11 Best Day Creams For Softer Skin Throughout The Day
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
As we age, our collagen stores deplete, so keeping up with a good skincare routine is essential. You want something that's going to support ageing skin, helping to keep it smooth, hydrated and soft.
But where to start? You don't have to keep your moisturisers separate, but having a day cream and a night cream may just be the right choice for you.
Night creams usually come with active ingredients like retinol, something that's not recommended to use during the day time.
On the other hand, most day creams on the market are packed with super hydrating and brightening actives to leave your skin looking fresh and plump for the day ahead. They also make a great base to apply the rest of your makeup routine over the top.
Our top pick? Cult beauty brand Olay have launched the 'best ever red jar', the Super Collagen Peptides Soft Moisturiser. Said to feel eerily similar to a popular $700 luxury cream, the formula is designed to totally hydrate with some users calling it a 'facelift in a jar'.
If you're after a more lightweight, gel texture, the Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream is my personal favourite – it's packed with Australian river mint and it makes my skin look 'healthy, hydrated and bouncy.'
Olay Super Collagen Peptides Cream
Why we love it: The texture is super nourishing and melts into the skin with ease.
What to consider: Slight fragrance.
Tried and Tested by Cindy Du, eCommerce Producer
I'm picky about what I put on my face so when I got my hands on the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide Face Cream Moisturiser, I was a bit sceptical as it looked a bit thick, had a slight scent and came in a jar. Stuff I usually avoid!
But once I tried it, I was genuinely surprised. The texture is creamy, but it melts into your skin without leaving any thick or greasy feeling. I didn't feel the need to reapply at any point in the day, and after a month of consistent use, my skin feels moisturised, plumper and fuller in a good way.
This cream is infused with collagen peptides and niacinamide, key ingredients that are known for supporting skin elasticity and improving texture over prolonged and consistent use.
The scent is super light, but it's not an added fragrance, so a big win for sensitive skin types.
Overall, as someone who tends to be skincare sceptical, this one has earned a place on my bathroom shelf. I usually don't like jars, but I think I can compromise just this once.
Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream
$150 at Myer
Why we love it: It's racked up over 1000 five-star ratings on the Myer website, with consistently great reviews.
What to consider: High price tag.
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor
My mum first introduced me to Clarins skincare when I was a teenager, and I remember slapping on as much of her creams as I could – when she'd let me. Once it came time to buy it for myself, I quickly realised how pricey it was! I haven't used Clarins in years but now I'm back and I am reminded exactly why Clarins skincare is worth the hype.
They've just released a new cream – the Extra-Firming Day Cream – and I'm obsessed. It's a daily anti-ageing moisturiser that helps smooths fine lines while firming and plumping the skin. The texture is beautifully luxurious – rich but not heavy – and it glides on so well. This cream melts into the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and perfectly prepped for makeup. All essential factors I look for in a great day cream. There is a light scent but it's not at all overpowering. I have sensitive skin and usually avoid fragranced skincare but this didn't irritate me at all.
I've been using this Clarins moisturiser every morning this past month and I've noticed a real difference. My skin feels smooth and hydrated, it looks firmer and radiant, and it has helped hide signs of tiredness and softened the appearance of fine lines. Even in the harsh winter wind, there has been no flakiness or dryness throughout the day. Yes, it's on the pricier side but it truly feels like luxury in a jar.
Why we love it: It's a lightweight, gel-like texture that sinks effortlessly into the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Gel | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Collagen peptides
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer
As a beauty writer, I've tested a lot of creams and moisturisers in my time. And when I'm looking for the right fit, I want it to not only hydrate and nourish my skin, but also make it look plump, bouncy and juicy.
This new formula from Paula's Choice has been my new favourite for exactly that reason. And it's especially great in the wintertime to combat my dry, flaky skin, because it is so insanely nourishing.
The gel-like texture is super lightweight, plus it doesn't pill under makeup. I also love that the formula is pink, which is always fun.
My favourite thing however is just how much of a visible difference this gives to my skin. You need to try this!
Why we love it: It offers a unique texture that feels super cooling and hydrating on the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer
I've never tried a moisturiser like this one before – and it's a real treat to apply each and every morning.
As the name suggests, the High Tider Water Cream from Alpha-H is a luxe water-based formula that instantly hydrates the skin. It's formulated with Australian river mint which is super high in antioxidants. Plus the bouncy texture absorbs super quickly into the skin, leaving an almost cooling sensation that feels super lovely in those early mornings.
I also love the addition of squalene, as this really helps to nourish and support your skin barrier, leaving you totally protected. I'm obsessed with this moisturiser!
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Why we love it: Super budget-friendly.
What to consider: Oily skin types may find this formula a little too thick.
Formula: Cream | Size: 340g | Key ingredient: Ceramides and hyaluronic acid
What You Need To Know
If you're doing skincare on a budget, CeraVe is one of those brands you need to know about. And when it comes day creams, the brand's cult-favourite Moisturising Cream is one of our top budget-friendly picks.
You're getting a whopping 340g of products for under $25 – bargain!
The formula is thick, rich and ultra nourishing, so it's particularly great for those with dry and sensitive skin types. The Moisturising Cream offers 24 hours of hydrating and skin-loving ceramides to really help nourish your complexion.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named this pick their 'holy grail'.
Lancôme Génifique Day Cream
$184 at Myer
Why we love it: This top-rated day cream is loved by hundreds.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Looking to add a touch of luxury to your morning skincare routine? While it's not the most affordable, the top-rated Génifique Day Cream from Lancome is a top seller for a reason.
It's hydrating, nourishing and helps to soothe redness and improve dullness in your overall complexion.
The luxurious day cream has racked up an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Myer website. Five-star rating shoppers have called this an 'absolutely amazing product', offering a 'light texture' that leaves your skin 'moisturised all day long'.
$137 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: The advanced formula works to improve signs of ageing, while keeping the skin smooth and protected.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Procyanidin and resveratrol
What You Need To Know
The Beauté Pacifique Crème Paradoxe Anti-Age Day Cream offers an incredibly advanced formula, rich in two active ingredients, that's perfect for all skin types.
Procyanidin is an intensive antioxidant to help improve signs of ageing, while resveratrol helps to boost radiance. The Danish beauty brand have also added squalene, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin stays hydrated, from morning to night.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named this a 'seriously amazing' day cream, noting they can see a 'big difference' in their skin.
Why we love it: The lush creamy and hydrating texture is perfect for dry skin types.
What to consider: May not be suitable for oily skin types.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Blue hyaluronic acid
What You Need To Know
One of Laneige's bestsellers is the Water Bank Cream and fans love it for its ability to 'add so much moisture' to the skin.
'I will never use another moisturiser again', said another five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper.
The formula is packed with blue hyaluronic acid, an ingredient exclusive to Laneige, as well as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. These all work harmoniously together to not only hydrate, but actually support your skin's barrier and make it look and feel so incredibly soft and bouncy.
Why we love it: Super budget-friendly pick that's great for all skin types.
What to consider: Not a great pick if you're looking for something more creamy and nourishing.
Formula: Gel | Size: 50g | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
What You Need To Know
Turns out you don't have to break the bank to get an incredibly hydrating day cream – you can almost always find this one from Neutrogena on sale.
And it just so happens to be perfect for all skin types, especially those with oily skin.
The lightweight, gel-like water formula soaks into the skin with ease, and the incredibly hydrating formula is great for daytime use.
Hyaluronic acid, amino acids and electrolytes all work together to give your skin a big ol' drink of water.
Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream
$125 at Sephora
Why we love it: This brightening day cream will save you time in the morning rush.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Vitamin C
What You Need To Know
What's better than a hydrating day cream? One with added brightening effects.
Murad's Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream is great for those looking to skip a skincare step in the morning – the potent and stable vitamin C works hard to boost radiance and make your complexion look more even and clear.
The formula is also packed with ceramides to really help nourish your skin barrier.
Why we love it: The luxurious texture melts into the skin, leaving your skin look glowy and bouncy.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Peptides
What You Need To Know
Ole Henriksen's Strength Trainer Moisturiser is a great daily pick for all skin types. The formula is packed with peptides, amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide to really help support your skin barrier. All of these skin-loving ingredients contribute to a soft, smoother and more hydrated complexion.
Rave reviews from Adore Beauty shoppers have said this moisturiser helps give them 'glass skin'. And it's also my personal favourite moisturiser – you need to try this!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DAY CREAM
When choosing day creams to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Age: 'As skin ages, it may require more hydration and nutrients,' David said. 'Consider moisturisers with anti-ageing ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or retinol to address concerns like fine lines and loss of elasticity.'
Price: We've included picks in a variety of price ranges, so you don't have to break the bank to find a hardworking day cream.
Skin type: Depending on whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of the two, you might want to find a day cream that's more suited towards your skin type. David explains 'oily skin benefits from lightweight, oil-free formulas, while dry skin requires richer, more emollient creams.'
Formula: Do you prefer a thick, creamy texture? Or maybe something more lightweight and gel-like? You may also want to consider the scent, texture and absorption rate of the day cream.
I ngredients: This really depends on what you want to get out of your day cream. According to David, 'hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration, while ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and peptides are great for those who are seeing signs of collagen depletion such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of creams and moisturisers available, it's impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best day cream, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best day cream for your skin type.
We also spoke to David Khoo, Head Scientist at Olay, to understand the importance of incorporating a day cream into your skincare routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING A DAY CREAM?
David explains, 'Moisturiser should be applied after cleansing your face and any toners or serums you choose to incorporate into your routine.'
'It's important to follow the principle of layering your products from thinnest to thickest. By applying moisturiser as the final step, you create a barrier that locks in hydration and nourishment from the preceding products, ensuring your skin stays healthy and radiant.'
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING DAY CREAM?
For best results, you want to stay consistent with your day cream and use it every morning.
If you're using one of our top picks, the Olay Super Collagen Peptides Moisturiser, David recommends applying it both morning and night.
'Consistent use over 28 days will help you achieve the desired effects, allowing your skin to fully benefit from its nourishing properties. In general, regular moisturisation is essential for maintaining skin hydration and overall health, regardless of the specific product you choose.'
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Marina Tatas Senior Shopping writer
Marina has been helping Aussie shoppers spend their hard-earned cash wisely for almost seven years. She's the news.com.au checkout team's expert in sales and deals, covering major sales events like Black Friday and Boxing Day for the past six years. Marina is also passionate about all things beauty and there's nothing she loves more than trialling and testing new beauty products - moisturisers, serums, creams, you name it. She has previously worked at comparison site Finder and has written for popular titles including Marie Claire and The Carousel.
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Size: 56g | Scent: Lavender and ylang ylang | Key ingredients: corn starch, tapioca starch, oat kernel flour, montmorillonite clay What You Need To Know A potent dry shampoo the powder formulation also allows for targeted application with fingers. You can work into a greasy fringe that needs a refresh or scrunch through ends for texture. Perfect for oily scalps, this powder formula contains five intensely oil-absorbing ingredients: montmorillonite clay, silica, oat kernel flour, corn starch, and tapioca starch. It will leave an oily scalp feeling squeaky clean whether it's on it's second, third or fourth day between washes. At $46 for 56g this is one of the most expensive dry shampoos by the gram, and can get pricey with daily use. Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Organic Aquatic Mint 150ml, $16.99 at Adore Beauty Why we love it: This dry shampoo combines the super-effective Klorane formula with a sensory boost that leaves hair and scalp feeling genuinely fresh. 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What You Need To Know If you have a sensitive scalp, you may find some of the ingredients in aerosol dry shampoos irritating. This innovative serum-style dry shampoo is formulated to balance the scalp's pH while mopping up oil and reviving your style with oil-absorbing bentonite clay, hydrating moringa seed oil, and calming oat oil. BEST DRY SHAMPOO WITH COCONUT OIL Hask Monoi Coconut Dry Shampoo 168ml, $8.50 (down from $17) at Priceline Why we love it: Lightweight and conditioning rather than crunchy, at an approachable price point What to consider: If you don't like the smell of coconut, this tropically-scented dry shampoo is not for you. Size: 168ml | Scent: Coconut and gardenia | Key Ingredients: rice starch, coconut oil, gardenia (monoi) flower extract What You Need To Know There are many types of dry shampoo on the market, and which one works best for you will depend on your skin type, your natural hair type, if you have chemically treated hair and lifestyle. When choosing what dry shampoos to include in our list, we evaluated several factors: Hair compatibility: Different hair types require different care, so choosing a dry shampoo that complements yours is crucial. Those with fine hair should look for volumising dry shampoos that provide lift without weighing the hair down. Those with thick hair might prefer a formula that focuses more on oil absorption and less on volume or has a particularly strong, targeted aerosol that will reach their scalp. For curly or textured hair, look for a dry shampoo with some hydrating and balancing properties that will enhance the natural curl patterns without causing frizz, crunch and dryness. Scalp sensitivity: Your scalp's health is just as important as your hair. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid dry shampoos with harsher chemicals like alcohol and sulfates that can cause irritation or dryness. Look for ingredients found in some of the products mentioned above, like oatmeal or aloe vera that can soothe sensitive skin. If your scalp is oily, look for products that contain clays and natural starches that will provide concentrated absorption. Finally, if your scalp is very dry and flaky, look for dry shampoos with serum-like consistency and ingredients like ceramides and oils that you may already use in your skincare routine. Ingredients and potential irritants: The ingredients list can tell you a lot about how a dry shampoo will perform and affect your scalp and hair. Avoid products with parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrances if you're prone to reactions (dry shampoos will usually advertise what they are free of). If you're concerned about potentially irritating ingredients, look for dry shampoos labelled 'non-toxic dry shampoo' or 'benzene-free dry shampoo', as these exclude many of the most potentially harmful ingredients. This is especially worth considering if you use dry shampoo on a very regular basis. If you're particularly prone to irritation, avoid dry shampoos that come in aerosols, as these are more likely to contain alcohol and drying agents. Natural ingredients and hypo-allergenic formulas can be gentler and beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Finally, brands like those in this article will make their ingredient lists readily available, so shop with reputable retailers. Scent: The scent of the dry shampoo is a significant part of the product to consider, as it will linger in your hair. If you prefer something low-key or want to avoid your dry shampoo's fragrance clashing with your favourite signature scent, look for unscented or mildly scented options. However, if you view your dry shampoo as a way to refresh not just the look but the smell of your hair, numerous fragrance options are available. Just ensure the scent aligns with your preferences! Application method: Dry shampoo comes in various forms: aerosol sprays, powders, foams, and liquids. Each has its pros and cons. Aerosol sprays are easy to apply and portable. They offer a uniform distribution but can be less eco-friendly. Powder forms are great for targeted applications and usually provide more control over the amount used. This can benefit those with darker hair who want to avoid residue or finer hair who want to avoid product build-up. HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW DOES DRY SHAMPOO WORK? Dry shampoo simplifies your hair care routine by using absorbent ingredients to soak up oil and dirt, which are then brushed out, leaving your hair refreshed. These ingredients can include clays and plant starches or synthetic ingredients like silica, usually combined with alcohol. Becc Snow, Creative Hair Artist and Founder of Alchemy Salon, explains, 'Dry shampoo prevents and absorbs the natural oils from the scalp that create greasy hair. It's a fantastic way to prolong the wear of your wash or blow-dry.' WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF USING DRY SHAMPOO? Snow notes that the benefits of dry shampoo aren't limited to quick fixes pre-dinner date. 'It's not just about oil absorption; these products can also serve as styling aids, providing volume and texture to the root area.' She says dry shampoo can help you avoid overwashing if you have a very oily scalp, and if you have colour-treated hair, this can extend the time between touch-up appointments. 'Those who struggle with oily scalps frequently wash their hair more often, which can lead to dry, damaged ends. Dry shampoo can cut reliance on overwashing,' explains Snow. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRY SHAMPOO? Dry shampoos come in various forms, including aerosol sprays, dust-on powders, foams, and pastes. You can even find liquid dry shampoos. Each type has its benefits, from the convenience of a quick spray to a targeted powder application or a gentle serum formula. ARE DRY SHAMPOOS HEALTHY FOR HAIR? Becc Snow explains that dry shampoo isn't bad for your hair. 'It is a product that only sits on the surface of your hair and will not affect the health and condition of your hair.' That said, if you use dry shampoo formulated with ingredients unsuitable for your scalp, it can cause irritation, so it's important to understand your hair and scalp type and keep an eye out for common irritants. If you use dry shampoo very regularly, you should also consider looking for a gentler formulation to reduce the risk of irritation. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE DRY SHAMPOO? How often you use dry shampoo depends on your hair type and lifestyle. People who spend many hours at the gym and like to limit wet-washing their hair may reach for dry shampoo every time they work out. Meanwhile, others like to incorporate it into their blow-dry routine or use it every now and then as a quick fix. Experts recommend not using dry shampoo more than two days in a row and giving your hair 'breaks' as while dry shampoo isn't bad for your hair, leaving it unchecked can result in product build-up and scalp irritation (more on that below). CAN DRY SHAMPOO REPLACE A REGULAR SHAMPOO? While dry shampoo is a miracle worker for extending your blow-dry, reviving your style and saving you from greasy, limp hair when you've misjudged time between washes, it should not be considered a full-time substitute for shampoo and conditioner. While dry shampoo cleanses and soaks up oil, giving the appearance of cleaner hair it doesn't remove oil, dirt and pollution from your scalp or hair. Like all hair products, it also leaves residue on your scalp that will build up over time and must be removed with water and a cleansing agent. The skin on your scalp is much like your face and requires cleansing and treatment to stay healthy and balanced. Using a shampoo with hydrating or clarifying properties will help cleanse away yeast and bacteria that can cause rashes, inflammation and dandruff if left unchecked. Ingredients in shampoos and conditioners are selected to treat specific conditions, from nourishing conditioners with plant butters, oils and ceramides designed to strengthen hair and add shine to shampoos with clarifying and balancing agents designed to get to work on irritated scalps. While you'll find plenty of dry shampoos on this list with additional beneficial ingredients, there's no substitute for the thoroughness of a shampoo and condition. How frequently you wash your hair with shampoo depends on your hair type. If your hair is neither overly dry nor oily, you might want to wash it two to three times a week. But for those with curly or textured hair, routines that involve less washing with shampoo are popular for maintaining hair health. If you're unsure what routine will work best for you, speak with your hairdresser or even a dermatologist. HOW DO I APPLY DRY SHAMPOO CORRECTLY? How to apply dry shampoo depends on the type of shampoo you've chosen and your needs. Always focus your dry shampoo at the roots of the hair where the oil is densest. And, ensure you brush it out, as this prevents a crunchy texture and allows for a genuine 'dry wash' as the oil-absorbing particles are brushed loose. Snow has an extra tip. 'One of my favourite tricks with dry shampoo is to apply it throughout the roots of the hair straight after a fresh blow-dry; this will not only provide extra body and texture to the look but keep your hair looking fresher for longer as it absorbs the oils as they come through. This stops your hair from getting oily in the first place!' Of course, the correct application of dry shampoo varies depending on the product type, but it always starts at the roots of the hair where you're producing oil to avoid drying out your ends. If you use a wet-to-dry shampoo formula like foam or liquid, apply it evenly at the roots, and then blow dry it out to refresh your style and avoid a sticky or flat finish. For loose powders, spray directly, or dust into your hands (depending on whether they have a nozzle or a 'pepper shaker' style applicator). Then, work through with your fingers. You can concentrate more powder on areas where you know you get greasiest like your fringe, or work through your ends for added texture. For a traditional aerosol dry shampoo roughly six to eight inches from your scalp and spray it in sections. Leave for a few minutes, then brush clean. If you're concerned about a white cast, there are easy workarounds. 'Not all dry shampoo will leave a white cast,' says Snow, 'if it does, it's easily removed by brushing the dry shampoo through after application. If you're still struggling with removing the dry shampoo, try using less product by working through your hair in light layers and brushing as you go.' WHICH IS THE BEST DRY SHAMPOO? The best dry shampoo while depend on different factors such as hair type and scalp sensitivity. If you have fine hair a dry shampoo that adds volume and provides lift without weighing the hair down will be best. Those with thick hair might be better to try a dry shampoo that focuses on oil absorption and less on volume. For curly or textured hair, look for a dry shampoo with some hydrating and balancing properties. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid dry shampoos with harsher chemicals like alcohol and sulfates that can cause irritation or dryness. To save on beauty products, check out Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Adore Beauty, Sephora, esmi and many more. Ruby Feneley is a Sydney-based beauty, sex relationships and lifestyle journalist and contributing beauty editor at Body+Soul. Her writing has appeared in publications Refinery29, Dazed, POPSUGAR, The Australian Financial Review, The Age, and Body+Soul. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, majoring in Gender and Cultural Studies, she's particularly interested in issues that affect women in and out of the bedroom. She has written about reproductive healthcare, sex and relationships for several titles and is the best person to go to for advice on everything from the best lubes with skincare benefits to sex positions to try (or skip) on holidays and toxic relationship TikTok trends.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘World's oldest baby' is born from embryo frozen before either of his parents even started school
The world's 'oldest baby' has been born from an embryo frozen before either of his parents even started school. Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was delivered on July 26 to parents Lindsey and Tim Pierce, of Ohio – over three decades after his embryo was frozen. The tot, who has broken the record for the oldest baby, even has a 30-year-old sister – who is now a mum herself to a 10-year-old girl, The Sun reports. The title was previously held by twins who were created from embryos frozen 30 years before their birth. Lindsay told MIT Technology Review: 'We didn't go into it thinking we would break any records. We just wanted a baby.' Thaddeus's embryo was created along with three others during a course of IVF in the 1990s for Linda Archerd and her then-husband. One of the embryos was implanted into Linda who conceived her now 30-year-old daughter. The remaining embryos were put in long-term storage before being put up for embryo adoption when Linda and her partner separated. Embryo adoptions are more typical in the US – particularly at Christian clinics – to help families struggling to conceive. After seven years trying for a baby, Lindsey and Tim signed up for the same program and were offered Thaddeus's embryo. 'We had a rough birth, but we're both doing well now,' Lindsey said. 'He is so chill. We are in awe that we have this precious baby,' she added. 'Snow babbies' In 2017, a baby girl was born from a 25-year-old embryo in what was then a world first in the US. Little Emma Wren Gibson weighed 6lbs 8oz (about 2.9kg) and measured 20 inches (about 50cm) long when she was born. Her parents, Tina and Benjamin Gibson, said their daughter's record status was their last priority, focusing only on her health, adding they felt 'thankful and blessed' to have her. They said they were surprised when they were told the exact age of the embryo, thawed on March 13 at the National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC). 'Do you realise I'm only 25? This embryo and I could have been best friends,' Tina told CNN. Tina, who was 26 at the time, said she just wanted a baby and didn't care if it was going to be a world record or not. 'We're just so thankful and blessed. She's a precious Christmas gift from the Lord.' Baby Emma was created via IVF for another couple but had been left in storage for someone else. Embryos like this are called 'snow babies' – potential human lives left on ice waiting to be born. Seven years ago Tina and Benjamin got married knowing they would not be able to have biological children as Benjamin has cystic fibrosis. They had fostered several children and were planning on adoption before having the embryo implanted.
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
What are all these microplastics doing to our brains?
Tiny shards of plastic called microplastics have been detected accumulating in human brains, but there is not yet enough evidence to say whether this is doing us harm, experts have said. These mostly invisible pieces of plastic have been found everywhere from the top of mountains to the bottom of oceans, in the air we breathe and the food we eat. They have also been discovered riddled throughout human bodies, inside lungs, hearts, placentas and even crossing the blood-brain barrier. The increasing ubiquity of microplastics has become a key issue in efforts to hammer out the world's first plastic pollution treaty, with the latest round of UN talks being held in Geneva next week. The effects that microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics have on human health is not yet fully understood, but researchers have been working to find out more in this relatively new field. The most prominent study looking at microplastics in brains was published in the journal Nature Medicine in February. The scientists tested brain tissue from 28 people who died in 2016 and 24 who died last year in the US state of New Mexico, finding that the amount of microplastics in the samples increased over time. The study made headlines around the world when the lead researcher, US toxicologist Matthew Campen, told the media that they detected the equivalent of a plastic spoon's worth of microplastics in the brains. Campen also told Nature that he estimated the researchers could isolate around 10 grammes of plastic from a donated human brain -- comparing that amount to an unused crayon. - Speculation 'far beyond the evidence' - But other researchers have since urged caution about the small study. "While this is an interesting finding, it should be interpreted cautiously pending independent verification," toxicologist Theodore Henry of Scotland's Heriot-Watt University told AFP. "Currently, the speculation about the potential effects of plastic particles on health go far beyond the evidence," he added. Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor at Australia's RMIT University, told AFP there was "not enough data to make firm conclusions on the occurrence of microplastics in New Mexico, let alone globally". He also found it "rather unlikely" that brains could contain more microplastics than has been found in raw sewage -- as the researchers had estimated. Jones pointed out the people in the study were perfectly healthy before they died, and that the researchers acknowledged there was not enough data to show that the microplastics caused harm. "If (and it is a big if in my view) there are microplastics in our brains, there is as yet no evidence of harm," Jones added. The study also contained duplicated images, the neuroscience news website The Transmitter has reported, though experts said this did not affect its main findings. - 'Cannot wait for complete data' - Most of the research into the effects microplastics have on health has been observational, which means it cannot establish cause and effect. One such study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year, found that microplastics building up in blood vessels was linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death in patients with a disease that clogs arteries. There have also been experiments carried out on mice, including a study in Science Advances in January which detected microplastics in their brains. The Chinese researchers said that microplastics can cause rare blood clots in the brains of mice by obstructing cells -- while emphasising that the small mammals are very different to humans. A review by the World Health Organization in 2022 found that the "evidence is insufficient to determine risks to human health" from microplastics. However many health experts have cited the precautionary principle, saying the potential threat microplastics could pose requires action. A report on the health risks of microplastics by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health published this week ahead of the treaty talks said that "policy decisions cannot wait for complete data". "By acting now to limit exposure, improve risk assessment methodologies, and prioritise vulnerable populations, we can address this pressing issue before it escalates into a broader public health crisis," it added. The amount of plastic the world produces has doubled since 2000 -- and is expected to triple from current rates by 2060.
