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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Rakul Preet Singh shares her everyday morning skincare routine: ‘This is what I do before I step out'
Rakul Preet Singh's down to the earth charm and radiance makes her a favourite among fans and audiences. People love her fresh-faced beauty and glowing skin, and to satiate their curiosity, the Bollywood actor took to Instagram and shared her everyday morning skincare routine. 'This is what I do before I step out, or before I do my makeup, and this is my everyday routine,' she said at the start of the video. At first, Singh started with a vitamin C serum after washing her face. 'Don't forget your neck,' she reminded before going in with a salicylic acid- based gel that keeps her acne and breakouts in check. 'When you shoot in dust, you end up getting some pimples,' she reasoned. Next, she went in with a lightweight fluid sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA++++ that promises both UVA and UVB protection from the harsh sun rays. And finally, she went in with an under eye cream. reached out to skin experts to understand the effectivity of Rakul's skincare routine and found out whether everyone can benefit from it. Dr. Priya Puja, Dermatologist, and Head Medical Advisor (North) at Kaya Limited said that Rakul Preet Singh's morning skincare routine is comprehensive and practical for daily use. 'Starting the day with a vitamin C serum after cleansing is an excellent choice for antioxidant protection and skin brightening. However, it's crucial to understand that vitamin C can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight,' she said, explaining that is why applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day is absolutely essential when using vitamin C in the morning. 'If you can't commit to sunscreen every day (which you must), I recommend shifting vitamin C to your night routine instead,' she added. 'Applying an ointment may help those who are acne-prone, but such medicated creams should only be used if advised by your dermatologist. Overuse can lead to irritation, especially if your skin isn't acne-prone,' said Dr Puja. When it comes to layering, she said that eye cream should always go before sunscreen. 'Eye creams typically contain active ingredients that work best when applied directly to the skin. Once your treatments and eye cream are absorbed, finish with sunscreen, not just on your face, but on all areas of exposed skin, including your neck and ears,' she said. According to her, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2–3 hours when you're outdoors, and it's vital even on cloudy days or when you're indoors near windows. In conclusion, Dr Priya said that you should: With these points in mind, Rakul's routine offers a strong foundation for healthy, glowing skin, provided you follow these essential precautions.


Metro
a day ago
- Metro
From premium SPFs, to hydrating hair masks, the Boots sale has got you covered
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Arguably the nation's most trusted health and beauty retailer, a trip to Boots has long been the first port of call for many of us when we're in need of a skincare or make-up restock. And now that the Boots Big Summer Sale is back, we've got even more reason to peruse the site. With up to 50% savings spread across thousands of products, the iconic sale has certainly come at the perfect time for those of us who still need to tick 'buy toiletries' off our pre-holiday to-do lists. And it's seriously hotting up — with up to 50% savings to be enjoyed on thousands of summer essentials, all the way up until 9th September. Ready to get started? From premium SPFs and hydrating hair masks, to travel-friendly toiletries and electricals, these are the Boots Big Summer Sale products that we'll definitely be adding to our packing lists. This water-resistant sun cream has been designed specifically with sensitive skin in mind. As well as providing very high protection against sun induced skin damage, sunburn, and both UVA and UVB rays, its non-greasy and fragrance-free formula is also completely hypoallergenic. BUY NOW FOR £8 (WAS £16) If you've been debating investing in an Oral-B toothbrush, take this over 50% saving as your sign to finally do it. This one is simple to get to grips with – yet super effective – has a really long battery life, and even comes with a handy travel case. BUY NOW FOR £45 (WAS £100) You just can't go wrong with a multipurpose skincare product. As well as providing very high protection against sun damage, this lightweight fluid is packed with brightness-boosting Vitamin C – and it's even infused with mineral pigments that leave behind a gorgeous and glowy sheer tint. BUY NOW FOR £8.66 (WAS £12.99) With this fabulous gradual tan, you can swap spending your holiday sweating away in the sun for relaxing under the cooling shade of an umbrella instead. As well as helping you build a natural sun-kissed look, this brilliant formula also provides your body with 72-hours of active hydration. BUY NOW FOR £4.37 (WAS £8.75) From the non-stop swimming, to the increase in heat styling, it's not unusual for your hair to start looking a little dry by the middle of your holiday. The perfect antidote, this seriously nourishing treatment weightlessly coats every single strand in hydrating hyaluronic acid, and leaves surprising you with seriously plump and glossy locks. BUY NOW FOR £4.49 (WAS £8.99) A cult-favourite SPF amongst those in the know, this sunscreen provides seriously high protection, and has a comfortable fluid formula that's super resistant to any water, sweat, or sand. Tested on sensitive, intolerant, and reactant skin, it's suitable for all — and leaves behind absolutely no dreaded white cast. BUY NOW FOR £16 (WAS £20) This nifty portable razor has a pivoting design that adjusts to your body's contours, and comes with a mini handle and a travel case — making it well-suited to holidays and on-the-go use. Plus, while it does come with one razor head, it'll comfortably fit any Venus blade refill of your choosing. BUY NOW FOR £6 (WAS £12) If you're after a trusty pair of straighteners to take with you on your travels, look no further than these ones from Remington. More than capable of getting the job done, enjoy nine different temperature settings, a fast heat-up time, and ceramic plates that have been expertly infused with Moroccan Argan Oil for added shine and softness. BUY NOW FOR £29.99 (WAS £79) Infused with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and electrolytes, this cooling water gel moisturiser delivers instant hydration to thirsty skin — which is exactly what's needed after a day spent in and around the pool. Expect to be left with an enviously supple and dewy complexion. BUY NOW FOR £9.33 (WAS £13.99) Shop it whilst you can, and get ready for your next trip away with ease! Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Introducing Selfish Supps – The first female-founded sports nutrition brand now available at Boots MORE: Boots expands its £3 Glossy Lip Balm collection to rival Summer Fridays MORE: Bella Hadid reveals 'secret' beauty travel hack – it's none other than this £9.50 skin cream Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.


Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
This Dermatologist-Recommended SPF Is Almost Half Off
If you're looking to restock your daily sunscreen, then you're in luck, because dermatologist-recommended Tizo2 SPF 40 is a whopping 45% off at Target right now. Available in both tinted and non-tinted options, this mineral SPF is perfect for everyday use, and best of all, it's chock-full of skin-loving ingredients that can help to boost your skin's overall health and appearance. In previous reporting, Dr. Alexander Witkowski, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and Melanoma Research Alliance dermatology advisor, recommended Tizo not just for its high-performance sun protection, but for the formulation's anti-aging benefits, as well. It's enriched with powerful antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and support overall skin health. The gentle formulation makes it well-suited for sensitive and post-procedure skin. He also pointed out that it has a matte finish that 'wears comfortably under makeup.'We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen year-round, but Witkowski further explained the increased need for daily SPF during the summer months. He pointed out that 'UV radiation levels are significantly formulations are essential, as they shield the skin from both UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and long-term skin damage, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.'It's water resistant and has a smooth, elegant finish that leaves skin feeling soft and silky. This brand claims this sunscreen doesn't leave a white cast on most skin tones, though, like most mineral sunscreens, it's likely to be more difficult to blend on more melanated out why the Tizo2 mineral sunscreen boasts a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating at Target and pick up a bottle for yourself while the savings are still going. Your skin (and wallet) will thank you for it. Get it from Target for $24.90 (originally $45; available in two types).
Business Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Times
How safe are the chemicals in sunscreen?
LAST week, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) released its safety review of seven active ingredients commonly used in sunscreens. It found five were low-risk and appropriate for use in sunscreens at their current concentrations. However, the TGA recommended tighter restrictions on two ingredients – homosalate and oxybenzone – to reduce how much can be used in a product. This is based on uncertainty about their potential effects on the endocrine system, which creates and releases hormones. This news, together with recent reports that some products may have inflated their claims of SPF coverage, might make consumers worried about whether their sunscreen products are working – and safe. But it's not time to abandon sunscreens. In Australia, all sunscreens must pass a strict approval process before going on the market. The TGA tests the safety and efficacy of all ingredients, and this recent review is part of the TGA's continuing commitment to safety. The greatest threat sunscreen poses to people's health is not using it. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide, and approximately 95 per cent of melanoma cases in Australia are linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Still, it's understandable people want to know what's in their products, and any changes that might affect them. So let's take a closer look at the safety review and what it found. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up What are the active ingredients in sunscreen? There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. This is based on the different active ingredients they use. An active ingredient is a chemical component in a product that has an effect on the body – basically, what makes the product 'work'. In sunscreens, this is the compound that absorbs UV rays from the sun. The other ingredients – for example, those that give the sunscreen its smell or help the skin absorb it – are 'inactive'. Physical sunscreens typically use minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that can absorb the sun's rays but also reflect some of them. Chemical sunscreens use a variety of chemical ingredients to absorb or scatter UV light, both long wave (UVA) or short wave (UVB). The seven active ingredients in this review are in chemical sunscreens. Why did the TGA do the review? Australia's current limits for the concentrations of these chemicals in sunscreen are generally consistent with other regulatory agencies, such as the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration. However, safety is an evolving subject. The TGA periodically reexamines the safety of all therapeutic goods. Last year, the TGA revised its method of estimating sunscreen exposure to more closely model how skin is exposed to sunscreens over time. This model considers how much sunscreen someone typically applies, how much skin they cover (whole body versus face and hands, or just face) and how it's absorbed through the skin. Given this new model – along with changes in the EU and US approaches to sunscreen regulation – the TGA selected seven common sunscreen ingredients to investigate in depth. Determining what's safe When evaluating whether chemicals are safe for human use, testing will often consider studies in animals – especially when there is no or limited data on humans. These animal tests are done by the manufacturers, not the TGA. To take into account any unforeseen sensitivity humans may have to these chemicals, a 'margin of safety' is built in. This is typically a concentration 50 to 100 times lower than the dose at which no negative effect was seen in animals. The sunscreen review used a margin of safety 100 times lower than this dose as the safety threshold. For most of the seven investigated sunscreen chemicals, the TGA found the margin of safety was above 100. This means they're considered safe and low-risk for long-term use. However, two ingredients, homosalate and oxybenzone, were found to be below 100. This was based on the highest estimated sunscreen exposure, applied to the body at the maximum permitted concentration: 15 per cent for homosalate, 10 per cent for oxybenzone. At lower concentrations, other uses – such as just the hands and face – could be considered low-risk for both ingredients. What are the health concerns? Homosalate and oxybenzone have low acute oral toxicity – meaning you would need to swallow a lot of it to experience toxic effects, nearly half a kilogram of these chemicals – and don't cause irritation to eyes or skin. There is inconclusive evidence about oxybenzone potentially causing cancer in rats and mice – but only at concentrations to which humans will never be exposed via sunscreens. The key issue is whether the two ingredients affect the endocrine system. While effects have been seen at high concentrations in animal studies, it is not clear whether these translate to humans exposed to sunscreen levels. No effect has been seen in clinical studies on fertility, hormones, weight gain and, in pregnant women, fetal development. The TGA is being very cautious here, using a very wide margin of safety under worst-case scenarios. What are the recommendations? The TGA recommends the allowed concentration of homosalate and oxybenzone be reduced. But exactly how much it will be lowered is complicated, depending on whether the product is intended for adults or children, specifically for the face, or the whole body, and so on. However, some sunscreens would need to be reformulated or warning labels placed on particular formulations. The exact changes will be decided after public consultation in Australia. Submissions close on Aug 12. What about benzophenone? There is also some evidence that benzophenone – a chemical produced when sunscreen containing octocrylene degrades – may cause cancer at high concentrations. This is based on studies in which mice and rats were fed benzophenone well above the concentration in sunscreens. Octocrylene degrades slowly over time to benzophenone. Heat makes it degrade faster, especially at temperatures above 40 deg C. The TGA has recommended restricting benzophenone to 0.0383 per cent in sunscreens to ensure it remains safe during the product's shelf life. The Australian Cancer Council advises storing sunscreens below 30 deg C. The bottom line The proposed restrictions are very conservative, based on worst-case scenarios. But even in worst-case scenarios, the margin of safety for these ingredients is still below the level at which any negative effect was seen in animals. The threat of cancer from sun exposure is far more serious than any potential negative effect from sunscreens. If you do wish to avoid these chemicals before new limits are imposed, several sunscreens are available that provide high levels of protection with little or no homosalate and oxybenzone. For more information, check product labels. THE CONVERSATION The writer is a senior lecturer in pharmacology at the University of Adelaide


Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How safe are chemicals in sunscreen? Pharmacology expert explains
Adelaide: Last week, the Therapeutic Goods Administration ( TGA ) released its safety review of seven active ingredients commonly used in sunscreens. It found five were low-risk and appropriate for use in sunscreens at their current concentrations. However, the TGA recommended tighter restrictions on two ingredients - homosalate and oxybenzone - to reduce how much can be used in a product. This is based on uncertainty about their potential effects on the endocrine system, which creates and releases hormones. This news, together with recent reports that some products may have inflated their claims of SPF coverage, might make Australians worried about whether their sunscreen products are working and safe. But it's not time to abandon sunscreens. In Australia, all sunscreens must pass a strict approval process before going on the market. The TGA tests the safety and efficacy of all ingredients, and this recent review is part of the TGA's continuing commitment to safety. The greatest threat sunscreen poses to Australians' health is not using it. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide, and approximately 95 per cent of melanoma cases in Australia are linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Still, it's understandable that people want to know what's in their products and any changes that might affect them. So let's take a closer look at the safety review and what it found. What are the active ingredients in sunscreen? There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. This is based on the different active ingredients they use. An active ingredient is a chemical component in a product that has an effect on the body - basically, what makes the product "work". In sun screens, this is the compound that absorbs UV rays from the Sun. The other ingredients - for example, those that give the sunscreen its smell or help the skin absorb it - are "inactive". Physical sunscreens typically use minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that can absorb the Sun's rays but also reflect some of them. Chemical sunscreens use a variety of chemical ingredients to absorb or scatter UV light, both long-wave ( UVA ) and short-wave (UVB). The seven active ingredients in this review are in chemical sunscreens. Why did the TGA do the review? Our current limits for the concentrations of these chemicals in sunscreen are generally consistent with other regulatory agencies, such as the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration . However, safety is an evolving subject. The TGA periodically reexamines the safety of all therapeutic goods. Last year, the TGA revised its method of estimating sunscreen exposure to more closely model how skin is exposed to sunscreens over time. This model considers how much sunscreen someone typically applies, how much skin they cover (whole body versus face and hands, or just face) and how it's absorbed through the skin. Given this new model, along with changes in the EU and US approaches to sunscreen regulation, the TGA selected seven common sunscreen ingredients to investigate in depth. Determining what's safe When evaluating whether chemicals are safe for human use, testing will often consider studies in animals, especially when there is no or limited data on humans. These animal tests are done by the manufacturers, not the TGA. To take into account any unforeseen sensitivity humans may have to these chemicals, a "margin of safety" is built in. This is typically a concentration 50-100 times lower than the dose at which no negative effect was seen in animals. The sunscreen review used a margin of safety 100 times lower than this dose as the safety threshold. For most of the seven investigated sunscreen chemicals, the TGA found the margin of safety was above 100. This means they're considered safe and low-risk for long-term use. However, two ingredients, homosalate and oxybenzone, were found to be below 100. This was based on the highest estimated sunscreen exposure, applied to the body at the maximum permitted concentration: 15per cent for homosalate, 10 per cent for oxybenzone. At lower concentrations, other uses, such as just the hands and face, could be considered low-risk for both ingredients. What are the health concerns? Homosalate and oxybenzone have low acute oral toxicity - meaning you would need to swallow a lot of it to experience toxic effects, nearly half a kilogramme of these chemicals - and don't cause irritation to eyes or skin. There is inconclusive evidence that oxybenzone potentially causes cancer in rats and mice, but only at concentrations to which humans will never be exposed via sunscreens. The key issue is whether the two ingredients affect the endocrine system. While effects have been seen at high concentrations in animal studies, it is not clear whether these translate to humans exposed to sunscreen levels. No effect has been seen in clinical studies on fertility, hormones, weight gain and, in pregnant women, fetal development. The TGA is being very cautious here, using a very wide margin of safety under worst-case scenarios. What are the recommendations? The TGA recommends that the allowed concentration of homosalate and oxybenzone be reduced. But exactly how much it will be lowered is complicated, depending on whether the product is intended for adults or children, specifically for the face, or the whole body, and so on. However, some sunscreens would need to be reformulated or warning labels placed on particular formulations. The exact changes will be decided after public consultation. Submissions close on August 12. What about benzophenone? There is also some evidence that benzophenone - a chemical produced when sunscreen that contains octocrylene degrades - may cause cancer at high concentrations. This is based on studies in which mice and rats were fed benzophenone well above the concentration in sunscreens. Octocrylene degrades slowly over time to benzophenone. Heat makes it degrade faster, especially at temperatures above 40°C. The TGA has recommended restricting benzophenone to 0.0383 per cent in sunscreens to ensure it remains safe during the product's shelf life. The Cancer Council advises storing sunscreens below 30°C. The bottom line The proposed restrictions are very conservative, based on worst-case scenarios. But even in worst-case scenarios, the margin of safety for these ingredients is still below the level at which any negative effect was seen in animals. The threat of cancer from sun exposure is far more serious than any potential negative effects from sunscreens. If you do wish to avoid these chemicals before new limits are imposed, several sunscreens are available that provide high levels of protection with little or no homosalate and oxybenzone. For more information, consult product labels. (The Conversation)