Latest news with #AvaShamban
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best sun-protective clothing for your outdoor adventures, according to testers and experts
Whether you're going for a run, playing a game of tennis, hiking with friends or swimming in a lake, taking your workout outside provides many invigorating benefits. However, sun exposure can also result in some serious health consequences, making sun-protective clothing an essential part of any wardrobe. You might think, "Hey, getting a little sun is no big deal," or "It's overcast, so I don't need to protect myself." But ... you'd be wrong. I hate to be a downer, but the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can have very real impacts on health, even on a cloudy day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, around 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and research suggests that having five or more sunburns significantly increases the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. And then there's your vanity. While lounging under the sun and getting a tan can feel nice in the short term, the same can't be said for long-term effects. "Ultraviolet exposure is the No. 1 cause of premature aging in the form of fine lines [and] wrinkles — that wrinkly, crinkly, dried-out skin appearance you see in people who've had a lot of that exposure," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. While sunscreen is an important way to protect skin health, it isn't always applied consistently or effectively. To get the most out of sunscreen, you need to apply and reapply it generously. There's also some debate about whether certain chemicals used in sunscreen might be harmful to human or environmental health. However, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly encourage the use of sunscreen, noting that research doesn't indicate that sunscreen ingredients pose a danger to human health. That said, the AAD also notes that sunscreen shouldn't be your only sun protective measure. Instead, the organization also recommends wearing sun-protective clothing and staying in the shade as much as possible. While any clothing can provide a barrier between your skin and the sun, for optimal coverage, it's worth investing in a few pieces of clothing with sun protection built in — also known as UPF-rated apparel. "I don't know about you, but I've gotten sunburned despite applying sunscreen. One reason for that is we often don't apply the amount that's needed to reach the SPF that the bottle says,' says Dr. Teo Soleymani, a double board-certified dermatologist. "With [UPF] clothing, you don't have to worry about that. The clothes will always provide the same degree of UPF that is on the label," he says. So while sunscreen can lose its effectiveness if you get wet, sweat or forget to reapply it, UPF clothing offers more consistent protection. At this point, you may be wondering what the difference is between UPF and SPF. Both are helpful indicators of sun protection, but they have some key differences. SPF (sun protection factor) relates to the effectiveness of sunscreen against UVB rays (the more damaging type of light). UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), on the other hand, is a measure of how much ultraviolet radiation from both UVA and UVB rays can penetrate fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection it offers. "I'm a big fan of UPF clothing," says Shamban. "You can get so greasy putting on sunscreen. It gets in your hair, gets in your eyes, gets sticky. It's imperfect in terms of what you're covering unless you're going to have a bath and go dip yourself in it,' she jokes. And if you think these protective measures are only for blue sky days, think again. "[Ultraviolet light] penetrates through the clouds, which is kind of what happens with clothing too. You might think you're protected wearing your white linen shirt, but you're actually only protected a little bit," says Shamban. On the other hand, UPF 50-rated clothing — the highest UPF rating for apparel — can block 98% of the harmful rays and reduce health risks enormously. Soleymani says that UV-protective clothing is often made with a tighter weave and more reflective material than regular clothing, so it should continue to protect you even after you wash it. Color can also impact UPF, with darker colors typically offering greater protection. Unlike early UPF attire options, today's UPF clothing isn't just functional; it's also fashionable. And it's everywhere. Between popular fitness brands, designer brands and brands specializing in sun protection, there's something for everyone when it comes to UPF athletic wear. Maybe you're concerned about cancer prevention, or perhaps you simply want to avoid painful sunburns. No matter where your al fresco activities take you, we've rounded up a list of the best sun-protective clothing options (all of which are rated UPF 50+) to keep you safe and comfortable while you sweat. UPF activewear doesn't end here! There are polos, athletic dresses, leg sleeves and much more to explore. For the highest amount of protection, always look for UPF 50+ options, or check out the Skin Cancer Foundation's list of recommended brands for more ideas. Also be sure to explore our top picks of the best sport sunglasses and body sunscreens to complete your sun protection routine. Experts: I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists about what features to look for in clothes with sun protection. Reviews: I read through hundreds of online reviews, paying close attention to how each product holds up to different workouts and environmental conditions. I also scanned for notes on fit and durability. Testing: I personally tested several products and relied on experts' insights for products I couldn't try myself. Certifications and endorsements: I prioritized brands that are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and looked for products with certified UPF 50+ protection. I also considered third-party certifications related to sustainability and ethical manufacturing processes. Quality: I looked for products made from durable, high-quality materials. For items intended to be used in and out of the water, I favored ones that can hold up to chlorine and saltwater conditions. Value: While not all of our picks are budget-friendly, I selected products based on their overall value. Teo Soleymani, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. Solelymani was previously an associate professor of dermatology and dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Academy of Dermatology, serving on the editorial board for the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Shamban was previously an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What you need to know about summer skin care, according to dermatologists
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals . Your skin has special needs in summer, but there are plenty of products that can give it the TLC it needs. (Getty) Summer is just around the corner, and as a beauty editor, I've already started transitioning my daily regimen to products that can better support my skin as warmer temperatures hit. I've talked with countless dermatologists over the years, so I know that what my face requires when it's 90°F and humid is a lot different than what it needs when it's a frigid, wind-whipping -5°. But the best summer skin care isn't solely about finding the right products, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. "To avoid skin irritation in the hot summer months, you should wear loose-fitting clothing made with natural fibers whenever you can. And, if you're exercising in nylon and spandex, you should remove your workout clothes as quickly as possible and shower to keep skin from developing rashes and infections." Shamban also advises clients to track the UV index and avoid being outside in direct sunlight when it's high. "If you have to be in the sun, wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing," she explains. To best support summer skin at home, Shamban says you should trade long, hot baths for shorter, more tepid showers and focus on hydration — not just via ample H2O intake, but by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. As for makeup, she says, "Lay off the heavy, full-face foundation in hot summer months, which can trap bacteria and clog pores. Instead, opt for lighter noncomedogenic makeup options — there are now so many multi-tasking products that can serve as a primer and a light lotion foundation with full SPF that can be skin saviors in summer." Below, I asked Shamban and Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist, for the products they recommend most as the thermostat rises. For cleansing summer skin The first rule of summer skin care? Getting serious about clearing your face of accumulated grime after a hot day. "You should always use a gentle cleanser to wash away debris, sweat and oil," says Spearman. "Also, I recommend showering with cooler or even cold water to keep the skin cool and promote better blood flow — hot showers tend to dry out the skin even more." Amazon EltaMD Oil-In-Gel Facial Cleanser "This is a highly effective face wash with an advanced cleansing complex," says Shamban. "What I like about it is it's tough enough to remove waterproof sunscreen and heavy makeup while remaining gentle on the skin. It's a silky oil that morphs into an emulsion with pumpkin enzymes and vitamin E, so it also exfoliates and provides antioxidant support." $33 at Walmart Explore More Buying Options $37 at Amazon$37 at Dermstore For exfoliating summer skin "One of the best ways to care for your skin in summer is to exfoliate often to remove dead skin cells," says Spearman. Adds Shamban: "Exfoliating also helps to ensure that the actives and antioxidants in your skin care can penetrate and that excess sebum and bacteria are not trapped on the surface, causing blemishes." Amazon Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant Spearman's pick for best warm-weather exfoliator is this internet-famous potion by Paula's Choice: "I recommend this exfoliant often because it is great for all skin types. It is great for cleaning clogged pores and targeting blackheads," she says. "And if you're prone to breakouts, this is a good add to your summer regimen because sebum buildup is more likely to occur due to excess sweat and oil." It's not just Spearman who's enamored with this product — more than 77,000 five-star Amazon reviewers agree and have made it a top-seller. $14 at Amazon Amazon Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic In the summer, Shamban recommends swapping chemical exfoliants for gentler physical or enzymatic versions. "Chemical exfoliants may cause sun reactions, irritation, inflammation or interfere with skin barrier function," she says. "I tell clients to look for versions with rice enzymes or natural fruit enzymes." This beloved rice polish is a longtime favorite of celebrities and skin-care experts alike. Meghan Markle once told Allure that she loves it because "it just sort of foams on your face and gives you a really subtle exfoliation." Every beauty editor I know uses this to cleanse their skin at night — it's especially good for those of us who are over 50. $68 at Amazon For moisturizing summer skin "Always always moisturize," says Spearman. "Summertime can cause dry skin due to dehydration from sun exposure and things like the sand and ocean water, so it's important to keep the skin hydrated." SkinCeuticals SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture Spearman says this SkinCeuticals moisturizer is "great for all skin types and it's especially good for oilier skin types, provides hydration but is light weight so it can be layered with other products like makeup and is great for minimizing pores too." $78 at Skinceuticals For protecting summer skin "SPF is definitely essential and should be used regularly," Spearman says. "If you are going to be in the sun all day or in the pool/ocean, it's of course important to reapply." Most experts I've spoken with recommend setting a timer and slathering on a fresh coat of sunscreen every hour. Related: The best sunscreens for sensitive skin Devices for summer skin If you'd been considering picking up an LED mask, now may be the ideal time — experts like Shamban recommend red-light masks and devices specifically for use on summer skin. "Red light therapy is a great treatment to help reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production and enhance wound healing — all beneficial for repairing sun-damaged skin throughout the summer," she says. Omnilux Omnilux Contour LED Face Mask I tested Omnilux's Light Therapy Mask for six weeks last summer, and within days, my sun-damaged skin looked tighter, particularly around my cheekbones. Within a month, the wrinkles on my forehead appeared less deep, and so did those around my mouth. My complexion was clearer overall. The results were subtle but apparent — my pores were smaller, my face looked softer and my skin had a bit of a glow. My conclusion: With consistent use, the Omnilux mask works — so well that we named it the best LED face mask of the year. $395 at Omnilux
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best body sunscreens of 2025 — recommended by celebrities, dermatologists and experts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States. The best way to prevent it on places like your arms, legs and chest? Consistent, daily use of the best body sunscreens, specifically high-quality products with broad-spectrum protection; those that block the damage caused by both UVA and UVB rays. "The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and more frequently if swimming or sweating," says Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj. "For mature skin, which may already show signs of photo-damage, diligent reapplication is not just beneficial, it's essential for maintaining skin health and vitality." And, while many of us (especially those with sensitive skin) are acquainted with the best sunscreens for our faces, most of us don't know how or what to look for in a well-made body sunscreen. Read our frequently asked questions below for more on how to select the right sunscreen for you. And check out our picks below as recommended by dermatologists, celebrities and the Yahoo Shopping editors. Update, March 20, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best body sunscreen remains unchanged. It's easy to think you can just use any sunscreen, anywhere, but there's a reason to invest in different iterations for different anatomy — beyond just Big Sunscreen trying to rip you off. The skin on our faces tends to be thinner and more easily irritated and sunburned than the skin on our bodies, which means facial sunscreens are designed to be stronger, more hypoallergenic and less greasy (to avoid both acne flare-ups and burning your eyes) than those made for your arms, back and legs. Because face sunscreens are formulated more like skin care (often with high-end skin care ingredients), they tend to be more expensive. They're also packaged in smaller quantities, often not ample for repeatedly covering larger swaths of skin. "When choosing a good sunscreen for body, it's usually easier [than for face]: you can select from more options," explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. "Oil-based, spray, mist, light body lotion or heavier cream formulations can most often be applied without issue for normal skin." Though she cautions: "Those with super sensitive or reactive skin do need to select those that will not irritate or exacerbate skin conditions." Other considerations when choosing a new body SPF: deciding between mineral or chemical sunscreens (the main difference: chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and act as a kind of sponge for harmful rays, while mineral sunscreens use literal minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create a physical shield that protects skin from UV light, which is why they're sometimes referred to as physical sunscreens). You should also select a product with a SPF 30 or higher, one that you enjoy (or at least don't mind) applying, with a scent and texture that's pleasant to you. Remember, the most important aspect of sunscreen shopping is finding one you'll actually use. Experts I spoke with gave a resounding "yes!" to this question but only if there are no alternative face sunscreens around (the idea being that any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen). Sun protection for your face is usually more lightweight, contains antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is usually better for the more tender facial dermis (these products also often contain complexion-smoothing qualities, as in the case of the best tinted sunscreens). There are exceptions of course — some quality sunburn preventers, like Supergoop's Play, are formulated to work on both face and body. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration mandates that any sunscreen remain effective for at least 36 months; after that the strength of your sunscreen may diminish and deteriorate. Many sunscreens have expiration dates and should be discarded immediately after the date marked. According the Mayo Clinic, you should also toss any product in which "the color or texture changes significantly." Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These are the best eye creams of 2025, tested and reviewed
In a skin care landscape dominated by anti-aging retinol serums and deluxe face moisturizers, eye creams can seem superfluous. But as it turns out, they serve an important purpose: "Although you may think you can use any facial moisturizer, the truth is the active complexes needed to treat the more delicate area around the eye are in fact different," says Los Angeles-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. "This area specifically is prime for puffiness, dark circles and fine lines, which should be addressed differently than other areas of the face." While reporting this story, every dermatologist and esthetician I spoke with echoed Shamban's sentiment, explaining that using a high-quality eye cream is a good idea no matter your age: "Women as young as 18 should be using eye creams!" says Kimberly Austin, an aesthetician at the Los Angeles-based 7QSpa (Kim Kardashian is a client). "They promote a smoother, plumper and firmer appearance [to the area]. Plus, it's easier to maintain great skin than to reverse aging." The best eye creams of 2025, tested and reviewed Honorable mentions How we tested Factors to consider when choosing an eye cream Eye creams we tested but didn't include Eye cream FAQs Meet the experts Update, Mar. 10, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best eye cream remains unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) Over the course of a year, I tested 20 of the top-rated eye creams on the market. I rated them on hydration, absorption, value, texture, ease of use, scent and results. (back to top) Primary concerns: Before choosing an eye cream, ask yourself: Are you looking to eradicate puffiness, improve skin texture or brighten (and potentially lighten) dark circles? Once you have an answer, choose a product that addresses your primary concern. Ingredients: Look for high-quality, clinically-proven ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C and retinol in concentrations powerful enough to be effective (i.e. they should be listed in the first five-ten ingredients). Skin type: Is your skin oily or dry? Do you have sensitive skin? Understanding your skin type will help you choose the appropriate eye cream for you. Price: Eye creams need to be used consistently in order to be effective. Choose a product you can afford to buy and replace regularly. (back to top) I tried two famous eye creams that make all the best lists — Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream and Augustinus Bader the Eye Cream — and, at $120 and $225, I found neither lived up to the hype, especially at their respective price points. (back to top) Eye creams aren't just there to prevent skin issues like fine lines and discoloration, they also help to treat them: As we age, the orbital area becomes a veritable cornucopia of "mature skin" problems — from puffy under-eye "bags" to dark circles to crepey eyelids to wrinkles, the best eye creams work not only triple, but often quadruple, duty. Research on the efficacy of eye creams shows that our skin responds to consistent application of targeted ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. All skin is different, but, in concentrated doses, these ingredients have been shown to improve the texture and appearance of the under- (and over-) eye area over time. If your skin concerns include treating puffy eyes and improving skin elasticity: "Generally look for antioxidants [like vitamin C] to protect and actives [like retinol] to correct," says Shamban. "You want to improve circulation and oxygenation in this area. Retinol, peptides/peptide complexes and ceramides — along with brighteners like niacinamide, vitamins C, E and K — are all top ingredients. Also look for tightening ingredients like caffeine and/or calming ingredients like green tea, calendula and chamomile. Any combination of these can be great for eye cream." Whatever cream — or gel — you choose, it should be thick and/or dense so it doesn't run into the eyes. Lastly, look for a gentle formulation without harsh ingredients like acids: "Some moisturizers may have concentrations of acids that are not as suitable for the eye area and can cause irritation," says Shamban. Eye creams should mainly be applied to the area under the lash line (but not too close to the eyes), continuing to right above your cheekbone. You can — and I for sure do — use eye creams on your upper lids and on the sides of your eyes to treat the wrinkles there (also known as crow's-feet). Eye creams are used in place of moisturizer in the areas I mentioned above, so it doesn't matter which goes first. Every pro I spoke with recommended applying a pea-sized amount — eye creams tend to be concentrated, so you don't need a lot — dotted and dabbed carefully under the eye and along the top lid with the soft top of your ring finger. The most important rule to follow with eye cream: Never rub the area or sweep the product on in a way that drags or tugs at the skin in this area of the face, which is delicate and can be damaged more easily than you'd think. For best results, apply eye creams in the morning and at night. (back to top) Dr. Ava Shamban, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Kimberly Austin, aesthetician at 7QSpa in Los Angeles (back to top)
