Latest news with #SusanTaylor
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Best sun hat for 2025 to keep your face and skin protected from UV rays
With beach stays and pool days calling your name, it's time to stock up on all your summer faves — stylish sundresses, killer shades and the best sun hat to throw in your vacation luggage. But as you grab the gear that will support your outdoor adventures, it's important to remember that soaking up every last minute of summer fun shouldn't mean soaking up every last ray of summer sun. For one thing, avoiding sunburns is just smart living — they hurt! But more to the point, prolonged sun exposure on any of your skin, including your ears, the back of your neck and your scalp, can lead to serious and long-term health concerns, including premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer — the most common form of cancer in the United States. And while regular sunscreen application is one of the best ways to stave off the dangerous UV rays that are a significant contributor to the cellular damage that leads to melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, according to some studies, hats and other sun protective clothing may be even more effective. "Skin cancer is more likely to develop on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the ears, nose, scalp, forehead and neck," explains Dr. Susan Taylor, a board-certified dermatologist and president of the American Academy of Dermatology. The vast majority of skin cancer is what's known as basal cell carcinoma, she says, and 85% of basal cell carcinomas occur on the head and neck region. The best way to lower your risk is to be proactive by applying sunscreen daily, using sunglasses and wearing sun protective clothing like hats. However, not all sun hats are created equally. "To get the most protection from the sun's harmful rays, be sure to choose a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, ears and neck," Taylor says. "These are the areas on your body that are most exposed to the sun." Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist, concurs, adding that "the tighter the fabric weave, the better." With those tips in mind, you won't find any traditional baseball caps or beanies on this list (although in a pinch, some protection is always better than none!), and you'll also find we've prioritized options with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings that indicate a product has been verified to block out UV rays. With guidance from dermatologists and a lot of research and hands-on (heads-on) testing, we rounded up the best sun protection hats around for every preference and need. Best overall sun hat More sun hats we like for 2025 Factors to consider when purchasing a sun hat How we chose Other products we tested Meet the experts Sun hats might be a fun summer accessory, but choosing the right option goes beyond just finding something that looks good. Instead, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Material: Different kinds of material have different benefits, particularly when it comes to sun protection. "Hats made from tightly woven fabrics, such as canvas, offer better protection than those with open weaves, like some straw hats, which allow sunlight through," says Taylor. According to Nazarian, polyester and nylon are two of the best synthetic fabrics you can choose. "They do a great job of blocking sunlight," she says. Not only are these materials tightly woven, they often come in darker colors. Weave density: While certain synthetic fabrics are inherently denser, that doesn't mean you can't opt for a hat made from straw or raffia. According to the experts, raffia is typically a better option than straw, but either can be fine as long as you make sure they have a high-density weave. "With straw and raffia, you can hold the hat up to the sun and see how much light comes through," says Chacon. "That will be your indicator of the amount of exposure." UPF rating: Another huge factor is the UPF rating, which indicates how much UV radiation a fabric absorbs. The higher the rating, the better the sun (and skin) protection. Look for a hat with a UPF rating of 50+, which is the highest option available. Coverage: Think about how much coverage the hat provides. "Avoid baseball caps, which leave your ears and neck exposed," says Taylor. Instead, opt for a wide-brimmed hat, ideally with a brim of at least 2 or 3 inches. Some hats also have additional neck coverage, which can be important depending on how long you plan to be outside. Color: According to Chacon, color absolutely matters when it comes to sun protection. "Dark colors offer more protection than light colors because they absorb more UV rays," she says. Bright colors can also be a good choice. Style: Finally, think about style and choose a hat you actually like. After all, if you don't like the way a hat looks, you probably aren't going to wear it! To find the best sun hats for summer, we consulted with three different experts, all board-certified in dermatology, to get a better understanding of what to look for in terms of sun protection. Using their expertise, we considered more than 20 different options from various companies to find the right hat for every style, price point and need. We tested the top contenders to verify their style, comfort, durability and effectiveness. Gigi Pip Ozzy Packable Straw Sun Hat: We loved the style and versatility of this cute straw hat, and it came close to being our top pick for women, but it lacks verified UPF protection and costs a pretty penny. Eric Javits Squishee Bucket: This hat has a lot going for it that we really love — UPF 50+ protection, a wide brim and a construction that you can fold or roll without ever losing the hat's shape. It's even super stylish, with a fun fringed edge and 10 different colors to choose from. The only reason it didn't make our list was its price — at almost $300, we couldn't justify the cost when there are so many other cute options at a fraction of the price. That said, if you're in the market for a high-quality sun hat that's perfect for travel or hanging out on the deck, this is a good choice. Dr. Susan Taylor, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist 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.
The Herald Scotland
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow 'first' as city marks 200 years of world's original comic
Susan Taylor, Special Collections librarian, explains: 'I love this, because it is another Glasgow first. 'It was a short-lived publication – only around 16 issues over 1825 and 1826 – and, being an ephemeral item, in a broadsheet format that was expected to be enjoyed and disposed of rather than kept for posterity, not many have survived.' Susan Taylor (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She adds: 'These factors have contributed to its rarity.' Glasgow Looking-Glass was a satirical comic which poked fun at the political and social life of Scotland in the 1820s. Everything was fair game, from the upper echelons of society to the fashions of the day. The Glasgow Fair, an annual summer celebration where factories closed for two weeks and everyone went on holiday, enjoying shows and rides at Glasgow Green, also gets a mention in one of the editions. Susan with the edition satirising the Glasgow Fair (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) It was the brainchild of William Heath, and printed by John Watson, one of Glasgow's early lithographic printers. The first edition appeared on June 11, 1825. It changed its name to the Northern Looking Glass, to reflect its national coverage, and publication ended in June 1826. While the Glasgow Looking-Glass was short-lived, other similar publications created in the 19th century, like Punch, became celebrated across the country. Susan hopes the exhibition and event will help bring this fascinating story of a Glasgow innovation to the wider public. READ NEXT: 'Its significance is not well enough known,' she agrees. 'We are proud to be able to share the Glasgow Looking-Glass with a modern audience and to discuss its significance both in terms of the history of comics and in terms of capturing a time in our history.' She adds: 'Although much has changed in 200 years, I find that the Glasgow Looking Glass is still relevant today in terms of displaying a healthy irreverence to its citizens, the city and the world in general.' At the event, the creation of a new Glasgow Looking Glass will 'compare and contrast historical and modern representations', says Susan. 'Whether it's 1825 or 2025, it is important that we are able to laugh at ourselves and each other,' she says, smiling. 'Humour is often a good way of dealing with the stresses of life and, in the process, bringing people closer together.' Glasgow through the Looking-Glass, which will include a small display of Special Collections material in the foyer of Level 5 during library opening hours, runs until July 31. An event, including talks on the creation and legacy of the original Glasgow Looking-Glass, the city in 1825 and the presentation of a 'new Looking-Glass' for 2025, will take place on June 7 from 10am until 12.15pm. There will also be a comic-drawing workshop for children (and their grown-ups) from 2pm until 3pm. To reserve a place, call 0141 287 2988 or email specialcollections@
Glasgow Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow 'first' as city marks 200 years of world's original comic
A new exhibition commemorating the milestone anniversary of the Glasgow Looking-Glass is currently on display in the Mitchell Library, and a special event will take place on June 7. Susan Taylor, Special Collections librarian, explains: 'I love this, because it is another Glasgow first. 'It was a short-lived publication – only around 16 issues over 1825 and 1826 – and, being an ephemeral item, in a broadsheet format that was expected to be enjoyed and disposed of rather than kept for posterity, not many have survived.' Susan Taylor (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She adds: 'These factors have contributed to its rarity.' Glasgow Looking-Glass was a satirical comic which poked fun at the political and social life of Scotland in the 1820s. Everything was fair game, from the upper echelons of society to the fashions of the day. The Glasgow Fair, an annual summer celebration where factories closed for two weeks and everyone went on holiday, enjoying shows and rides at Glasgow Green, also gets a mention in one of the editions. Susan with the edition satirising the Glasgow Fair (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) It was the brainchild of William Heath, and printed by John Watson, one of Glasgow's early lithographic printers. The first edition appeared on June 11, 1825. It changed its name to the Northern Looking Glass, to reflect its national coverage, and publication ended in June 1826. While the Glasgow Looking-Glass was short-lived, other similar publications created in the 19th century, like Punch, became celebrated across the country. Susan hopes the exhibition and event will help bring this fascinating story of a Glasgow innovation to the wider public. READ NEXT: Why a piece of Glasgow musical history can be found 300 miles away Glasgow's Barras psychic who gives readings with cards pays tribute to venue Glasgow unveils city's first ever memorial to Merchant Navy 'Its significance is not well enough known,' she agrees. 'We are proud to be able to share the Glasgow Looking-Glass with a modern audience and to discuss its significance both in terms of the history of comics and in terms of capturing a time in our history.' She adds: 'Although much has changed in 200 years, I find that the Glasgow Looking Glass is still relevant today in terms of displaying a healthy irreverence to its citizens, the city and the world in general.' At the event, the creation of a new Glasgow Looking Glass will 'compare and contrast historical and modern representations', says Susan. 'Whether it's 1825 or 2025, it is important that we are able to laugh at ourselves and each other,' she says, smiling. 'Humour is often a good way of dealing with the stresses of life and, in the process, bringing people closer together.' Glasgow through the Looking-Glass, which will include a small display of Special Collections material in the foyer of Level 5 during library opening hours, runs until July 31. An event, including talks on the creation and legacy of the original Glasgow Looking-Glass, the city in 1825 and the presentation of a 'new Looking-Glass' for 2025, will take place on June 7 from 10am until 12.15pm. There will also be a comic-drawing workshop for children (and their grown-ups) from 2pm until 3pm. To reserve a place, call 0141 287 2988 or email specialcollections@
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This cutting edge hair loss treatment is a repurposed drug from the 1990s
WASHINGTON (AP) — The latest trend in treating hair loss may sound familiar — essentially, it's a repurposed drug first popularized in the 1990s. Back then, TV viewers were inundated with ads for Rogaine, a sticky topical solution that could help treat thinning hair when applied to the scalp. Now dermatologists are increasingly prescribing the drug, known generically as minoxidil, in low-dose pills to help men and women maintain or regrow hair. The practice follows a handful of recent studies suggesting the ingredient works as well — and possibly better — when swallowed, rather than applied to hair follicles on the head. Telehealth companies are also driving new demand by offering a quick, easy way to get a prescription and have the pills shipped directly to customers' doors. Here's a look at the drug: A retro approach to hair loss Minoxidil was originally developed as a pill to treat high blood pressure in the 1970s. Researchers noticed that some patients taking it experienced increased hair growth as a side effect. Rogaine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1988, the first drug to win the agency's endorsement for male pattern baldness. Studies showed that men on the medication, which was applied directly to the scalp, had a slower rate of hair loss and, in some cases, regrew hair. Starting in 1991, a lower dose was approved for women and the brand was aggressively marketed as an over-the-counter medication on TV and in print. The drug's ability to slow hair loss is likely related to its effect on blood circulation, according to experts. 'By increasing blood flow to the scalp it signals hairs to stay in their grow phase for longer,' said Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at George Washington University. 'We're trying to keep those hairs in that growth phase as long as possible.' A recent consensus paper by more than 40 U.S. and international dermatologists concluded that minoxidil pills are effective and often more convenient and affordable than the liquid formulation. Patients prefer the pill There's little research comparing the two forms of minoxidil, but many dermatologists believe the drug works better as a pill. At a chemical level, minoxidil is absorbed more directly when digested in the gut than when applied to the hairline. It's also more convenient, with patients taking the drug by mouth once a day, instead of applying the liquid once or twice daily using a dropper. 'As you can imagine, that can be rather onerous,' said Dr. Susan Taylor of the University of Pennsylvania. 'Although people often enthusiastically begin therapy— and even see results — after a while there are many who drop off.' The doses prescribed for oral use are also very low. Dermatologists often direct men to take one half of the lowest-dose pill; women may only need a quarter of a pill. Those low doses can also reduce the chances for side effects, which can include dizziness, rapid heartbeat and swollen legs. The drug isn't recommended for people with a history of heart issues or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The only other FDA-approved medication for hair loss is finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, a drug that blocks a byproduct of testosterone that triggers hair loss in men. That drug is generally considered more effective than minoxidil, but it can occasionally cause troubling sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction. For optimal results, some dermatologists prescribe the two drugs in combination. Why aren't minoxidil pills FDA-approved for hair loss? In short, because there's very little money to be made. Minoxidil's patent has expired and it is now available as a low-cost generic medication. That means drugmakers have little financial incentive to spend millions on the new studies that would be needed to win FDA approval for hair loss. 'For a drug like oral minoxidil — which is as old as dirt at this point — there are no reasons to do that,' said Friedman. Like other dermatologists, Friedman gives hair-loss patients a prescription for the pills intended to treat blood pressure, a practice known as off-label prescribing. The upside for patients is that minoxidil is extremely affordable, with some pharmacies offering a month's supply for less than $5. 'Not a single patient has complained to me about the cost of this medication, which is extremely rare,' said Dr. Luiz Garza of Johns Hopkins University. Telehealth firms open up access The vast majority of doctors prescribing minoxidil for hair loss are dermatologists, who often turn to older drugs off-label for various hair and skin conditions. A survey of U.S. dermatologists published last year found 80% reported prescribing oral minoxidil. But with only about 12,000 dermatologists in the U.S., some patients may have trouble finding a provider. Telehealth providers like Hims and Ro say they are helping fill the gap. The companies' business model offers patients quick access to the medications they are seeking, often after simply filling out a questionnaire about their medical history, medications and treatment goals. The information is reviewed by a health provider who can quickly approve a prescription, assuming there are no red flags. Hims and Ro each say that their providers won't prescribe minoxidil for patients who have complicating health conditions or prescriptions that could negatively interact with the drug. In some cases, patients may be referred for an office visit. Many dermatologists say patients are better served by an in-person appointment, where a doctor will usually take a blood pressure reading, evaluate medical history, prescriptions and discuss the drug's side effects. 'I'm not a proponent of going to an online service,' said Taylor. 'I recommend seeing your board-certified dermatologist who's trained, who knows the data and can evaluate all of you.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
This cutting edge hair loss treatment is a repurposed drug from the 1990s
The latest trend in treating hair loss may sound familiar — essentially, it's a repurposed drug first popularized in the 1990s. Back then, TV viewers were inundated with ads for Rogaine, a sticky topical solution that could help treat thinning hair when applied to the scalp. Now dermatologists are increasingly prescribing the drug, known generically as minoxidil, in low-dose pills to help men and women maintain or regrow hair. The practice follows a handful of recent studies suggesting the ingredient works as well — and possibly better — when swallowed, rather than applied to hair follicles on the head. Telehealth companies are also driving new demand by offering a quick, easy way to get a prescription and have the pills shipped directly to customers' doors. Here's a look at the drug: A retro approach to hair loss Minoxidil was originally developed as a pill to treat high blood pressure in the 1970s. Researchers noticed that some patients taking it experienced increased hair growth as a side effect. Rogaine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1988, the first drug to win the agency's endorsement for male pattern baldness. Studies showed that men on the medication, which was applied directly to the scalp, had a slower rate of hair loss and, in some cases, regrew hair. Starting in 1991, a lower dose was approved for women and the brand was aggressively marketed as an over-the-counter medication on TV and in print. The drug's ability to slow hair loss is likely related to its effect on blood circulation, according to experts. 'By increasing blood flow to the scalp it signals hairs to stay in their grow phase for longer,' said Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at George Washington University. 'We're trying to keep those hairs in that growth phase as long as possible.' A recent consensus paper by more than 40 U.S. and international dermatologists concluded that minoxidil pills are effective and often more convenient and affordable than the liquid formulation. Patients prefer the pill There's little research comparing the two forms of minoxidil, but many dermatologists believe the drug works better as a pill. At a chemical level, minoxidil is absorbed more directly when digested in the gut than when applied to the hairline. It's also more convenient, with patients taking the drug by mouth once a day, instead of applying the liquid once or twice daily using a dropper. 'As you can imagine, that can be rather onerous,' said Dr. Susan Taylor of the University of Pennsylvania. 'Although people often enthusiastically begin therapy— and even see results — after a while there are many who drop off.' The doses prescribed for oral use are also very low. Dermatologists often direct men to take one half of the lowest-dose pill; women may only need a quarter of a pill. Those low doses can also reduce the chances for side effects, which can include dizziness, rapid heartbeat and swollen legs. The drug isn't recommended for people with a history of heart issues or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The only other FDA-approved medication for hair loss is finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, a drug that blocks a byproduct of testosterone that triggers hair loss in men. That drug is generally considered more effective than minoxidil, but it can occasionally cause troubling sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction. For optimal results, some dermatologists prescribe the two drugs in combination. Why aren't minoxidil pills FDA-approved for hair loss? In short, because there's very little money to be made. Minoxidil's patent has expired and it is now available as a low-cost generic medication. That means drugmakers have little financial incentive to spend millions on the new studies that would be needed to win FDA approval for hair loss. 'For a drug like oral minoxidil — which is as old as dirt at this point — there are no reasons to do that,' said Friedman. Like other dermatologists, Friedman gives hair-loss patients a prescription for the pills intended to treat blood pressure, a practice known as off-label prescribing. The upside for patients is that minoxidil is extremely affordable, with some pharmacies offering a month's supply for less than $5. 'Not a single patient has complained to me about the cost of this medication, which is extremely rare,' said Dr. Luiz Garza of Johns Hopkins University. Telehealth firms open up access The vast majority of doctors prescribing minoxidil for hair loss are dermatologists, who often turn to older drugs off-label for various hair and skin conditions. A survey of U.S. dermatologists published last year found 80% reported prescribing oral minoxidil. But with only about 12,000 dermatologists in the U.S., some patients may have trouble finding a provider. Telehealth providers like Hims and Ro say they are helping fill the gap. The companies' business model offers patients quick access to the medications they are seeking, often after simply filling out a questionnaire about their medical history, medications and treatment goals. The information is reviewed by a health provider who can quickly approve a prescription, assuming there are no red flags. Hims and Ro each say that their providers won't prescribe minoxidil for patients who have complicating health conditions or prescriptions that could negatively interact with the drug. In some cases, patients may be referred for an office visit. Many dermatologists say patients are better served by an in-person appointment, where a doctor will usually take a blood pressure reading, evaluate medical history, prescriptions and discuss the drug's side effects. 'I'm not a proponent of going to an online service,' said Taylor. 'I recommend seeing your board-certified dermatologist who's trained, who knows the data and can evaluate all of you.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
