Latest news with #SPF
CNET
4 hours ago
- Health
- CNET
A Dermatologist Shares the Ideal SPF to Use This Summer
4th of July party preparation is in full swing. I'm sure by now you are checking to make sure you have everything on your list: ice, drinks, hot dogs, plates and napkins. But there is one product you may be forgetting that is essential for your health -- sunscreen. Especially during the summer months, sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. But with so many different SPF numbers out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. We asked a dermatologist, so you don't have to. What is SPF? SPF, or sun protection factor, describes the amount of solar energy needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin relative to unprotected skin, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. Logic would follow, then, that wearing a higher SPF would offer you better protection when you're out and about, basking in the sun's rays. Is a higher SPF better? Is higher SPF sunscreen more protective in a measurable way that actually matters? The tested difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small, according to Dr. Steven Daveluy, board-certified dermatologist and program director at Wayne State University Department of Dermatology. There was a difference of 96.7% blocking vs. 98% blocking, in one example he provided. Research on people wearing sunscreen out in "real life" has suggested higher SPFs are more protective, Daveluy said in an email. Combine this with the fact you're probably not wearing enough sunscreen -- studies have shown people apply only 25% to 50% of the amount that they should, Daveluy said -- and a higher SPF may come out reasonably more protective. "You should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover your head, neck, arms and legs when wearing shorts and a T-shirt," Daveluy recommended, adding that people without hair should use a little more. "That means your 3-ounce tube of sunscreen is only three applications," Daveluy said. "Most people are not using that amount." What is the minimum SPF you need in a sunscreen? The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends your sunscreen be SPF 30 or higher. It also recommends you look for sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection (it protects against UVA and UVB rays) and make sure it's water-resistant. "If you follow the recommendations for the proper amount of sunscreen, then SPF 30 is great," Daveluy said. If you think you're skimping on the layers, though, a higher SPF could offer more benefit. He added that he generally recommends looking for at least SPF 50 or 60. Does skin tone matter when choosing an SPF? People with darker skin tones have more melanin, which does offer some protection from the sun's damaging rays. For this reason, skin cancer rates in people of color are lower than rates in white people, but the risk isn't zero. Research also suggests that people of color may be more likely to experience a missed or late diagnosis of skin cancer, making outcomes more dangerous. (It's also important to note that melanoma can have other causes besides exposure to sunlight or UV rays, and can show up in areas not typically exposed to sun.) "SPF 30 is the minimum for everyone," Daveluy said. He added that tinted sunscreens may be a better fit for darker skin tones, leaving less of a white cast. "If you have very fair skin, the higher [SPF] numbers may be a good idea, especially if you aren't using the proper amount, because you will see the consequences of underuse more easily," Daveluy said. Sunscreen red flags As long as you're wearing a minimum of SPF 30, applying it properly and also looking for products that are broad spectrum and water resistant, you've got the basics down. Daveluy added that for people with sensitive skin, finding a mineral sunscreen with "active ingredients of zinc and/or titanium" may be a good choice. Daveluy pointed out other measures of protecting yourself from the sun, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing and hanging out in the shade when possible. But don't forget that sunscreen has a proven safety record going back for decades, he said. "The biggest red flags for sunscreen are any people or reports that try to tell you sunscreen isn't safe," Daveluy said.
Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
MHA appoints new ICA commissioner, CNB director as current leaders step down
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Lian Ghim Hua (left) will be appointed as Commissioner of ICA on Sept 15, 2025, while Mr Sebastian Tan will take over as Director of CNB on Aug 1, 2025. SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on July 2 that it is appointing new leaders for the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Current ICA Commissioner Marvin Sim will step down on Sept 15 and later take on another leadership position in the MHA, while Mr Leon Chan, who was appointed acting director of CNB in September 2024 , will step down on Aug 1 . In its news release, MHA highlighted some of Mr Sim's contributions, including his leadership through the Covid-19 pandemic and ICA's multi-year transformation plan to redefine border clearance and service delivery. 'He drove complex border operations in this regard, including the Stay-Home Notice Regime and Safe Travel Office,' MHA said. 'These measures helped safeguard public health and at the same time allowed essential travellers and supplies to flow in and out of Singapore when borders in many parts of the world were closed.' It added that the ICA's New Clearance Concept, implemented under Mr Sim's leadership, saw enhanced border security but has also 'significantly speeded up and eased the immigration clearance process'. Singapore Police Force (SPF) Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations ) Lian Ghim Hua will be appointed as Commissioner of ICA - Designate on Sept 1 . He will take on the commissioner position on Sept 15 . Mr Lian has held several key appointments in SPF, including director of the Operations Department and deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Department. 'As Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Lian led SPF in executing several high-profile security operations in Singapore,' MHA said. This includes the 2023 Presidential Election, Pope Francis' visit in 2024, and the 2025 General Election. Under Mr Lian's leadership, adoption of technology in policing operations was increased. He also strengthened police-community partnership through new volunteer programmes and other initiatives, as well as transformed SPF's regulatory operations through the digitalisation of systems and formulation of policies. 'As SPF's Chief Learning Officer, Mr Lian enhanced SPF's training programmes, infrastructure and systems, including the adoption of simulation technologies to more effectively train police officers,' MHA said. Meanwhile, CNB's acting director Leon Chan will return to SPF after leaving the bureau. He will be appointed Director of the Operations Department - Designate on Aug 1 . Mr Sebastian Tan, currently the senior director of the International Cooperation and Partnerships Division in the MHA headquarters, will take over as CNB director on the same day . Mr Tan has held various key appointments within CNB, including deputy director (Operations), director of Intelligence and director of Enforcement. 'In his appointment as Deputy Director CNB (Operations), Mr Tan oversaw the line divisions and maintained a high tempo of anti-drug enforcement operations,' MHA said. He also oversaw the operationalisation of significant policy and legislative amendments, as well as drove transformation projects in the bureau.
International Business Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- International Business Times
Singapore-Registered Company Charged Over Suspected Money Laundering Offence
A Singapore-registered company was charged in court on Tuesday, July 1, for its suspected involvement in money laundering activities. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed that the company's bank accounts were believed to be used to receive criminal proceeds arising from an alleged scam perpetuated against a foreign company. The SPF said in a statement, "Between 8 and 14 September 2021, the Company received over S$571,000, of which a portion was subsequently transferred to foreign bank accounts." "The Company was allegedly unable to account satisfactorily how it came by the property and will be charged for an offence of possessing property reasonably suspected to be benefits from criminal conduct under Section 47AA(1) of the CDSA (Cap 65A, 2000 Rev Ed)," added SPF. A corporate entity found guilty of having property that could be reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of criminal activity faces a fine of up to S$300,000 under Section 47AA(2)(b) of the CDSA (Cap 65A, 2000 Rev Ed). The police warned the public against receiving money from unidentified sources using their personal or business bank account or accounts. They said that the SPF will not hold back from taking tough enforcement action against businesses that are set up for illicit activities, like laundering criminal proceeds, and against directors whose carelessness permits their businesses to be operated illegally. Such abuse affects Singapore's reputation as an international financial center and business hub.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Amazon slashes price of 'brilliant' tinted spf beauty fans say replaces foundation in early Prime Day deal
Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and it's a great opportunity to stock up on your favourite beauty products for less, including one of the best SPFs, the vitamin C SPF50, which is currently on offer for 44 per cent off. With over 5,000 four and five-star reviews, the Amazon's Choice product provides SPF50 protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation as a result of overexposure to the sun. The brand recommends dispensing a small amount onto two fingers before applying on the face and neck, as a moisturiser or on top of your usual day cream Enriched with brightening vitamin C to promote a healthy glow, the dermatologically tested SPF is suitable for all skin types and tones, without leaving behind a white cast - and now you can pick it up for just £7.33 in this early Prime Day deal. 'I've now ditched my foundation for this,' explained one user. 'It's just so much more natural no patchy areas on dry skin. It looks nice don't expect it to look like a foundation however it is literally just a glow. 'Drys non greasy and quickly I recommend this I've just purchased another to stock up!' 'As someone with combination skin, finding a product that provides sun protection, brightens my complexion, and doesn't feel heavy has been challenging. This product ticks all the boxes,' said a second user. The inclusion of vitamin C is a game-changer. My skin looks brighter and more even-toned since I started using it. I've noticed a reduction in the appearance of dark spots and an overall improvement in skin texture'. 'This is my all-time favourite product, I use it all year - love the glow!', noted a third customer. 'But more importantly, I use it in the sun and never burn! Gives great UV protection - allows you a lovely colour. I'm on my fourth bottle - love it!'. The unscented formula — which makes it great for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin — blends seamlessly into the skin, and can be worn as a moisturiser, on top of your serum or day cream or before your makeup routine. An ideal product for those suffering from hyperpigmentation, the formula also evens out the skin tone with a sheer tint - meaning the dual-action formula not only targets dark spots from the inside out, but also perfects the skin throughout the day, too. Hopefully we don't need to tell you by now how important SPF is (yes, even when the sun isn't out), and this affordable product is a must-have in your makeup bag. Ready to bag your first Prime Day bargain? Shop the Garnier Vitamin C Daily Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow here for just £7.33 - though hurry, as this deal won't be around for long.
International Business Times
a day ago
- International Business Times
Singapore: 69-Year-Old Bangladeshi Man Nabbed Within an Hour for Shop Theft at Changi Airport
A 69-year-old male Bangladeshi national was arrested for his suspected involvement in two cases of shop theft committed in the transit area of Singapore's Changi Airport. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) released a press statement and said that they were informed about a case of shop theft at "The Shilla Cosmetics & Perfumes" store located in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 3. The SPF said, "Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had allegedly taken three lipsticks and a box of hair serum set, with a total value of S$294.70. He had allegedly taken those items from the display shelf and exited the store without paying." "Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of CCTV footage, officers from Airport Police Division established the identity of the man. The man was arrested in the transit within an hour of the report, preventing him from departing Singapore. It was further revealed that the man had allegedly taken a bottle of perfume valued at S$153.10 from another Shilla store in Changi Airport. All five stolen items were recovered," the statement added. The man will be charged in court on 1 July 2025 with the offence of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871. If found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a fine, or both. Shop theft cases are taken seriously by the police, and those who commit them will face harsh consequences in line with the law. The police said that they will continue to work closely with stakeholders to prevent and deter shop theft cases, so criminals shouldn't believe that they can avoid capture by boarding a flight quickly.
