Latest news with #melasma
Medscape
26-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Third-Generation Progestins Linked to Lowest Melasma Risk
A study found that fourth-generation progestins in oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) were associated with more than double the risk for melasma than with no exposure, while third-generation progestins showed the lowest risk among all synthetic progestin types. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from 51,101 women with melasma and 51,101 matched controls without melasma using the TriNetX research network on March 25, 2025. The mean age of participants was 45.1 years. About 54% of participants were White, about 14% were Black, about 8% were Asian, and nearly 15% were Hispanic/Latino. Those with melasma had a higher prevalence of exposure to estrogen/progestin combinations (21.58% vs 10.03%; P < .001) and to progestins alone (15.04% vs 7.75%; P < .001) than those without melasma. < .001) and to progestins alone (15.04% vs 7.75%; < .001) than those without melasma. The researchers examined the risk for melasma within 10 years after a progestin prescription. TAKEAWAY: All four generations of synthetic progestins were associated with a higher melasma risk than no exposure. The risk was highest for fourth-generation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.262; 95% CI, 1.797-2.846) and lowest for third-generation progestins (HR, 1.417; 95% CI, 1.317-1.524). Exposure to fourth-generation progestins was associated with a higher risk for melasma than exposure to first-generation (HR, 1.366; 95% CI, 1.148-1.627), second-generation (HR, 1.191; 95% CI, 1.000-1.419), and third-generation progestins (HR, 1.785; 95% CI, 1.464-2.176). Exposure to third-generation progestins was associated with a lower risk for melasma than exposure to second-generation (HR, 0.841; 95% CI, 0.754-0.937) and fourth-generation progestins (HR, 0.604; 95% CI, 0.503-0.726). IN PRACTICE: Based on these findings, 'choosing oral contraceptive pills containing third-generation progestins may mitigate melasma risk associated with hormonal contraceptives,' the study authors wrote. 'Further studies of the role of progestins in melasma pathophysiology may improve our understanding of this disorder,' they added. SOURCE: The study, led by Amit Singal, BA, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, and Shari Lipner, MD, Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, was published online on May 21 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . LIMITATIONS: Information on dosing, route, duration of use, and adherence to hormone therapy was not available. The study lacked data on ultraviolet exposure, family history of melasma, and clinical reasons for hormone use. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, coding limitations may have affected diagnostic accuracy. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any funding. The authors had no competing interests.
BreakingNews.ie
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Dani Dyer: ‘I just never really cared about my face'
For years, Dani Dyer, the daughter of renowned actor Danny Dyer, didn't think much about skincare, frequently wiping off her make-up with 'any old face wipe'. 'I think for me, when you're younger, you don't really know anything about skincare routines,' she says. 'I mean, I loved a face wipe – I was guilty of that. Advertisement 'I just never really cared about my face.' Dani Dyer said she used to 'never really care' about her face (Adam Davy/PA) But things changed when she developed melasma – a skin condition that causes patches of pigmentation – after a summer abroad and becoming pregnant. 'It literally went from like nothing to just a massive flare-up,' she recalls. 'Honestly, I hadn't really heard about pigmentation.' It was only after a dermatologist confirmed what a friend had already suggested that Dyer, 28, started to take skincare more seriously. She found implementing a routine, balancing her hormones and sticking to simple skincare has helped manage it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ♡ Dani Dyer ♡ (@danidyerxx) Her routine includes a mix of products she's come to trust. 'Eucerin's cleansers are amazing – their serums, the eye cream, their SPFs,' she says, 'it's made a real difference.' Now, in the lead-up to her wedding to West Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen, Dyer isn't taking any risks. 'I've been having facials. I've had dermaplaning – I've tried the polynucleotides injectable treatment but oh, it's done nothing,' she laughs. 'But I'm not changing anything when it comes to my skin […] I'm just using what I like to use.' Advertisement As a mum of three, Dyer doesn't have time for lengthy routines in the morning. 'It's go, go, go. I literally just put a day cream on and have a coffee,' she says. Evenings, though, are her time. 'My night time consists of a half-hour routine, sometimes a bit longer. I love the end of the day, I cleanse then serum, eye cream, night cream – then I just oil everything and lay in bed. That's my favourite time of day.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by ♡ Dani Dyer ♡ (@danidyerxx) Since finding fame on reality show Love Island in 2018, Dyer has come to appreciate the benefits of wearing less make-up and letting her skin breathe. 'Everyone went through that phase of piling it all on and thinking more was better. But actually, now I know that less is more,' she says. 'Your skin just feels so much better.' However, one thing she wishes she'd known sooner was the importance of SPF. 'I never thought you had to SPF – ever! Advertisement 'I used to just lay in the sun and just turn my face and my body without anything on,' she says. 'But it's just about adding one more product into your routine and it's so important.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by ♡ Dani Dyer ♡ (@danidyerxx) Finding products that feel easy to use has helped her stick with it. 'I think I should have just done my research a bit more, rather than using any old brand,' she says. Dyer champions knowledge when it comes to skincare following her melasma diagnosis, noting, 'If you're going through a breakout or suffering with hyperpigmentation go and see a skincare professional, because sometimes the things on the shelves, you think they're good and they're not.' These days, she's keen to share what she's learned, even if her younger sister doesn't always take the advice. 'You know what they're like,' she laughs, 'when you're a teenager and someone's like, do this, do that – it makes you want to do the opposite. But she's got a lot better now.' Dani Dyer's sister, Sunnie Jo (left), doesn't always listen to her skincare advice (Ian West/PA) Lifestyle Vogue Williams: 'I won't be apologetic' about doin... Read More Now, Dyer isn't aiming for perfection but consistency. 'No one's skin is ever perfect, is it? You have your good days and your bad days,' she says. 'And the more you stress about it, the worse it gets.' Advertisement Social media, she adds, is slowly catching up with reality. 'We all went through a phase where we were editing our photos and trying to show how perfect we all were, but we're not,' she says. 'It's good to show the two sides of you: Here I am day-to-day, and here I am when I've got the glam on.' As for her wedding prep, Dyer isn't overhauling her routine for fancy creams, but rather maintaining what's working. 'Now I don't really have to worry about my skin as much,' she says. 'It's nice not having to think about it too much.'
Cosmopolitan ME
08-05-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan ME
Btw, this thing you are def doing on the daily is messing up your skin
If you thought UV rays were your skin's biggest enemy, meet digital ageing, the slow, sneaky damage caused by all those midnight scrolls on social media. From the endless FYP doom scrolling to reading the popular # BookTok-approved books, you may not know that your skin is actually constantly exposed to blue light (aka HEV light). And while it won't burn you like the sun, it will however speed up major skin nightmares: the fine lines, dark spots, and collagen breakdown. Which is a big no-no in 2025. But, why exactly is blue light such a big deal? 'Unlike UVB, which burns the skin, blue light penetrates more deeply and may speed up premature ageing or worsen conditions like melasma,' says Dr Anna Protasova, Aesthetic General Practitioner at Evolution Clinic Dubai. And if you've got a darker skin tone, the risk is even higher! Blue light can trigger excess melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation (IFYKYK) which can be quite difficult to get rid of. If you've ever noticed a sudden dullness, maybe uneven tone, or random dark spots after a week of nonstop screen time, you're not delulu. Your screen time is showing, quite literally. Buttt! Before you go all panicky and throw out all your devices (which we know is simply impossible), there are ways to fight back. Keen to know? We sat down with Dr. Anna to help you get rid of your skin fears. Cosmo Me: How does blue light (HEV light) from screens impact the skin? Dr. Anna: Blue light from screens isn't as damaging as UV rays, but it can still contribute to skin ageing and can lead to inflammation, collagen breakdown, and pigmentation; especially in darker skin tones. Unlike UVB, which burns the skin, blue light penetrates more deeply and may speed up premature ageing or worsen conditions like melasma. While the exposure from screens is relatively low compared to sunlight, if you're concerned, using antioxidant-rich skincare, niacinamide, and sunscreens with iron oxides can help protect against blue light damage. Cosmo Me: Can digital devices cause premature ageing, pigmentation, or collagen breakdown? Dr. Anna: Sadly, yes. All that screen time can contribute to premature ageing, dark spots, and even break down your collagen. Studies show blue light can trigger your skin to produce too much melanin, especially if you have darker skin. It also creates free radicals that damage collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and dullness. It might not be as dramatic as sun damage but adds up over time. Cosmo Me: What are the most common signs of digital ageing? Dr. Anna: You might notice dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone, especially on your face. You could also develop melasma, which is made up of dark patches. And because blue light messes with your collagen, you might see more fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Puffy eyes and dark circles are another common sign, often made worse by disrupted sleep from late-night screen use. Cosmo Me: How does blue light exposure compare to UV damage in terms of ageing effects? Dr. Anna: UV rays are still the biggest culprit when it comes to ageing. UVB rays give you sunburn, while UVA rays go deeper and cause wrinkles. Blue light goes even deeper than UVA, causing oxidative stress, and leading to dark spots and inflammation. Sun damage is often more immediate, while blue light damage is more of a slow burn, accumulating over time. Cosmo Me: What ingredients should people look for in skincare to combat digital ageing? Dr. Anna: Look for products packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and resveratrol. These help neutralize those free radicals from blue light. Iron oxide, found in tinted sunscreens, is also great for blocking blue light. And don't forget hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin barrier strong, plus peptides to boost collagen. Cosmo Me: Does SPF protect against blue light, or do you need specific ingredients like antioxidants? Dr. Anna: Not really. Regular sunscreen is designed for UV rays. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer some protection, but tinted sunscreens with iron oxide are your best bet for blocking blue light. Antioxidants are also key for neutralizing those free radicals. Cosmo Me: Are blue-light-blocking screen protectors or glasses effective in preventing skin damage? Dr. Anna: They're more for eye strain and sleep than skin protection. While they might reduce the intensity of blue light, they don't completely prevent damage to your skin. Skincare with antioxidants and tinted SPF is still your *best* defense. Cosmo Me: How can people adjust their daily habits to protect their skin from digital ageing? Dr. Anna: Cutting down on screen time is ideal. Also, try using dark mode, lowering your screen brightness, and turning on blue light filters. Wear a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxide daily and use antioxidant-rich skincare in the morning. Take breaks from your screens, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Treatments like Heleo4 Skin Cellular Detox can also help repair damage and strengthen your skin. This advanced treatment is designed to counteract oxidative stress, boost cellular repair, and enhance the skin's resilience against environmental aggressors like blue light. It works by detoxifying skin cells, improving circulation, and supporting the skin's natural ability to repair itself, making it an excellent option for those exposed to screens for extended periods. The treatment also helps reduce dullness, inflammation, and fatigue caused by digital overexposure, leaving the skin refreshed and rejuvenated. Ahem, your make-up bag needs these new beauty products stat.
Medscape
07-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Hormonal IUDs Not Linked to Melasma Risk
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), unlike oral contraceptives, were not linked with an increased risk for melasma in women with menorrhagia, this study found. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from the TriNetX Research Network spanning 95 healthcare organizations from 2001 to 2024, identifying patients with menorrhagia aged 18-52 years who received hormonal contraceptives. Four cohorts included those using combined oral contraceptives (n = 34,286), progestin-only contraceptives (n = 11,831), or hormonal IUDs (n = 10,223), and control individuals who took no hormones. Melasma outcomes were assessed after propensity score matching adjusted for demographics, medications, and comorbidities. TAKEAWAY: Combined oral contraceptives significantly increased melasma risk at 1 year (risk ratio [RR], 2.46; 95% CI, 1.22-4.95), 3 years (RR, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.06-5.14), and 5 years (RR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.37-5.08). Progestin-only contraceptives significantly increased melasma risk at 3 years (RR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.10-4.84) and 5 years (RR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.07-4.03) but not at 1 year (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.42-2.41). Hormonal IUDs were not associated with the risk for melasma at 1 year (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.42-2.40), 3 years (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.47-1.72), or 5 years (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.50-1.56). IN PRACTICE: 'The lack of a significant association between hIUDs and melasma incidence suggests that IUDs may be a better option for women concerned about dyspigmentation,' the study authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Debby Cheng, BA, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and was published online on April 24 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . LIMITATIONS: Dose-response relationships were not evaluated. Additional limitations included treatment adherence and potential misclassification of conditions. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any funding. Two authors reported receiving honoraria and advisory fees from multiple companies, including AbbVie, Sun Pharma, Pfizer, Digital Diagnostics, Eli Lilly and Company, and Equillium.
