Latest news with #skinCare
CNA
20 hours ago
- Health
- CNA
Are you showering in the right order? Here's a smarter way to do it to get better results
We know what you must be thinking: You've been showering for almost as long as you've lived – surely you already know how to go about it? Sure but what you might not be aware of is that there's a way to sequence the cleansing processes such that each is done more thoroughly and effectively. Have you ever considered which part of your body to give priority to, or have you never really given much thought to that? We use many different types of products in the shower, from shampoo to conditioner to body wash to facial cleanser as well as other personal hygiene products. Each product impacts the other, and therefore, also determines the effects of your shower routine. In order to get the most out of it, it's worthwhile to pay careful attention to each step of your cleansing ritual. GO FROM TOP TO TOE Why should you begin your shower by washing your hair? Water carrying the residue from your shampoo and conditioner is likely to run down your face when rinsing off – you don't want these remnants to be deposited on your face. Hair products that are formulated to treat your hair are not intended for the skin on the face. 'Residue from hair products like shampoos, conditioners can cause skin problems, especially for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. These products often contain silicones, oils and fragrances that can clog pores or irritate the skin if not thoroughly rinsed off,' said Dr Shirley Kwee, medical director of Cambridge Medical Group. The same is true when it comes to skin on the body, since water from rinsing your hair will also run down your body. 'The back and chest are areas where many individuals experience body acne or folliculitis, and residue from shampoo and conditioner can contribute to these concerns. Failing to cleanse thoroughly can lead to accumulation of this residue on the skin's surface over time, and result in breakouts or irritation,' added Dr Kwee. FACIAL CARE IN THE SHOWER Washing your face after you're done with your hair will ensure that these residues are removed thoroughly from the mien. If you wear makeup and are accustomed to using a cleansing oil or balm to take it off, it's perfectly fine to do so in the shower. Follow with a facial cleanser that's suited to your skin type – this will effectively remove any remaining dirt, sebum and rinse off product residue from hair-washing, and give your pores a deeper cleanse. When washing your face in the shower, it's a good idea to lower the temperature of the water. The hot water that may feel good on the body might be too harsh for your face, stripping facial skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry or irritated. 'Overly hot showers can aggravate skin inflammation for individuals with conditions like eczema, rosacea or acne. Using lukewarm or cold water in the shower is generally better for maintaining skin hydration and preventing flare-ups,' advised Dr Kwee. BODY CLEANSING, EXFOLIATING AND SHAVING Dry brushing should be done on dry skin, and before your shower, so that any skin debris sloughed off during brushing can be washed away. Follow up with body wash or gel to cleanse the body. On the other hand, physical exfoliation with granular body scrubs should be done after you are done with washing your body. Your soap or shower gel works to get rid of dirt on the skin's surface, leaving it clean and ready for exfoliation. Often, body scrubs are formulated to be lightly scented and emollient, and are therefore intended for use after washing. If you need to shave your legs, it's a good idea to do so post-shower. The hot water and steam can help open hair follicles and soften the hair, so as to allow you to get a smooth and close shave. This can also help prevent razor burn and bumps from developing post-shave. HOW TO DRY OFF PROPERLY Do you need to use different towels for different areas of the body? It isn't an absolute must. However, if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, consider using a separate towel for the face since it's possible that the products you use on your body may leave some residue on the body towel and you don't want to transfer any of that to the face. If you're accustomed to wrapping your long hair with a towel after a shower, try a water-wicking hair towel that can help your hair dry faster. DON'T FORGET POST-SHOWER CARE To keep skin supple and hydrated, apply body lotion right after a shower or bath. Skin needs hydration, no matter if you have normal or dry skin, because hot water, as mentioned above, can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously with your towel. The key is to leave your skin slightly damp – instead of completely dry – putting body lotion on damp skin, as opposed to dry skin, helps skin absorb the moisturising ingredients more effectively and locks in hydration. According to Dr Kwee, the skin has a higher water content on its surface when it is still a bit damp after showering. Moisturisers create a barrier over the skin that helps "trap" this surface moisture, preventing transepidermal water loss, which refers to moisture evaporating from the skin.
CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
Under $25 scores: AmazerBath Lotion Applicator
After spending all day under the sun testing the best beach wagons, I came home from the beach with an unusually warm and tingly back. Warm enough that at one point during the drive back, I thought the car seat heater was on. Peeling off my thin button-up shirt, which I sadly put on too late in the day, revealed my upper back sporting a rather nasty shade of tomato red. Whoops! I should have listened to that nagging inner voice and reapplied sunscreen to the hard-to-reach area, but I had forgotten the sunscreen spray at home and didn't want to ask any of my colleagues to slather sunscreen lotion on my back with their bare hands. Mine is a tale as old as time, or at least since people realized that, unless one is particularly limber, sunscreen application couldn't possibly be a wholly solitary endeavor — even to those without mobility issues. Luckily, through the mercy of the solar deities, I found a solution that'll give me full back UV protection without relying on the kindness of strangers or risking the wrath of irritated loved ones. The $12 AmazerBath Lotion Applicator ensures that no part of your skin is left behind, at least when it comes to sun protection (or preventing ashy, dry skin in the winter). AmazerBath Lotion Applicator Never get sunburns or ask a stranger to put sunscreen on your back again. This budget applicator is the best one I've tested, and it helped me survive two weeks in the tropics. Scouring the internet (more specifically, YouTube) for a solution as I iced and aloe-d my increasingly stinging back, I watched content creator videos offering different techniques — including a questionable one that involves cling wrap — before settling on a roller applicator that one blogger said was among the best out there. Plot twist: it wasn't. Just the opposite. It cost me $25 and gave me bupkis. Luckily, Amazon's algorithm is pretty good at suggesting similar products, and the AmazerBath Lotion Applicator was at the top of my search results, sporting a 4.5-star rating and over 7,000 reviews. The rest is history. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: the AmazerBath Lotion Applicator takes some practice to use effectively. Maybe it's just me, or maybe I don't have as good hand-eye coordination as I thought, but it felt a little weird using an applicator to slather sunscreen on my back. My first few attempts were spoiled by uneven distribution and a few missed spots. However, with practice, I finally figured out the best way to use the tool to my full advantage, even when there's no mirror to guide me (which is important when I'm communing with nature and don't have access to a full bathroom). Pro tip: There's no shame in using both hands. Luckily, the AmazerBath Lotion Applicator has a long curved handle, a rubber hand grip and four bigger-than-my-palm washable pads, all of which make it more effective than the roller option that influencer made me buy, especially for hard-to-reach areas. Rival applicators use a more porous foam, but AmazerBath uses a denser one to ensure that most of the sunscreen gets absorbed by your skin (not by the pad). This is especially important to me because I'm in the sun a lot, and sunscreen isn't cheap. Like others, however, this pad seems to work better with lotions and creams than spray mists. This sunscreen applicator is also lightweight and travel-friendly. I brought it with me on my two-week beach holiday in the Philippines, and I barely noticed it in my carry-on or backpack when I was out on day trips. The handle sticks out, yes, but it's thin enough that it isn't a nuisance. For an under-$25 score, you're getting four washable and reusable applicator pads, which should last you a while. I've been using mine for a month now, and I'm still on my first pad. At the very least, those will last you through the sunny months. And when you've run out, you can simply purchase the six-pack of replacement pads for around only $16. Will the wooden handle last a while? Mine has been through more than its share of abuse, including getting stuffed in checked luggage, snagged by the roof of tuktuks, splashed with salty sea water and lots of sun exposure, and it still looks almost new. I'd say it'll last you long after you've gotten your money's worth. The AmazerBath Lotion Applicator is a vital addition to your skin care arsenal, especially if you want to avoid sun damage this summer. Seriously, it'll change your life. As for me, I'm happy to report that my back has fully recovered, and I've been burn-free since. The following FAQs have been answered by MDCS Dermatology dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. Do sunscreen applicators work? Do sunscreen applicators work? The central upper back, according to Camp, 'is an area that is out of reach for most individuals. Inadequate sunscreen application to this or other areas can increase the risk of a sunburn.' That's where a sunscreen applicator like the AmazerBath Lotion Applicator can be useful. 'Sunscreen applicators are similar to other lotion 'wands' in that they facilitate the application of lotions, creams or sunscreens to areas that are difficult to reach without the assistance of another person,' said Camp. What is the easiest way to apply sunscreen to your back? What is the easiest way to apply sunscreen to your back? While sunscreen applicators come in handy, Camp insisted that the best way is still the traditional way. 'The best way to ensure complete coverage of sunscreen on your back is to ask another person to apply it,' he said. 'Make sure the sunscreen is rubbed in completely to avoid streaks of uneven application.' Do you still have to rub in spray sunscreen? Do you still have to rub in spray sunscreen? Many people like the convenience of spray sunscreens because they think they can just spray sunscreen all over their skin and they're done. However, they're still risking burns by stopping there. 'Spray sunscreen should be rubbed into the skin to ensure complete and even coverage,' according to Camp. '[It] should not be sprayed directly on the face. It is recommended to use a lotion or stick sunscreen on the face; if spray sunscreen is the only type available, spray some into your palms and then apply it to your face.' For this article, I consulted the following expert to gain his professional insights on proper sunscreen application. Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy boasts years of experience covering lifestyle products and writing product reviews. She recently tested and reviewed several beach gear and summer products, writing several of our guides, including the best beach wagons, the best beach umbrellas and the best beach towels. While testing this sunscreen applicator, she was also testing beach chairs, sunscreens and several travel accessories.
Vogue
03-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Sage + Sound
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? Uptown has a reputation for stuffiness (let's be generous and call it an old-school vibe), but Sage + Sound brings decidedly new energy to its zip code. An airy retreat on an otherwise nondescript stretch of Third Avenue, the spa boasts both a delightfully woo-woo menu of services and an expertly trained staff that seems to have relaxation down to a science. Treatment rooms are spacious and kept at womb-like temperatures. A small retail area has a curated selection of every status skin-care and hair product you've been tempted to spend a small fortune on. And nontoxic nail salon Sundays maintains a connected storefront for manicures and pedicures. There are nice spas with small menus of snacks to nibble on after massages. And then there's Sage + Sound, where the Isle of Us marketplace and café is so good that I would go back just to eat lunch. If I could have the salmon rice bowl every day, I would. Photo: Courtesy of Sage + Sound What's the vibe? A mystical members' club, with no actual membership required. The clinical warmth of an upscale therapist's office, coupled with the chi-chi quiet opulence of a tasteful boutique. This isn't just about unwinding; it's a place for spiritual transformation. In addition to its extensive treatment offerings, Sage + Sound also programs a full curriculum of classes, experiences, and workshops in a zone that cofounders Lacey Tisch and Lauren Zucker call 'the study.' There's meditation for calm, a 'clearing ritual' that's designed to 'rejuvenate energy fields,' and breathwork and fascia release sessions for clarity and balance. Nonbelievers can get an absurdly luxurious massage and call it a day. But those with goop-ier tendencies will feel especially catered to, and Tisch and Zucker confirm that friendships have formed in their workshops. When Sage + Sound was under construction, Tisch and Zucker buried crystals beneath the floorboards. Photo: Courtesy of Sage + Sound The history? Tisch and Zucker founded Sage + Sound in 2022 to offer a holistic approach to a crowded field, bringing massage therapists, facialists, life coaches, and all manner of expert practitioners under one roof. Whatever your definition of wellness, they want to satisfy it. 'We wanted to create a space where our ideas about wellness and other people's ideas of wellness could be honored in a way that is also elevated,' Tisch says. 'Especially after the pandemic, we knew people were looking for a space where they could socialize and be back in community.' Photo: Courtesy of Sage + Sound What should you try? The standards are all hits here. Facials use an exquisite sequence of Biologique Recherche products and high-tech devices (seek out the Platinum Facial to pull out all the stops). Deep-tissue massages are performed with true-to-their-name muscle. But branch out and be rewarded. Experiencing Thai massage—performed while you're fully clothed and utilizing stretching, pulling, and pressing motions—is like the most intense yoga class you've ever been to. Lymphatic drainage massages are chased with a session in a solo sauna for maximum healing and release. How environmentally friendly is it? You know a place that offers hypnotherapy is not trading in single-use plastic. The spa was constructed with eco-friendly building materials, and the cafe is stocked with compostable utensils. Photo: Courtesy of Sage + Sound What else do we need to know? Thoughtful touches abound. At Sundays, the nail studio, towels are heated and basins are movable, so they can be thoroughly and squeakily cleaned. Instead of having you slide beneath a thin sheet for your facial, Sage + Sound performs it while you're wrapped in a cloud-like duvet. It was so luxe and fluffy that it made me seriously reconsider my bedding at home. Good news for the tristate area: Tisch and Zucker are expanding to Connecticut. Who can go? Anyone and everyone. Bring your most psychically attuned friend—and an open mind. Booking details for Sage + Sound Address: 1481 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 Read more from Vogue's Global Spa Guide.
Medical News Today
13-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Care packages for breast cancer patients: Ideas and tips
Care packages for breast cancer patients can include a wide range of items, from skin care to meal services. Thinking about the recipient's needs, likes, and dislikes can help with putting one together. Making a care package can be a way to both let the person with breast cancer know they are cared for and to give them gifts that may be useful for the journey ahead. Read on to learn more about how to make a care package, plus a list of ideas for what to include. TheIt can help to have a plan to guide the process of creating a care package. For example, a person may want to: think about the person's personality think about items they already have, or the things they might need determine how and when they will give the care package set a budget It is also worth considering the timing of the care package. If a person has just gotten their diagnosis, they may not feel ready for gifts or visitors yet. In other cases, people find comfort in gifts or visitors right away. Be considerate of their feelings and follow their lead. If a person is ever unsure how to support someone with cancer, asking what they need or want is a good starting point. » Learn more: Coping with a cancer diagnosis Some cancer treatments can make the skin dry, sore, or irritated. Because of this, many pre-assembled cancer care packages include skin care products, such as: hand cream moisturizer lip balm When choosing skin care products, it is best to look for gentle products suitable for sensitive skin. This is because a person undergoing cancer treatment may need to avoid certain ingredients, such as fragrance and essential oils, that cause skin reactions. Strong smells may also trigger or worsen nausea for some. Other products that may be beneficial include: cleansing wipes, to make cleaning the skin easier when fatigued or after surgery bath salts, such as Epsom salts, to ease aches and pains skin massagers or cooling rollers, which may soothe sore skin » Read more: Caring for the skin during chemotherapy Many cancer care packages include accessories that help people stay warm or that feel comforting. Some examples include: slide-on slippers a warm hat soft blankets cosy socks While socks are a popular addition to many care packages, it is worth noting that they can have some drawbacks. For example, it can be more difficult to pull socks on than slippers after surgery. Other useful items could include: microwaveable heat pads or wheat pillows a postsurgery seatbelt protector, to stop seatbelts from hurting surgical wounds or scars a silk hair wrap or pillowcase, which can be soft on a sensitive scalp People who have mastectomies may need to avoid using heat pads, especially around the chest area. The skin there may have less sensation, so using a heat pad could result in burns. People can have different responses to breast cancer, especially when it comes to appetite. Cancer and its treatment may cause: a loss of appetite a change in a person's sense of taste or smell a dry mouth mouth sores nausea or vomiting fatigue, pain, or other symptoms that make eating and drinking more challenging Some ideas for food items that may help with this include: ginger chews or gummies, for nausea sugar-free gum or candies, which may help with dry mouth or unpleasant tastes with dry mouth or unpleasant tastes a large water bottle, ideally with a straw, that a person can easily drink from a person's favorite condiments or seasonings, to add flavor to food a person's favorite snacks Chemotherapy infusions and other cancer treatments can involve periods of time in hospital. As a result, many appreciate being able to find distractions or ways of passing the time. books or magazines they would enjoy audiobooks, which can be easier for some people to focus on, particularly if they have fatigue long charging cables, so a person can charge their devices from a hospital bed or chair noise-cancelling headphones, so they can be immersed in movies, TV shows, or music supplies for their favorite hobbies, such as knitting or journaling Another gift can simply be time spent with loved ones. Social connection and having fun can significantly boost a person's mental health and are just as important during treatment as ever. To include quality time in a care package, people could add: a box or jar of easy date night ideas invitations to game nights, dinners, or other events tickets to movies or shows For events with set dates, try to make them as flexible or low-pressure as possible, so that the person does not need to worry about whether they will be well enough to go. For example, a person could check the refund policy before purchasing tickets or use cancellation insurance. During treatment and recovery, people with breast cancer may appreciate gift cards or services that can take care of tasks they find difficult, such as: meal delivery services dog walking or pet sitting services cleaning services taxi or transport services Gift cards for relaxing treatments or experiences, such as massages or spa trips, could also be welcome. Alternatively, people can offer their own practical support, enlisting the help of friends or relatives. For example, a person could print or draw their own coupons for babysitting services during chemotherapy treatments. When offering help, it is best to make the offer specific. Outline a time and place so that a person knows when to expect it, and does not have to do the planning themselves. Some items are not suitable for people with cancer, such as: Flowers or plants : Some hospitals do not allow flowers or plants on wards, as they can harbor germs or fungal spores. This can be risky for people with compromised immune systems. : Some hospitals do not allow flowers or plants on wards, as they can harbor germs or fungal spores. This can be risky for people with compromised immune systems. Raw or unpasteurized foods : Similarly, some raw foods can also carry germs on their surface, such as fruit. Grapefruits and Seville oranges can also interfere with how the body breaks down medications. : Similarly, some raw foods can also carry germs on their surface, such as fruit. Grapefruits and Seville oranges can also interfere with how the body breaks down medications. Herbal remedies : Do not give herbal medicines to people undergoing cancer treatment. : Do not give herbal medicines to people undergoing cancer treatment. Strong fragrances: Products with strong fragrances, such as candles, skin care products, or bath products, may not be ideal for people with nausea or changes in their sense of smell. If a person feels unsure about putting together their own care package, the National Breast Cancer Foundation sends free HOPE kits on request that contain gifts that patients have said they found comforting. People can donate or sponsor a kit, or request one for a loved one. Breast cancer care packages can be as unique as each individual. What each person wants or finds useful can vary depending on their preferences, the specific treatments they are undergoing, and how it affects them. Some popular items people give in their care packages include warm and soft clothing, skin and bath products, tasty snacks, and anti-nausea products. Practical support and gift cards for services that make life easier can also be welcome gifts for those undergoing treatment. Breast Cancer Cancer / Oncology Women's Health / Gynecology
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.
