Latest news with #UV
The Star
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
It's not just about that tan
Staying safe outdoors: People using umbrellas and wearing face masks at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, around 3.30pm due to the unexpected weather situation. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Prolonged exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to severe health effects, including damage to the skin and eyes, organ damage and long-term health issues, according to health experts. Healthcare expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said while the haze situation can actually reduce UV radiation, the public still needs to take steps to protect themselves from UV rays. 'Extreme prolonged and intense doses of UV rays may even cause organ damage. 'These include melanoma, skin cancer, basal-cell cancer (skin cancer), cataracts of the eyes, photokeratitis, pterygium (red, fleshy growth in inner eyes), eye macular degeneration, immunosuppression and premature skin ageing,' she said when contacted yesterday. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionising radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sharifa Ezat said certain groups of people are more at risk against UV rays, including children, outdoor workers, fair-skinned people and those with pre-existing moles that might turn malignant, as well as those with a history of skin cancer. 'Protective strategies include using sunscreen, limiting time outdoors, seeking shaded cool areas, wearing protective equipment (such as umbrellas, hats and long-sleeved clothes), using sunglasses and avoiding getting artificial tanning devices (sunbeds),' she said. According to her, the most common types of skin cancer in the country are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). 'WHO has come up with an index, which is the Global Solar UV Index (UVI) that indicates the potential of skin damage,' she said, adding that it can be helpful to know how harmful UV radiation can be on a given day. WHO had taken steps to reduce the burden of disease resulting from exposure to UVR. The Global Solar UV Index (UVI), an information tool that describes the level of solar UVR at the Earth's surface, was developed by WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (Icnirp). The UVI serves as an indicator of the potential for skin damage. It alerts people about the need to adopt protective measures when exposed to UVR. The higher the UVI value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. Sun protection measures should be used when the UVI reaches three or above. Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar warned that the UV rays may have an impact on our skin and eyes. 'They can cause sunburn, premature ageing such as wrinkles and dark spots, as well as eye damage (cataracts, photokeratitis),' he warned. The public is told to take steps to protect themselves from UV radiation, including using sun glasses and seeking shade during peak hours. 'UV rays are the strongest at about 10am to 4pm; the public needs to limit sun exposure during these hours. The best way is to try and stay safe under the sun,' he said.
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
2025 Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3 Review
The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3 gets software updates to the motor with improved torque output at the lower end of the power band (Pawan Dagia ) Check Offers You've heard data is the new currency and it's changing the way we consume everything around us. Data is changing the way we experience motorcycles, something we got to experience first-hand with the new Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3. The latest update does not bring any cosmetic or mechanical changes, but adds a major upgrade to performance with the new Ballistic Plus mode via a software update. We sampled the changes on the F77 Mach 3 on a test track recently at UV's home turf, Bengaluru. Here's how it feels. The F77 Mach 3 gets upgrades as a result of Ultaviolette's extensive testing in Europe with data generated from over 80 lakh kilometres (Pawan Dagia) Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3: When Data Translates To Performance The F77 Mach 3 has been developed as a result of Ultraviolette's foray into Europe. The company says it tested its products in Europe for one year before commencing sales this year, generating tonnes of data, helping the brand tweak performance on the electric motorcycle. UV says the F77 was tested for over 80 lakh kilometres in Europe, which offered a significant insight on usage patterns in India vs the old continent. The European roads and highways allow for more aggressive usage with the throttle staying wide open for longer, leading to higher average speeds. Also Read : Ultraviolette enters European market, launches F77 in 10 countries UV says while the average speed in India is around 40-50 km over a 40-minute ride, the same goes up to 85-90 km in Europe for the same period. This crucial insight led to the brand tweaking overall performance to suit the more aggressive nature of the European market. The throttle is more aggressive with the Mach 3 with UV fine-tuning the motor-controller setup on the F77 The result is more upfront torque at the lower end of the power band. The difference is immediately noticeable, and the surge of torque just kicks in the moment you open the throttle. There's no change in power output with the motor producing the same 39.6 bhp and 100 Nm, but the torque surge has gone up by 20 per cent. The difference is most tangible in the new Ballistic Plus mode. This also addresses the one complaint we constantly had with the F77 that the Ballistic mode didn't feel spirited enough. The Mach 3 changes that with a livelier throttle at your disposal. UV also says that 0-60 kmph time has gone down by a few seconds, and the bike feels faster on a straight line. The Combat mode has also been revised to feel faster, while the Glide mode has been subtly tweaked to continue offering the balance between performance and range. UV says the more aggressive throttle should be felt across different speeds, especially in the mid-range. Overtakes on the highway should be much easier now, something European customers will like when cruising at near triple-digit speeds. The benefit in India is a much faster motorcycle without compromising on other attributes. The data helped improve the transient temperature control on the motor, ensuring improved thermal efficiency. There's no change in the range and the 10.3 kWh battery pack on the Recon variant continues to offer 323 km (IDC) on a single charge. The 10-level regen braking introduced last year remains the same as well. The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3 remains a taut handler but isn't the most nimble motorcycle given it hefty weight (Pawan Dagia) Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3: Handling & Braking The Achilles heel on the F77 Mach 3 remains its weight. It's one of the few complaints we've had with the machine since inception. The nature of the platform is such that the heavy battery pack makes for a higher kerb weight on the bike. The weight is noticeable at the front, especially around a sharp corner. It's still a taut handler and will easily keep you entertained around the twisties. The weight is distributed well, and at no point do you feel the bike being too front-heavy. However, moving it around at crawling speeds still feels like a task. Braking performance is on point and the front lever feels progressive. It also manages to accommodate the more aggressive throttle well, especially under hard braking, which is impressive considering there's no change in the hardware. There are no cosmetic changes to the Mach 3, which is great news for the F77 Mach 1 and Mach 2 customers Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3: Design & Ergonomics There are no changes to the design and styling either. You continue to get the jet fighter-inspired bodywork that looks fantastic, while the fit and finish, as well as overall quality levels, feel top notch. This makes it virtually impossible to distinguish the Mach 3 over older models, something existing owners will appreciate. That said, you will now get the Ballistic+ branding on the digital console, which is the giveaway for the new mode and additional performance. The ergonomics remain unchanged as well. You get the option of clip-on handlebars or the more commute-friendly Super Street variant, which adds a wide handlebar for a more upright riding posture. The Super Street feels more likeable for everyday riding, and UV says it's also the more popular seller, with six out of 10 F77s sold being the street variant. The riding posture is welcoming and there's enough space to accommodate larger riders too. The seat height is just right at 800 mm, making it accessible for all. The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3 finally gets the performance we were looking for from the start, making it livelier than before (Pawan Dagia) Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3: Verdict UV has finally made the Ballistic mode 'ballistic" enough, and this easily makes me the happiest. The F77 Mach 3 lives up to its potential with the performance now matching up to the expectations. What's even more impressive is that the upgrades are backwards compatible, which means existing F77 Mach 1 and Mach 2 owners will also receive the new Ballistic Plus mode via an over-the-air (OTA) update. Moreover, the upgrade comes at no extra cost to new and existing owners. The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 3 continues to be priced between ₹ 2.99 lakh and ₹ 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom), only this time, it makes a stronger case than ever. With the brand currently present across 13 cities, it's now easier for us to recommend one to you. First Published Date: 22 Jul 2025, 15:00 pm IST
NBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
The best mineral sunscreens for dark skin, tested by our editors
For a long time, I'd given up on mineral sunscreens — as someone with dark skin, it felt impossible to find options that didn't leave a white cast. This problem exists for some chemical sunscreens too, but mineral ingredients are harder to blend out, in my experience. Thankfully, some mineral formulas have improved, and the range of options has expanded, so we decided to put some to the test. Check out our favorite picks below as well as expert advice for choosing one of your own. How I picked the best mineral sunscreens for dark skin Mineral sunscreens all contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are the active ingredients that help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays (more about these ingredients below). Besides avoiding the dreaded white cast, I kept a few other things in mind while compiling this list: Minimum SPF of 30: SPF, also known as sun protection factor, measures a formula's protection level against the sun's rays — the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. The SPF number indicates the amount of time the sunscreen will prevent UV damage compared to the amount of time with no sunscreen; for example, while wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren't wearing sunscreen at all. Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide: These are the key active ingredients in mineral sunscreens. Water-resistant options: Water-resistant sunscreens are great for workouts, swimming, and any other activities where you may be sweating or getting wet. I included options that provide a water resistance of at least 40 minutes. How we tested the best mineral sunscreens for dark skin Our NBC Select staff tested over 100 sunscreens for six weeks to find the very best formulas for summer (and beyond). While testing, we tried dozens of mineral sunscreens and of those, we found some brown skin-friendly formulas for different skin types and activities. We tested on a range of brown skin tones and skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin, and wore the sunscreens to work, to the gym, outdoors, and more. Here is some of the key criteria we kept in mind while testing: Consistency: What's the sunscreen's texture like? Is it invisible? Which skin type does it work best for? Appearance: Is there any white cast upon application? If so, how long does it take to absorb/fade? Does it reappear when sweating? Usage: How often did you use the sunscreen? What did you do while wearing it? Which activities are the sunscreen best suited for? Wear over time: Did the sunscreen drip or melt throughout the day? Did it get greasy as the day went on? Price: Would we rebuy these formulas with our own money? Would we purchase them at full price, on a discount, or not at all? Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best mineral sunscreens for dark skin in 2025 Below I gathered our favorite mineral sunscreens for dark skin, including tested picks from NBC Select staff, products from previous coverage, and top-rated options from bestselling brands across the web. Best overall When a sunscreen claims to have a 'universal tint', my guard automatically goes up, but Herbivore's Star Seed sunscreen proved my doubts wrong. It's formulated to work with all skin types, hydrates the skin's moisture barrier with prebiotics, and evens skin tone with vitamin C, according to the brand. It has a creamy texture that feels more like a primer than sunscreen, and a light, orange-ish tint. Although I can't speak to exactly how universal the tint is, the sunscreen absorbs within minutes and gives me zero white cast while blending really well into my skin. I also love how well it holds up on my oilier skin — even on my shiniest days, the most I'll get is a soft glow as my oil starts to break through after a few hours of wear. The sunscreen can also double as a primer. This sunscreen is another one of my mineral favorites, but fair warning — you may need to wait a little bit for this one to absorb. NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez was also initially worried by the sunscreen's subtle tint, but says it blended into his skin and around his facial hair perfectly within a few minutes, sans white cast. It has a very fluid, lightweight texture that sits on your skin without feeling too heavy, and is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Fernandez, who has combination skin, likes that it doesn't cause irritation or burn his eyes while walking outside. I especially recommend this sunscreen for anyone with drier skin, since it's full of hydrators, including hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Both NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman and NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi were pleasantly surprised by how well this sunscreen worked for their skin tones. 'It has a purple or pink colored hue and I thought it would leave a noticeable white cast as I applied it to my face, but it blended in fairly easily,' says Bowman. He also likes that it didn't leave much of a cast over his facial hair, which he says has been an issue with other formulas he's tried, and that the sunscreen didn't run white during his sweaty, intensive tennis games. Alabi, who's used and loved Dr. Loretta's products in the past, says the sunscreen's light, moisturizer-like texture is one of the few American formulas that doesn't leave her greasy. It has ectoin, for added hydration, and antioxidants to shield your skin from free radical damage, and protects against UVA, UVB, and HEV blue light rays, according to the brand. Cerave is an NBC Select-favorite brand brand — this sunscreen comes recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry in our roundup of the best sunscreens for dark skin. The sunscreen has a blend of yellow, red and black iron oxides, which together create a tint that blends out on all skin tones, according to the brand. It's also noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive skin, and uses ceramides to hydrate and plump the skin. Alabi first saw this Good Weather Skin option in an ad starring one of her favorite Black models, which instantly made her curious about the sunscreen's effectiveness on darker skin. She has since tried it, and says the sunscreen's fluid texture and dewy finish is 'perfect for summer.' She also loves that it blends in quickly. The sunscreen is made with niacinamide and seabuckthorn oil to help improve the texture and appearance of your skin, and squalane for hydration, according to the brand. As someone who prefers a very matte look, Alabi says she likes to use a bit of setting powder over this sunscreen to help diffuse the shine a bit. This sunscreen has a tinted finish that's designed to seamlessly absorb into skin of all tones, according to the brand. Along with the usual mineral active ingredients, Dr. Few's formula includes green tea to reduce free radical damage and avocado oil to add moisture to the skin. It has a lightweight cream texture and is also great for oily skin, with reviewers saying it helps to reduce shine as the day goes by. Good Molecules' Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a hydrating formula that uses hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil and tucuma seed butter to lock moisture into the skin, according to the brand. Although its lightweight, non-greasy formula may take a few minutes to fully absorb, it dries down into a dewy finish that former NBC Select reporter Bianca Alavarez says sits well under makeup. It's also noncomedogenic, making it a solid and affordable option for acne-prone skin. How to shop for mineral sunscreens for dark skin As with any other skin care product, it's important to keep your skin type and concerns in mind when picking a mineral sunscreen. Here are a few more tips to consider while shopping for one: Choose sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, which the Skin Cancer Foundation says protects against 97% of the sun's rays. For oily or acne-prone skin, be sure to check for 'noncomedogenic' labels, which means the product doesn't contain ingredients that are more likely to clog pores, like mineral oil or petroleum. For dry skin, keep an eye out for hydrating formulas that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera and more. If you'll be swimming or sweating, choose sunscreens labeled as water-resistant, with at least 40 minutes of resistance for good measure. Lastly, to avoid a white cast, look for lightweight, sheerer formulas that are more likely to seamlessly absorb into your skin (and always check reviews). Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care and wellness topics like sunscreens for dark skin and acne spot treatments. For this piece, myself and the NBC select staff tested dozens of mineral sunscreens to find the formulas that work best for dark skin.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SPF 30 vs SPF 50: What's the real difference in sun protection?
CHICAGO (WGN) — When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun's rays, not all sunscreens are created equal. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is made up of two main types of rays that can damage your skin. UVB rays cause sunburn and UVA rays penetrate deeper and lead to skin aging, wrinkles and long-term damage. The SPF, or sun protection factor, mainly measures UVB protection. It indicates how much longer it would take for your skin to burn compared to if you weren't wearing any sunscreen at all. For example, with SPF 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you had no sunscreen on at all. The Skin Cancer Foundation says SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. While the difference may seem small, the Skin Cancer Foundation says SPF 30 allows 50% more UV radiation to reach your skin than SPF 50, which can make a big difference if you're in the sun for a long period of time. But even when using a higher SPF, extra precautions should still be taken. The Skin Cancer Foundation stresses the importance of: Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure Reapplying every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating Wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses For those who are at high risk of skin cancer, SPF 50 may not even be enough. In these cases, layering protection and seeking shade when possible becomes even more crucial. For any extended outdoor activity, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Five-year alert to anyone who owns a pair of sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just a style statement, and forgetting to maintain them could lead to serious health issues People are just learning that sunglasses can, in fact, 'go off', leaving eyes at risk of permanent eye damage. There are a few warning signs that your sunglasses need replacing or repairing - and they can help you dodge these avoidable health problems. Unlike food, sunglasses don't expire on a set date. Instead, people have a window of a few years with their glasses on average before the UV protection starts to degrade to a point where their eyes aren't as protected against the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays as much. Eyewear manufacturer Beautaste claims that the passage of time itself isn't to blame. Unavoidable things that lead to daily wear and tear, such as scratches, poor storage, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, all combine to make sunglasses less protective over time. Experts claim that a good pair of resistant sunglasses can, on average, last "anywhere from two to five years, sometimes longer." But just how long your favourite sunglasses last depends on how you use, store, and care for them. A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo suggested replacing sunglasses with UV protection every two years. However, this was under the specific condition of constant, direct sunlight exposure (minimum of two hours a day, every day, for 730 straight days) and most people don't wear sunglasses under such extreme conditions - but the guidance proves the damage the sun's rays can do. To get the most life from your lenses, experts suggest using a hard case when not in use. Stay on top of cleaning the lenses with a microfibre cloth and keep them away from heat and direct sunlight when stored. People should also avoid placing them lens-first on hard surfaces to reduce the risk of damage. Sunglasses primarily work by reducing the amount of visible light and harmful UV rays that reach your eyes. They achieve this through a combination of tinting, which absorbs light, and special coatings, like UV filters, that block ultraviolet radiation. Polarised lenses, specifically, reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or roads, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. This allows wearers to see more clearly in bright conditions, especially in situations where glare is a major issue (such as driving). According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to damage that can range from short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned eyes) to long-term issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. When should I consider replacing sunglasses? If you notice scratches, cracks, or other visible damage to the lenses, it's a good time to consider replacement. If you notice your eyes feeling strained or more sensitive to light while wearing your sunglasses, it could be a sign that they are no longer providing adequate UV protection as well. If you're in love with the style of your sunglasses, replacing the lenses themselve can be an option. The safest and most effective way to replace your lenses is by visiting an optician who can select the right lenses for your sunglasses and fit them professionally, ensuring that the lenses are installed correctly and continue to protect your eyes. Some sunglasses come with removable lenses, making it easier to replace them at home. However, not all models allow for this, and some may require special tools. If your sunglasses have this feature, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. For people taking this as an opportunity to refresh the style of their sunglasses, experts warn that expensive and designer sunglasses aren't always best for their health. Specsavers claimed that shoppers need to be mindful of "certified UV protection" to keep their eyes safe from damage - and shared this guide of what to look for when picking your next set of shades.
