Latest news with #WorldSkinHealthDay
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
This World Skin Health Day, Nourish Your Skin with the Goodness of Almonds
This year, on World Skin Health Day, the theme 'No Health Without Skin Health' emphasizes the role of skin in overall wellness. Skin health now goes far beyond external skincare routines—it begins from within, with daily dietary choices. Including skin-friendly foods like California almonds, rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, support skin health and help you look and feel your best. California almonds are a powerhouse of 15 essential nutrients, many of which help with improved skin texture and tone. Vitamin E and healthy fats have shown to impart anti-aging properties and contribute to skin health. In fact, research shows that regular almond consumption may reduce facial wrinkles, making them an effective addition to your everyday beauty routine. In addition to modern nutritional science, traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani have long recognized almonds for their skin benefits. These ancient practices highlight how almonds support glowing skin—aligning time-honored wisdom with today's wellness goals. Moreover, regular almond consumption may help protect against UVB rays, which is highly beneficial in intense Indian summers. What makes almonds a true superfood is their versatility and convenience. They can be eaten whole, soaked, roasted, or added to smoothies, salads, desserts, and traditional dishes. No matter how you enjoy them, almonds retain their powerful and rich nutritional profile—making it easy to include them in your daily diet for glowing, healthy skin. Commenting on World Skin Health Day and the importance of caring for skin, Skin Expert and Cosmetologist Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta said, "I always remind my clients that true skin health lies within. Getting enough sleep, staying active, and following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet all play a key role in maintaining healthy skin. One of my top recommendations is to include a handful of almonds as part of your daily diet—either as a snack or incorporated into meals. They're rich in vitamin E, protein, zinc, and copper—nutrients that nourish the skin, and may even help protect against UVB damage. Such small, consistent changes can contribute to a lasting, healthy glow." Popular Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, "As an actor, maintaining healthy skin is absolutely essential. We often have to wear heavy makeup for long hours, which can leave the skin feeling stressed and irritated. To manage this, I follow a dedicated skincare routine and make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes skin-friendly foods. One of my go-to choices is almonds. I always carry a small box of California Almonds with me—they keep me feeling full for longer and help me avoid processed foods that may impact both my skin and well-being. Almonds are not only nutritious but also rich in vitamin E, which supports skin health." Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare – New Delhi, said, 'While most people know that eating healthy is necessary for good skin, they're often unsure about what exactly to include in their diet. Many of my clients ask about complicated diets or supplements to improve skin health, but it really doesn't have to be that complex. Just a handful of almonds a day, along with plenty of greens, seasonal fruits, and a balanced diet, can make a real difference. These nutrient-rich nuts are packed with vitamin E and healthy fats that help nourish the skin. They also make a great snack to curb junk food cravings—supporting both skin health and overall well-being.' Ayurveda expert Madhumitha Krishnan said, "In a world of quick-fix skin treatments, this World Skin Health Day is a reminder to return to natural, time-tested solutions. Ayurveda has always drawn attention to the deep connection between inner health and outer beauty—what you eat truly reflects on your skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts like almonds supports overall skin health. In fact, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani texts have long praised almonds for their role in enhancing skin glow and promoting healthy skin." Fitness Master Pilates Instructor Yasmin Karachiwala said, 'Healthy skin comes down to two essentials—eating right and staying active. I recommend including wholesome foods like almonds, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as they provide the nutrients your skin needs to stay clear and glowing. Regular workouts also boost blood circulation, which helps nourish skin cells and adds a natural glow. However, many people, including my clients, experience breakouts post-workout due to sweat buildup. That's why a simple post-workout skincare and diet routine is just as important.' Popular South Indian actor Shriya Saran said, "As an actor, skin care is a top priority. Hectic shoots, heavy makeup, and constant travel often leave my skin feeling stressed, leading to issues like dryness and pigmentation. To manage this, I focus on nourishing my skin from within by following a balanced diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables, and almonds. Almonds are my go-to snack—they're packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein that help me stay full, energised, and support overall skin health. A consistent skincare routine, morning and night, also keeps my skin balanced."
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
No health without skin health: a global call to end skin bleaching and prioritise dermatological equity
Every July 8, World Skin Health Day asks the world to reconsider what we see and what we choose not to see. Skin, the body's largest organ, is also its most visible and most vulnerable. It is both a physical barrier and a mirror of health, dignity and social belonging. Yet, despite its profound role in our well-being, skin health is routinely side-lined in global health agendas. In 2025, the message of World Skin Health Day is clear and urgent: #NoHealthWithoutSkinHealth. This year's campaign builds on a historic achievement: the 78th World Health Assembly passed a landmark resolution officially recognising skin diseases as a public health priority. 'The resolution is the result of years of work by ministries of health and the dermatological community,' says Esther Freeman, director of global health dermatology at Harvard Medical School. 'Skin disease touches so many areas, infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, even cancer. Its inclusion signals long-overdue recognition.' 'What this means for patients is greater visibility, better funding, and stronger policy support,' she adds. 'It opens the door to cross-sectoral partnerships and the integration of dermatology into broader health systems.' But recognition is just the beginning. One of the most urgent and visible challenges facing dermatologists today is the global crisis of skin bleaching and this year, International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has taken a bold next step. The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) represents over 200 dermatological societies across the globe. The World Skin Health Day is a join initiative by the ILDS and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD). These societies collectively include more than 2,00,000 dermatologists, serving an estimated 4–5 billion people worldwide - particularly when accounting for both direct clinical care and public health outreach. Together, they work to elevate skin health on the international stage, advocate for underserved populations, and influence policy at institutions like the World Health Organization. The campaign is more than symbolic - it aims to unite clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, patients and policymakers in recognising that healthy skin is not a luxury, but a fundamental part of human health. A crisis hidden in plain sight Globally, more than 1.8 billion people live with at least one skin disease, making skin conditions one of the most common human health problems. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, infections, leprosy, pigmentary disorders, and skin cancers cut across age, geography, and social status. But their visibility often brings stigma, especially when access to treatment is limited. 'Skin diseases are among the most visible and stigmatised conditions worldwide, yet they continue to be sidelined in the global health agenda,' says Rashmi Sarkar, director and professor of dermatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi and Regional Director of ILDS (Asia, Middle East and Africa). 'You cannot speak of health equity while ignoring the skin. Skin health is not cosmetic- it is central to mental wellbeing, quality of life, and social inclusion.' Building on the World Health Assembly resolution, the ILDS, in a new resolution, is calling for urgent global action against skin bleaching - a dangerous and deeply-rooted practice affecting communities across Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. The dangers of skin bleaching 'Skin bleaching is not about beauty. It is a symptom of something much deeper,' says Prof. Sarkar. 'It stems from systemic colourism, colonial histories, and socio-cultural messaging that equate lighter skin with success, desirability, and access. These narratives are reinforced every day - on screens, in advertisements and even, at times, in clinical spaces.' People often use bleaching products in an attempt to lighten or 'brighten' their skin tone, unaware of the serious risks involved. Many of these products contain potent steroids, hydroquinone, mercury and other heavy metals. These substances can severely compromise the skin barrier, leading to conditions like exogenous ochronosis,steroid-induced acne, skin thinning, and even systemic toxicity. 'The creams may seem harmless, even helpful at first glance,' explains Prof. Sarkar, 'but they can cause irreversible damage—both physically and psychologically. And because many are self-compounded or sold through informal channels, their safety is not regulated at all.' This isn't just a women's issue. 'We are now seeing increasing numbers of young men using skin-lightening products,' she adds. 'Social media pressures, dating preferences, and workplace discrimination are pushing men toward the same harmful practices. Skin bleaching cuts across gender, age, geography, and economic background. It is a full-blown public health crisis.' Prof. Sarkar has worked with partners across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to bring global attention to this issue. The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has also played a pivotal role, making awareness about steroid misuse, skin bleaching and its consequences a national campaign priority. 'This year's World Skin Health Dayis not just about telling people to stop using creams. It's about rewriting the story,' she says. 'We must educate people that the skin they have is the skin they're meant to have. Darker skin is not a flaw - it is functional, protective and beautiful. We need to challenge the very idea that lighter is better.' Cross-sectoral action The new ILDS resolution is a call for cross-sectoral action. Dermatologists cannot fight this alone. 'We need public health leaders, media influencers, government regulators, educators, and people from all walks of life to join us,' she urges. 'Because it's not enough to just treat the damage - we must prevent it, by shifting both culture and policy.' Prof. Sarkar emphasises that skin health is often a window into systemic health. 'The skin is where we first see signs ofmalnutrition, HIV, diabetes, autoimmune disease - especially in low-resource settings. If we ignore the skin, we miss crucial opportunities for early diagnosis and care.' In her work across countries, she has seen first-hand how lack of dermatological training and access creates wide inequities in care. 'We need dermatology included in national health programmes, greater investment in training, research and especially in regulation of harmful products. But more than anything, we need compassion,' she says. 'Every person deserves care, regardless of the colour of their skin.' More than a medical campaign As the world marks World Skin Health Day 2025, Prof. Sarkar reminds us that this is more than a medical campaign, it is a movement. Clinics around the world will host free skin health consultations, school programmes, and community awareness drives. Social media will share stories of real people who've lived with the stigma, damage and courage to reclaim their skin. Later this year, the ILDS will convene the 4th World Skin Summit in Cape Town, where leaders from over 80 countries will gather to discuss how to make skin care more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable. 'Our message is clear,' says Prof. Sarkar. 'We cannot keep skin health at the margins. If we truly want universal health coverage, dignity in care and equity in public health - then skin must be part of the conversation.' She concludes:'What is visible is not always seen. Until we see the skin and the people who live in it, there can be no health for all.' (Dr. Monisha Madhumita is a consultant dermatologist at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Winter skin survival: don't let the cold fool you -sunscreen is still a must
Healthy skin isn't just about looking good. It's a sign of overall wellness Image: Mikhail Nilov/pexels July's skin health observances remind us that sun protection isn't seasonal, it's essential. When the temperatures drop and the skies turn grey, it's easy to believe your skin is safe from the sun's rays. Here's why your winter skincare routine needs a UV upgrade. But winter is not a free pass to skip the sunscreen. July, with UV Safety Awareness Month, World Skin Health Day, and National Love Your Skin Day, offers the perfect reminder: there's no health without skin health.'Your skin is your body's largest organ. It protects you from the world, and yet we often forget to protect it back, especially when it's cold,' says Dr Cebi Sibisi, dermatologist and founder of Dr Cebi Dermatology. 'Sun protection should be part of your daily health routine, all year round.'The Invisible Winter RiskCold weather can be deceiving. Just because you don't feel the sun burning your skin doesn't mean it's not doing damage. "Ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains a threat in winter, especially UVA rays, which account for 95% of the UV light that reaches the Earth and can penetrate clouds, windows, and even the top layer of your skin. 'UVA rays accelerate ageing by damaging collagen and elastin. UVB rays, which cause sunburn, may be less intense in winter, but they're still there,' explains Dr Sibisi. 'That's why a broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable, regardless of the season.' A 2021 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology highlighted that cumulative exposure to UVA rays, even indoors or during overcast days, contributes significantly to premature ageing and pigmentation, especially in darker skin tones, where hyperpigmentation can be stubborn. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Sunscreen isn't just for summer or light skin One of the biggest myths in skin care is that people with melanin-rich skin don't need sunscreen. While darker skin may offer some natural protection, it's not enough. 'Melanin filters out about 13.4% of UV rays,' says Sibisi. 'That's far from complete protection. In fact, skin cancer in darker skin tones is often diagnosed late, making it more dangerous.' Pigmentation and melasma can worsen with sun exposure Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxide offer an added layer of defence against visible light, a lesser-known skin enemy that can deepen dark spots. Match your sunscreen to your skin type. We get it, sunscreen can feel greasy, heavy, or leave a ghostly cast. But not all sunscreens are created equal. We get it, sunscreen can feel greasy, heavy, or leave a ghostly cast. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Image: Tara Winstead /pexels
