Skincare

Beware of benzene: Shining a light on sunscreen spray contamination

Posted by

0


  • Cancer-causing benzene is widely found in aerosol sunscreens
  • Federal regulators don’t require sunscreen contamination tests
  • Keep your family safe by using lotions instead of sprays

Introduction: The health hazard hiding in your sunscreen

Many personal care products are contaminated with toxic chemicals that can harm public health, from asbestos in children’s makeup to the presence of the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in many cosmetics.

Now certain aerosol sunscreens have been found to be widely contaminated by the cancer-causing chemical benzene, creating potential exposure risks for you and your family.

Many people believe the Food and Drug Administration will protect them from unsafe products. But the agency does not require companies to test their products for contamination. And its list of ingredients that are banned and restricted for use in cosmetics includes only nine substances out of the tens of thousands manufacturers may use.

Rather than rely on third parties to identify harmful products after they’re already on the market and widely used, the FDA must create safeguards that prevent contaminated or unsafe products from reaching consumers in the first place.

Although benzene is present in spray sunscreens, both the FDA and EWG recommend using other types of sun protection, such as lotions and creams. Our annual Guide to Sunscreens evaluates products based on a combination of ingredient hazard and efficacy ratings. Its rankings and recommendations are based on publicly available information, but information about contamination is mostly unavailable.

The benzene problem – unsafe at any level

Benzene is a sweet-smelling, petroleum-derived toxic chemical widely recognized as causing cancer and other serious health effects, with no safe level for human exposure.

The substance has been detected in sunscreen sprays, lotions and gel-based products, with the highest levels found in spray or aerosol sunscreens from several different brands. It’s unclear why these products are contaminated with this dangerous substance, but initial FDA reports suggest the source may be inactive petroleum-derived ingredients like thickening agents, spray propellants and antifungal preservatives.

Whatever the source, benzene does not belong in consumer products.

Many of the sunscreens with the highest levels of contamination have either been recalled or removed from store shelves, but this kind of reactive recall does not prevent harm to consumers who have already used these products.

The fact that benzene can end up in something as common as sunscreen– a product intended to be used daily for a lifetime – underscores the urgent need for the FDA to require manufacturers to test their products and verify they are free of harmful chemicals before the products reach store shelves.

Why benzene is bad

Benzene is a well-studied chemical, recognized as carcinogenic by regulatory bodies that include the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and International Agency for Research on Cancer, among others. The presence of benzene in aerosol sunscreens is especially concerning, because it can be both inhaled and absorbed through the skin.

Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause dizziness and headache and even be fatal if the level is high enough. Long-term exposure is known to cause serious health issues, including leukemia and anemia from reduced blood cell production.

FDA researchers found that active ingredients in most or all sunscreens are absorbed through the skin after just one application. And an in vitro study showed that benzene is absorbed at especially high rates when sunscreen is applied. 

Although a 2022 letter to the editor using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, reported that sunscreen use is not associated with increased benzene concentrations in blood, the authors acknowledge multiple shortcomings of the data. Most notably, there was no data on the timing of sunscreen use relative to when participants’ blood was drawn. 

Benzene levels decrease quickly in the body, so if the blood samples were not collected soon after the participants used sunscreen, the amount of benzene in the blood is unlikely to accurately reflect benzene exposure due to sunscreen use. 

Given the recent sunscreen recalls due to benzene contamination, there is potential for benzene exposure from sunscreens.

The FDA’s failure to act

In May 2021, an independent laboratory published a chemical analysis of 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun care products from 69 brands. According to the lab, 27 percent of the batches had detectable concentrations of benzene, which is restricted by the FDA for use in sunscreen products because of its “unacceptable toxicity.”

The lab petitioned the FDA to recall 78 contaminated batches of affected products, including 40 batches with urgency, due to contamination with especially high levels of benzene. The researchers also called on the agency to investigate the cause of contamination and establish protocols to prevent it in the future.

Among the 10 brands with highest concentrations of benzene in their products, only Aveeno, Neutrogena and Coppertone have issued recalls. CVS halted sales of two highly contaminated products but did not issue a recall. The remaining 11 brands with sunscreens contaminated by lower levels of benzene continue to sell their products.

In July 2021, Johnson & Johnson, which owns Aveeno and Neutrogena, issued a recall for specific aerosol sunscreens, even though it said daily exposure to their contaminated sunscreen “would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.”

But Consumer Reports obtained an internal FDA health hazard evaluation in December 2021, a week before Johnson & Johnson’s recall, that reached a different conclusion. The report stated “life-threatening” health hazards and “permanent impairment of a body function” could be caused by use of the company’s contaminated sunscreens.

It’s not clear why the FDA withheld its internal evaluation from the public. The agency’s inability to identify contaminated products and effectively convey product safety information underscores the need for the agency to take preemptive measures rather than rely on third parties and manufacturers to report contamination.

Tips to keep your family safe

Benzene contamination of some sunscreens should not discourage anyone from wearing sunscreen altogether. When selecting a product:

  • Choose a lotion instead of a spray. To reduce inhalation risk and minimize potential benzene exposure, avoid spray and powder sunscreens.
  • If you must use a pump or spray, apply sunscreen to your hands first then wipe it on your skin to ensure uniform sun protection.
  • Avoid SPF values above 50, which provide diminishing sun protection and can lead to exposure to overly high concentrations of sun-filtering chemicals.

The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens

Posted by

0


Sunscreen products are intended to be applied to the body every day, for a lifetime. The companies that make and sell sunscreen ingredients and products should test them thoroughly for potential short-term and long-term health effects. This includes toxicity testing for irritation and skin allergies, as well as testing for skin absorption and the potential to cause cancer, disrupt the hormone system and cause harm during reproduction and development.

In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration, which governs sunscreen safety, proposed its most recent updates to sunscreen regulations. It found that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be classified as safe and effective, based on the currently available information. 

Twelve other ingredients were proposed as not generally recognized as safe and effective due to insufficient data: avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padimate O, and sulisobenzone. 

The FDA has required additional safety data because of health concerns and studies by the agency that show these ingredients can be absorbed through the skin. But in recent years, many studies have also raised concerns about endocrine-disrupting effects of three ingredients: homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone.

In 2021 the European Commission published preliminary opinions on the safety of three organic ultraviolet, or UV, filters, oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene. It found that two of them are not safe in the amounts at which they’re currently used. It proposed limiting concentration to 2.2 percent for oxybenzone and 1.4 percent for homosalate. 

U.S. sunscreen manufacturers are legally allowed to use these two chemicals at concentrations up to 6 and 15 percent, respectively. Hundreds of sunscreens made in the U.S. use them at concentrations far above the European Commission’s recommendations.

The ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone are all systemically absorbed into the body after one use, according to the studies published by the FDA. The agency also found they could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after they had last been used. 

Other studies have reported finding  sunscreen ingredients in breast milk,urine and blood plasma samples. And it’s possible for sunscreen users to inhale ingredients in sunscreen sprays and ingest some of the ingredients they apply to their lips, so the ingredients must not be harmful to the lungs or internal organs.

This constant exposure to sunscreen chemicals raises concerns, especially because there is not enough safety data for most ingredients. We have even more concerns about ingredients such as oxybenzone, which many studies have linked to hormone disruption.

Active ingredient toxicity

This table outlines human exposure and hazard information for eight common FDA-approved sunscreen chemicals, often referred to as active ingredients because they provide UV protection. Sunscreen products typically include a combination of active ingredients, except for those formulated with zinc oxide.

ChemicalFDA 2019 proposed classification as safe and effectiveSkin penetrationHormone disruptionSkin allergy or other concerns
OxybenzoneNo+++
Octinoxate
(Octyl methoxycinnamate)		No+++
HomosalateNo+++
OctisalateNo+––
OctocryleneNo+–+
AvobenzoneNo+++
Titanium dioxideYes––+ Inhalation concerns
Zinc oxideYes––+ Inhalation concerns

+ = evidence; – = no or weak evidence

The science on ingredient toxicity

Oxybenzone

The most worrisome sunscreen active ingredient is oxybenzone, according to publicly available scientific research. It is readily absorbed through the skin and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found it in nearly all Americans, with higher levels in those who report applying sunscreen. It causes allergic skin reactions , behaves like a hormone disruptor in many studies and may cause more harm to children.

In an evaluation of CDC-collected exposure data for American children, researchers found that adolescent boys with higher oxybenzone measurements had much lower total testosterone levels . Three other studies reported statistically significant associations between oxybenzone exposure during pregnancy and birth outcomes. One reported shorter pregnancy in women carrying male fetuses, two reported higher birth weights for baby boys and one found lower birth weights for baby girls. According to the latest proposed FDA sunscreens monograph, the agency needs further data to determine whether oxybenzone can be considered safe and effective, since:

[the] available literature … indicat[es] that oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin to a greater extent than previously understood and can lead to significant systemic exposure.… The significant systemic availability of oxybenzone … is a concern, among other reasons, because of questions raised in the published literature regarding the potential for endocrine activity.

Four studies published in 2020, after the FDA released its draft proposal, support previous findings that oxybenzone can act as an endocrine disruptor and may increase the risk of breast cancer and endometriosis. In addition, the National Toxicology Program found equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity in rats after observing increases in thyroid tumors and enlargement of the uterus in females with high exposure to oxybenzone.

Investigators at the University of California at Berkeley reported a dramatic drop in teen girls’ exposure to oxybenzone in cosmetics when they switched from their usual products to replacements that did not contain this chemical.

Recently, the European Commission found current human exposure levels to oxybenzone to be unsafe and proposed a concentration restriction of 2.2 percent – lower than the limited amount allowed in U.S. sunscreens, which is up to 6 percent. Several countries ban the sale of sunscreens that contain this ingredient, because it may harm aquatic life.

EWG recommends consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone.

Octinoxate, or octyl methoxycinnamate

Octinoxate is an organic UV filter. It is readily absorbed into the skin and continues to be absorbed after the sunscreen has been applied. It has been found in blood samples 16 times above the proposed FDA safety threshold. 

Animal studies have shown the chemical has hormone effects on the metabolic system and affects thyroid hormone production, with some evidence for other endocrine targets, including androgen and progesterone signaling. Octinoxate can also cause allergic reactions after the person who has applied it is exposed to ultraviolet light.

Several countries ban the sale of sunscreens made with octinoxate, because they may harm aquatic life.

Homosalate

Homosalate is an organic UV filter widely used in U.S. sunscreens. The FDA has proposed that there is insufficient data to evaluate whether it is safe and effective to use in sunscreens. Homosalate has been found to penetrate the skin, disrupt hormones and produce toxic breakdown byproducts over time .

A recent opinion from the European Commission found that homosalate was not safe to use at concentrations up to 10 percent and recommended a maximum concentration of 1.4 percent, because of concerns for potential hormone disruption. The FDA allows U.S. sunscreen manufacturers to use it in concentrations up to 15 percent.

Octisalate

Octisalate, an organic UV filter, readily absorbs through the skin at levels 10 times more than 0.5 nanograms per milliliter, the FDA’s cutoff for systemic exposure. This cutoff is the maximum concentration that may be found in blood before there are potential safety concerns. The FDA has requested additional safety tests when a sunscreen is absorbed above this level.

The FDA 2019 proposed update suggests there is insufficient data to determine whether octisalate can be classified as safe and effective to use in sunscreens. A case report showed that the chemical has been linked to allergic contact dermatitis. Analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests octisalate may have endocrine effects, weakly binding to the estrogen receptor.

Octocrylene

Octocrylene readily absorbs through the skin at levels about 14 times the FDA cutoff for systemic exposure. But the agency suggested there is not enough data to determine whether it can be classified as safe and effective.

Octocrylene has been linked to aquatic toxicity, with the potential to harm coral health. It is often contaminated with benzophenone, which is known to cause cancer. According to one study, benzophenones levels can increase in products over time. The European Commission recently concluded that although there was some evidence of octocrylene’s hormone-disrupting potential, current use concentrations up to 10 percent were considered safe.

Avobenzone

Avobenzone is a widely used organic filter that provides protection from UVA rays and is often used with other organic active ingredients in products offering broad spectrum protection.

Because avobenzone is not stable, it must be paired with other ingredients that act as stabilizers to prevent it from breaking down in the sun. Breakdown products of avobenzone have been shown to cause allergic reactions. Avobenzone can disrupt the endocrine system and has been shown to block the effects of testosterone in cellular studies.

In one study, avobenzone was detected on average in samples at levels nine times above the FDA’s cutoff for systemic exposure.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

Mineral sunscreens are made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, usually in the form of nanoparticles. The FDA proposed that both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide be classified as safe and effective. Evidence suggests that few, if any, zinc or titanium particles penetrate the skin to reach living tissues.

Because of the potential of exposure through inhalation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified titanium dioxide as possibly causing cancer in humans. For this reason, powdered or spray formulations containing titanium dioxide are a concern. Zinc oxide is also a cause for inhalation concerns when used in spray and powder products

In general, mineral sunscreens tend to rate better than chemical sunscreens in the EWG sunscreen database. But to reduce its response to sunlight, manufacturers use forms of minerals coated with inert chemicals.To lower the risks to sunscreen users and maximize these products’ sun protection, EWG supports stronger guidelines and restrictions on the types of zinc and titanium used in sunscreens, including nanoparticles, which we have analyzed in detail. 

Other active ingredients

Mexoryl SX, an uncommon active ingredient in U.S. sunscreen, offers strong UVA protection. The FDA’s analysis showed there wasn’t enough data to classify the ingredient as safe and effective. Public research provides no evidence of hormone disruption and rare incidence of skin allergy.

Aminobenzoic acid, or PABA, and trolamine salicylate are active ingredients that are no longer commonly used in U.S. sunscreens. The FDA’s 2019 proposal concluded that the risks of these chemicals outweigh their benefits and proposed classifying them as unsafe.

Inactive ingredients

The FDA should look closely at the so-called inactive ingredients in sunscreens, which typically make up half to 70 percent of a sunscreen. EWG recommends the FDA launch a thorough investigation of the safety of all sunscreen ingredients to ensure none of them damages skin or harms health in other ways.

Mistakes Even Healthy People Make

Posted by

0


Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on February 23, 2023

Too Little Sleep

Too Little Sleep

1/15

It can leave you grumpy and distracted the next day, making it hard to focus. But long-term sleep loss is linked to dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. You can also add problems with your immune system, depression and anxiety, and ongoing pain to that list. Adults need anywhere from 7-9 hours of shuteye a night. Kids and teens need even more. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble getting enough sleep. Treatment may help. It might include lifestyle changes, medication, talk therapy, or a mix of all three.

Not Drinking Water First

Not Drinking Water First

2/15

Your body sends out signals when you’re hungry or thirsty. But it’s easy to confuse the two. Both sensations can give you a headache or make you feel tired and dizzy. The next time you feel like snacking, try gulping a glass of water first. Other signs you need more fluid include dry eyes or skin, dry mouth, dark pee, or not peeing very much.

Sitting Too Much

Sitting Too Much

3/15

Higher rates of death from heart disease, cancer, and other health-related causes are linked to lounging for more than 6 hours a day. Break up your sitting spells with 1-2 minutes of walking every half hour. There’s some evidence at least 1 hour of physical activity a day might make up for some of the side effects of sitting too long. Or think about getting a standing desk. If you use a wheelchair or have other mobility issues, ask your doctor or a physical therapist what activities are right for you.

Brushing Too Soon After You Eat

Brushing Too Soon After You Eat

4/15

Wait an hour to brush after a meal or drink, especially if it’s something acidic. Acid can soften the enamel, or protective coating, on your teeth. You can swish water around your mouth or chew a piece of sugar-free gum while you wait for it to harden back up. Acidic foods and drinks include fruits like oranges and lemons, sour candies, and carbonated water or soda (regular or sugar-free).

Using a Cotton Swab in Your Ear

Using a Cotton Swab in Your Ear

5/15

You may end up pushing wax deeper into the ear canal. And you could puncture your eardrum if the swab goes too far. That can cause hearing loss. Your ear is pretty good at cleaning itself. But it’s possible to make more wax than normal. If that happens to you, ask your doctor what to do. They’ll tell you how to safely get rid of the wax.

Cleaning With Peroxide or Alcohol

Cleaning With Peroxide or Alcohol

6/15

It might seem like a good idea to douse your wound with a powerful antiseptic. But that can hurt your healing skin even more. The best way to clean minor cuts or scrapes is simple: use mild soap and running water. Then put a layer of petroleum jelly on it to keep it moist. You don’t want a scab to form — dry skin takes longer to heal. See a doctor if you can’t stop the bleeding on your own. You may need stitches

Not Wearing Sunscreen All Year

Not Wearing Sunscreen All Year

7/15

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the main cause of skin cancer. And the sun’s UV rays shine year-round. For those with light skin, it only takes about 10-15 minutes to get sun damage. But no matter your skin color, it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen anytime you go outside, even if it’s cloudy. Be extra careful around snow, sand, or water. They can reflect the sun’s rays. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Cover all areas of exposed skin, including your lips and ears.

Avoiding Vaccines

Avoiding Vaccines

8/15

Flu shots and other vaccines protect you from lots of diseases. But your health isn’t the only thing on the line. Vaccines lessen the odds you’ll spread diseases to others. That’s important because certain groups are more likely to get very sick, such as babies, young children, older people, and those with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems. The vaccines you need change as you age. Ask your doctor which ones are best for you and your family. 

Looking at Your Phone Before Bed

Looking at Your Phone Before Bed

9/15

We all use digital devices for fun. But engaging with your phone at night can make it harder for your brain and body to relax. Smartphones and tablets also give off blue light. Too much of this “daytime” light can confuse your body’s clock and delay the release of sleep hormones like melatonin. Try putting your phone in another room if you can’t skip bedside scrolling. You can buy an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake you up.

Not Checking for Drug Interactions

Not Checking for Drug Interactions

10/15

Some things can change how your medication works. That includes food, supplements, and other drugs. Some of these interactions can make your medicine less effective or cause unwanted side effects. Always read the warning labels that come with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Your pharmacist can also let you know what to avoid.

Not Cleaning Your Water Bottle

Not Cleaning Your Water Bottle

11/15

Your reusable water bottle helps you make less trash. But it can attract germs if you don’t wash it. You should clean it with soap and water every day, or at least on the days that you use it. Rinse all the soap off and let it dry overnight. Run it through the dishwasher if possible. You can also sanitize your bottle by filling it with about 3-4 tablespoons of white vinegar and water. Let the mixture sit in your bottle overnight. Rinse and dry in the morning.

Drinking Diet Soda

Drinking Diet Soda

12/15

Sugar-free soda is low in calories. But it doesn’t have any other health benefits. Some experts warn against drinking any amount of artificially sweetened soda. But research on the health effects of artificial sweeteners is ongoing. It’s probably OK to have one diet soda a day, but your doctor would prefer you drink water when you’re thirsty. Add a splash of fruit for flavor. Try tea or black coffee for a caffeine boost.

Ignoring Your Mental Health

Ignoring Your Mental Health

13/15

Everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes. But ongoing mental stress can cause lots of health problems. It can weaken your immune system and raise your chance of illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and depression or anxiety. There are lots of healthy ways to relax, including exercise, meditation, and connecting with friends or family. Your doctor or a mental health professional can give you some ideas, too.  

Vaping

Vaping

14/15

E-cigarettes probably aren’t as bad for you as regular cigarettes. But they’re not harmless. Vaping exposes your body to nicotine. And you can get uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when this addictive chemical leaves your body. Nicotine also raises your chances of a heart attack. More research is needed, but there’s some evidence vaping is linked to chronic lung disease and asthma. If you smoke or vape, ask your doctor about ways to help you quit. 

Not Telling Your Doctor the Truth

Not Telling Your Doctor the Truth

15/15

If you’re like lots of other people, you might keep things from your doctor. But you’ll get better care if you give your doctor more information. If you smoke, don’t exercise, or don’t want to change your diet, be honest about it. Your doctor shouldn’t judge you. Instead, they should work with you to find ways you can stay healthy. 

4 Tips to Reduce Dark Circles Depending on What’s Causing Them

Posted by

0


Learn what the color of your dark circles means and how to treat them accordingly.

4 Tips to Reduce Dark Circles Depending on What’s Causing Them

Are you bothered by dark circles under your eyes? Depending on what caused them, there are different ways to treat them. The color of your dark circles can also give you insight into where in your body the problem arises. TCM practitioner Yu Yawen from Royal Jade Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taiwan introduces four practical ways to reduce those annoying dark circles.

Which Type of ‘Panda Eyes’ Do You Have?

Dark circles, or “panda eyes,” can be divided into three distinct categories according to how they are formed: vascular, hyperpigmented, and structural.

1. Vascular (Allergies)

Oversleeping, staying up late, or overusing your eyes will result in poor blood circulation. Consequently, as the veins and blood vessels around the eyes expand, the tissue swells with fluid (edema), or capillaries may bleed. Moreover, as the skin around the eyes is thinner, when red blood cells accumulate in the dermis, they will appear purplish black through the refraction of light.

Ms. Yu said that allergies are the most common cause of vascular dark circles because patients with allergies do not absorb enough oxygen, which may cause poor circulation around the eyes, resulting in dark circles.

2. Hyperpigmented

Bad habits, such as forgetting to remove makeup or pulling the skin too hard while removing makeup, can cause hyperpigmentation. Dark circles can even come from too much sun exposure or repeated inflammation around the eyes.

3. Structural (Aging)

The hollows of the eyes deepen with age and fatigue, relaxing the skin around the eyes. This makes it thin and lose elasticity, causing dark circles.

What Does the Color Mean?

Ms. Yu said that in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), she most often encounters vascular and pigmented dark circles. The color or quality of the dark circles can be used to determine which organ in the body has a problem. The following qualities indicate different issues:

  • Very dark or black: This indicates kidney deficiency. The kidney controls black and dark colors. If the color is particularly dark or the whole face is particularly gray, this is usually found in people with a cold constitution.
  • Waxy: These are spleen-deficient types. With higher humidity in Taiwan, the spleen and stomach are most affected. Coupled with edema under the eyes, these purplish bags will make a person look older.
  • Black and blue or bruisy: These types indicate liver deficiency. Black and blue are more liver-like colors. They mainly occur in people with liver qi stagnation due to staying up late, being anxious, and having unstable menstrual cycles. According to TCM, qi is a highly energetic and constantly moving substance in the human body. This basic substance constitutes the body and maintains all physiological activities. Some types of qi are kidney, spleen, liver, and stomach. When qi is lacking, the organ will be considered deficient.

In TCM, the liver is regarded as the organ responsible for dispersion. Its main functions are regulating qi and storing and regulating blood. It is not analogous to the “liver” in Western medicine. “Liver qi stagnation” refers to problems caused by dysfunction of the liver’s regulation of qi, resulting in poor qi movement. In TCM, the liver is closely related to emotions and stress.

4 Tricks to Reduce Dark Circles

The key to eliminating dark circles is avoiding staying up late, avoiding allergy triggers, and avoiding rubbing the skin around the eyes too heavily. Ms. Yu also provided the following methods to help reduce the appearance of dark circles:

1. Hot/Cold Treatments

Ms. Yu believes the most effective way to treat dark circles is to enhance blood circulation around the eyes by alternating hot and cold dressings or using steam eye masks.

Type of dark circles: Vascular

  • Step 1: Prepare a warm, wet towel at 38 to 40 C (100 to 104 F).
  • Step 2: Put another wet towel into a plastic bag and place it in the fridge.
  • Step 3: Apply the heated towel for one minute, then apply the icy towel for another minute.
  • Step 4: Alternate the hot and cold cycle for about 10 minutes.

Note: Cover your eyes with gauze or a cotton handkerchief if you have sensitive skin before performing the cycles.

2. Acupoint Massage Around the Eyes

Type of dark circles: Structural

This massage targets the Jingming (BL-1) acupoint in the corner of the eyes, the Chengqi (ST-1) under the pupil, the Tongziliao (GB-1) extending from the outer corner of the eye, and the Yuyao point (EX- HN4), which is an extra meridian acupoint. Press each of them for six seconds and repeat 20 to 30 times.

（The Epoch Times）
（The Epoch Times）

3. Acupoint Massage Around the Nose

Type of dark circles: Vascular

The Yingxiang (LI-20) is at the intersection of the horizontal line outside the nose wing and the nasolabial fold. Move upward from the Yingxiang along the outer edge of the nose wing until reaching the intersection with the nasal cartilage at the Bitong (also known as Shangyingxiang, (EX-HN8, part of the extra meridian acupoint). Press each point for six seconds and repeat 20 to 30 times.

Related Stories

4 Causes of Dark Under-Eye Circles

1/22/2023

4 Causes of Dark Under-Eye Circles

4 Simple and Effective Tips to Improve Dark Circles Around the Eyes

1/22/2023

4 Simple and Effective Tips to Improve Dark Circles Around the Eyes

（The Epoch Times）
（The Epoch Times）

4. Scalp Massage

Type of dark circles: Structural

One Bright Side program mentioned that people with aging dark circles can restore lost elasticity by massaging the scalp to increase blood circulation.

Ms. Yu said taking care of the rest of your body daily is also essential. Eat less salty food one hour before bed to reduce edema, and ensure your home is well-ventilated. The body will have better blood circulation when there is sufficient oxygen. In addition, eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, cauliflower, and guava, and collagen-rich foods, such as pig’s feet and food with skin and tendons, and consume fewer cold drinks (considered to reduce the chance of blood clotting in TCM).

Aloe vera peels could fight staple food crop pests

Posted by

0


Aloe_Vera_MAIN

Fresh pieces of aloe vera. The peels of this plant can be used as a natural pesticide against harmful insects, research suggests. Copyright: Marco Verch, (CC BY 2.0).

Speed read

  • Aloe peels have bioactive compounds that can ward off bugs
  • Findings may offer new use for peels that are usually discarded as waste
  • Could be catalyst for organic farming and traditional medicine

[NEW DELHI] The discarded peels of aloe vera can be used as a natural pesticide, helping farmers protect staple food crops from harmful insects, research suggests.

Globally, between 20 and 40 per cent of crop yields are lost to pests, which has a direct impact on food security and nutrition, according to CABI (the parent organisation of SciDev.Net).

Aloe vera is a stemless, cactus-like plant that is widely cultivated in Australia, China, India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, Tanzania and the US. Its gel-like substance is used to heal wounds, sunburns, and skin diseases, and to prevent baldness.

However, aloe vera peels or rinds are considered worthless and usually disposed of as agricultural waste.

“By repurposing the leftover aloe peels that are currently discarded, aloe production can be made more sustainable and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Debasish Bandyopadhyay, chemistry professor, University of Texas RGV

“It’s likely that millions of tonnes of aloe peels are disposed of globally every year,” says Debasish Bandyopadhyay, an assistant professor in chemistry at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, US, and principal investigator on a study to find ways to add value to aloe while reducing waste.

At a meeting of the American Chemical Society this month (17 August), Bandyopadhyay and his colleagues showed how aloe vera peels can act as a natural insecticide, staving off insects from crops such as maize or millet.

“We proved that [aloe] vera rinds’ derived extracts act as a feeding deterrent and eventually kill agricultural pests,” Bandyopadhyay tells SciDev.Net.

He explains that insects do not like aloe vera peels as it contains phytochemicals (chemicals produced by plants) that are toxic for them.

“Insects may be harmed or killed by natural substances contained in aloe peels,” he adds.

“Exposure to these compounds can cause discomfort, illness or even disruptions in an insect’s ability to travel, eat and reproduce.”

The researchers became interested in the potential use of aloe peels as insecticide after visiting a site where they noticed that insects left aloe leaves alone while attacking the leaves of other plants. They hypothesised that aloe peels have specific defence chemicals.

To investigate, they collected and dried out the peels and then produced extracts from the peels with substances such as dichloromethane (DCM), hexane and methanol.

Univera's aloe farm in Tampico, Mexico. Researchers have become interested in the potential use of aloe peels in insecticide production. Photo by UNIVERA (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Univera’s aloe farm in Tampico, Mexico. Researchers have become interested in the potential use of aloe peels in insecticide production. Photo by UNIVERA (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Their experiments showed that the DCM extract of aloe peels had substantial insect-killing properties against farm pests, as did six other compounds from the peels.

Significantly, the compounds did not show toxic properties, suggesting that aloe-peel-based insecticide wouldn’t have significant safety concerns for people.

“By repurposing the leftover aloe peels that are currently discarded, aloe production can be made more sustainable and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Bandyopadhyay tells SciDev.Net, citing Zero Hunger as an example.

Economic potential

Chiranjib Chakraborty, a professor at the School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University in Kolkata, India, believes the findings have huge economic potential and could help promote organic farming and traditional plant medicines.

“The world is now looking at organic farming,” he tells SciDev.Net.

He believes the research findings could support a shift to a more sustainable farming and replacement of chemical-based practice in millions of farms devoted to rice, wheat, maize and millet.

According to a 2021 review published in the journal Molecules, indiscriminate and prolonged use of synthetic pesticides leads to human health issues, water, air and soil contamination, and pest resistance.

Plant-derived pesticides, which are cheap and eco-friendly, are an important alternative to synthetic pesticides, protecting the environment and human health and enhancing crop production.

Chakraborty believes the study opens up avenues for research on other traditional medicinal plants to find scientific evidence of the purported beneficial properties.

How Collagen Supports Collagen

Posted by

0


collagen

The most abundant protein in the body, collagen is a key component of skin, tendons, and ligaments. As the body ages, it makes less (and lower quality) collagen. This contributes to reduced elasticity and less fresh-looking skin.

Where do you get collagen?

Eating meat twice a week provides all the collagen most people need, says Mark Tager, MD, author of Feed Your Skin Right: Your Personalized Nutrition Plan for Radiant Beauty. Other foods can help stimulate collagen production too. “To make collagen, we require other cofactors, such as vitamin C, copper, zinc, vitamin A, and silica — all of which can be supplied by a healthy diet.”

Meanwhile, sales of collagen supplements are booming. Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are made from the bones, skin, and connective tissue of cows, pigs, and chickens, as well as from fish scales and skin. These proteins break down into amino acids in the digestive tract, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to the skin.

Unlike vitamin C, which dissipates quickly, collagen peptides remain in the skin for up to 14 days. Collagen supports moisture retention by increasing production of hyaluronic acid, which makes skin more pliable. It even fires up the body’s ability to make new skin cells — a capacity that declines with age.

“I admit I was skeptical of the hype around collagen,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, PhD, RD, a food-and-nutrition specialist at North Dakota State University. But she was swayed by a raft of studies showing its benefits. Most notably, in 2021, the International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology published a meta-analysis of 19 double-blind, randomly controlled trials on the effects of collagen supplementation on skin aging, where the majority of subjects showed improved elasticity and fewer wrinkles.

Worth noting: Collagen products that claim to be animal-free are engaging in a sleight of hand. “Collagen comes from animals,” explains ­Julie Greenberg, ND, AHG, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in integrative dermatology. “Vegan collagen products contain high-dose nutrients, such as vitamin C, amino ­acids, and silica. These are believed to help the body make more of its own collagen.” Some truly vegan collagen products made from yeasts and bacteria are in development, but they’re not available yet.

If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, Garden-Robinson suggests getting two servings of protein a day from a variety of sources, including nuts and beans. This gives you “ample protein to nourish your body’s needs and help maintain collagen,” she says.

And if you eat animal products and you want an extra dose of collagen, she suggests drinking a cup of bone broth.

Here’s What Really Happens to Your Skin When You Use Pore Strips

Posted by

0


Are you actually banishing blackheads or is it all a hoax?
Woman using skin treatment

As someone who’s been a beauty writer and editor for nearly a decade, no matter how many masks, scrubs, and serums I try, my blackheads have nevertheless persisted. I could have sworn that when I entered my thirties I was supposed to fight the anti-aging and dehydrated-skin battle, and that I could finally toss all the bizarre anti-acne products I’ve procured over the years. No such luck. To this day, I still have my beloved pore strips in the bathroom vanity.

Ripping off a pore strip and inspecting all the gunk it removed is so satisfying, and I can attest that they are far better than squeezing blackheads with your fingers. (I know it’s tempting, but you’ll make your zits SO MUCH WORSE.) But I couldn’t help but wonder if I was actually making my skin any better by using them. Despite the myriad pore strips I’ve tried, I just can’t seem to get the blackheads out for good. So is it me, or are pore strips total BS?

Well, it turns out that the strips aren’t unplugging blackheads like you thought. (I know your world view is totally wrecked, breathe.) Being the ultimate skeptic, I wanted to figure out what really happens every time I use one of those pore strips.

Let’s talk about the anatomy of a pore strip.

Although there are tons of different versions available, pore strips are always made with the same basic components. The strip itself is made of a “non-soluble woven substrate,” says Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist in New Jersey—that’s the papery fabric-like body of the thing. On the underside of the strip there’s a polymer that (theoretically) attaches to the oil plugs in your pores, and a non-tacky resin to help the patch adhere to your nose.

While the strips themselves aren’t constantly being reinvented, there have been some cool additions lately. For example, Bioré now has charcoal-infused strips to purportedly mop up more oil. Some strips are being sold in kits with additional steps, like Dr. Jart Pore Master Patch ($35/5), which has a second, moisturizing strip to help counteract any dryness. Pore strips can also have additional ingredients like fragrances or colorants, so if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, you may want to skip the strip.

Wetting the strip before putting it on makes it sticky. Letting it dry gives it pulling power.

The directions on a box of pore strips generally go like this: Wet your nose with a generous amount of water. After peeling any backing off, smooth the pore strip onto your nose, starting from the bridge and working your way out, and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.

This is definitely one case where there can’t be too much H2O—it’s essential for the resin to be wet so that it will stick to your skin. The water also activates the oil-grabbing polymer. “[Water] provides a positive charge, which allows the polymers to bond to plugged pores, which have a negative charge,” says Erika Palmer, the R&D Skincare Group Leader at Kao USA (the parent company of Bioré, for full disclosure).

During the 10 to 15-minute drying period, the activated polymers work to adhere to the outermost layer of skin, plus excess sebum and hair that clogs pores. (I have always found the OG Bioré pore strips superior to others, and King attributes their ultra-stickiness to the company’s proprietary polymers.)

When you pull off a pore strip you can see the results—but you might be mistaken about what you’re actually looking at.

When removing a dried pore strip, you want to start from the outer flanks working inward, being careful not to move too fast. (This should not be treated like a strip of hot wax, you guys.) Enjoy the stalagmites and stalactites peeking out visually if you’d like, but don’t get too attached to those grits because what you’re seeing may not be exactly what you think it is.

The technical term for the little dots on your nose you’re trying to get rid of is keratotic plugs, according to King. These keratotic plugs are made up of dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and oil. Blackheads, which are oxidized sebum blocked in your pores, are a type of keratotic plug that lives deeper, below the surface of your skin.

With the pore strip, everything is surface level. While the strips may successfully remove the upper portions of dirt and oil, they’re not going deep enough to de-clog hardened plugs of oxidized sebum—you know, the blackheads you bought pore strips specifically to target.

So, sadly, pore strips aren’t going to solve your blackhead problems, though they can give you smoother skin.

Pulling off existing oil and dirt does help the skin feel softer and smoother. But strips aren’t doing anything to actually treat the cause of the blackheads in the first place. In order to prevent future keratotic plugs or blackheads from forming, you have to do a deeper exfoliation or sign up for extractions at the salon. And no, you can’t make your pores smaller with pore strips, either. All you can really hope to do is not stretch them out more by keeping them clear of dirt and dead skin cells with a regular scrub or exfoliating peel. And if you really love the satisfaction of a used pore strip dappled with gunk, keep on keeping on—it’s not going to do any harm.