If you are on social media, you may have come across posts telling you that sunscreens are actually toxic, or videos of influencers making ‘home-made natural’ sunscreen. These have caused many people to wonder whether they are actually putting themselves more at risk by using sunscreen. Social media is filled with misinformation and to put these rumors to rest, Ashani Weeraratna, chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, spoke about sunscreen and the myths around it, answering the nagging questions in people’s head.

Everyone, no matter their skin type, needs to be concerned about skin cancer. It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for a yearly check-up to have your skin checked. A medical expert from Johns Hopkins points out that skin cancer can even show up in places you might not expect, like on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or in your nail beds. This is especially true for people with darker skin, though anyone can get these types of cancers.

Is Sunscreen Toxic?

No, it's not. Despite what some people say online, there is no real proof that sunscreen is more dangerous than the sun’s UV rays. In fact, it’s much safer. If you are worried about the ingredients in chemical sunscreens, you can choose a mineral-based one that contains zinc oxide. Another option is to wear clothing with a special UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is designed to block the sun.

Common Sunscreen Questions Answered

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, it does. Just like food or medicine, sunscreen has a shelf life. It’s important to always check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure it will be effective.

Is SPF in makeup enough?

No. While some makeup products have SPF, they don't provide the same level of protection as a dedicated sunscreen. You should always use a separate sunscreen on its own to get the full benefits.

Are all sunscreens the same?

No, they are not. When you buy sunscreen, look for one that is "broad-spectrum." This means it protects your skin from both types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. You should also choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Does bug spray affect sunscreen?

Yes. If you use bug spray that contains an ingredient called DEET, it can make your sunscreen up to 33% less effective. So, if you're using both, make sure to put on more sunscreen more often to stay protected.

Should you reapply after swimming?

Yes. You should reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially after you've been in the water. Even if a product claims to be "water-resistant," water can still wash it away. Plus, water reflects sunlight, which actually increases your exposure to UV rays.

Are tanning beds safe?

No, they are not. Tanning beds are even more harmful than getting a natural tan from the sun. Think of it this way: a doctor once compared using a tanning bed to smoking cigarettes to prevent lung cancer—it just doesn't make sense and is a very bad idea for your health.

Hair is one of the key aspects of a person’s look. A simple haircut can completely change the way you look. So, you can imagine how losing one’s hair can affect them. While it happens to many people, it can completely change the way they view themselves. Although it is a normal part of aging, many men face this challenge from a young age due to many reasons like genetics, male-patterned baldness etc.

While there are ways you can tackle major hair loss like hair transplant, not everyone can afford it. However, a new drug called PP405 might be a game-changer for baldness. Instead of just slowing down hair loss, this new topical drug actually helps "wake up" your hair follicles that have gone to sleep. In early tests, it showed promising results, making hair thicker for some people who used it. If this treatment works in bigger trials, it could be a whole new way to fight baldness.

How the New Hair Growth Drug Works?

The new drug, PP405, is a topical cream that you apply to the scalp. It's different from older treatments because it doesn't just try to slow down hair loss. Instead, it works by waking up the hair follicles that have become dormant, or "asleep." Scientists found that in many people with hair loss, the stem cells in their hair follicles aren't dead—they've just stopped working. This new drug specifically targets these dormant cells to get them growing hair again.

In an early study, led by dermatologist Qing Yu Christina Weng, MD, chief medical officer of Pelage Pharmaceuticals, the results were very promising: some patients saw their hair become more than 20% thicker. The new hair wasn't just thin, "baby hair"; it was thick, mature hair. A key safety feature is that the drug is designed to get into the skin where it's needed without being absorbed into the rest of the body.

Can You Regrow Hair With Medicine?

Dermatologists are excited about the new drug's potential because it offers a completely new way to treat hair loss. However, they are also being cautious. The study so far was small and short, and the results haven't been fully checked by other scientists yet. The drug still needs to go through much larger studies, which could take a few years.

Right now, the only FDA-approved treatments for hair loss are finasteride and a topical solution called minoxidil. While doctors sometimes use an oral version of minoxidil, these treatments don't work for everyone, especially for those with severe hair loss. This leaves many people with limited options, often turning to expensive and unproven treatments like special injections or lasers.

Does The New Hair Growth Drug Work?

If PP405 passes its larger trials, it could be a huge breakthrough. It would be the first new FDA-approved hair loss treatment in over 25 years. This could be especially helpful for people who have more severe hair loss and haven't had success with other medications.

The researchers also believe this drug might one day be used to treat other types of hair loss, such as hair thinning caused by certain medications or hormonal changes. However, experts say that before the drug is used for other conditions, it must be thoroughly tested in larger groups of people to prove it is safe and effective.

Your skincare shelf might be quietly sabotaging your glow—and you don’t even know it. Think about it: the same cream you swipe on at 7 a.m. is also applied at 11 p.m. But your skin isn’t static; it’s a living, breathing organ with different priorities depending on the time of day. Morning skin is on defense, battling sunlight, pollution, and blue light, while nighttime skin is in repair mode, regenerating and replenishing. Using the same products both times may be convenient, but convenience could come at the cost of healthier, radiant skin.

Skincare seems simple on the surface—wash, moisturize, repeat. Many of us follow the same routine morning and night, believing that if a product works once, it works all day. But according to dermatologist Dr. Vikram Lahoria, this approach may be doing more harm than good. Your skin operates on a circadian rhythm, and the way it behaves during the day differs significantly from its nighttime activities. Understanding these differences—and adjusting your routine accordingly can be the difference between healthy, glowing skin and clogged pores, premature aging, or irritation.

How Your Morning Skincare Is A Shield?

Dr. Lahoria explains, “During the day, your skin is exposed to sunlight, pollution, dust, and even the blue light from screens. Its main role is protection. That’s why your morning routine should focus on creating a barrier against these environmental stressors.”

A typical morning routine starts with a gentle cleanser to remove oils and sweat accumulated overnight. This is followed by a light, hydrating moisturizer that won’t feel greasy or clog pores. The most crucial step in your AM routine is sunscreen. No matter the weather, SPF shields your skin from UV rays, reducing the risk of premature aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer.

Adding an antioxidant serum, particularly one with vitamin C, can further protect against free radicals generated by pollution and UV exposure. “Think of it as giving your skin armor before stepping into the world,” says Dr. Lahoria.

How Your Night Skincare Is To Heal and Recharge?

Once the sun sets and the day winds down, your skin switches gears. “Nighttime is when your skin works hardest to repair itself,” Dr. Lahoria notes. Without sunlight and environmental stressors, skin cells can focus on regeneration and replenishment.

Night creams and serums are designed to support this process. Ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid target fine lines, improve texture, and lock in moisture. A thorough cleanse is essential before applying these products to remove makeup, sweat, and dirt that could block pores overnight.

“Nighttime is when your skin absorbs products most efficiently. The lack of UV exposure means potent actives like retinol can work without the risk of sun-induced irritation,” explains Dr. Lahoria.

Why Using the Same Products All Day Can Backfire?

Using identical products morning and night ignores the skin’s shifting priorities. “It’s like feeding your body the same meal for breakfast and dinner,” says Dr. Lahoria. “In the morning, your skin needs protection. At night, it needs repair. One product cannot optimally serve both functions.”

Daytime exposure to retinoids or AHAs, for instance, can increase sensitivity to sunlight, potentially causing irritation, pigmentation, or damage. Conversely, using sunscreen at night is unnecessary, and while it won’t harm your skin, it doesn’t contribute to repair either. Tailoring your routine ensures that ingredients work when they are most effective, rather than canceling each other out or creating unintended side effects.

Why The Order of Products Is Important?

Timing is not the only consideration—the order in which you apply your skincare products matters too. Dr. Lahoria advises layering from thinnest to thickest. This ensures lightweight serums penetrate deeply before being sealed in by heavier creams or oils. Incorrect layering can hinder absorption or even reduce the efficacy of active ingredients.

For example, a vitamin C serum should be applied before moisturizer, while a heavier night cream should go last. By following this approach, each product can work as intended, maximizing benefits without waste or interference.

Personalising Your Routine to Your Skin’s Clock

Your skin, like your body, has a circadian rhythm. During the day, its priority is defense; at night, it focuses on repair. “Ever wonder why your skin behaves differently in the morning than it does at night? That’s your internal clock at work,” Dr. Lahoria points out.

Adjusting your routine according to this natural rhythm ensures your skin gets the right nutrients at the right time. In the morning, protect; at night, repair. Over time, this approach improves skin health, prevents premature aging, and enhances the results from the products you invest in.

Morning and Night Routine Tips

Dr. Lahoria summarizes an effective framework:

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser to remove overnight oils
• Light moisturizer for hydration
• SPF to protect against UV damage
• Optional antioxidant serum for pollution defense

Night:

• Thorough cleanse to remove dirt, makeup, and pollutants
• Serums or creams containing retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, or glycolic acid
• Night cream to lock in moisture and support cell repair

Following these guidelines ensures that your skin is supported according to its natural needs, rather than treated with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Skincare is not just about selecting the “right” products—it’s also about using them at the right time. Dr. Lahoria concludes, “Your morning and evening routines should act like a tag team. Each plays its role in protecting, repairing, and energizing your skin. Your clock isn’t just ticking, it’s guiding your glow.”

By understanding your skin’s natural cycles, choosing the right ingredients for day and night, and applying them in the correct order, you ensure your skin remains healthy, radiant, and resilient—without unnecessary irritation or damage.

A disease that globally affects people, numbers ranging in the millions, Diabetes is a silent killer that many people suffer with. 2022 stats showed that the number of people who were living with diabetes was 830 million, which steadily rose from the 200 million in 1990. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the people who had diabetes live or are living without getting medication for it. A lot of them didn’t even know they had diabetes, and a recent study revealed how many exactly.

Before you know the number ask yourself a question: Do you know your blood sugar level?

This is a question that either people who have gotten their sugar levels tested would know, or cautious people who get regular check ups would know. A new study suggests that many people with diabetes don't, which could lead to serious health issues down the line. According to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, a staggering 44% of people aged 15 and older who have diabetes are undiagnosed.

The study, which looked at data from 204 countries, found that about one in nine adults worldwide has diabetes. In the U.S. alone, 11.6% of Americans have the condition. While higher-income countries are generally better at diagnosing people, the problem is widespread. Globally, only 56% of people with diabetes are aware of their condition.

Why Are So Many Diabetic People Undiagnosed?

A surprising finding is that younger people are much less likely to be diagnosed. Only 20% of young adults with diabetes know they have it. This is partly because routine screenings are more often recommended for people over 35. Many people with diabetes don't experience clear symptoms until complications—like heart, kidney, or nerve damage—start to appear, which is more common in older adults.

Early diagnosis is crucial. Experts say that knowing you have diabetes early allows for timely management that can prevent or delay these severe, long-term complications.

Many people with diabetes have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screenings are so important. However, be on the lookout for these common signs:

• Increased thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Unexpected weight loss
• Fatigue

Even after diagnosis, there's another challenge: proper management. The study found that only about 40% of people with treated diabetes were able to get their blood sugar under control. This highlights the need for better support and treatment plans to help people manage their condition effectively.

Can You Prevent Diabetes?

While you can't prevent Type 1 diabetes, you can significantly lower your risk of developing the more common Type 2 diabetes. Here are some simple steps you can take:

Improve your diet. Eat fewer red and processed meats, and incorporate more plant-based foods, like a Mediterranean diet.

Limit ultra-processed foods. Choose whole foods like fruits and nuts over highly processed snacks.

Stay active. Regular physical activity, such as a 15-minute walk each day, can lower your risk of developing diabetes and other chronic diseases.