risk,' added Yitshak-Sade, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 4 Even small bouts of exercise can help improve physical and mental health. New Africa – Dr. Sanjai Sinha, an internist with Mount Sinai's Hudson Yards practice, said it's important to avoid smoking and drinking and establish good habits around exercise, diet and sleep — just not necessarily from 36 to 46. 'I don't agree that there is a magic decade to get healthy, rather the earlier the better,' he told The Post. He said it's crucial to be proactive before hormone levels naturally decline, making it harder to change routines. Lower testosterone 'can lead to gradually lower muscle strength or energy levels,' Sinha explained. 'Most women are not in menopause yet, but once that happens (average age: 51), issues with sleep, joint aches, energy, brain fog all can occur.' Dr. Alice S. Teich — a primary care doctor at Montefiore Medical Group in Westchester — echoed the need for quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol and aiming for daily movement and weekly structured exercise. She noted that it's quite common to feel the cumulative effects of lifestyle choices, like weight gain, elevated blood pressure, fatigue and stiffness, between 36 and 46. 'The key isn't perfection — it's taking action,' Teich told The Post. 'Establishing consistent, healthy habits during this window can significantly reduce long-term risk and improve quality of life.'
