Social media has a huge influence on skincare routines, often promoting complex do-it-yourself regimens aimed at keeping a youthful appearance. But dermatologists say many of these viral products are unnecessary, even if they feel nice, and some can cause more problems than they fix. Real experts recommend a simple routine including a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Protecting your face from the sun's UV radiation is crucial. Retinol creams and chemical exfoliants can help smooth out wrinkles, but should be used carefully. And those really expensive products? Many share the same ingredients as the much cheaper ones.
Lip balm can soothe chapped lips, but some people may be allergic to its ingredients. For those few, the products can sting instead of soothe. Dermatologists recommend looking out for flavorings, preservatives and fragrances in popular lip balms because they can cause allergic reactions. Other ways to soothe dry lips include covering the mouth with a scarf, drinking water and avoiding licking your lips too often. If your lips are still dry after trying lip balm, consider seeing a dermatologist to learn more.
Dozens of the children of Flint's lead-contaminated water crisis have turned their trauma into advocacy 10 years after it began. Now as teenagers and young adults, they're providing input on public health initiatives, campaigning for social issues, distributing filters and providing free water testing for homeowners. The crisis was set in motion April 25, 2014, when the city of Flint halted the flow of water supplied by Detroit for decades. Flint stills struggles with issues like population loss, poverty and school achievement. But young activists say they hope to make a difference — and defy expectations.
Queen Camilla says King Charles III is doing well after undergoing a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace says the 75-year-old monarch was admitted to the London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales, his daughter-in-law, is recovering from abdominal surgery. The king, who entered the hospital with Camilla at his side Friday, visited Kate at the clinic after he arrived. Charles was diagnosed with the benign condition on Jan. 17 after he experienced undisclosed symptoms. He canceled engagements and was urged to rest ahead of the procedure. which had concluded by Friday afternoon.
After the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, concerns have arisen that a pathway into medicine may become much harder for students of color. Heightening the alarm: the medical field's reckoning with longstanding health inequities. Black Americans represent 13% of the United States population, yet, just 6% of physicians in the nation are Black. Increasing representation among doctors is one solution experts believe could help disrupt health inequities. Advocates are championing programs promoting medical specialties such as dermatology to students of color starting in high school. Those students then receive mentorship in college, medical school and residency. In dermatology, only 3% of doctors are Black.
U.S. cases of a dangerous fungus tripled over just three years, and more than half of states have now reported it. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wrote about the infections. They say the COVID-19 pandemic is likely part of the reason for the spread. Hospital workers were strained by coronavirus patients, and that likely shifted their focus away from disinfecting some other kinds of germs. The fungus is called Candida auris. It's a form of yeast that is usually not harmful to healthy people but can be a deadly risk to fragile hospital and nursing home patients. Some strains are so-called superbugs that are resistant to antibiotic drugs.
