Latest news with #sunburn
Bloomberg
9 hours ago
- Health
- Bloomberg
How to Prevent Lip Cancer
Hi, it's Jade in New York, where I recently got a sunburn on my lip. More on what I should have done to prevent this in a moment, but first ... Most of us know to apply sunscreen when we're outdoors during the day. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends a generous application of sunscreen with at least SPF-15 when the UV Index reaches eight or above.
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Morning Update: Sunscreen skepticism goes viral
Good morning. The TikTok generation is trading sunblock for sunburns, using apps to optimize their summer glow — more on that below, along with the one-year anniversary of Jasper's wildfire and Ozzy Osbourne's musical legacy. But first: The kids are tanning again. They're frying themselves to a Paris Hilton Y2K crisp. They're speeding along the entire process with gels that are basically Vaseline and lotions that are literally beer. (The Cleveland Clinic actually stepped in to warn about the perils of 'beer tanning.') They're using apps with names like Rayz and Beam to track peak UV hours, so they can hustle outside and sharpen their tan lines by laying in the sun. Then they're showing off their handiwork on social media, where the hashtag 'tanlines' has appeared in more than 236 million TikTok posts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 70 per cent of Gen Z report actively tanning. Half of them say they returned with a burn, a number that ticks up to 57 per cent in Canada. And while the pursuit of a sun-baked complexion is at least a century old – back when Josephine Baker launched her own tanning oil and Coco Chanel said 'a golden tan is the index of chic' – this generation appears to be worryingly unaware of the risks. Maybe the beer tanning tipped you off: 28 per cent of 18- to 26-year-olds say they don't believe suntans cause skin cancer. And 68 per cent admit they often forgo sunscreen. Real quick: Scientists estimate that exposure to UV radiation is associated with 80 to 90 per cent of all skin cancers. That includes melanoma, which is its most fatal form. Sunscreen isn't a silver bullet – flat-out sun avoidance and sun-protective clothing are the best ways to keep your skin safe. Still, study after study after study have shown that regular sunscreen use reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. But that message doesn't tend to accompany those #tanlines Tiktoks. Timothy Caulfield, a professor of health law and science policy at the University of Alberta, told The Globe that what's playing out on social media instead is nothing short of an 'anti-sunscreen movement.' He chalks that up to the power of online influencers such as American podcaster Joe Rogan, who has floated the idea that sunscreen can damage the brain. (It can't.) Wellness bro Andrew Huberman said on his show that the chemicals in sunscreen may be endocrine disruptors. (They're not.) Trad-couple influencers Nara and Lucky Blue Smith whipped up their own sunscreen from coconut oil and shea butter. The process – which you really should not try at home – has been viewed on TikTok nearly 22 million times. To the most bullish sunscreen truthers, the sun is all-natural and SPF is synthetic, peddled by Big Pharma to keep you sick. It's an easy theory that fits tidily into the whole Make America Healthy Again movement, where measles are treated with cod liver oil, not vaccines, and milk is best when it's raw, not pasteurized, and bone marrow is a daily menu staple. Sometimes, MAHA worlds collide: A brand called Primally Pure is now hawking a sunscreen alternative made from beef tallow. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – who sports a serious bronze himself – posted last year that the war on sunshine (and anything else that 'can't be patented by Pharma') was about to end. It's all having an impact on young adults. The Orlando Health Cancer Institute found that 14 per cent of them felt it was more harmful to wear sunscreen every day than to go without. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z said getting a tan was more important than preventing skin cancer anyway. In his inaugural address last January, U.S. President Donald Trump – another tanning enthusiast – promised to usher in a new golden age. This might not exactly be the hue he was aiming for, but it's looking increasingly like the one he'll get. One year ago, a 50-metre-high wildfire overtook Jasper, displacing the entire town and destroying at least a third of its buildings. Read more here about the long road to recovery – and how residents are working to rebuild their community. At home: A cybersecurity breach at the $4-billion hedge fund manager Waratah, which handles money for wealthy Canadians, may have exposed names, social insurance numbers and account sizes. Abroad: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early for the summer to avoid a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. Music: Just weeks after playing the final Black Sabbath concert, heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. Sports: Canadian soccer phenom Olivia Smith is the first female player to fetch a £1-million transfer fee after signing with Arsenal of England's Women's Super League. Pop: It was a banner second quarter for Coca-Cola, which beat profit estimates and is about to put cane sugar back in its drinks.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Push for Islanders in Guernsey to protect ears in the sun
Islanders are being reminded to protect their ears in the sun by a local hearing expert, after seeing regular sun damage on her Chammings, hearing aid audiologist at Specsavers, said she sees "at least two or three [cases of sun damage on people's ears] a month".To prevent sunburn, the NHS recommends using sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) and applying it generously to all exposed skin, including the ears, before going outside. Ms Chammings said: "It's an area that even when you're putting it [sun cream] on yourself, quite often you forget the tops of your ears." Ms Chammings said ears tend to "stick out a bit" so are more susceptible to also recommended wearing a hat to shield ears in the of sun damaged ears include "peely skin, redness, soreness on the top part of your ear and anything that keeps coming back or is persistent", she part of her job, Ms Chammings explained she refers people to get their ears checked by their doctor regularly. "Quite a lot of our clients have little chunks missing where they literally have to cut [sun damage] out." This story is part of BBC Guernsey's Sun Safety Campaign.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- 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
CNET
21-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
5 Sun-Shielding Facial Products I'm Using All Summer
If you've never experienced a sunburn on your lips, consider yourself lucky. I'm prone to awful sunburns, so every time I step out of the house, I apply sunscreen. I never thought of applying it to my lips until I got a wicked burn there. For weeks afterward, my lips were chapped and peeling. Now I make sure to have my Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm on hand. It's SPF 30, helping not just to hydrate your lips, but also to protect them from harmful sun rays.
