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Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
9 things in your bathroom you should probably replace ASAP, according to experts
Most of us don't spend a ton of time in the bathroom, but it's still one of the most important spots in the house for rather obvious reasons. Similarly, most of the stuff we put in our bathrooms, including our toothbrushes and oh-so-glamourous plungers, gets unsung-hero status — we may not think about these things much, but they need to do their job and do it well. Plenty of these bathroom workhorses need to be swapped out more often than we think, and it's our health that's on the line. No one wants an eye infection courtesy of their old, dirty contact lens case, or a nasty burn after slathering on long-expired sunscreen. Here are nine bathroom staples experts say you'll want to make sure aren't overstaying their welcome. Related: 10 household items you should probably replace ASAP, according to experts All makeup should be swapped out at regular intervals, but how often depends on the product. Exercise the most caution when it comes to eye makeup, advises Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist with Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City. "Cosmetics, especially those used around the eyes, need strict expiration awareness," she says. "Mascara and liquid eyeliner should be tossed every three months to avoid eye infections. Foundations and creams generally last 6-12 months, while powders may last a bit longer, around 1-2 years." Kopelman recommends paying particularly close attention if you're using a product for the first time after a long period: "When makeup changes in smell, texture or color, that's your cue to let it go." Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, recommends replacing your contacts case "at least once a month" to keep your eyes healthy. "Many, many times, when a patient experiences a corneal infection, the case is cultured to find the infectious microorganism," he says. In other words, it's like your favorite horror movie: The infection is coming from inside the case. If you'd rather not deal with the hassle of rotating cases, it's worth investigating daily lenses that you toss each night before bed, McLaughlin says. He also recommends using smartphone reminders or designating a certain day of the month to remember when to swap cases. Unfortunately, the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin from harmful UV rays do break down over time. To make sure you're using an effective product, experts recommend tossing that half-used bottle after its printed expiration date. "Sunscreens will more than likely have an expiration date, and if not, it's a good idea to start off each summer with a fresh batch of sunscreens," Kopelman says. If you buy new sunscreen and notice there's no expiration date, grab a permanent marker and label it with the purchase date — it should be good for about three years from when you bought it, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It's a dirty job, but some(thing)'s gotta do it. Your toilet brush has an unenviable task that pretty much guarantees it will accumulate an impressive array of bacteria. Joining the potty-brush party, according to a study by Merck, are strains such as E. coli, Enterobacter and Cladosporium. The good news, Merck researchers say: "Toilet brushes are more of an esthetic issue — you don't usually touch the brush portion, and as long as the brush isn't squeezed into a tight containment and doesn't sit in a puddle, it's probably not that bad. Most hygiene experts agree that bathrooms, even those with toilets, are generally not as much an issue as kitchens." (Yikes?) Experts tell Consumer Reports that you can generally wait until your brush looks or smells like it needs to be replaced — for instance, if it's permanently discolored or if it stinks even though you didn't just use it. Otherwise, twice a year is a reasonable guideline. Everyone wants their hair to look its best, but experts say a worn-out hair brush won't get the job done. Even worse, hair brushes can attract dust, yeast, bacteria and other microscopic nasties, boosting your risk for dandruff and other unsavory scalp conditions. "Hairbrushes should be replaced every year depending on the quality of the brush and bristles," Kopelman says. "Regularly cleaning your hairbrush will definitely help it last longer and prevent dirt and particles from going into your hair and scalp. However, cleaning will not help basic wear and tear," because most of us brush our hair several times a day, she cautions. Kopelman says it's easiest to clean paddle brushes and plastic brushes, "especially if they're vented or made with synthetic bristles." To give your brush a fresh start, she recommends removing any hair, soaking the brush head in warm water and shampoo or antibacterial soap for a few minutes, and scrubbing the nooks and crannies with an old toothbrush. The older your toothbrush, the bigger the risk of bacterial buildup, which can lead to cavities and infections like strep throat, says Dr. Sandip Sachar of Sachar Dental in New York City. Frayed bristles also have a harder time removing plaque and can irritate the gums, leaving you vulnerable to "tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath," she says. No thank you. If you've been cleaning your pearly whites with the same toothbrush for more than 3-4 months, it's time for a new one, according to the American Dental Association. Sachar says that's a good general guideline, but notes that if bristles "start to get frayed or worn looking," you should start fresh more often. Also a good idea? Swapping out your toothbrush after a cold, flu or Covid-19 to prevent reinfection, Sachar cautions. Otherwise, she recommends making it a seasonal ritual — a new toothbrush for spring, summer, fall and winter. They're called "disposable" for a reason, right? The American Academy of Dermatology says you'll want to swap out your razor every 5-7 shaves to keep your skin in the best shape possible. An old razor can leave you with "razor burn, nicks and folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), especially in sensitive areas," Kopelman says. "Plus, razors that sit in a damp shower environment can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria." Unfortunately, this is one of those things that falls into the category of "much dirtier than you think it is." Shower curtains and shower curtain liners stay damp for longer than shower walls, especially if the curtain/liner isn't stretched out to dry after use. Cue mold, mildew and bacteria crashing your daily zen. Experts say that you should replace yours every six months to a year, especially if you live in a high-humidity area. If you're a loofah lover, we're gonna hold your hand while we say this: It might be time to part with your favorite skin scrubber. Experts with the Cleveland Clinic say the famously squishy sponges rarely dry out completely, leaving bacteria to fester and multiply in all those tiny holes and crevices. That's especially true of natural loofahs, though experts warn that their plastic counterparts suffer from similar issues. Bottom line? Natural loofahs need to replaced every few weeks and plastic loofahs every couple of months. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This supplement may be able to help reduce the likelihood of skin cancer — these are our top picks
The skin is the largest organ in the body, yet it's the one we tend to gloss over until it starts giving away our age. From anti-aging serums to basic sunscreens, there's no shortage of skin care products formulated to promote healthier, younger-looking skin. However, one product you might not already have in your medicine cabinet is niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide — a type of vitamin B3. The best niacinamide supplement may help minimize signs of aging and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also been gaining traction for something even more critical: Its potential to reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. "The risk for non-melanoma skin cancer comes from early-life sun exposure and increases with age," explains Corrie Alford, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta. While it's not a substitute for sunscreen and annual visits with your derm, Hannah Kopelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, explains that taking niacinamide along with other protective measures "is a simple, low-risk addition that can really help specific patients based on the research we have so far." Similar to slathering on sunscreen, Srdjan Prodanovich, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of EZDERM, tells his patients that these supplements are a preventative measure that works best when used regularly. As with most supplements, niacinamide isn't necessary or appropriate for everyone. Prodanovich recommends vitamin B3 supplements to patients who are at higher risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as folks with a significant history of actinic keratoses, which are precancerous skin growths. "The data is strongest for patients who are considered high-risk, meaning they've had several skin cancers in the past. For them, nicotinamide [may] act as a preventive measure to reduce the chance of developing new ones," says Kopelman. Research on the role of niacinamide in skin cancer prevention is ongoing. That said, our experts agree that the optimal dose appears to be 500 milligrams twice per day. "[This is] the dose used in the most well-known study — the ONTRAC trial — which showed about a 23% reduction in new non-melanoma skin cancers after a year," notes Kopelman. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that's made when you have excess niacin (another form of vitamin B3) in your body. While they're both forms of vitamin B3, niacin and niacinamide have different chemical structures and different health benefits. For example, niacin may be helpful for lowering cholesterol levels, while niacinamide is linked to benefits for skin health. Vitamin B3 deficiency is rare as it's found in a variety of foods, including beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, leafy green vegetables and brown rice. In fact, it's estimated that the average daily niacin intake from diet alone is 31.4 mg in men and 21.3 mg in women. While these amounts satisfy the recommended daily intake, they fall short of providing a therapeutic dose. As a result, if you're interested in niacinamide for reducing your risk of skin cancer — or other skin benefits — supplements are (likely) your best bet. To better understand the benefits of niacinamide and what to look for in a supplement, we consulted three dermatologists and two registered dietitians. As a dietitian, I also used my expertise to review the most popular niacinamide supplements on the market, evaluating each based on its formulation, added ingredients, third-party testing and price. Keep reading for our picks of the four best niacinamide supplements in 2025. A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Form: Over-the-counter niacinamide supplements typically come in capsule form, though powdered and liquid options also exist. Just note that powdered and liquid niacinamide products don't always provide a research-backed dose and may be more expensive. Deepa Deshmukh, a functional and integrative nutrition specialist at Dupage Dietitians, typically recommends capsules as they are convenient with standardized dosing and a stable shelf life, while powders often have an unpleasant taste and expire sooner. Formulation: Look for products containing a research-backed dose of 500 mg twice per day, unless recommended otherwise by a healthcare professional. Also keep in mind that many vitamin B3 supplements are in niacin form, not necessarily niacinamide or nicotinamide, so read the labels carefully. Value: When checking prices, compare the dose per capsule and the number of servings per container to ensure the best value. Third-party testing: Third-party testing and certifications ensure the contents match what's listed on the label. Kinga Portik-Gumbs, a dietitian and owner of KingA+ Nutrition in the New York City area, recommends choosing products that are certified by well-known testing organizations, including the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or Consumer Labs. While these two niacinamide supplements didn't quite make our top picks, they may still offer value for some folks. Here's a quick look at what they bring to the table: Nature's Way Niacinamide: This vegan-friendly supplement provides 500 mg of niacinamide and is free of dairy, gluten, corn, soy and artificial colors and flavors. While it's made in a CGMP-certified facility and tested in-house, it doesn't undergo third-party testing for purity and potency. Solaray Niacinamide with Aloe Vera: This product is similar to others on our list in that it's vegan-friendly and provides 500 mg of niacinamide per capsule. However, it stands out for its inclusion of aloe vera gel. While likely safe, there's mixed evidence of its therapeutic benefits for gut or skin health when used orally. It may also have a slight laxative effect. As with Nature's Way, Solaray supplements aren't third-party tested for purity or potency. Prodanovich notes that taking niacinamide supplements is generally safe for most adults and hasn't been linked to serious side effects when taken in appropriate dosages. That said, some people may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, gas, dizziness, headache or rash. Niacinamide isn't safe or appropriate for everyone, including those with certain medical conditions or taking certain prescription medications. Alford advises that people with liver disease or who take statins may need to limit their intake of niacinamide and should consult with a doctor before taking a supplement. Similarly, niacinamide supplements may interact with with anticoagulants (like warfarin), diabetes medications and bile acid sequestrants. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also talk with a doctor before trying it. Not necessarily. Kopelman says that people at high risk for skin cancer should specifically look for nicotinamide (or niacinamide) on the label, not niacin. In addition to being more likely to cause flushing (a temporary reddening of the skin), niacin hasn't been studied for skin cancer prevention. While it's possible to meet the daily recommended dose of vitamin B3 from diet, it's unlikely that you'll consume enough niacinamide to achieve a therapeutic dose of 1,000 mg per day. For this reason, supplements may be appropriate for individuals who are at risk for non-melanoma skin cancers. Corrie Alford, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta Deepa Deshmukh, MPH, RDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, registered dietitian and functional and integrative nutrition specialist at Dupage Dietitians Hannah Kopelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery Kinga Portik-Gumbs, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian and owner of KingA+ Nutrition in the New York City area Srdjan Prodanovich, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of EZDERM 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.
