Latest news with #skinhealth
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
15 Expert-Backed Tips to Soothe Sunburn and Reduce Redness Fast
Sunburn happens when your skin absorbs more UV radiation than it can handle, leading to inflammation and DNA damage. 'Think of it like your skin's version of a smoke alarm going off. Your body floods the area with blood to repair the damage, which causes the redness, pain, and swelling,' says Mona A. Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. 'You can't get rid of sunburn overnight because sunburn is a biological injury. The inflammation, DNA repair, and healing take time. Thinner, more exposed skin—like your face, lips, ears, eyelids, chest, shoulders, and shins—burn faster, while healing tends to be slower on areas with high friction, like shoulders under straps, or less blood flow, such as the lower legs.' Even if symptoms improve with treatment, your skin still needs several days to recover at the cellular level. 'Most sunburn reaches its peak about six to 24 hours after sun exposure, and can last anywhere from one to seven days depending on the severity of sunburn,' says Gabriella Vasile, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Addressing issues quickly will hasten your skin's recovery. Ahead, you'll find 15 ways to care for a sunburn so you can get on with your life. 1. Reach for a Cool Compress A compress will absorb some of the heat from your skin, constrict blood vessels, and reduce swelling and inflammation. Dr. Gohara suggests using a damp, chilled cloth soaked in ice water—not direct ice—to avoid cold burns. 'A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel works too. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day,' she notes. 'Never apply a compress or ice directly to damaged skin," Dr. Vasile adds. "Always use a cloth as a protective barrier to avoid burning yourself further." 2. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever 'Ibuprofen is ideal—it fights both pain and inflammation,' says Dr. Gohara. 'Follow label dosing, usually 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.' 3. Apply Hydrocortisone A 1% hydrocortisone cream can help reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. 'Spread a thin layer to the burned area one to two times daily for a few days. Don't overdo it and avoid broken skin or blistered areas,' says Dr. Gohara. 'I often recommend my patients apply a thin layer of topical steroid cream to superficial sunburns,' Dr. Vasile says. 4. Apply Tea or Yogurt Research indicates that tannic acid in green and black tea may help pull heat from a sunburn, while tea's catechins (flavonoids known for their antioxidant properties) can help repair skin damage. 'Tea is an anti-inflammatory and can reduce redness and swelling," Dr. Vasile says. "It is also packed with antioxidants which can protect the skin and promote wound healing." 'Brew several tea bags in hot water, let cool completely, then soak a cloth and apply it to the sunburned area. You can chill the tea in the fridge first for added relief." 'Cold yogurt is my go-to food,' says Dr. Gohara. 'Proteins in the yogurt help to promote wound healing.' 5. Squeeze on Aloe 'Aloe is nature's after-sun salve,' Dr. Gohara notes. 'If using the plant, cut a leaf, scoop out the gel, and apply a thin layer to the skin. For bottled versions, look for alcohol-free gels with a short ingredient list. Coola's Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion is a great option—it combines soothing aloe with skin-calming botanicals.' 'For extra cooling, store it in the fridge,' Dr. Vasile says. 6. Slather on Moisturizer A light lotion or gel is best for sunburned skin. Opt for a fragrance-free, soothing lotion or gel with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. 'Chilled in the fridge, a barrier-repair cream with glycerin can offer relief,' says Dr. Gohara, who suggests skipping thick ointments that may trap heat or clog pores. Peeling is dead skin, the cells that were casualties of the intense UV light. Avoid picking, which can delay healing and cause scarring. When peeling starts, 'Hydrate like it's your job," Dr. Gohara says. "Use a gentle moisturizer or aloe-based lotion multiple times a day." 7. Don't Peel Skin or Pop Blisters Peeling and flaking is often part of the repair process. It's dead skin cells that were casualties of the intense UV light, and usually begins a few days after the burn. 'Don't peel or pop anything,' warns Dr. Gohara. 'Let the skin shed naturally." Instead, 'hydrate like it's your job," Dr. Gohara says. "Use a gentle moisturizer or aloe-based lotion multiple times a day." "If a blister pops on its own, gently clean it with a non-soap cleanser and water," adds Dr. Gohara, "and apply a sterile, no-stick dressing or bandage.' 8. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths Hot showers can exacerbate sunburn symptoms. 'Hot water dilates blood vessels and can worsen inflammation and discomfort,' Dr. Gohara says. 'Stick to cool or lukewarm showers and gently pat your skin dry.' 9. Soak in Oatmeal Colloidal oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and soothing, and research shows it can help tamp down inflammation and reduce itching. 'Grind plain oats into a fine powder and dissolve them in a cool bath," suggests Dr. Gohara. "Soak for 15 to 20 minutes without rubbing or toweling harshly afterward." 10. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing Wear flowy, breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent friction and allow the skin to breathe. 'You can also sleep in a cool room to minimize sweating and irritation,' Dr. Gohara says. 11. Elevate Your Legs Elevation helps reduce swelling by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. 'This can be beneficial if the sunburn is on your lower extremities, as it promotes fluid and blood going back to your heart,' says Dr. Vasile. 12. Avoid Harsh Soaps 'Abrasive cleansers can strip your skin's protective barrier and worsen irritation,' says Dr. Gohara. 'Use a non-soap, pH-neutral cleanser, and don't rub the skin dry. Gently pat the affected area with a soft towel," Dr. Vasile adds, 'I would stick with a gentle, fragrance-free soap or body wash. Avoid harsh rubbing or any type of exfoliation.' 13. Drink Lots of Fluids Sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking fluids and staying hydrated are important to prevent dehydration. 'Think water, herbal tea, or electrolyte-rich fluids,' notes Dr. Gohara. 'Or even hydrating fruits such as watermelon and cucumber.' 'You often get inflammation and swelling in the skin layers after a sunburn," Dr. Vasile says, "so drinking water, electrolyte drinks, or even eating fruit can be helpful to combat this." 14. Seek Medical Attention If you have fever, chills, confusion, fainting, severe pain, extensive blistering, or signs of infection—like pus—seek care. 'These could indicate sun poisoning or dehydration and require medical intervention,' says Dr. Gohara. 15. Protect Your Skin Exposing your skin to more sun while it's already burnt will lead to further cell damage in the skin and slower healing. 'If you do get a burn, it is important to practice sun avoidance at all costs,' says Dr. Vasile. Every time you get a sunburn, you're accumulating DNA damage. Your skin cells become less functional, and their ability to repair themselves diminishes. Sometimes, one of these dysfunctional cells multiplies and produces other dysfunctional counterparts, which can lead to skin cancer. 'Prevention is always the best approach,' Dr. Gohara says. 'One blistering sunburn or five regular sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer. Unprotected sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, more common than lung, colon, prostate, and breast cancers combined.' Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, that you love and reapply it every two hours. (At InStyle, our fave sunscreens include Isdin's Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen and Clearstem' You Are Sunshine SPF 50+ Sunscreen.) Don't forget the ears, tops of feet, and scalp. Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 'Reapplication is just as important as the first swipe of SPF,' Dr. Gohara says. Read the original article on InStyle
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From soy sauce to science: Remission Biotech joins NextShark Ventures to advance cancer research
[Source] NextShark Ventures is proud to welcome Remission Biotech as the latest addition to its portfolio of companies redefining the future of wellness and culturally rooted innovation. Remission Biotech is a nature-first biotechnology company dedicated to skin health and next-generation research into fungal-based wellness and cancer science. Founded by Ken Koh, third-generation leader of the iconic Nanyang Sauce, Remission Biotech continues a legacy of time-honored fermentation expertise passed down since 1959. Koh's work in fermentation first gained international attention when studies revealed that Nanyang Sauce's naturally brewed soy sauce contained significant antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Inspired by this discovery, Koh launched KITKOJI, a fermented skincare brand whose name combines 'koji' (the traditional fermentation mold) with 'Kit,' his daughter's name. Kitkoji quickly built a loyal following across Asia for its gentle, microbiome-friendly products. Trending on NextShark: But what began as skincare soon revealed a far greater potential. In 2023, a customer in Australia contacted Koh with an unexpected message: after using Kitkoji's products, the melanoma spots on his skin had disappeared. Taken aback, Koh saw this as more than a coincidence — it was a call to investigate further. Motivated by the possibility of scientific merit, he approached the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to explore what might be happening on a cellular level. This moment would set Kitkoji and Koh on a bold new path: cancer research. Trending on NextShark: 'Our past started in the kitchen, but the future is taking us to the frontiers of cancer research,' said Ken Koh, CEO of Remission Biotech and KITKOJI. 'At Remission Biotech, we've always believed that Mother Nature holds answers to questions we've barely begun to understand. This collaboration with NextShark Ventures gives us the platform to share our research and purpose with a broader global audience—while staying true to our roots in heritage fermentation and holistic wellness. Together, we are bridging heritage and healing.' In May 2022, KITKOJI signed a formal research collaboration agreement with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to explore the use of fungal metabolites—bioactive molecules produced during fermentation—for cancer therapy development. The agreement is conducted through the Cancer Discovery Hub at NCCS. Early lab tests showed that KITKOJI's proprietary extract, 'Extract K,' exhibited promising anti-cancer effects against 25 different cancers, including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, and blood cancers. The extract also demonstrated efficacy in xenograft models and led to the identification of novel compounds potentially responsible for tumor cell death. Trending on NextShark: 'I never imagined soy sauce would lead me here,' said Koh. 'Whether in food or wellness, I've always believed nature knows best. This research is still in early stages, but the potential is beyond what we ever envisioned.' The joint research focuses on the cancer mycobiome—the fungal ecosystem within and around tumors. By exploring how fungal-derived compounds influence cancer progression, the goal is to identify lead compounds that could form the basis of future treatments. 'These findings not only validate the anti-proliferative potential of Extract K but also highlight the immense opportunity within fungal metabolites as a new class of cancer therapeutics,' said Koh. 'This collaboration exemplifies Singapore's growing capabilities in biomedical innovation, combining KITKOJI's expertise in fungal fermentation with NCCS's world-class cancer research.' Trending on NextShark: The project, jointly funded by KITKOJI and NCCS, is scheduled to run for 12 months. If successful, it could lead to clinical trials and contribute significantly to global cancer treatment options. 'We are pleased to extend our partnership with KITKOJI and hope to bring innovative new therapies to patients with cancer,' said Asst Prof Jason Chan, Director at the Cancer Discovery Hub at NCCS. 'This extended collaboration reflects our shared vision to translate scientific discovery into tangible clinical outcomes.' Remission Biotech was born out of this ongoing mission for cancer therapeutic discovery from mycobiota fermentation. Trending on NextShark: Its first product is the world's first spray-on herbal remedy formula designed for sensitive and sun-exposed skin. The product is gaining traction across Asia and globally for its gentle, non-invasive approach rooted in microbiome harmony. 'We're not here to overpromise—we're here to explore,' said Koh. 'Remission is about staying curious and grounded in what nature might still teach us.' For NextShark Ventures, Remission Biotech reflects its core mission: supporting founder-led, culturally driven companies that bridge tradition with innovation. From soy sauce to biotech, and skincare to oncology, Remission Biotech is a rare example of authentic heritage unlocking global scientific impact. 'This partnership is deeply personal for me,' said Benny Luo, Founder and CEO of NextShark. 'I lost my grandmother to cancer in 2021, and I haven't been the same since. I've watched too many friends and loved ones confront this disease head-on. Supporting Remission Biotech isn't just a business decision—it's a commitment to exploring the kinds of healing we need more of in this world. I believe in what Ken is building, and I'm proud to stand behind a vision that bridges tradition, science, and hope.' Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Khaleej Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
What are the health benefits of moderate sun exposure?
Q: I've heard two conflicting things about sun exposure — that you should avoid it and that it's good for you. What should I believe? A: For decades, many doctors have said that less is more when it comes to sun exposure. Ultraviolet light from the sun can age the skin and cause skin cancer, and people can get vitamin D from food or supplements instead. But in recent years, some scientists have questioned this thinking after research suggested that moderate sun exposure may, at least in certain contexts, have some benefits. And that vitamin D supplements may not always be a good substitute. 'The 'never go outside without S.P.F. 50' approach treated sun exposure as if it were universally harmful,' said Dr Lucy McBride, an internal medicine physician in Washington, D.C. But 'moderate, thoughtful sun exposure,' in accordance with your risk factors, she added, 'may offer benefits we're still discovering'. Sunshine has a bright side It's undeniable that the sun's rays can damage your skin in ways that result in premature skin ageing and cancer, said Dr Elizabeth Ko, an internal medicine physician at UCLA Health who has written about the health effects of sun exposure. But researchers have also identified a handful of potential, if limited, associations between sun exposure and health benefits. Research has found that spending more time in the sun is associated with lower blood pressure. Blood pressure tends to be higher in the winter than in the summer, said Dr Richard Weller, a dermatologist and researcher at the University of Edinburgh, and heart problems are more common then, too. One study found that people who reported more sunlight exposure were less likely to develop heart failure. Researchers aren't sure why sunlight might improve heart health, but they do know that it causes the skin to release a gas called nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure, Dr Weller said. Some researchers have wondered if that could result in a longer life. In a 2014 study that followed nearly 30,000 Swedish women for 20 years, scientists found that those who avoided the sun were twice as likely to die during that time period as those most exposed to sunlight — even though the sun-seeking women were more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Sunlight may also help support the immune system by controlling inflammation and immune cells. In one small study of 11 multiple sclerosis patients, researchers found that ultraviolet B light activated certain immune cells that calmed inflammation and eased symptoms. Other research has shown that UV light exposure can improve symptoms in people with eczema, psoriasis and other immune-related conditions, Dr. McBride said. Basking in the sun could also make you happier, Dr Ko added. Some studies suggest that exposure to UV light can increase blood levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood. Of course, it's hard to to tell if the sunlight itself is responsible for these health benefits, Dr McBride said. People who are exposed to a lot of sunlight may also engage in more physical activity and spend more time in nature than other people do, she said, all of which may independently boost mood and physical health. It may not (just) be the vitamin D A well-known benefit of sun exposure is that it triggers the body to produce vitamin D, which helps to build and maintain bones. Past observational research has linked low levels of vitamin D with increased risks of certain conditions like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Would ingesting vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements reduce the risk of these conditions, eliminating the need for potentially harmful sun exposure? Large clinical trials over the past several years have not confirmed this, Dr Weller said. In a 2019 clinical trial, researchers concluded that taking vitamin D supplements did not reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes in about 2,400 adults who had risk factors for the condition. And a 2020 trial of about 26,000 adults in the United States found that vitamin D supplements did not reduce the risk of developing cancer or cardiovascular problems, nor did it reduce the overall risk of death over the study period, which averaged about five years. These studies, along with those showing the immune and blood pressure benefits of sunshine, suggest that sunlight may benefit us beyond just vitamin D production, Dr McBride said. Don't ditch your sunscreen The research on sunshine's potential benefits is still quite limited, so it's hard to know how to interpret or apply it, or how to square it with the risks for skin cancer, Dr McBride said. And you shouldn't stop using sun protection altogether, she said. Dr Ko recommended avoiding direct sun exposure between 10am and 2pm, 'when the rays are the brightest and strongest'. If you can't do that, wear sunscreen or other protection such as wide-brimmed hats or sun-protective clothing. Ultimately, it may make sense to consider sunlight's potential benefits along with its harms, Dr McBride said. 'Skin cancer remains a serious threat,' she said. 'But it is about moving beyond fear-based, one-size-fits-all messaging.'
Vogue
10-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
14 Beta-Carotene-Rich Foods for Glowing Skin and Eyes
When temperatures rise, all we want to eat are light, fresh foods. Luckily, many of those foods—like raw fruits and veggies—are hydrating, detoxifying, and delicious. The best of them contain beta-carotene, which has the added bonus of benefiting the skin. Carrot salad, anyone? 'Numerous studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and specific minerals can prevent premature aging of the skin, improve its luminosity and texture, and reduce the appearance of inflammatory diseases,' explains nutritionist Carmen Mera. 'Amongst the most relevant nutrients is beta-carotene.' What is beta-carotene? Beta-carotene is the naturally-occurring, orange-yellow pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. As the name suggests, it is a type of carotenoid, which is a type of antioxidant. Beta-carotene is responsible for the intense warm hues of many fruits and vegetables. Think: carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and red bell peppers. According to Mera, the nutrient stands out for 'acting as a precursor of vitamin A.' When consumed, your body converts beta-carotene into retinol, essential for eye health, the immune system, mucous membranes, and cell reproduction and development. And, as we all know, retinol is incredibly beneficial to the skin. This is because beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage cells that cause inflammation. Beta-carotene prevents oxidative cell damage and supports the skin's photoprotective properties to slow aging. 'The regular consumption of beta-carotene contributes to preventing sunburn, dryness, and the formation of wrinkles,' adds Mera. Foods high in beta-carotene It's easy to spot fruits and veggies that contain beta-carotene: They often have orange or red flesh or skin. But don't let color limit your options; leafy green vegetables also contain large amounts of beta-carotene. The usual tell-tale orange pigment is just camouflaged by the dark green color of chlorophyll. Carrot Sweet potato Pumpkin Mango Apricot Tomato Papaya Cantaloupe Persimmon Spinach Swiss chard Broccoli Kale Oranges How to improve the absorption of beta-carotene? Beta-carotene is fat-soluble and is thus better absorbed when fat is present, so to make the most of the beta-carotene you consume, eat it with healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and eggs. This is important: If there is no fat in the diet, your body cannot absorb carotenoids, including beta-carotene.
Medscape
10-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Ichthyosis Score Reliable in Skin of Color
TOPLINE: In a cross-sectional study, the Ichthyosis Scoring System (ISS) demonstrated equal reliability in assessing scale and erythema severity across all skin types, with excellent interrater reliability for both light and dark skin tones. METHODOLOGY: To address the reliability of the ISS in individuals with skin of color, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that involved 14 dermatologists rating 94 photographs from 61 individuals from the National Registry for Ichthyosis and Related Disorders between August and December 2023. Of the 94 photographs, 47 were of individuals with Fitzpatrick I-III skin types (57% Women; 89% White, 6% Hispanic, and 3% South Asian individuals) and 47 were of individuals with Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types (46% Women; 62% Black, 15% Hispanic, and 15% South Asian individuals). Dermatologists used the ISS to score photographs from the upper back, legs, upper arm, and dorsal feet for scale and erythema severity. TAKEAWAY: The mean scale score was 2.49 for individuals with Fitzpatrick I-III skin types and 2.50 for those with Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types (P < .86). The mean erythema scores were 1.94 and 1.88 in the two groups, respectively (P < .32). ISS scale scoring showed excellent interrater reliability (0.97-0.99) in both skin type groups. Erythema scoring demonstrated good to excellent reliability in III-IV skin types (0.90-0.94) and excellent reliability in I-III skin types (0.91-0.95). Overlapping CIs confirmed consistency between skin types. IN PRACTICE: 'This study supports the ISS as a reliable scoring instrument for ichthyosis severity across phototypes, providing a foundation for increasing diversity in clinical trials,' the study authors wrote. 'ISS's accessibility, ease of use, broad applicability, and robust reliability underscore its role as the standard ichthyosis severity scoring tool,' they added. 'The development and validation of tools like the Ichthyosis Scoring System, and ensuring that it is applicable to measure clinical outcomes in patients of all skin tones, is an essential step in providing equitable clinical care to all patients,' a JAMA Dermatology editorial fellow and associate editor wrote in an accompanying commentary. SOURCE: This study was led by Angela J. Luo, BA, Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, and was published online on July 9 in JAMA Dermatology. LIMITATIONS: Due to limited availability of comprehensive, high-quality photography among individuals with Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types, researchers could only validate the ISS across four body sites: upper back, legs, upper arm, and dorsal feet. The authors noted that additional studies using full-body photographs would be beneficial to further validate the ISS's reliability for assessing global ichthyosis severity. Objective erythema measurements were not used. DISCLOSURES: Luo was funded by the Richard K. Gershon Endowed Medical Student Research Fellowship and the Yale School of Medicine Fellowship for Medical Student Research. Several authors reported receiving personal fees, advisory fees, grants, and other support from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Janssen, Sanofi, and various other drug companies. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
