Latest news with #SarahSung
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tanning Is "Trending" Again—But Seriously, Don't Do It
A sun-kissed tan might look good and make you feel great, but what if we told you that UV exposure is damaging your skin? From lying out beside the pool to hitting the tanning salon, the pursuit of a tanned, bronzed glow is growing increasingly popular these days. But trust us (and dermatologists) when we say: this is a habit that's truly best to avoid. Keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of the differences between natural tanning outdoors, tanning beds, and self-tanners, and why the golden glow may not be worth the skin-damaging trade-offs that come with it, as shared by board-certified Sung, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Perq in Seattle. Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los tanning outdoors is the most well-known method of tanning. The premise is simple: after spending time outside and being exposed to the sun's UV rays, the skin becomes darker. But not without significant cost. "These rays cause DNA damage in skin cells almost immediately, even before a tan or sunburn is visible," says Sarah Sung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. "Once the damage is underway, the body responds by activating melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in your skin." These cells produce and distribute melanin, which contributes to the appearance of a tan. The more melanin, the darker the tan. Although it may feel good to soak in the sun's warm rays, it's essential to understand that tanning can be very harmful to your skin. When you spend time in a tanning bed, UV light darkens the skin, mimicking the effects of sun exposure. One interesting aspect of tanning beds is that they primarily use UVA rays. They're designed to minimize UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. So, you may not experience redness, pain, and other signs of a sunburn after spending time in a tanning bed, but this doesn't mean a tanning bed tan is safe for your skin. On the contrary, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has stated that tanning beds are carcinogenic to humans. "The absence of warning signs leads to a false sense of safety, though the cellular damage is even more severe," Sung says." Dermatologists agree that is the only safe way to tan. You have several options here, including mousses, lotions, and sprays containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA). All of these can mimic a tan by staining the top layer of the skin—no sun exposure involved. (We've even taken the liberty of testing the best self-tanners for a natural-looking glow.) "There is no UV radiation involved in self-tanning, meaning no melanin production, no inflammation, no DNA damage, and thus, no increase in skin cancer risk," Sung says. "It is the only safe way to appear tan. A real tan is your body's response to injury. A self-tan is just color on the surface, like makeup, but longer-lasting." However, there are still a few minor risks to consider. Dermatologists suggest using caution not to inhale spray tan products. As with other skincare products, there's also a risk of allergic reactions when using self-tanner. Of course, there's always a chance your self-tanner might leave streaks or orange tones on your skin if it isn't applied properly, but with proper application, self-tanner can look natural. When you tan, your skin ramps up production of melanin. And that increased production of melanin? That's your body's attempt to protect your skin from more damage. "That tan may look like a glow, but it's actually a visible sign of skin injury," says Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Tanning comes with many risks. In the short term, you may experience sunburn, oxidative stress, dehydrated skin, and an inflammatory response that can cause skin damage. Meanwhile, the long-term risks include skin cancer and photoaging, which can lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, and collagen breakdown. However, there are some differences in the ways that outdoor tanning and tanning beds impact your skin. When you tan outside, your skin is exposed to both UVA and UVB rays. "UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to DNA damage, collagen breakdown, and long-term aging," Berry says. "Even if you don't burn, tanning outdoors accelerates the aging process and increases your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma." Using a tanning bed definitely isn't doing your skin any favors either. "It is fast, silent, and damaging in a way you can't feel right away," Sung says. "You may think it's safer because you are not burning, but UVA goes deeper and does more lasting harm. You're skipping the warning signs and heading straight for the long-term consequences." Compared to outdoor tanning, tanning beds are worse for your skin health (for the record, outdoor tanning definitely isn't much better). "The concentrated UVA rays cause deeper skin damage and are linked to higher rates of melanoma, especially in younger people," Berry says. "Just because there's no sunburn doesn't mean there's no harm." When you lie in a tanning bed, you're getting a massive dose of UVA rays that can be stronger than that of the midday summer sun, Sung tells us. This increases the risk of melanoma, especially when tanning beds are used before the age of 35. "Tanning beds fast-track DNA damage, accelerate visible aging, and dramatically increase skin cancer risk, even more than natural tanning, which already makes dermatologists cringe," Sung says. The best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to limit your time in the sun. But not tanning doesn't mean you need to hide indoors all summer. Here are some tips: First things first, wear sunscreen. In most cases, dermatologists would say this is a non-negotiable. "Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply every two hours if you're outdoors," Berry says. "If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide." If you're going to be outdoors, wide-brim hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and long clothing can all help keep the sun off your skin. You can even buy ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) clothing that blocks some of the sun's damaging UV rays. Some people use UV-protecting gloves while driving. "Hands and forearms get sun daily without you even noticing, and that's where I see some of the earliest sun damage in patients," Sung says. "The skin on the hands is some of the thinnest and most delicate on the body." If you're committed to a sun-kissed glow, there's one shortcut that doesn't require sun exposure: self-tanner. According to Dr. Berry, this is the safest way to get a tan without causing skin damage. The most important thing to keep in mind is that there's no safe way to tan. A tan can lead to skin cancer, signs of aging, sunburn, dehydrated skin, and other adverse effects. "Any tan is a sign of skin damage," Berry says. "The safest way to get a sun-kissed glow without the cellular damage is with a self-tanner or bronzing product. Just make sure to apply sunscreen on top." Read the original article on Byrdie
NBC News
19-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Do drugstore eye creams actually work? Dermatologists weigh in
Whether you're struggling with dryness, puffiness or dark circles, the right cream can help address specific under-eye concerns — and some of the best formulas are at the drugstore. 'The under-eye area has the thinnest skin on the entire body, making it incredibly delicate,' says Dr. Sarah Sung, a board-certified dermatologist in Seattle. 'Eye creams are specifically formulated for the thin, sensitive under-eye area and are able to provide the nourishment that a facial moisturizer cannot.' To help you find the best eye creams at a drugstore price, I talked to skin experts about what to look for in a quality formula, and included their recommendations for the best ones to shop. How we picked the best drugstore eye creams The best drugstore eye creams help hydrate the skin without feeling greasy, according to our experts. Below, we highlight their suggestions about what to consider. Type of moisturizer: Eye creams are made with humectant, emollient or occlusive ingredients. Humectant eye creams with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid are good for adding lightweight moisture to the skin, while emollients like shea butter are thicker and best suited for dry or mature skin types. Occlusive eye creams with ingredients like squalane and ceramides are also rich in texture and form a barrier on top of the skin to prevent moisture from escaping. Availability and price. I focused this list on eye creams available at mass-market drugstores and retailers like Amazon and Target. Many of the options on this list also cost less than $20. 'This is one of my favorite eye creams to address under-eye puffiness since one of its key ingredients is caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels to depuff,' says Sung. 'It also has peptides to help brighten up the under-eye area over time.' Plus, because it comes in a tube (versus a pot), it's more sanitary to use. This fragrance-free eye cream, which has the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, comes recommended by Sung who says it's a great option for those with sensitive skin. 'The ceramides and hyaluronic acid work to hydrate the under-eyes while also repairing the barrier function of the skin overall,' she says. Also, the niacinamide in the formula can help improve the appearance of dark circles. 'The Cerave eye cream bottles (I've used another version in the past) are really easy to use and dispel a tiny amount of product at a time giving you a lot of control,' says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. 'I've tried a lot of expensive eye creams since I started working at NBC, but I still reach for this $13 drugstore option daily,' says NBC Select social media assistant Caitlin Cusack. 'It immediately makes my under eyes look brighter, a lot less puffy and hides my dark circles. The gel formula is easy to blend into my skin and feels super light, which is a must for me since the skin under my eyes is sensitive. The only downside is that there's not too much product, so I go through it quickly — I probably repurchase this more than any other product I own.' The key ingredient in this eye cream is retinol, which Sung says boosts collagen production and cell turnover to minimize the look of fine lines under the eyes. Because retinol can make skin more sun-sensitive, make sure to use this formula at night and follow up with sunscreen during the day. 'I would also recommend starting this product two to three times weekly, and increasing as tolerated to allow the skin of the under-eye area to adjust to the retinol,' she says. This fragrance-free eye cream from Neutrogena is ideal for those who struggle with dry under-eyes because it has hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains water, giving you that smooth-looking skin, according to Neutrogena. It also has a gel consistency that doesn't feel greasy upon application, making it great for all skin types — oily included. I love using this as part of my daytime skin care routine because it moisturizes my perpetually dry under-eyes without feeling heavy. It's also a great hydrating base layer for concealer and powder. Sung recommends this eye cream from Olay because it combines three all-star ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides, which she says all help visibly improve the look of dark circles and fine lines under the eyes. 'The combined effects of brightening, moisturizing and boosted collagen production leave the under-eyes refreshed and rejuvenated,' she says. For an emollient eye balm that plumps the skin and minimizes the look of fine lines, this formula from Honest Beauty is a reliable option. Shea butter and argan oil help support the skin barrier while aloe gently soothes and hydrates, according to Honest. To use, pat the eye balm around the eyes until it melts into the skin. This rich formula from Revolution has vitamin C to brighten the skin and squalane to hydrate it, making a good option for those with dry skin or uneven skin tone. You can wear it on its own or underneath makeup thanks to its lightweight consistency, and has a luminous finish that reflects light, making dark circles less apparent. How to shop for drugstore eye creams When shopping, our experts recommend looking at several factors, including the key ingredients and what under-eye issue the formula targets to know whether it's going to give you what you need. Below, we highlight their suggestions of things to consider. Look at the texture Eye creams can come in gel, cream and balm consistencies, and the one you choose will depend on your preferences and skin type. Gels: 'Gel-based eye creams tend to be thicker than eye serums but lack the richness of heavier eye creams, which means they're usually lightweight, quick-absorbing and a good choice for oily or combination skin types,' says Sung. Keep in mind that because they offer light hydration, they may not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry or mature skin, which typically needs more oil-based nourishment. Creams: 'Creamy eye products typically contain emollients and offer extra moisture, so they're helpful for normal to dry skin types,' says Sung. These formulas are a good middle ground between a gel and a balm, and are great for wearing underneath makeup. Balms: Eye balms have a rich texture to help lock in moisture and are ideal for people with extreme dryness and flaking. They can also provide extra protection if your under-eyes get dry in colder weather, says Sung. Consider your specific needs Your specific under-eye concerns will determine which formula and ingredients you use. Depuffing: A good depuffing eye cream may have caffeine or green tea extract in it to help with fluid retention and reduce under-eye swelling, says Sung, who recommends popping your eye cream in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. Brightening: ' Brightening eye creams work by using ingredients that either lighten hyperpigmentation, constrict blood vessels under the eye or reflect light to minimize the appearance of dark circles,' says Sung. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or vitamin K. Smoothing: Eye creams with retinoids, peptides and growth factors help promote collagen synthesis and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Also, ingredients like hyaluronic acid can make the area appear plumper while shea butter can soften texture. Hydrating: Eye creams will typically all have hydrating elements. 'Hydration can make the under-eye area smoother and diminish the appearance of fine lines,' says Sung. 'This is particularly true if the skin is dry or suffering from irritation or inflammation.' Why do I need an eye cream? An eye cream is a product formulated specifically for the area around the eyes, which tends to be thinner and more sensitive than other parts of the face. 'Compared to a face cream, eye creams often contain milder ingredients with targeted benefits, such as depuffing or brightening,' says Sung. Eye creams also tend to have a thicker texture than facial moisturizers, which is particularly helpful because the skin underneath the eyes doesn't have as many oil glands as the cheeks and nose, which may make this area more prone to dehydration, says Bottiglione. How to properly use an eye cream You should typically apply an eye cream after cleansing and applying a serum. Depending on how thick your facial moisturizer is, you may prefer applying before to ensure it absorbs directly into the under-eye area. Most eye creams are safe to use twice a day. Sung recommends using a pea-sized amount for both eyes on your ring finger since it applies the least pressure and ensures there's no tugging in this delicate area. 'Tap gently around the orbital bone in an upward motion, avoiding the eyelids unless the product specifically says it's safe,' says Sung. The most important thing to remember when using an eye cream is to avoid pulling on the skin or pushing too hard during the application, as the skin around the eyes is thinner and naturally more sensitive, says Bottiglione. Especially if you have sensitive skin, Sung recommends conducting a patch test on your arm or jawline before applying any new product around the eyes. 'If you notice ongoing irritation or have underlying conditions like eczema, it's best to consult a dermatologist for personalized guidance,' she adds. Do eye creams really work? With the right ingredients, eye creams can help the skin around the eyes appear healthier, brighter and firmer, says Bottiglione. The constant movement of the area combined with thin, fragile skin makes the skin around the eyes more susceptible to signs of fatigue including dark circles, fine lines, dryness and puffiness, according to Sung. 'Specialized eye creams can be a helpful part of skin care routine, as they help maintain hydration and can specifically address specific under-eye concerns through targeted ingredients,' she says. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to board-certified dermatologists and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.
