logo
‘Crunchy' mum-of-two shamed for showing baby's bronzed tan after admitting she doesn't use ‘toxic suncreams'

‘Crunchy' mum-of-two shamed for showing baby's bronzed tan after admitting she doesn't use ‘toxic suncreams'

The Irish Sun4 days ago
A MUM has come under fire after proudly admitting she doesn't slather her kids in ''toxic sunscreen''.
Mother-of-two Ellie made the shock confession on TikTok after she was allegedly told her tot was ''so tanned''.
Advertisement
2
Mum-of-two Ellie came under fire on TikTok after admitting she doesn't use 'toxic sunscreen'
Credit: TIKTOK/@ellieshomemadehouse
2
Ellie, who describes herself as 'slightly crunchy', has also since responded to the critics
Credit: TIKTOK/@ellieshomemadehouse
Ellie, who describes herself as ''slightly crunchy'', shared a clip of her bronzed son just a month after
In
''I know, it's because we are in the sunshine all day and I don't slather him in toxic sunscreen.''
The mother-of-two went on in the caption: ''Can't believe my 1 year old has a better tan than me!
Advertisement
read more on parenting
''We are sun safe, not scared.''
Unfortunately, there are quite a few misconceptions about sun protection that can confuse the issue of using suncream.
In particular, some media has reported concern with ingredients oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen, and retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A stored by the skin.
Other stories might talk about vitamin D and risk of sunscreen reducing the amount of this important hormone in the body.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
Exclusive
Exclusive
"This myth is very concerning to me," said
Dr. Cheryl Peters, a senior scientist in cancer prevention at
and BCCDC.
The expert reassured that there ''is no evidence that approved sunscreens cause cancer or other health problems''.
Kelsey Parker mum-shamed for admitting she doesn't put suncream on her kids
''In fact, the opposite is true: not wearing sunscreen poses a significant cancer risk,'' the doctor warned.
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, and it's the most prevalent form of all cancers in the world.
Advertisement
Kids will complain about the lotion and say it is cold or pasty.
However, children must get into a routine of
Sun safety for kids should be non-negotiable and there are plenty of reasons to not skip this step, such as avoiding sunburn, minimising the risk of
Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad
The experts at the NHS have warned that sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer.
They state that despite the common misconception, sunburn ''does not just happen on holiday''.
This means that you can burn in the UK, even on days when it's cloudy.
''There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects.''
You can find more tips on their website
'When did people caring about their kids?'
Online, Ellie - who posts under the username @
Advertisement
One person said: ''Sun cream doesn't stop you from tanning.. it just stops you from burning.''
Another chimed in: ''I have stage 3 melanoma because of unprotected sun exposure as a child…hope that helps!''
Someone else said: ''My grandma didn't use sun screen because it wasn't really used of her generation. She died of melanoma when my mum was 20.''
''When did people stop loving and caring about their kids?''
Advertisement
Hitting back at the critics, Ellie said: ''Both of my children are loved beyond comprehension thank you! What a weird comment.''
She has also since clarified that the family does use sun protection in the form of a mineral sunscreen with ingredients the mum trusts.
Ellie said in
okay hold up…i said i don't slather my children in TOXIC sunscreen not no sunscreen at all.
''My
go to is this mineral based sunscreen from
@Fierce Nature
just 4 ingredients; tallow, coconut oil, avocado oil and non nano zinc oxide
.''
Advertisement
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The viral TikTok trend that's racking up millions of views could be ‘harmful' and leave you with ‘burnt & damaged' skin
The viral TikTok trend that's racking up millions of views could be ‘harmful' and leave you with ‘burnt & damaged' skin

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

The viral TikTok trend that's racking up millions of views could be ‘harmful' and leave you with ‘burnt & damaged' skin

A DANGEROUS new beauty trend doing the rounds on TikTok is being slammed. Experts say it could leave fans with scorched skin and lasting damage. Advertisement 2 Experts have warned against a dangerous TikTok trend Credit: Tiktok/ @mayceewhipple 2 The viral TikTok Sun tatoos could be harmful and leave you with burnt and damaged skin Credit: Tiktok/ @mayceewhipple The viral "sun tattoo" hack, which has already racked up millions of views on the app, sees users applying suncream in patterns like hearts or lettering before lying out in the sun to get a tan. The goal is to leave part of the skin lighter, creating what looks like a temporary tattoo. TikToker @Mayceewhipple garnered over eight million views, showing off her DIY sunscreen tattoos. But while it might seem like a fun way to level up your holiday tan, experts say it's a burn risk waiting to happen. Advertisement Read more on tiktok Maddie Cridge, in-house spa therapist at She explained: 'There's a growing misconception that using sunscreen to create 'tattoos' is a harmless way to personalise your tan. "In reality, this trend can leave parts of your skin completely unprotected – leading to sunburn, irritation and long-term damage.' Unlike fake tans or bronzers, suncream isn't made to be used like body paint. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive And applying it in small sections while deliberately leaving the rest of your skin exposed means you're essentially baking in the sun without proper protection. Experts are urging Brits to stick to SPF the right way. They recommend applying it evenly across the body, and topping it up every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. I used tanning nasal sprays twice but they've left me with permanent skin damage, they made me feel dizzy & nauseous too - says former Miss GB Experts at the NHS have also warned that sunburns could lead to skin cancer. Advertisement And while the trend might seem like harmless fun on holiday, Maddie says there are safer ways to have a bit of tan-related fun, like using wash-off bronzers or stick-on tattoos. She added: 'Instead of playing with trends like this, make daily SPF a non-negotiable. "With around 1 in 7 Brits admitting they never apply sunscreen, we need to stop seeing SPF as something just for summer holidays.' So if you're heading to the beach, the garden or even just a rooftop pub, ditch the viral hacks, and slather on the sunscreen properly. Your skin will thank you later. Advertisement SpaSeekers is urging anyone seeing the trend on their feed to give it a miss and to spread the word before more people end up red, sore and sorry. Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad The experts at the NHS have warned that sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. They state that despite the common misconception, sunburn ''does not just happen on holiday''. This means that you can burn in the UK, even on days when it's cloudy. ''There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects.'' You can find more tips on their website It's not the first TikTok tanning hack to stir up a fuss. Earlier this year, a rise in a Influencers on the platform had claimed tanning beds can do everything from boost vitamin D levels to improve your mental health. Advertisement Not only were many of these claims unproven, some were entirely false, and charities were concerned that marketing tanning as a 'wellness' trend was driving

Can you get your glow back with collagen?
Can you get your glow back with collagen?

Irish Examiner

time2 days ago

  • Irish Examiner

Can you get your glow back with collagen?

Hailed as an elixir of youth, collagen has got TikTok influencers enthusing about how it reduces wrinkles and firms up sagging skin. On Instagram, there are more than 13m hashtags linked to posts claiming that collagen drinks, peptides, and powders help with everything from painful muscles to aching joints. Celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson, have publicly said that collagen supplements have helped keep their skin looking youthful and smooth. And Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur who is devoting a significant amount of his time and $400m fortune to trying to prolong his life, takes 25g of collagen peptides every day as part of that quest. Prof Caitríona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist and a clinical professor at University College Dublin, explains that collagen is 'the most abundant protein in the human body and the primary structural protein in the skin, providing strength, support, and elasticity.' Caitríona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist and a clinical professor at University College Dublin, explains that collagen is 'the most abundant protein in the human body and the primary structural protein in the skin, providing strength, support, and elasticity.' Scientists have identified 28 different types of collagen. Ryan is most interested in type 1 because it accounts for over 80% of the collagen found in adult skin and is key to maintaining its firmness, resilience, and youthful appearance. The problem is that natural collagen production slows with age. 'It declines by approximately 1% per year from our mid-20s, leading to a gradual loss of skin elasticity and thinning of the dermis,' says Ryan. 'This decline contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and visible sagging.' Women are especially hit hard during their perimenopausal years when oestrogen levels begin to fall, accelerating the decline in collagen production. Ryan cites research shows how women lose approximately 30% of their skin's collagen content in the first five years after menopause, followed by a further 2% per year thereafter. 'This sudden drop in dermal collagen is one of the key reasons why many women notice visible skin laxity, wrinkling, and jowling emerging around this stage of life,' she says. 'Collagen loss plays such a visible role in the ageing process.' Collagen supplements claim to compensate for this loss, and as a result, have become a big business. According to the research and consulting firm Future Market Insights, the global collagen market size was valued at $1.655bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.089bn by 2034. No such thing as a magic pill A Google search shows numerous options for those who want to experience the benefits of collagen in Ireland. These range from liquid supplements made from freshwater fish, costing €69.98 for a monthly supply, to strawberry-flavoured collagen gummies that cost €29 for a container of 60, and bovine collagen tablets priced at €10.99 for a pack of 30. The collagen in the plethora of products now available typically comes from cows, chicken, pigs, or fish and has been hydrolysed so that it's broken down into more easily absorbed molecules called peptides. Ryan believes this form of collagen can play a role in improving the appearance of the skin. 'Oral collagen peptides, when taken in hydrolysed form, are absorbed into the bloodstream and have been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity in the dermis,' she says. 'This encourages the skin to produce more of its own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are essential for maintaining volume, firmness, and hydration.' Studies into the effects of collagen supplementation on skin health have been limited in scale to date, but the results so far suggest supplements are effective. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019 showed a significant reduction in facial wrinkles and improvements in skin elasticity in 805 people taking collagen peptides. However, a collagen supplement will never be enough by itself. Ryan says maintaining healthy and youthful skin takes more than popping a pill. 'There is strong clinical evidence to support the use of hydrolysed collagen peptides to help restore the structural and mechanical integrity of the skin,' she says. 'However, the most important steps we can take are daily sun protection, a scientifically formulated topical skincare regimen, and a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient-rich diet, adequate sleep and avoidance of smoking. These are the foundations of long-term skin health and remain essential at every stage of life.' Dietitian and founder of the Dublin Nutrition Centre Aveen Bannon says the collagen we consume in the form of supplements, powders, and drinks may be converted into another form of protein in the body once it's digested. The body's building blocks There is no guarantee that the body will utilise collagen it ingests through supplements to improve the skin. Dietitian and founder of the Dublin Nutrition Centre Aveen Bannon says the collagen we consume in the form of supplements, powders, and drinks may be converted into another form of protein in the body once it's digested. 'Our bodies make collagen from amino acids along with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, and copper,' she says. 'We can also consume collagen either from food or supplements. But when we do, the body breaks it down into building blocks called amino acids, which don't automatically become collagen to be used in the skin. The body determines how to utilise these building blocks; sometimes for collagen, sometimes for other proteins that it requires at that time.' A far safer bet for anyone aiming to enhance their skin's appearance would be to focus on improving their diet. 'Eat enough protein,' says Bannon. 'This means lean meat, fish, dairy, beans, nuts, tofu, and tempeh. Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods too. You'll find it in fruits and vegetables. Don't forget zinc and copper, which are to be found in nuts, seeds, and seafood. Make sure you eat oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts for their healthy omega-3 fats. And drink enough water.' She also recommends staying active, as exercise plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, and limiting alcohol consumption. Fergal J O'Brien is a professor of bioengineering and regenerative medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the head of a tissue engineering research group that develops implants to help repair damaged or diseased tissues. Collagen isn't simply a skincare ingredient. He says that there may be evidence showing that type 1 collagen can reverse some of the impact of ageing on the skin, but there is far more scientific evidence demonstrating the importance of type 2 and other types of collagen in other parts of the body. 'Collagen makes up the building blocks and the scaffolding of the body in many ways,' says O'Brien. 'And as a result, it's found in all of its tissues and organs. For example, it gives bones their tensile strength, which is what allows them to stretch or flex without breaking. Without collagen, they would be really brittle.' His research group engineers collagen so that it can be used to repair bone, cartilage, nerves and skin. 'Say, you've got a wound that won't heal that's caused by a cut, a burn, or a chronic condition like diabetes,' he says. 'A skin graft is painful and people only have so much skin available. We turn collagen, which we take from cattle, into a sponge-like material that we lay as a bandage over the wound. Because collagen is natural, it will degrade into the body over time but as it does, it will function as an environment for cells to attach to and grow and lay down new tissue.' Much more to learn Hongyun Tai works with a research team at University College Dublin that is investigating how collagen can be used in medicine. She is also the managing director of Blafar, a Dublin-based biotech company specialising in the development of medical-grade collagen products. 'While collagen is widely marketed for its skincare benefits, it has far broader physiological significance,' she says. 'It supports joint function and cushions cartilage. It contributes to the strength and flexibility of tendons and ligaments. It assists in muscle regeneration and repair and it plays a role in wound healing and repair. These are the reasons why collagen supplements and collagen-stimulating therapies are being investigated for potential benefits in managing joint paint, improving recovery from sports injuries and even aiding in post-surgical tissue regeneration.' There is significant international interest in exploring whether collagen can help athletes recover from injury or even improve athletic performance. Scientists are also investigating whether supplementing with the protein could reduce joint stiffness and the function of muscles and tendons in the elderly, making them less vulnerable to falls and resulting injuries. The research findings to date are promising. A 2021 British review examined studies in recreational athletes and the elderly, and found evidence that collagen is beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain. An Australian study published in 2016 found that collagen supplements reduced the pain associated with osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease affecting the elderly worldwide. Bannon, who takes collagen herself because she believes it improves her skin, says there is still a lot to learn about the protein. 'My advice would always be to focus on food and lifestyle first,' she says. 'But collagen supplements are generally safe and may be of benefit to people's skin and joints, although the effects are typically mild and may take time to be noticeable. If someone chooses to try them, I suggest they pick a good quality, trusted brand, take them for four to six weeks and see if they notice any difference.' Who's who in the world of collagen products? Cork-based GP and women's health specialist Dr Doireann O'Leary has developed Supplements Made Simple. From doctors to Hollywood actresses and influencers, people from many walks of life are developing health and beauty products based on this potent protein. Cork-based GP and women's health specialist Dr Doireann O'Leary has developed Supplements Made Simple. This range includes a product combining marine collagen with vitamin C, which claims to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while increasing skin elasticity. Herology is the women's supplements brand created by Dr Michelle Hone, who got her PhD in nutrition from Dublin City University and went on to found The Fit Clinic, and Dr Sarah Kelly, a clinical exercise physiologist and former assistant professor in health and human performance at DCU. They have created a tailored collagen supplement for skin, hair, and nails. It contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and marine collagen. Jennifer Aniston claims to have been adding collagen powder from a company called Vital Proteins to her morning coffee since 2016. She was so taken with its effects that she became an ambassador for the brand and its lead creative in 2020. Just this year, Ireland's own Vogue Williams became another of these brand's ambassadors and has since posted on her social media platforms about how adding a few scoops to her morning coffee helps her feel and look her best. Limerick-based movement coach Leonie Lynch was an early adopter. When she was pregnant with her second child in 2016, she began developing a collagen and cacao protein blend to nourish her body. It's now widely sold as the Juspy Superfood blend and is designed to be used in shakes, coffees, overnight oats or even hot chocolate.

I lost 8st in a YEAR on Mounjaro – I had to have an organ removed but I still went back on the jabs as soon as I could
I lost 8st in a YEAR on Mounjaro – I had to have an organ removed but I still went back on the jabs as soon as I could

The Irish Sun

time3 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

I lost 8st in a YEAR on Mounjaro – I had to have an organ removed but I still went back on the jabs as soon as I could

A WOMAN has revealed how shedding a whopping 8st completely transformed her life but also landed her in a major surgery. The weight loss warrior, Em, has been documenting her transformation on her TikTok, 2 A woman lost 8st in a year on Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/ @emsjourney 2 She had to have major surgery but still went back on the jabs Credit: TikTok/ @emsjourney Despite the drama that followed, Em is still a massive fan of Mounjaro and says it's completely changed her life. Within months of starting, the weight was dropping off, her periods came back, and her PCOS, something she'd battled for years, finally started to settle down. But just as things were looking up, her journey took a painful turn. Only two months in, she was hit with a searing pain under her ribs that had her doubled over and rushing to A&E. Read more on fat jabs Doctors ran tests and found a Her kidneys were struggling, inflammation was through the roof, and surgery quickly became the only option. By October, doctors told her she'd need her And while that sounds scary enough on its own, she was also midway through a course of GLP-1 medication. Most read in Fabulous But her consultant gave her the green light to stay on She said: 'Because I was still such a high weight, it made more sense to stay on it and make myself safer for surgery.' I lost 6st with fat jabs but ended up with 'Ozempic face' – I got youthful look back with six make-up tricks Post-op, she was back on the meds just two weeks later and didn't look back. She's since reached a peak dose of 15mg, and now she's tapering down, currently on 10mg. The results are impressive. Em has lost a jaw-dropping 8st in just 12 months. Her While the gallstone drama was a shock, she says Experts say there's a very real link between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and gallbladder problems, especially gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder. In fact, so many patients report it that the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency lists gallbladder issues as a known side effect of drugs like Mounjaro. Rapid weight loss, especially more than 1.5kg (3.3lbs) a week, increases your risk of developing gallstones. That's because your liver pumps out Combine that with the fact that GLP-1s slow down digestion, including how often the gallbladder empties, and you've got a recipe for trouble. So while these meds can deliver dramatic results, they're not without risks. Doctors often recommend regular scans or blood tests, and say anyone experiencing sharp pain in the upper right side of their tummy, nausea, or fever should get checked out urgently. Still, Em has no regrets. She says the gallbladder scare was a small price to pay for getting her life back. Fat jabs hitting shelves soon The so-called 'fat jab' revolution is officially under way and it could change the way Brits tackle weight loss for good. For the first time ever, family doctors across England are now dishing out the powerful new weight-loss injection Mounjaro, as part of a major NHS shake-up to fight obesity. The drug, which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, is being dubbed the strongest slimming jab yet and more than three million people could be eligible to get it on prescription. It's a landmark move in the war on waistlines, with obesity levels in England more than doubling since the 90s. Until now, similar injections like Ozempic and Wegovy were mainly reserved for type 2 diabetics or available through pricey private clinics. But from now on, GPs will be encouraged to prescribe them to those at greatest risk — a move health bosses hope will slash sick days, boost the economy, and help cut rates of cancer, heart disease and dementia. Not everyone qualifies, though. Only those with the highest health risks are likely to get the green light. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Top priority will go to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or 37.5 for people from certain ethnic backgrounds and who have at least four obesity-linked health conditions. That includes things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and heart disease. Doctors are also expected to check whether patients have first tried to lose weight through diet and exercise before offering the jab. Despite the huge hype, not all GPs will be able to hand them out and even if you qualify, you might be told to wait or referred to a specialist clinic instead. Experts are warning that while the jabs can be a game-changer, they're not a magic fix. Side effects can range from mild nausea to more serious complications, and not everyone will tolerate them well. And with demand through the roof, many Brits are turning to the private route. Of course, always remember that too-good-to-be-true prices, quick-check applications and zero aftercare are all major warning signs. Experts say if you are thinking about going private, do your homework and don't gamble with your health for a quick fix.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store