Latest news with #ModernDermatology
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts say you should clean or replace these 6 things in your bedroom ASAP
Most people spend at least eight hours in their bedrooms a day, so shouldn't it feel like an oasis? That might mean decluttering the space or giving your essentials a much-needed update. It's easy to use the same items for years and years in an effort to stretch a buck, but in some cases, that could be doing you more harm than good. No one wants to put on underwear with holes in it. Or breathe in air from a purifier with a filter that hasn't been changed in four years. Much like cosmetics and other bathroom and kitchen supplies, certain bedroom items have a shelf life. Others may just need more regular cleaning, but either way, rest easy: We asked a professional organizer and dermatologist for simple fixes that'll help your space feel cleaner and calmer. Here are six bedroom essentials that experts advise you not to overlook. Nightstand toiletries People don't think about what toiletries are hiding in their bedside tables, says Julianna Strickland, founder of the Los Angeles-based organizing service Space Camp. 'We find nearly empty tubes of lotion or crusty lip balms that have probably been in there for 10 years,' she says. 'It's a really easy thing to just scoop those up and toss them out. Buy yourself a new lip balm and a new lotion, and your space will feel clean and nice.' Dr. Heather D. Rogers, procedural dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Seattle, also advises keeping track of how long your skincare products have been open. 'Most are less effective and have a higher risk of being contaminated by six months after opening,' she says. Pillowcases We've got bad news: Odds are, you're not washing your bedding as often as you should, especially when it comes to your pillowcases. Even if you change them once a week, it's probably not enough, says Rogers. "We sweat and drool, and skincare products collect on pillowcases,' she adds. 'They get dirtier than the rest of our bed.' The Mayo Clinic also recommends washing your pillowcase to help keep dust mites at bay. If you suffer from allergies, you should also consider investing in dust-mite-proof protectors. Aim to wash your pillowcases or swap them out twice a week. Pillows As for the pillows themselves, you probably don't think about them too often, unless you have bad ones. When was the last time you treated yourself to a fresh set? It's likely been years — maybe even a decade. If so, it's time for an update. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation recommends replacing your pillows every two years. That may seem like a lot, we know! But consider this: After two years, dead dust mites and their droppings, which are invisible to the naked eye, can account for 10% of your pillow's weight (ick). Pillows also can trap dirt, sweat and oil, and most of us don't machine-wash them often. 'If we're organizing a bedroom and we notice that pillows are old, we definitely bring it up with the client and suggest a refresh,' Strickland says. Air purifier filters These screens usually need to be changed every three to 12 months, depending on the manufacturer. The majority of air purifiers have indicator lights that'll flash on or red when the filter needs changing — and it pays to heed the alert. If you continue to run your air purifier without changing the filter, it'll become clogged, reduce the efficacy and end up just passing dust or pollutants around your room. In some cases, it can damage the air purifier itself. (By the way, if your air purifier doesn't have an indicator light, write the date you inserted the new filter on a piece of painter's tape and stick it to the back so you can keep track). Strickland also recommends taking a look at your fans and humidifiers, which need to be cleaned at least once per season. 'It's something that can easily get overlooked. Most people just don't think about it,' she says. Hangers You might wonder why hangers are on this list, but it's for a great reason, especially if you're someone who has a long losing battle with closet clutter and needs every inch of space that you can get. 'From an organizing perspective, people often have broken hangers, leftover hangers from the dry cleaners and mismatched hangers. Not only do those not lay flat together, they also don't maximize your space,' Strickland says. Uniform, slim-line hangers can go a long way towards making your closet look less chaotic. Undergarments And finally, when's the last time you did an underwear drawer audit? If your mind is drawing a blank, it's probably time for a clean out, especially if the elastic is stretched out or there are holes in the fabric. Strickland finds that undergarments are often in desperate need of replacement in her clients' homes. Sometimes, her clients haven't bought new ones in a decade or more, she says. There is no absolute rule, but if your undies are frayed, take them out of rotation. But that doesn't mean tossing them in the trash, per se. 'Recycling old undergarments is tricky, but possible!' Strickland says. 'Some underwear brands have recycling programs, so you can send in your old pairs when you purchase new ones.' You can also look for companies like Trashie, which will accept most unwanted textiles, including old underwear so long as it's clean. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Does Red Light Therapy Work? We Had Dermatologists Weigh In
Red light therapy has skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years as a treatment for everything from hyperpigmentation to fine lines to promoting hair growth. As a result, expensive at-home skincare devices such as LED face masks, decollétage masks, and hair growth caps have flooded the market. But is red light therapy as transformative as skincare companies claim? 'Red light therapy has many benefits to the skin, from stimulating cellular activity and improving blood flow to lowering inflammation and increasing collagen and elastin production,' says Dr. Rhonda Klein, board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology. According to the dermatologists we spoke with, red light therapy is effective for decreasing ... More hyperpigmentation, fine lines, redness and acne with consistent use. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: GETTY To dig further into the science, we spoke with Klein and board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nathan Newman to gain insight into this compelling, non-invasive beauty trend. Here, the lowdown on red light therapy devices. There is a growing body of data to show that red light therapy, a type of photobiomodulation therapy, is beneficial both cosmetically and medically. 'Red light therapy—which has a wavelength range of 630–660 nanometers—penetrates the skin to stimulate mitochondrial activity,' says Newman. 'This enhances energy production, which helps fuel cellular repair and regeneration.' Clinically, according to Newman, this results in improved collagen production to firm and tone skin, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, improved hydration, decreased inflammation and redness (such as with rosacea), and post-procedure recovery, enhanced wound healing and improved microcirculation. Yes, they have been proven to demonstrate anti-aging benefits, but an LED face mask is not a magical device of instant gratification, and patience is key. (Check out our story on the best LED face masks or our review of the Omnilux vs. Currentbody masks.) 'Red light therapy works gradually, not overnight,' says Klein. 'It is most effective with consistent use, and while it can improve skin, it won't replace your skincare regimen and lifestyle choices.' Translation: Don't abandon sunscreen, avoid smoking, get adequate sleep and eat a balanced diet. For realistic and noticeable results, make a commitment. 'Unlike more potent procedures like lasers or microneedling, red light therapy is cumulative,' says Newman. 'Visible changes typically appear after several weeks or months of consistent use.' To maximize results, 'use your LED mask on clean, dry skin, follow the recommended time (usually 10–20 minutes), and be consistent—three to five times a week is ideal,' says Klein. 'Always wear eye protection if advised and don't skip sunscreen during the day.' Who Should Not Use An LED Face Mask? Red light therapy isn't ideal for everyone: 'If you have an active skin infection or open wound, do not use red light therapy,' says Klein. 'If you have a chronic medical condition, such as lupus, talk to your doctor first.' Lastly, she cautions, anyone using a photosensitizing medication, like certain antibiotics or diuretics, should not use red light therapy. It's always best to check with your prescribing physician first, says Klein.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask Review: An Effective Tool For Skin Renewal
I'm not entirely sure when my skin switched over from springy and glowy to creased, splotchy and tired, but I'm officially there. As a result, I live in search of unicorn of facial tools—ones that makes me look like I am wearing a permanent filter in real life without having to apply seven layers of undetectable foundation. Over the course of weeks, I tested the top-rated CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2, which uses red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared light to reduce wrinkles, increase skin plumpness and boost collagen production. While it can take up to eight weeks to see more significant results, I've already noticed a glow and a reduction in overall skin redness. In our testing, we found the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 helped with ... More overall glowiness and evening tone. At $470, this product is an investment; still, it's far less expensive than costly in-office treatments, and far more convenient because I can wear it while in bed or on the couch. It requires 10 minutes of use three to five times per week. After using it for two weeks (and ongoing testing), I can already see noticeable results. If you're looking to improve skin dullness, decrease redness from conditions like acne or rosacea, or minimize the look of smile lines and crow's feet, the CurrentBody LED face mask is a worthwhile pick. Amazon Light modes: Red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared | Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness | Wireless: Yes (with connected controller) | Number of LEDs: 263 | Usage: 10 minutes, three to five times per weekBest for: Skip if: This FDA-cleared device is wireless and powered by a rechargeable controller, which is slightly smaller than the length of a smartphone. You wear it for pre-programmed 10-minute treatments from three to five times per week. 'LED mask therapy is best suited for skin concerns related to inflammation, healing and aging,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Q. Klein at Modern Dermatology. The CurrentBody mask works to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve texture and tone, decrease redness, and enhance collagen production. It features 236 LED lights and is comprised of red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and deep near-infrared (1072nm) wavelength bulbs. Red light targets fine lines and wrinkles, while also increasing collagen production. Near-infrared light is said to energize cells, firming, tightening and brightening the skin. Deep near-infrared light is designed to penetrate even deeper into the skin to help boost collagen production. Compared to other LED devices on the market (our team evaluated the best LED face masks), the CurrentBody Series 2 LED face mask features a larger number of LED bulbs than many others, and it offers more focused treatment than the first-generation device. The mask is made from 'liquid' silicone, which is soft and comfortable to wear, and it flexes and molds easily to the face when the straps are tightened. This version has a new chin section to provide full face coverage—and to address an often-neglected treatment area. It also has 16 deeply penetrating deep near-infrared lights placed around the mask's eyes and mouth—an area of particular concern for many people—to help enhance results. The CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 features 263 LED lights in three different wavelengths—red, ... More near-infrared and deep near-infrared. One thing that makes LED masks a popular beauty device is their efficacy. According to the brand's eight-week clinical study, the CurrentBody LED face mask treatments resulted in improvement of skin elasticity by 57% and a more radiant and youthful appearance. It reduced wrinkles by 30%, specifically causing forehead lines to appear softer. Skin tone brightness and skin firmness both significantly improved during that time, as did outer eye wrinkles and nasolabial folds, which decreased by more than 20%. Setting up the CurrentBody LED face mask was straightforward. The instructions specified that the device should be charged for 4.5 hours (to reach a full charge) before use, which I did. Once it was ready to use, attaching the hook-and-loop closure straps to the mask took just a couple of minutes. The device has both a behind-the-head closure and a strap on top of the head for a secure fit. Because mornings are typically rushed in my house, I preferred to use the CurrentBody device at night. I began by washing my face and patting it completely dry with a towel before putting on the mask for the ten-minute session while relaxing in bed. I liked that it's preset to turn off after the ten-minute treatment, so I didn't have to worry about setting a timer. It also has a clip-on controller and is otherwise cordless, which was nice in case I wanted to get up and move around. The CurrentBody LED Face Mask Series 2 has elastic straps that fit behind and on top of your head to ... More keep the mask securely in place whether you're sitting or moving around. During testing, the mask felt pleasantly warm on my face, but not hot. The included black eye inserts helped shield my eyes from LED light if I opened them, although I preferred to keep them shut while it was on. The mask had a lightweight feel, and it was easy to adjust the straps in the back so the whole thing wouldn't get jostled. However, the mask only sat flush with the skin on my forehead, around my eyes and on my upper cheeks; there was a slight gap between it and the skin on my lower jaw and chin. I have a more pronounced bridge on my nose, so the mask would become slightly uncomfortable and leave a small mark at the top of my nose by the end of the treatment, which would fade after a few minutes. After use, I wiped the inside of the mask with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, as I found that the mask attracted lint easily on both sides. I wore the mask eight times over two weeks, and I will continue to do so for several months. Although it has only been a short period, I have noticed an overall brightening of my skin since wearing it. I'm hoping it will help decrease hyperpigmentation, even out my skin tone overall and reduce the small parentheses lines around my mouth. In the relatively brief period that I've been using the mask, I've noticed overall skin brightening and a slight reduction in redness, meaning my face looks a little more even and filtered without needing to apply makeup. Even with limited use so far, I feel that this is a worthwhile investment, especially since it's easy to use and comfortable to wear. Additionally, editors on our team tested this CurrentBody LED face mask over more than a month. According to one tester, 'my skin tone appears a little more even, brighter, and some sun spots I have on my forehead seem to have faded.' Another says, 'I feel like my skin tone has evened out, and I feel a little more glowy and less like I have winter 'blah' skin.' Because clinical data also supports this device's efficacy, I feel confident that it will continue to produce visible results over time. I'm a longtime magazine writer and editor who has extensive experience covering lifestyle topics. When it comes to beauty, I've written about and tested the best skincare for women over 50 and shampoos for color-treated hair and the best microcurrent devices, among many other stories. My first experience with red light therapy was when I tested the Therabody Theraface Pro, a versatile facial treatment tool that also has red light therapy. After a brief testing period using the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2, I can already see a difference in my skin tone and brightness. I also reviewed testing data from our panel of testers to incorporate their experiences with the device. This assignment was assigned and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming vertical. She's covered beauty and lifestyle topics for over two decades and has produced numerous skincare stories and tested reviews like the best LED face masks roundup, best at-home laser hair removal devices and more. I also interviewed board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Q. Klein of Modern Dermatology for her expert insights. The brand recommends using the device for 10 minutes a day from three to five times per week for optimal results. Of course, like with most beauty devices, consistent use is key. Yes, the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 is FDA Cleared. This means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the device and deemed it safe and effective for use for its intended purpose. FDA approval typically requires additional, more rigorous testing. 'At-home LED devices can truly deliver results—but only if you're willing to commit to consistent, long-term use,' says dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Q. Klein. 'These treatments are proven effective when used properly and regularly.' To maximize your investment, Klein suggests looking for an FDA-cleared device with third-party clinical data supporting its claims. 'Focus on devices that use a variety of wavelengths, as this variety is most effective,' she says. 'The CurrentBody Series 2 includes 236 diodes for coverage all over the face and the LEDs emote the 3 most clinically studied wavelengths for anti-aging; red light (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and deep near-infrared (1072nm) which delivers the treatment across the deep and more surface level layers of the skin.' Benefits of using an LED face mask depend on continual, consistent use. 'It's not a set-it-and-forget-it treatment,' says Klein. 'This is a long-term ritual that needs to be used on an ongoing basis to achieve and then maintain results.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These Bar Soaps Are Superior To Bodywash, According To Derms
Even though liquid body soap has reigned supreme in showers across the country since the late '90s and early aughts, I've always preferred using bar soap. I like that it's an affordable, plastic-free option with a small footprint — though I understand why body wash can be so appealing. It smells divine, there are myriad brands and formulas to choose from and the packaging is often very chic. But you might be surprised to find that there are a few benefits to picking a bar soap over a liquid soap for your daily body care needs. Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, pointed out that bar soaps can actually be more effective at removing oil, dirt and residue from skin than liquid soaps. 'Liquid soaps are water-based, which means they are more diluted than bar soaps,' he explained, which could make them less effective. The fact that they're water-based also makes them 'more prone to contamination with bacteria,' he added. So while you may have heard the myth that bar soap is germy, the opposite might be true. Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut mentioned that 'bar soaps are better for the environment — from production and transportation to packaging and waste, they have a lower impact.' She also explained that liquid soaps often 'rely on artificial preservatives to extend their shelf life and are stored in plastic containers that might not be BPA-free.' Bar soaps, on the other hand, are waterless and don't need synthetic chemicals to keep them fresh. Because soaps, in general, can be drying, Camp recommends looking for those with hydrating ingredients like 'shea butter, avocado oil, glycerin and ceramides.' He also noted that those with sensitive skin should avoid soaps with fragrances and dyes, as they can potentially be irritating. If that sounds like you, Mraz recommends seeking out a bar soap with colloidal oats to nourish your skin. If you're interested in swapping out your liquid soap for a bar soap, you don't have to compromise on quality. Below, we've rounded up the best bar soaps for your skin based on the experts' recommendations. Not only are they effective cleansers, but they're nourishing and hydrating while remaining affordable as well. Amazon Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz, recommends this Aveeno bar soap for anyone looking for an ultra-gentle and nourishing formula, making it great for eczema-prone or sensitive skin. The colloidal oats are soothing and exfoliating, while glycerin and paraffin lock in moisture. It's available in "fragrance-free" and "unscented" options. $9.57 at Amazon $4.99 at Walgreens Dermstore Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, recommended this French pharmacy staple from Avène. Made with evening primrose oil and thermal spring water, he noted that this hydrating bar soap can effectively cleanse skin "without disrupting the skin's natural microbiome." It's a great option for people of all ages and can calm eczema-prone skin. $14 at Dermstore $9.45 at Amazon Amazon Mraz is a fan of this multi-tasking, fragrance-free hydrating cleansing bar from CeraVe. You can't go wrong with this dermatologist-beloved brand, and the bar soap is no exception. It's gentle enough to use on both face and body, effectively getting rid of grime, sweat and dirt while helping to boost your skin's natural moisture barrier. Three-pack: $19.23 at Amazon $5.97 at Walmart $8.99 at Walgreens Amazon Both experts enthusiastically recommended this Vanicream bar soap. Mraz stated that it "is great for dry skin and skin prone to eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It's very gentle, while also deeply hydrating." Both she and Camp made a point to mention that it's free of drying and irritating ingredients like dyes, fragrances and other common irritants while also being noncomedogenic. $13.21 at Amazon $3.99 at Walgreens Amazon According to Mraz, "Castile soap is a great choice for dry skin — it is vegetable-based and free of chemicals, synthetic ingredients and is hypoallergenic." Because Dr. Bronner's uses hemp seed oil in its formula, it creates a soft, smooth later that won't dry out skin. I love the peppermint scent, but the brand has quite a few options, all of which smell delightfully fresh. Eight-pack: $41.62 at Amazon Single soap: $4.97+ at Amazon Unscented: $4.99 at Target Community Goods And just in case you were looking to expand your package-free bar soap repertoire to hair care as well, Mraz recommends the shampoo and conditioner bars from Community goods. She told HuffPost that this shampoo pairs the "eco-friendly benefits of bar soap with the formulations for hair." She recommends this gentle, nourishing shampoo for all your upcoming summer travels. (I have been known to love a good bar shampoo as well, and tend to favor the Ethique one.) $16 at Community Goods Amazon There are lots of great options from Dove out there, but HuffPost Shopping writer Tessa Flores loves this shea butter soap, in particular. "The fragrance doesn't irritate my skin and it actually hydrates my dry skin," she said. This two-pack is as nourishing as it gets, drenching you in yummy ingredients but never feeling greasy, thick or like it leaves film behind on the skin. $6.99 at Amazon $11.99 at Target Bearsville Soap Company My colleague, Adam Schubek, raves about these soaps. He said, "As someone who loves to mix up my soap scents, Bearsville has been my go-to brand for years because every bar leaves me feeling fresh post-shower and lasts just long enough to not get bored with the fragrance. Pro Tip: If you find a limited edition seasonal offering you like, buy it in bulk before it goes away for a year (or forever.)" $8.50 at Bearsville Soap Company Amazon This cult fave is also recommended by Flores, who uses it "on my arms for my KP and my underarms for any hyperpigmentation — and it really works," she proclaimed. These bar soaps harness the power of active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol combined with the nourishing benefits of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter and olive oil to potentially help even out skin tone, lighten dark spots, smooth skin and reduce blemishes. This two-pack has myriad glowing reviews attesting to its prowess, and could be a good tool in your skin health arsenal. $14.99 at Amazon $9.99 at Walmart Amazon My colleague's tattoo artist recommends this antibacterial body bar soap from Dial. It thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture barrier, making it perfect for repairing damaged, dry or recently-tatted skin. It'll infuse the skin with a hefty dose of moisturizing ingredients that will leave skin feeling baby soft. $8.49 Amazon My mother raised me in the cult of L'Occitane, if you ask us it's the height of luxury. I love the soft lavender scent of this bar soap, it makes me feel like I'm bathing in the French countryside. It's gentle and effective, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed without that icky squeaky clean feeling that strips the skin. This bar soap is excellent for leaving skin deliciously balanced, soft and smooth. $15 at Amazon $12.05 at Target The Best Products For The Crepey Skin On Your Neck, According To Dermatologists Have A 'Sephora Kid'? These Are The Best, Safest Skin Care Products To Buy Them These Skin Care Products Are The Most Effective, According To Derms and Reviewers
