Latest news with #Staph
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Experts warn against free skincare hack as woman ditches advanced serums for seawater
A TikTok skincare hack that involves rubbing seawater and and sand over you face has gone viral with more than two million views- but could it actually do wonders for your skin? The journey to clear and blemish-free skin can often be a long and expensive one. Whether it's cleansers, serums, exfoliators or various different strange-sounding acids our skincare routines are seemingly getting longer and longer with no end in sight. So when one influencer claimed to have ditched their entire routine for simply a splash of seawater and a gentle scrub of sand, it was only natural that it soon blew up online, gathering millions of views on TikTok. The creator claimed the natural solutions were the key to her clear skin, she added: "I haven't washed [my] face once this week, and just have given [themselves] daily sea scrub facials. Not a pimple in sight". But surely the murky Atlantic water couldn't actually work wonders? Well, the answer is unsurprisingly more complicated than the five-second clip made out. Seawater can have some benefits, it's a natural exfoliant so similar to your expensive charcoal scrub, it can remove dead skin cells making your skin feel smoother and softer. The sea can also be high in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium which can help nourish your skin and help combat certain conditions. However, despite the potential benefits a skincare expert has come out to warn anyone looking to ditch their regime for ocean water. Chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green admitted on the surface it may be a good idea: "While the idea of a sea scrub facial sounds natural and indulgent, directly scrubbing your face with sand or saltwater from the ocean can do more harm than good. "Seawater does contain minerals like magnesium and calcium that can benefit the skin by reducing inflammation and balancing oil. However, the ocean is not a sterile environment." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. The sea can be much dirtier than you think, and once the particles get into your skin, it can soon trigger breakouts. The chemist added: "Many popular beaches have been shown to contain traces of faecal matter, pollutants, and even antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), which can lead to serious skin infections. "Sand is also highly abrasive and can cause microscopic tears in the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity and breakouts. While marine-based skincare ingredients are trending, I would strongly recommend opting for professionally formulated products that safely harness oceanic elements—rather than risking your skin's health at the shoreline," Green added. "Look on your facial skin as the bonnet on your favourite car. You polish it with care and lovingly, you certainly don't rub sand onto it." Commenters under the original post have also warned against the sea technique. One person wrote: "Omg please be careful, my friend did that and got a staph infection! It looks so nice though". While another added: "Omg please be careful, my friend did that and got a staph infection! It looks so nice though." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
High bacteria levels found in several popular Charleston area waterways. Here's where to avoid this Memorial Day weekend
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — If you're looking to hit the water for Memorial Day this weekend, Charleston Waterkeeper says there are a few popular spots you may want to avoid. The group identified multiple sites in its May 23 water quality report where high levels of Enterococcus bacteria were found: Northbridge Park, Hendricks Park, Hobcaw Creek, two areas of Shem Creek, and a portion of James Island Creek. Elevated bacteria levels can indicate possible contamination by fecal waste and may mean that harmful pathogens are present in the water, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). Exposure can lead to an increased risk of serious health infections, such as Cholera, Tuberculosis, Staph, and Vibrio, among others. Charleston Waterkeeper reported good news for boaters in the Charleston Harbor, as all tested sites meet the state standard for recreational activity. Spots around the area, including Brittlebank Park, are considered safe for swimming. Further up the Ashley River, Filbin Creek — a consistent problem spot — continues to register high bacteria levels, as did Northbridge Park. Opt for a splash in the Wando River near the Daniel Island Children's Park instead. Report identifies 10 US beaches that are 'hotspots' for bacteria The group found mixed results in Mount Pleasant, too. Swimming in Hobcaw Creek or Shem Creek north of Coleman Boulevard is not advised. Though bacteria levels appear okay at Shem Creek Park, swimmers should use caution. The Cove is a good option for water-based activities this weekend. The mixed results continue on James Island, where the creek near Folly Road is considered unsafe for swimming. Further down by Harbor View Road is clear, as is the rest of the island at rest of the island at Sol Legare, Clark Sound, and the Folly River. It's a green light for beachgoers this Memorial Day weekend as SCDES' latest data shows no signs of trouble from Isle of Palms to Seabrook Island. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump tariffs stunt US toy imports as sellers play for time
Josh Staph fears the fun-packed shelves of his toy warehouse might start looking joyless in the months ahead, with made-in-China flying discs and model gliders grounded -– like much of his product line –- by Donald Trump's tariffs. "Things have ground to a halt," said Staph, chief executive of Duncan Toys Company, which has a warehouse in Indiana. With his products now facing a steep 145 percent levy, "we stopped shipping goods into the US," he added. Nearly 100 days into President Donald Trump's White House return, US businesses are scrambling to adjust to fast-changing trade policies. The $40 billion toy industry, which heavily relies on production in China, is hard hit, companies tell AFP. Of over $17 billion worth of toys imported to the US last year, more than $13 billion came from China. Duncan's entire product range is designed and developed in the United States, Staph said, but Chinese factories make almost all the toys. Firms there have developed specialized abilities to produce intricate parts for items like its best-selling yo-yos. Most American toy companies have halted shipments since Trump imposed new tariffs on many products from China this year, Staph said. The move raised the duty that US firms pay when they import any Chinese-made toys -- from plushies to action figures -- from zero to 145 percent, more than doubling import costs. "It's pretty debilitating," Staph added. "As a business leader, after 100 days of the administration, I'd say that the most challenging part is the uncertainty." "It's tough to build any sort of strategy and go for a plan when we know that things are changing almost on a daily basis." - 'Tariff surcharges' - Rita Pin Ahrens, who runs three toy stores including one in Washington, started receiving "tariff surcharges" of 15 percent to 25 percent in March. She expects them to mount to 145 percent. Many of the thousands of toys she sells are either imported from places like China, or are partially made in the world's second biggest economy. Still, she said: "We're trying to minimize the cost to our consumers." This has meant holding off purchases that become too pricey or stocking up before tariffs kicked in. And shipment delays have already begun. "It has been a complete nightmare," she said. "I am really, truly worried about whether we can actually sustain the store." Many US brands are small businesses with limited cashflow, said Greg Ahearn, chief executive of industry group The Toy Association. They struggle to pay sudden tariffs on containers of toys that may have already been manufactured. Meanwhile, "production of toys has all but stopped in China," he said. - 'Difficult Christmas' - Staph of Duncan Toys said inventory to supply US retailers like Target and Walmart through year-end holidays has not entered the country yet. Typically, toys produced in spring arrive over the summer for shipping in the fall as stores prepare for the holiday shopping boom, with around 90 percent of stock coming from overseas. "If this isn't cleared up in 30 to 60 days, it's going to be a really difficult Christmas season with empty shelves in a lot of major retailers," Staph warned. And if tariffs remain in force, "the pricing of those toys that are even available will probably be twice, if not more, the price they were last year," said Ahearn of The Toy Association. While the United States makes some toys, many products require hand labor and it will take years to grow the US manufacturing base, Ahearn believes. The injection molding process used to produce many items requires extremely large, heavy tools that cannot be moved and must be installed from scratch. Companies were ready to work around Trump's 10 percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, imposed in February over China's alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain. But in March, Trump raised the level to 20 percent. In April, the figure exploded to 145 percent. Staph hopes the toy industry can gain exemptions, noting that Trump has begun targeting specific industries. "Toys are important for children's development," Ahrens said, noting that toys were excluded from tariffs during Trump's first administration. "I really urge the president to do that again." bys/tgb/dw Sign in to access your portfolio
