Latest news with #UVB
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why You Need To Be Extra Careful If You're Sitting In A Window Seat On A Plane
Earlier this year, TikTok user FindingFiona uploaded a travel video that got serious attention, garnering more than 2 million views and 1,000 comments. In the post, she emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen on flights, citing reports of people incurring more sun damage when they're at higher altitudes. 'Even though you're inside the aircraft, because of the high altitudes, you're actually experiencing stronger UV radiation, especially if you're in the window seat,' she says in the video. According to dermatologists, the TikToker's claim is partially correct — but it's also a little wrong. 'The good news is that the true risk from one flight, or somebody who flies occasionally, is probably low,' said Dr. Elizabeth Jones, an assistant professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. But Jones noted that for flight crew members and pilots, the risk is higher. 'People who are flying occupationally, they're going to be exposed much more to ultraviolet light given — especially, if they're in the cockpit — the size of the windshield,' and given all the time they spend at a higher altitude, she said. Jones pointed to a 2015 study that found pilots and cabin crew have roughly twice the incidence of melanoma, a less common but more serious form of skin cancer, when compared to the general population. So, there is a connection between flying and sun damage. Below, dermatologists explain what you should know about your sun damage risk when you're at cruising altitude. 'Airplane windows effectively block out most of the UVB rays,' Jones said, referring to the rays that can cause sunburn and skin cancer. So even if you're sitting in the window seat, you likely won't end up with sunburn after a flight. But that doesn't mean other damage can't occur. This is also true for non-airplane windows, said Dr. Jennifer Holman, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler in Texas. 'Most typical windows in a house or a car are going to filter out ... like 97%, 98% of the UVB radiation, which is typically the wavelength that people think of that causes sunburns,' she said. While windows block these rays, they don't block all rays. According to Jones, airplane windows don't fully keep out UVA rays, which can 'cause premature aging, wrinkles and ultimately can contribute to skin cancer as well.' (Jones did note, however, that 'some of the older windows block out about 50% of UVA rays' and 'some of the newer models are more effective at even blocking out UVA.') Again, this goes beyond airplanes: Holman said most glass windows, including your car windows and the windows at your local coffee shop, also don't offer UVA protection. In general, 'most glass does not filter out UVA,' she noted. Wearing sunscreen on a plane can protect you from these harmful rays, which Holman said penetrate 'more deeply into the skin' and put you 'at risk for different types of skin cancer, including the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.' The short answer: everyone. Sunscreen is important for folks to wear daily, whether or not you're taking a flight. 'As a dermatologist, of course, I'm encouraging all of my patients to wear their sunscreen as a daily habit every day, just for the exposures that we face and the free radicals that are out in the world from UV radiation,' Holman said. While it is important for everyone to wear sunscreen on a plane, Jones said certain people should take particular caution. 'Who should consider wearing sunscreen on a plane?' she said. 'Certainly, someone with a personal or family history of skin cancer may want to get that added protection by using a sunscreen.' Folks with fair skin who are more sensitive to the sun should consider that added protection, too. The same goes for people with medical conditions that make them susceptible to sun damage, and people who are on medication that increases sun sensitivity, Jones noted. Holman said that when shopping for sunscreen, you should find one that's labeled 'broad-spectrum,' meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is always necessary, including on a plane when you aren't protected from that UVA light. Beyond sunscreen, Holman stressed that other protections are also helpful. 'The importance of physical protection, too ― wearing hats, sun protective clothing, sunglasses ― all those things continue to be important as we're protecting ourselves from ultraviolet exposure,' she said. Can A Trip To The Beach Give You Better Skin? Derms Explain The Effects Of Saltwater. 8 Dermatologist-Backed Habits For Healthy Skin — No Fancy Products Needed Is There Really A Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Sunscreen?
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Chhavi Mittal opens up about her chemical-free skin and face routine, avoiding sunscreen: ‘The only thing I use…'
Chhavi Mittal recently revealed her 'go-to' chemical-free skincare, and makeup routine. 'Often, breakouts happen, and because of the sweat, pores tend to get clogged. So, my go-to for that is absolutely not using any chemicals on my face — whether it's sunscreen, moisturiser, or anything else. The only thing I use on my face is coconut oil. Also, I don't do any makeup unless there is a shoot,' she shared in an Instagram video. So, we contacted experts to understand if it is a good practice. Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, said that it is not a good idea to substitute sunscreen with any oil or product. 'Skipping sunscreen is not good for your skin. Using coconut oil on the face without applying sunscreen can do more harm than good. While coconut oil may feel moisturising and offer smoothness, it does not provide foolproof protection from UV rays,' said Dr Chause. Coconut oil offers minimal sun protection, with an SPF ranging from 2 to 8, which is significantly lower than the recommended SPF 30 for effective sun protection, added Dr Karuna Malhotra, aesthetic physician and skin expert, Cosmetic Skin Clinic, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi. She mentioned that while coconut oil can hydrate the skin, it does not provide adequate protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that block or absorb these rays, thereby preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer,' Dr Malhotra told For optimal skin health, it's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and more, apply it generously to all exposed areas, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 'Relying solely on coconut oil for sun protection is not advisable,' said Dr Malhotra. Sunscreen is also essential for protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and infrared rays, which can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, dark spots, and even skin cancer, said Dr Chause. 'Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 to 50 daily is the best way to protect your skin barrier and maintain a healthy glow,' said Dr Chause. Coconut oil is also known to clog pores in people with oily or acne-prone skin, leading to breakouts and acne. 'It also lacks any SPF, making your skin more vulnerable to sun damage and pigmentation. If you love using coconut oil, apply it at night or under sunscreen during the day. But never skip sunscreen; it's the true anti-ageing hero in your skincare routine,' said Dr Chause. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Sunscreen market heats up, needs mandatory tests
The spat last month between India's largest FMCG company Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and online-first beauty and personal care firm Honasa Consumer (parent company of The Derma Co. and Mamaearth) over an advertisement for Lakme sunscreen, brought to light the absence of standardized, mandatory testing methods for a prominent category growing at scorching pace. In April, HUL's Lakme resorted to comparative advertising with Honasa's Derma Co. sunscreen – although an 'implied' comparison since it did not directly name the competitor brand. The ad showed Lakme sunscreen alongside an unnamed sunscreen identified as 'online best seller' which it said claims to be SPF 50 while delivering SPF 20. Since the packaging resembled Derma Co. sunscreen pack, Honasa went to court for the disparaging ad. Though the sparring companies eventually reached a settlement, the row spotlighted the poor regulation of sunscreen testing methods in the country. Sunscreens are suddenly a category of interest. 'Up until 5 years ago, the sunscreen market was sleepy, and sold mostly offline by Lakme and Lotus. Today, more than 30 legacy and new-age brands fight for a slice of the ₹3,000 crore market growing at 30% a year,' said Anurag Kedia, co-founder of Pilgrim, a digital-first beauty brand which offers a range of sunscreens. Lack of consumer awareness and poor product experience were responsible for a sluggish market. 'Sun protection creams were heavy and greasy. Also, consumers thought Indian skin didn't need sun protection or sunscreens were a summer product,' Kedia said. But the advent of digital-first beauty brands, rise of social media and growing tribe of dermatologist and skin care influencers online, changed perceptions and expanded the market. 'Influencers promoted sunscreens as an important part of the skin care regimen,' Kedia said. Product innovation helped too. Sticky creams were replaced by light textures and value-added formulations. However, the norms governing sunscreen testing remained unchanged. The fight between HUL and Honasa was related to one of the two key aspects important for sunscreens, that is, SPF that stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays and sunburn. (The other is the PA system that measures sunscreen's ability to protect the skin from UVA rays that cause aging and pigmentation. The more PA ++++ sign on the pack, the longer it protects you from UVA rays.) Interestingly, though the controversial ad said an online brand claims higher SPF but delivers much less protection, currently there is no mandatory standard for SPF testing. However, companies use either in-vivo or in-vitro tests for sunscreens. The in-vivo method relates to testing on human skin under living conditions. In-vitro involves testing the product in a lab. 'The in-vivo test is superior but the government hasn't made it compulsory,' said an FMCG company executive, declining to be named. 'In advanced countries like the US and the UK, sunscreens are an OTC product but regulated like medicines which require real-life clinical data that shows that the product is effective and delivers what it claims,' the person added. In-vivo testing is mandatory in these countries. There is no such mandate in India but some large FMCG companies like HUL have been using in-vivo tests for several years. Pilgrim's Kedia said his brand has also moved from in-vitro to in-vivo testing for sunscreens. Sunscreens are classified as cosmetic products and are regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetic Rules, 2020. The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) norms also list permitted UV filters, concentration limits and required label declarations for sunscreens. But in the absence of compulsory tests, brands have the responsibility to make sure their claims are not misleading and they can pass any regulatory scrutiny that may arise. 'Since the onus is on the company, its quality control processes must be stringent so that any variation from batch to batch is within acceptable limits,' Kedia said. Some large FMCG companies claim that small progress has been made in pushing for adoption of ISO methods for UVA protection and water resistance in sunscreens. But the key SPF testing protocols are yet to be finalized. Clearly, sub-standard products should not be allowed to prevail in the market. There's an urgent need to look at sunscreens from a scientific lens and adopt global testing norms to help consumers choose their products wisely.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brand-New Designer Sunglasses Are on Sale for as Low as $15
The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Brand-New Designer Sunglasses Are on Sale for as Low as $15 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Today, you can get a great deal on designer sunglasses for yourself or as a gift for someone else (Father's Day is just around the corner) courtesy of Eyedictive. Right now, Eyedictive is selling designer sunglasses for as low as $15 and 79% off. Brands include Columbia, Hurley, Spyder, Champion, Carrera, Coach, Serengeti, and more. In order to score these ultra-low prices, all you need to do is enter a promo code during checkout. The promo code is: MEMORIAL20. This sale only lasts two days, so act quickly if you want to grab a pair of sunglasses at a deep discount. The sale ends Wednesday, May 28 at midnight eastern. At the time of publishing, Eyedictive is also offering free shipping on all sunglasses listed with this sale. Below are three picks from the sale that caught my eye, but be sure to shop the sale yourself to find the pair of sunglasses that works best for you. These Coach sunglasses feature "a vintage aviator silhouette in light gold-toned metal. The subtle concave bend in the brow bar softens the masculine edge associated with the aviator style. Fitted with gradient lenses that provide 100% UV protection. Coach branding is displayed on the upper left lens and temple tips." The product description says, "Break a sweat while you explore new city streets with confidence wearing the CU512801 by Champion. Offering men a semi-rimless sport wrap design crafted from lightweight and durable acetate in a matte black finish. Ventilated rubber nose pads ensure a non-slip experience during any activity. Flexible temple tips wrap and hug securely around temples, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit for all. Featuring a dual-tone design for added appeal and flair. Equipped with gray C-Tech multilayer polarized lenses that eliminate glare, resist scratches, and improve clarity with 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection from harsh solar rays. Brand logo appears on both temples." The description for these sunglasses says, "Designed with smaller faces in mind, Serengeti's Haywood Small offers a structural pilot frame that defines laid back cool. Adjustable nose pads and acetate temple tips keep the frame secure as you venture out on your next getaway. Serengeti mineral glass lenses protect your eyes with photochromic and polarized technologies, while a customized metal rim elevates your look. Made in Italy." Who is Eyedictive? "Eyedictive is a daily deals website for glasses enthusiasts. We offer amazing deals on designer sunglasses and optical frames. Our founders have been selling exclusive designer glasses at deep discounts since 2007, and they have leveraged their buying power to bring you the best possible prices on the most fashionable frames, from the top designers." Eyedictive also says, "Every frame is guaranteed brand new and 100% authentic." Brand-New Designer Sunglasses Are on Sale for as Low as $15 first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Beauty fix: Should I be wearing more SPF and are chemical sunscreens safe to use?
'I'm still shocked by how people are so misinformed about sun protection, or else they don't want to know,' says Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin & Laser Clinic. We all know, of course, that we should be wearing sun protection all year round. A remarkable number of us don't however, and particularly not in winter, but when summer rolls around, we try to get sun-smart again. Breen backs up the message that SPF is not just for summer. Filtering out the sun's UVA rays that cause damage and ageing and UVB rays, the ones that burn, is crucial all year for both health and vanity. I keep hearing that chemical sunscreens are bad for us, is this true and what are they? 'This is absolutely not true,' says Breen. 'The rigorous testing before a product is deemed safe is incredible. People who think that they're dangerous are just not reading the evidence. But one thing goes viral and then people are scared.' Chemical sunscreens most often contain ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate or oxybenzone, which create a film that absorbs UV rays. It is her bread and butter to have done the research and, says Breen, there is no concern around the body absorbing chemical sunscreens. Then what are physical sunscreens? Physical sunscreens typically contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which do not absorb but sit on top of the skin, reflecting the rays away. These are the ones that don't sink tracelessly into the skin and sometimes lend a white caste, which often puts people off. 'These days,' says Breen, 'the better products are those that contain a combination of both chemical and physical ingredients. Also, the formulations are getting better all the time and tend to be lighter and don't give that white caste. The combination of both chemical and physical ingredients means you get good coverage and it's nice to use. I know I have to reapply regularly on holidays, but what about at home? 'On holidays, you absolutely have to reapply every two hours,' says Breen, 'but on a nice day in Ireland, you also need to reapply.' 'SPF breaks down throughout the day,' Breen explains. 'So when you put your SPF50 on at 7am, by 11am that's probably back down to a 30. And by 1pm, when you're going to sit outside with your sandwich it could be down to a 20. So you need to reapply.' Is the SPF in my moisturiser, primer or make-up sufficient? 'It's not that they offer less protection, it's just that people don't put enough on to get the protection they need. You need two fingers' worth of SPF to get enough cover. But if you put on two fingers of foundation, it looks ridiculous. Nobody puts on that amount, so they're not getting enough SPF from it. The same goes for moisturiser.' However, Breen agrees, with one finger's worth of moisturiser and then one finger of primer or foundation, all including a good SPF, then you're 'just about' getting enough. Can I use a hydrating sunscreen instead of my moisturiser? 'All sunscreen sits on the surface layer of the skin and doesn't go too far down in to the skin and there are some that are hydrating, but not as hydrating as a moisturiser, so it doesn't replace one for most people." If you find SPF plus moisturiser too much, she suggests using an antioxidant serum like vitamin C and then sunscreen on top of that. But what about getting my vitamin D — doesn't SPF block it out? 'No,' says Breen, who says she was shocked by how many messages she received about this after a recent TV appearance. 'You can still get vitamin D through SPF50. It won't be quite as much as if you had no sun protection on, but if you want to top up your vitamin D, get outdoors before 11am for five to 15 minutes twice a week, and that's enough to get your levels up. But please wear your sunscreen.' Skinmade Protect and Care Sun Oil SPF50, €47, An oil product that does not feel oily, this chemical sunscreen goes on after serums, but before creams. High in antioxidants from red algae, it also helps protect against inflammation and ageing free radicals and includes ceramides, to boost the skin barrier and promote smoothness. NeoStrata Skin Brightener SPF35, €42.95, selected pharmacies nationwide This is a moisturising and sun-protecting product that is rich in antioxidants and also contains NeoGlucosamine, a non-acid light exfoliant that helps to reduce pigmentation. Take care to use enough product that you're well covered for sun protection. Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50, €34.95, pharmacies nationwide For skin prone to redness or any inflammation, this is a hardworking SPF that calms, covers and protects from damaging rays. A physical sunscreen with titanium oxide, it is less likely to irritate sensitive skins. It also has redness-reducing ingredients and a green tint to counter any redness.
