Latest news with #KashishKalra
NDTV
16 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Reel Of Chinese Women Wearing Lotus Leaves As 'Sunscreen' Goes Viral. Experts Reveal If It Works
People in China take skincare seriously, and sometimes they even turn to bizarre trends to keep their skin protected. The latest trend from Sichuan, China of using lotus leaves as 'sunscreen' has captured the Internet. This quirky trend spread like wildfire when a reel of two bikers shielding themselves from the sun using large lotus leaves to cover their face -- just enough to be able to see and breathe -- went viral on social media. While it may seem humorous, the concept is actually rooted in practicality. But the question arises - do lotus leaves really work as sun protection for your skin? NDTV reached out to experts to know if there's any truth to the trend. Lotus Leaves For Sunscreen: Does It Really Work? Yes, lotus leaves have cooling properties - a quality that would make them an ideal shield against UV rays, but experts say it may not be the best idea. Some studies, including the one published in the Research Journal of Tropical and Cosmetic Sciences, found that lotus is a widely used herb in cosmetics and has been reported to possess properties that can help fight signs of ageing and acne as well as soothe the skin. Mumbai-based Dermatologist Dr Shareefa Chause tells NDTV, "The trend of replacing sunscreen with lotus leaves is slowly gaining traction but this is not advisable. Currently, there is no evidence available that lotus leaves can be a good substitute for sunscreen. These leaves won't be able to protect the skin from the UV rays like proper sunscreens do." View this post on Instagram A post shared by China Insider (@chinainsider) Stick To Sunscreens To Protect Your Skin From The Harmful UV Rays Sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, and experts suggest that this is your best bet to keep your skin protected. Dr Kashish Kalra, Head of the Department and Consultant of Dermatology at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, shares, "Lotus leaves working as a sunscreen is a pretty useless thing. If you want to use something to cover your face and protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, you can use a thick cloth that you can wear like a mask, and hide your face. However, even that cannot replace a sunscreen and its benefits." Sunscreens are specifically formulated with ingredients that are tested for their ability to block or absorb UV radiation. "Lotus leaves may have some natural antioxidants, but they are not strong enough to act as a shield against sun damage. Relying on them could lead to sunburn, tanning, early ageing, and even increase the risk of skin cancer as these all are caused by harmful UV rays." Side Effects You Should Know In a wide pool of skincare products, it can be confusing to pick one that suits your skin but that doesn't mean that you should blindly follow the trends. As for using lotus leaves as sunscreen, Dr Chause highlights the plausible side effects of using them. "Using lotus leaves as a sunscreen could lead to sunburn, tanning, early ageing, or even increase the risk of skin cancer as these are caused by harmful UV rays. They may even irritate the skin and induce allergies that may lead to rashes, itching, burning sensation, or redness. Using these leaves as a substitute for sunscreen is a strict no-no. Just because it's natural doesn't mean that it will be effective." While the viral trend has taken the Internet by storm, it is vital to know that you shouldn't follow it without knowing about its benefits as well as side effects.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Struggling with Hair Fall? 6 Health Issues That Could Be Behind the Breakage
Experiencing hair fall or breakage can be deeply frustrating, and while external factors like hair products and environmental stressors often take the blame, the root cause may lie deeper within your body. Your hair health is closely tied to your overall well-being, and internal health issues, especially hormonal imbalances, play a significant role in how your hair behaves. For women, this is even more pronounced, as fluctuations in hormones can cause noticeable changes in hair growth, texture, and density. Let's take a closer look at the internal health issues that could be contributing to your hair breakage and thinning. Hormonal Imbalance and Hair Health Hormones are powerful agents in regulating hair growth and quality. Fluctuations in hormones can lead to hair thinning, excessive fall, or breakage. Some key hormones play a direct role in hair health, including: Estrogen and Progesterone: These hormones, particularly in women, are central to maintaining strong, healthy hair. "The higher the estrogen and progesterone levels, the greater the hair growth," says Dr. Nirupama Parwanda, a dermatologist and founder of Zolie Skin Clinic. They support the hair growth phase and prevent premature shedding. However, during menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels drop, women often experience significant hair thinning. Testosterone, Androgens, and DHT While testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone, women produce it in smaller amounts as well. Elevated levels of testosterone, as seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can cause hair loss and thinning. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, further exacerbates hair loss by shortening the hair growth phase. Women experiencing irregular periods or acne should consider getting checked for PCOS. Thyroid Health and Hair Loss Thyroid hormones are critical in regulating the development of hair follicles. When the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can disrupt hair growth, leading to thinning and excessive shedding. "Thyroid hormones are essential for overall health, including hair growth," says Dr. Kashish Kalra, MD, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon. Routine thyroid checks can ensure that your levels are balanced and that your hair health is protected. Cortisol and Hair Growth Stress may not just affect your mental health—it can also directly impact your hair. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can severely inhibit hair growth. High cortisol levels disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. "The higher the cortisol levels, the lower the hair growth," says Dr. Kalra. Stress-induced hair loss can be particularly challenging because it affects hair follicle stem cells, leading to increased shedding. Nutrient Deficiencies and Hair Health While not hormones, vitamins play an important role in maintaining hair strength and quality. Deficiencies in essential vitamins like Vitamin D3, B12, iron, and zinc can contribute to hair thinning and breakage. It's vital to monitor these nutrients and maintain a balanced diet to support optimal hair growth. Diabetes and Insulin Resistance Conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance have long-term effects on hair health. High blood sugar levels can negatively affect hair follicles, leading to shedding and thinning. Additionally, insulin resistance can heighten the risk of developing PCOS, further worsening hair thinning. Managing blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity can help improve overall hair health. Lifestyle changes, including managing stress, improving your diet, and ensuring adequate nutrient intake, are crucial in maintaining hormonal balance. By addressing internal health issues, you can promote better hair growth and reduce the risk of hair breakage. If you're experiencing excessive hair loss or breakage, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to assess any underlying issues and create a tailored plan for recovery.
