Latest news with #OmerIbrahim
Cosmopolitan
18-07-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Batana oil for hair: Benefits, how to use and best products to buy in 2025
Remember when all TikTok could talk about was rosemary oil for hair growth? Like, you couldn't open the app without seeing a slew of influencers raving about the ingredient or sharing how they used it in their haircare routine. Well, right now, that same thing is happening with batana oil. Yep, batana oil is the a new (well, to social media at least) natural oil that TikTokers are claiming can help regrow your hair faster, soften your strands, smooth split ends, and more. But does it actually work? Keep reading for all the info—plus how to use batana oil in your haircare routine. What is batana oil? Batana oil comes from the nut of American palm trees, which is native to Central and South America. Not only is batana oil ingested, but it's often used for hair and skin, especially in products (namely in Honduras where it's native), says dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD. It has a smokey, tobacco-like, earthy scent, but that tends to go away once you rub it in and doesn't linger. Compared to über-famous coconut oil and argan oil, it's much richer and denser, so it's fab for thick, curly, and/or coarse hair types (but dw, I've included some ways to use it below if your texture is on the fine side and you wanna get in on the benefits too). Currently, it's found mostly on its own, but because it's blowing up so much on social media, companies will likely start formulating with it in deep conditioners, curl creams, and protein treatments eventually. Batana oil is full of nutrients that can help moisturise the heck out of your hair and skin. 'It's rich in fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid, which all help moisturise the hair and scalp to increase shine and strength,' explains Dr. Ibrahim. 'It also contains carotenoids, particularly alpha and beta carotenes, which convert to vitamin A and are beneficial for scalp health,' he adds. 'Lycopene, an effective antioxidant also found in batana oil, can help protect against oxidative damage,' he further notes. Basically, its a powerhouse for protecting your scalp and making your hair and skin look and feel healthy and smooth. Plus, it's suitable for all hair types and textures (although it might leave a greasy film on some fine hair types if left on or if too much is used). No, batana oil cannot regrow your hair, according to Dr. Ibrahim. 'There are currently no studies on batana oil for hair health or hair growth,' he says. 'At best, we can surmise that its composition helps keep hair strands moisturised, pliable, and flexible.' Meaning based on all the information we have on its benefits above, batana oil could potentially increase hair health over time and prevent breakage. Actual hair growth requires a comprehensive approach, trichologist Bridgette Hill previously told Cosmo, so it's going to take more than just a simple oil to do the trick (think: healthy eating habits, hydration, a good haircare routine, a clean bill of health from your doctor, and more). TBH, there aren't any products you can just slather on your scalp other than minoxidil (aka the active ingredient in Regaine) with adequate research to indicate that it can help grow hair faster. As with all hair oils, there are a variety of methods to try with batana oil depending on your goals. You could also try hair oiling, an Ayurvedic practice that involves coating and massaging your scalp with oils to increase blood flow and (hopefully) encourage hair growth. Just place a few drops of the oil onto your scalp, then massage in circular motions with your fingertips for four to five minutes. Then comb or brush the oil through your hair to evenly distribute to your ends. You can leave it on overnight, or just wash it out after 10 to 20 minutes with a gentle shampoo. You can also cocktail a few drops of batana oil in your own hair products, like a hair mask or leave-in conditioner, to add a bit of extra nourishment. Just avoid leaving it on your hair too long if you have fine hair because the oil is quite rich and can weigh down your strands. Yes, you can leave batana oil in your hair overnight. But batana oil might be a bit too rich for some fine hair types, says Dr. Ibrahim. In that case, try a short-contact method like a pre-poo treatment for 10 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal. You'll get shiny, soft, smooth results basically instantly, says Dr. Ibrahim. You can use batana oil as often as daily if your hair is extremely dry and coarse, but generally, once or twice a week should be good. The oil is so rich, so you shouldn't need to coat your hair in it as often as other oils. But because the only risk is potentially weighing down your hair, you can't really overuse it, so if you feel like your strands are feeling a bit dehydrated and dull, feel free to increase your batana oil usage. Don't expect batana oil to work miracles for hair growth (literally no hair oil, for that matter, is clinically proven to make hair grow). But! It can definitely improve your scalp and hair health over time. Overall, though, it's an antioxidant-filled, fatty-acid-rich oil that's fantastic for improving your hair and scalp's moisture levels, as well as increasing glossiness, silkiness, and smoothness. And that, bbs, is what finding the best new oil is all about. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from Olaplex dupes to almond oil for hair. She's an authority in all hair categories but an expert when it comes to batana oil for hair after consulting dermatologists and trichologists for their take on the buzzy ingredient. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dermatologists Agree This Is The Only Face Wash You Need for Healthy Skin
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Has anyone out there tried to buy a face wash lately? Confusing, right? With approximately one bazillion or so options, including cleansers that foam, ones that have exfoliating beads, and bi-phase options that look like a mini science experiment, you may be left wondering which one is best for a little face time. Sure, we're all for choices—and it's great that there's something for every skin type and concern—but here's an unexpected take: There's really just one kind of face wash that dermatologists say most people can—and probably should—be using daily. And your choice of cleanser is important—the right one can set you up for skincare success, the wrong one can leave you with problems you didn't begin with. That's because cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine, removing pore-clogging dirt and grime that can lead to breakouts and irritation, not to mention act as a barrier to prevent other active skincare ingredients from penetrating. Meet the experts: Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. Omer Ibrahim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. Morayo Adisa, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. Ahead, more on why one particular formula is best, exactly which ingredients to seek out (and skip), plus the one exception to this cleanser rule. Before we get to the what, let's talk about the why. Washing your face removes all of the stuff that builds up on your skin during the day. We're talking oil, dead cells, sweat, bacteria, makeup, products, pollution…should we go on? Leaving all of this on your skin increases the risk for clogged pores, breakouts, increased inflammation, and even accelerated aging, explains Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. Here's the thing: you really don't need to wash your face twice a day. Since the important thing is to remove all of the day's gunk and grime, nighttime cleansing is essential. A morning wash? Totally optional, says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. If your skin is super oily or you just like starting your day with a clean slate, go ahead and wash in the AM also. But as long as you're cleansing at least once daily, before bedtime, that's totally sufficient. When in doubt, always reach for a gentle cream or lotion cleanser. These formulas are dermatologist go-tos because they're skin barrier-friendly, meaning they effectively cleanse without stripping your skin's natural oils and upping the odds of dryness and irritation. Just don't expect 'em to bubble up. Yes, foam makes for a nice sensorial experience, but it's completely unnecessary to the cleansing process. And those suds are typically created by a class of strong, detergent-like surfactants called sulfates that can end up removing way too much of your skin's natural oil, called sebum, says Dr. Ibrahim. And when that happens, your complexion will be left drier than before and at risk for even more irritation. Cream cleansers do use surfactants, but they rely on non-sulfate alternatives like cocamidopropyl betaine and sulfosuccinates to get the job done, Dr. Ibrahim adds. They effectively remove what needs to go without any collateral a classic for a reason: Cetaphil's non-foaming wash is infused with humectant glycerin as well as niacinamide and panthenol to remove dirt and grime while hydrating skin for up to 48 hours. And it's derm-recommended for even the most sensitive skin. $13.44 at barrier-healing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it's no wonder this soft-touch formula carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. But just because it's gentle doesn't mean it's ineffective: This one removes face makeup and excess oil. $13.93 at National Eczema Association seal holder, Vanicream's cleanser is free of harsh surfactants, ph-balanced, fragrance-free, and loaded with hydrating glycerin. $12.99 at addition to checking all of the boxes (milky, non-foaming formula, filled with hydrators like glycerin and ceramides, and safe for sensitive skin), this one has the added benefit of La Roche-Posay's thermal spring water, which has soothing and antioxidant properties. $19.99 at the end of the day, your cleanser should be basic with no frills,' says Dr. Ibrahim. That means you're looking for just a handful of good-for-your-skin ingredients: 'Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are good ones to spy on an ingredient label because they're lightweight moisturizers,' explains Morayo Adisa, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. (They work by attracting water to and trapping it in the skin.) 'Ceramides, squalene, and niacinamide are also good choices because they all help to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier,' she adds. On the no-fly list? Those sulfates we just talked about—the most popular being sodium lauryl sulfate—which tend to be very drying, Dr. Adisa points out. You'll also want to make sure said creamy cleanser is fragrance-free. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of both skin allergies and irritation, says Dr. Ibrahim. Those with normal, dry, or sensitive skin, and those eczema or rosacea can all default to a simple, creamy wash, says Dr. Ibrahim. Oily and acne-prone skin is the exception to the rule. 'These skin types often do best with gel or foaming cleansers, which are better at breaking down that excess sebum,' Dr. Yadav explains. In this instance, you actually do want more of that oil-removing action and sulfates aren't necessarily that problematic, Dr. Ibrahim adds. These skin types will also want to look for a wash that contains other exfoliating, complexion clearing ingredients. Dr. Yadav is a big fan of salicylic acid in particular: 'It can penetrate into pores to break down dead cells that cause congestion and breakouts,' she says. Dr. Adisa adds that lactic and glycolic acids are also good for oily skin, as are clay and sulfur. You've got your cleanser, what? Paying a little extra attention to your face washing M.O. can go a long way. Wash your hands. Remember, the goal is to remove dirt and grime, not add more to the mix. Wet your face. Importantly, make sure you're using lukewarm water. If it's too hot, the H2O can dry out the skin and cause inflammation. But cold water isn't as effective at dissolving and removing dirt, oil, and makeup, Dr. Adisa explains. Start the cleanse. Gently massage a nickel- or quarter-size dollop of cleanser across your face with your fingertips, moving in circular motions for about 30 to 60 seconds, says Dr. Ibrahim. Rinse and pat dry. Again, use lukewarm water and make sure your towel is clean. This isn't the time to reach for the grimy hand towel that's been hanging in your bathroom for weeks. Single-use, disposable options are super hygienic, though admittedly not the most eco-friendly; you can also keep a dedicated face towel at the ready and swap it out daily. One important caveat: If you're wearing a full face of makeup, particularly waterproof or long-wearing formulas, a double cleanse isn't a bad idea. Start by using a dedicated makeup remover to first dissolve all of that product, then go in with your cleanser, Dr. Adisa advises. Getting rid of that first layer of product will ensure that the face wash can then actually clean the skin. And there you have it—the ideal first step of your routine, including the best product to use and exactly how to do it. Now, go forth in skincare success. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
NBC News
17-06-2025
- Health
- NBC News
How to handle postpartum hair loss, according to experts
I knew postpartum hair loss happened, but I didn't realize just how tough it would be after I gave birth to my daughter. As a cancer survivor, I'd experienced hair loss before and knew the usual truths — it doesn't last forever; it'll grow back — but seeing my increasingly thinning hair was still upsetting during an otherwise happy moment in my life. Unfortunately, postpartum hair loss is one of those hair concerns that's impossible to prevent and hard to solve; because it's driven by hormones, as with menopausal hair changes, you just have to wait it out. (In a nutshell: It's your body course-correcting after pregnancy.) But using certain products and treatments in the meantime can set the stage for healthy hair regrowth and keep your existing strands strong and shiny. If you're experiencing it yourself, dermatologists share ways that you can support your hair right now while you wait for this phase to end — which, I can vouch, it will. How I picked the best postpartum hair loss treatments I talked to five board-certified dermatologists, including those who specialize in hair loss, to create this list. While they told me that there's no way to prevent postpartum hair loss, it's still possible to support your overall hair and scalp health during this time. To create this list, I included products I tried myself and loved — particularly those in keeping with the experts' advice. I also used their guidelines for products to use, which include: Nourishing ingredients: It's a good idea to seek out ingredients that nurture both the scalp and hair, such as caffeine, panthenol and niacinamide; while they won't necessarily spur hair growth, they can still create a good environment for it once your hair moves into its growth phase. Over-the-counter minoxidil: You can find minoxidil over-the-counter (or even get a prescription from your derm). Applied topically, it can help reduce shedding and encourage hair growth, even though it hasn't been FDA-approved for the purpose of postpartum hair loss. (Talk to your doctor before starting this.) No potential irritants: Common ingredients like sulfates and silicones won't necessarily harm your hair, but they can be drying or create buildup, respectively, which is why it's worth avoiding them if you can. Sulfates, which are cleansing agents, are mostly found in shampoos. Oral supplements: Iron deficiencies can be common after birth and can impede hair growth, so ask your doctor to check your levels if you're concerned. Prenatal vitamins (even postpartum) can provide minerals, vitamins and nutrients that help set the stage for healthy hair growth. (Talk with your doctor before taking any.) Our experts discourage biotin supplements, as they aren't very helpful and can actually interfere with medical tests. The best products for postpartum hair loss in 2025 Best Duo Chicago board-certified dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim points to this pair as a good option for anyone experiencing thinning or shedding hair — as happens with postpartum hair loss. While no shampoo will necessarily make your hair grow back, washing with gentle formulas that support a healthy environment for future hair growth is ideal; this bundle is so mild that they have the seals of the National Eczema Association and National Psoriasis Foundation (meaning they've undergone extensive vetting for safety in people with these skin conditions). They also have hemisqualane (an emollient) and bisabolol (an anti-inflammatory ingredient) to smooth hair and soothe the scalp, respectively, according to the brand. Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recommends this hair oil because it's infused with rosemary oil. 'Rosemary oil has been scientifically shown to promote hair growth and decrease shedding,' she says. 'This formulation is also infused with biotin to improve function and prevent shedding.' (Plus, it's especially great for 3A through 4C curls, as experts have told us in the past in our guide to curl types.) Multiple dermatologists recommended minoxidil as a stopgap for postpartum hair loss. 'Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp and over time lengthens the anagen, or growth, phase of your hair cycle,' says Dr. Donna Hart, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas. So while it won't reduce shedding, it can help you make the most of the regrowth. Ibrahim, for his part, calls it a 'tried-and-true' ingredient. This has 5% of minoxidil that you apply directly to your scalp (massaging in with your fingers) and should yield results in 120 days, according to the brand. Spearman points to this serum as a worthwhile treatment with minoxidil, which again 'has strong scientific evidence of improving hair growth and decreasing the effects of shedding,' she says. It has 2% minoxidil, which is lower than the 5% offered by Rogaine mentioned above, but some might find the dropper applicator easier for applying directly on the scalp or to targeted areas, like the temples and hairline. Studies have found red-light therapy to be helpful for hair growth, since it encourages cellular activity in the hair follicles — and Ibrahim attests to its potential for hair growth. (It's also used in skin care to help address acne and rejuvenate skin.) While it's tough to make definitive claims about it due to a lack of robust research, there's a chance it could help hair regrow. This hat is cordless and is programmed for 10 minute-long sessions, and the wavelength of light — 650 nanometers — is what's been used in studies. How to shop for products for postpartum hair loss When you're treating postpartum hair loss, it's important to set your expectations accordingly — because there's nothing you can do to prevent or reverse postpartum hair loss. It's the natural result of your hormones shifting after giving birth and a form of hair loss called telogen effluvium, which is a medical term for stress-related hair shed — the stress, in this case, being the sudden loss of estrogen. Because of that, 'hair care routines and products will not help to reduce or stop postpartum shedding,' says Dr. Christine Shaver, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. 'However, good hair practices can decrease breakage and maintain a healthier scalp.' For your regular wash-day routine, Ibrahim recommends washing with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners — as sulfates, which are common cleansing agents, can inadvertently strip the scalp of its natural oils and leave hair dry. Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York also recommends seeking out certain ingredients to support your overall hair and scalp health: Caffeine: This may stimulate blood flow and prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle when applied topically. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3: This soothes the scalp, improves barrier function, and may support healthier follicles. Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5: This ingredient moisturizes and strengthens the hair shaft, reducing breakage. Rosemary oil: Clinical studies have found that this may be as effective as 2% minoxidil in improving hair thickness over 6 months. Peptides: These can help fortify weakened strands and reduce breakage, especially during brushing or heat styling. While it's not standard for use postpartum, almost all of our experts recommend minoxidil, which is FDA approved to treat female-pattern hair loss and can be used off-label (meaning not according to its FDA indication) to reduce the duration of telogen effluvium. However, 'it's not studied in postpartum-specific hair loss,' says Westbay, who recommends clearing it with your physician if you're breastfeeding. Red-light therapy devices for the scalp are also a promising option. 'Red light therapy works by boosting the energy factories, or mitochondria, in your hair follicle stem cells, helping them produce more ATP — the fuel they need to grow stronger, healthier hair,' says Ibrahim. 'It also improves blood flow and calms inflammation in the scalp, giving your hair the best possible environment to thrive and stay in its growth phase longer.' Your nutrition is critical: Protein, iron, zinc and vitamin D are all important to support hair density and minimize shedding, according to Westbay. To make sure you get them, some of our experts recommend oral supplements. If you have an iron deficiency, for instance, this can interfere with hair growth — so Shaver recommends getting bloodwork if you're concerned. If that's the case, 'then iron supplements are recommended to support new hair growth after a postpartum shed,' she says. (She recommends 325 mg ferrous sulfate — but again, talk to your doctor first.) Alternatively, 'eating a healthy diet — making sure to incorporate iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, meat, lentils or beans — is helpful,' says Hart. What to avoid when dealing with postpartum hair loss First, steer clear of ingredients that can potentially irritate the scalp — namely, sulfates. 'These harsh detergents can strip natural oils, irritate the scalp and increase dryness or fragility of already-shedding hair,' says Westbay. She also advises avoiding silicones, such as dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, as these can weigh hair down and build up on the scalp, especially if you're trying to maximize volume. When it comes to your routine, it pays to be gentle. After all, although telogen effluvium is hair loss from the root, not mid-shaft breakage, 'you do not want to be dealing with breakage on top of this root shed so limiting heat styling is helpful,' says Hart. In addition to heat styling, Ibrahim advises skipping chemical treatments that could also contribute to breakage, such as dyeing hair and keratin treatments. Also, there's really no need for loading up on popular supplements like biotin. The reality is that biotin 'will only help your hair if you are deficient, which is very uncommon,' says Shaver. In fact, 'biotin can obscure thyroid test results,' she says. Before you start taking any supplements, she stresses the importance of talking to your doctor to make sure they're safe and effective, especially if you're taking other medications or are breastfeeding. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Dara Spearman, FAAD, is a board certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, ID. Dr. Donna Hart is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Texas. Dr. Omer Ibrahim, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, IL. He has a special interest in hair loss treatments. Dr. Christine Shaver is a board-certified dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York, NY. Dr. Rachel Westbay is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York, NY. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a freelance beauty writer and editor who's been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like retinol body lotions and urea skin care. For this article, I spoke to five dermatologists to narrow down the postpartum hair loss products to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider.
