The human skin is a marvel of nature—resilient, adaptable, and multifunctional. As the body's largest organ, it serves as our first line of defense against external threats while maintaining an intricate system of regeneration and repair. I always thought skin just "absorbed" water during swimming, or while taking a bath—until I learned it's actually waterproof! Now you wouldn't think of your skin like a built-in raincoat which repels water.

But is our skin truly waterproof? And what makes it so? Let’s understand the science behind skin’s structure, its protective properties, and how to keep it healthy.

While the skin is an extraordinary waterproof organ, it requires care to maintain its integrity. Understanding its structure and functions can help us take proactive steps in ensuring long-term skin health. Skin is far more than just a superficial covering; it is a complex organ made up of multiple layers, each serving a distinct purpose. Understanding these layers helps us grasp how skin remains waterproof while maintaining flexibility and durability.

1. The Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, serves as a protective barrier. It consists of tightly packed cells arranged in several layers. New cells form at the bottom and gradually push upwards as older cells slough off. This continuous renewal helps maintain skin’s resilience.

One of the key components of the epidermis is keratin, a protein that is water-insoluble. According to StatPearls, keratin plays a crucial role in sealing the skin barrier, preventing water from entering or leaving the body uncontrollably. This process is essential for maintaining hydration and protecting against infections.

2. The Dermis

Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which provides strength and elasticity to the skin. It contains collagen (for structural integrity) and elastin (for flexibility). The dermis is also home to sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels, and nerve endings, making it essential for regulating temperature and providing sensory feedback.

3. The Subcutis

The subcutaneous layer (subcutis) is primarily composed of fat, which helps insulate the body and protect internal organs. It also provides a cushioning effect, absorbing mechanical shocks and giving the skin a smooth contour. The fat stored here serves as an energy reserve.

What Makes the Skin Waterproof?

While skin is not entirely impervious to water, its structure makes it highly water-resistant. Several factors contribute to this waterproofing effect:

1. Keratin

Keratin, found in the outer layers of the epidermis, is a crucial waterproofing element. It prevents excessive water loss from the body and keeps external water from penetrating too deeply. This feature ensures that even when we bathe or swim, we don’t absorb large amounts of water.

2. Sebum

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily, water-insoluble substance that coats the skin. This natural oil forms a thin, protective layer that repels water and prevents excessive drying, keeping skin supple and resilient.

3. Lipid Organization

A 2012 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology identified a unique arrangement of lipids in the outer skin layers. These fats create an additional barrier that not only resists water penetration but also enables skin to remain flexible and adaptive to movement.

Common Skin Problems and Their Impact

Despite its impressive protective abilities, skin is not immune to damage. Certain conditions can compromise its waterproof barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, or infections.

Acne – Often linked to hormonal changes, acne affects the sebaceous glands, potentially altering the skin’s natural oil balance.

Dermatitis – A broad term for inflammation-related skin conditions, dermatitis can weaken the skin barrier, making it more prone to water loss and irritants.

Fungal Infections – Conditions like athlete’s foot disrupt the skin’s natural defenses, allowing moisture retention that encourages fungal growth.

Skin Cancer – Long-term sun exposure can damage the DNA of skin cells, leading to abnormalities that weaken the skin’s protective abilities.

Sunburn – A result of UV radiation, sunburn can strip away essential oils and damage the outermost layer, causing peeling and dryness.

Warts – Caused by a viral infection, warts can disrupt normal skin function and alter texture.

How to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Hydrated

Maintaining skin health requires consistent care. While the skin naturally regenerates, external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and aging can accelerate damage. Here’s how you can protect your skin:

1. Use Sunscreen Daily

UV exposure is one of the biggest threats to skin health. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it every day—even on cloudy days—to prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

2. Avoid Tanning (Indoor and Outdoor)

Tanning, whether from the sun or tanning beds, damages the skin and accelerates the aging process. It also increases the risk of skin cancer. Opt for sunless tanners if you want a bronzed glow.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can worsen skin conditions like acne and eczema. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to promote overall well-being.

4. Perform Regular Skin Checks

Monitor your skin for any changes in moles, discoloration, or new growths. Early detection of abnormalities can help prevent serious skin conditions.

5. Quit Smoking

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes accelerate skin aging, reducing blood flow and depriving skin cells of oxygen. Quitting smoking helps maintain skin’s elasticity and overall health.

6. Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine

• Use mild cleansers that don’t strip the skin of natural oils.
• Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and reinforce the skin barrier.
• Avoid hot showers, as excessive heat can remove essential oils from the skin.

As the summer sun rises high, everyone anticipates relief from seasonal sniffles. Yet increasingly, more and more people are falling ill with cold-like symptoms in warmer weather too. The twist? A new Covid strain—NB.1.8.1—is spreading low-key around the world, from Asia to America and the UK. The challenge is distinguishing between a run-of-the-mill summer cold and a COVID-19 infection.

Typically, respiratory illnesses peak in the colder months when more time is spent indoors and dry air allows viruses to be more easily susceptible. Summer, however, is not virus-free. Parainfluenza virus Type 3, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and even rhinoviruses are still causing issues in warmer climates. Social events, travel, lack of rest, more alcohol consumption, and air conditioning all set the stage for infections.

Complicating the situation further this summer is the discovery of the NB.1.8.1 Covid strain. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) only recently started monitoring it, scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory and possible implications.

Initially discovered in China in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has a number of mutations that have caught the eye of the world's health authorities. The good news? There is as yet no evidence to suggest it results in more serious disease. In fact, U.K. Health Security Agency statistics indicate a modest rise in COVID cases with 5.2% of patients positive—up from 4.5% last week.

To date, just 13 of the confirmed NB.1.8.1 cases in the U.K. have been sequenced, the majority of them in April and May. While uncommon at present, the fact that it shares features with other variants of Covid means caution is still crucial.

Summer Colds vs. NB.1.8.1 Covid: Why It's Hard to Tell the Difference?

Both summer colds and Covid-19 have common symptoms such as:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting

However some symptoms will tend more towards Covid, such as:

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell, new
• Gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea

There is no guaranteed way to tell the difference between a summer cold and Covid without doing a diagnostic test. Mild COVID-19 symptoms are easily mistaken for other seasonal viruses.

What Exactly Is a Summer Cold?

Colds—seasonal or not—are viral illnesses that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, fomites (contaminated surfaces), or close proximity. The main culprits are rhinoviruses, especially during the winter months, but the warmer months experience an upsurge in viruses such as parainfluenza, enteroviruses (coxsackie and echovirus), and adenoviruses.

Summer activities—weddings, concerts, holidays—promote intimate contact between groups, and typical summer behaviors such as drinking, bad sleep, and poor diet compromise immune systems. Air conditioning units, by dehydrating nasal passages, also impair the body's resistance to viral invaders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges anyone with cold-like symptoms to monitor closely. Covid-19 symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and vary from mild to severe. The virus can be contagious two days before symptoms emerge and up to 10 days—or more—in immunocompromised individuals.

If you’re feeling unwell, the best course of action is to:

• Stay home and rest
• Wear a mask if around others
• Get a COVID-19 test
• Talk to your healthcare provider

Timely treatment, such as antiviral therapy with Paxlovid, is ensured through accurate diagnosis, particularly among high-risk individuals.

Can Vaccines Protect Against NB.1.8.1?

While a newer vaccine aimed at fall variants is being developed, the existing vaccines remain protective against NB.1.8.1. The variant is of the "drifter" type from the Omicron lineage, which indicates earlier immunity could still help prevent severe disease.

Dr. Aaron Chen, a Johns Hopkins University virologist, observes, "Although mutation is unavoidable, current vaccines remain effective in preventing hospitalization and complications from new variants, such as NB.1.8.1."

How To Avoid Getting Sick This Summer?

There's no surefire way to completely avoid viruses, unfortunately. But here are some practical tips from experts:

• Drink plenty of water and moderate your booze
• Consume a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
• Get good rest and reduce stress levels
• Clean those surfaces that are touched most often such as airplane trays, phones, and exercise equipment
• Supplement with vitamin D if one is deficient since it enhances immune function
• Wash hands frequently, do not share food or beverages, and wear a mask in public indoor areas

What If You Do Get Sick?

Most people recover from summer colds and mild Covid-19 at home. Supportive care—hydration, over-the-counter pain relief, and rest—is typically enough. Nasal decongestants and lozenges can ease symptoms, while more serious or persistent cases warrant medical consultation.

If you suspect Covid, getting tested is crucial—not only for your health but for the wellbeing of those around you.

The terrifying crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad killing 241 people with just one British passenger surviving has sent shockwaves around the world. Although flying is statistically one of the safest ways to travel, such traumatic incidents can revive old terrors in even the most experienced of travelers. To the 25 million Americans who already suffer from aerophobia, the technical name for the fear of flying, this awful news might be more than just upsetting. It might be debilitating.

Mental health experts caution that such events can amplify already-existing anxiety, fueling catastrophic thinking and resulting in severe avoidance of travel. And yet, despite the fear, there are ways to deal with flight anxiety that are evidence-based and even get over it.

What is Aerophobia?

Aerophobia refers to a severe, irrational fear of flight. While some may equate it with fear of a plane crash, most individuals afflicted by the condition actually fear more the sense of intense panic that grips them before or in transit. This encompasses fear of confinement in an airplane, losing control of one's flight, or experiencing a panic attack at altitude.

"Aviophobia or aerophobia is very prevalent," states Clinical Psychologist Akansha Tayal. "Prevalence rates are 10% to 35%, and most people feel very uncomfortable, particularly when faced with reports of aviation accidents. The fear itself is usually irrational and disproportionate to the real danger posed."

Symptoms tend to occur across three areas:

Physical: Palpitations of the heart, sweating, dizziness, nausea.

Emotional: Irritability, restlessness, overwhelming fear.

Cognitive: Catastrophic thinking, obsessive worry, avoidance activities.

Even as frightening as crashes might appear, aviation safety has only enhanced. According to a 2023 analysis by MIT scientists, the probability of being killed in a commercial airline accident around the world is approximately 1 in 13.7 million. Even so, the public eye and emotional intensity of aviation disasters often overshadow their statistical infrequency when it comes to those suffering with aerophobia.

This psychological effect availability bias is the reason why tragic headlines seem so close to home and threateningly personal. "Our brains are hardwired to respond to threat cues," says Ms Tayal. "Even an unlikely event will feel like a personal risk when it's sensationalized or emotionally jarring."

How to Recognize the Signs of Flight Anxiety?

If you're avoiding travel, unwilling to get on airplanes, or preoccupied with air safety, you might have clinical aerophobia. In addition to discomfort, you might experience:

• Panic attacks during or prior to flying
• Flight avoidance media
• Overresearching crash records or airline safety
• Repetitive behaviors (reviewing weather forecasts, switching seats)
• Interference with sleep prior to departure or illness due to tension

Expert-Backed Strategies to Overcome Aerophobia

While aerophobia can feel paralyzing, it’s highly treatable. Experts recommend a mix of self-help techniques and professional interventions.

1. Cognitive Restructuring

Challenge irrational fears by learning facts about flight safety. Avoid sensational news and instead focus on what you’re looking forward to. Keep a mental list of safe flight experiences.

2. Relaxation Techniques

Practice slow breathing with a soothing word such as "peace." It reduces the heart rate and quenches stress hormone activity. Mindfulness techniques and progressive muscle relaxation can also keep your body connected.

3. Cope Ahead Visualization

Rehearse a peaceful flight experience in your mind—from getting on the plane to arrival. Visualization can get your brain thinking about flying as an ordinary, safe thing.

4. Use Distraction Tools

Crossword puzzles, backward counting, reading, or soothing videos can break the worry loop mid-flight.

5. Support System

Travel with a supportive friend and inform them of your triggers. Advance briefing with sympathetic airline personnel can also smooth pre-flight anxiety.

6. Gradual Exposure Therapy

Begin with short flights or utilize flight simulators to rewire gradually, exposing yourself to incrementally longer flights. Safe repetition is shown to decrease sensitivity over time.

7. Professional Assistance is Effective

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy are gold-standard treatments. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Virtual Reality Therapy are increasingly proving to be effective treatments.

"Any psychologist can help the person walk through CBT in order to cope with irrational thoughts," Ms Tayal says. "For tackling these maladaptive thoughts and irrational fears, we do graded exposure, EMDR, or virtual reality. Relaxation training, mindfulness, and grounding are all important too."

Coping Tools to Practice on the Ground

Grounding Techniques: Utilize the 5 senses to remain engaged in the moment.

Mindfulness: Practice non-judgmental attention to your thoughts and bodily sensations.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Release tension to decrease physiological arousal.

Professional Monitoring: When anxiety arises from underlying trauma or generalized anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist may assist in regulating underlying causes.

Can Aerophobia Come Back After Treatment?

Yes—but long-term results are promising. Research indicates that individuals treated with CBT tend to sustain outcomes for three years or longer. Occasional therapy "booster shots" or regular practice of coping techniques can ward off relapse.

How to Prevent and Manage Aerophobia?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent aerophobia, but there are some habits of daily living that can definitely minimize its effect. Steering clear of such stimulants as alcohol or caffeine prior to a flight will keep anxiety under control. Open discussion of your apprehension with intimate family members, friends, or a support group is also crucial, as it helps lessen the emotional load. Shying away from solitary confinement is equally crucial—sharing space with people who are going through the same thing can provide reassurance and confirmation. Finally, remaining attuned to your own mental health and being proactive in seeking assistance early, particularly if symptoms persist or intensify, can make a tangible difference in dealing with flight-related anxiety.

Flight anxiety exists, and tragedies such as the Air India crash can be daunting but you are not alone, and your fear is not something to be ashamed of. With appropriate tools, techniques, and support, the skies don't have to be so frightening.

Ananda Lewis, celebrated TV host known for her authenticity and warmth, passed away at 52 after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Once a beloved face on BET’s Teen Summit and MTV’s Total Request Live, she used her platform to engage young audiences with pressing social issues and celebrity interviews that left a mark.

A Powerful Presence on Screen

Lewis first came into the spotlight through BET’s Teen Summit, where she led candid conversations on challenges facing Black youth. Her interviews with figures like Kobe Bryant, Tupac Shakur, and Hillary Clinton earned her critical acclaim, including an NAACP Image Award.

In 1997, she joined MTV, becoming a key voice on MTV Live, Hot Zone, and TRL. Though her move sparked criticism, she remained unapologetic. “Growth is necessary,” she told the Associated Press. “You’ve got to get out there and live your life.”

She later launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, a daytime talk show aimed at real conversations, even if it followed a familiar format. The show lasted one season, but Lewis remained a powerful presence, later joining The Insider as a correspondent.

Breast Cancer Journey That She Shared With The World

In 2020, Lewis revealed that she had been living with stage 3 breast cancer since 2018—later advancing to stage 4. Her diagnosis came after years of ignoring persistent inflammation linked to mastitis from breastfeeding. A lump discovered in her right breast led to a biopsy, confirming it was invasive carcinoma.

Instead of following a conventional medical path, Lewis chose alternative treatments. “I wanted to understand why my body created cancer and how to change the terrain,” she explained. She focused on diet changes, stress management, detoxing, and holistic therapies like high-dose vitamin C, acupuncture, and cryoablation.

A Different Kind of Battle

Lewis moved to Arizona in 2020 for 16 weeks of intensive integrative treatment. Her cancer reduced from stage 3 to 2 and was no longer in her lymph nodes. But the journey wasn’t without hardship—financial struggles and insurance lapses made consistent treatment difficult.

In early 2023, a scan showed the tumor had grown slightly, but it had not spread. She underwent electrical ablation in Mexico, which unfortunately didn’t succeed. By October 2023, a PET scan confirmed the cancer had advanced to stage 4. Still, Lewis continued treatment and saw significant improvement by January 2024.

Lewis was candid about her journey, using her story to raise awareness about early detection and holistic health. “Stage 4 doesn’t mean the end,” she said. “It means I have to do more.”

Her message to women was clear: be proactive. Prioritize mammograms, manage stress, sleep well, and adopt a clean lifestyle. “If I had known what I know now ten years ago, perhaps I wouldn’t have ended up here,” she said.

“I want to look back and say—I did that exactly how I wanted to,” Lewis reflected. Her legacy is one of resilience, wisdom, and an enduring belief in the right to choose one’s own path—even through cancer.