Skin and Hair Archive

Articles

Does spray-on sunscreen work as well as lotion?

Spray-on sunscreens can be as effective as lotion-based sunscreens for protecting skin from harmful ultraviolet light. People using sunscreen sprays should make sure skin appears wet and shiny where they’ve sprayed and rub the product in before it dries.

A hair-pulling disorder

Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterized by frequent, irresistible impulses to pull hair from the scalp or anywhere else on the body. It often results in embarrassing bald patches that people with the condition try to conceal. About one in 50 people has trichotillomania, and women are diagnosed and treated for it more often than men are. People with the disorder may pull hair when faced with stressors such as tension, loneliness, or fatigue. Among people who eat pulled hair, complications such as hairballs can be life-threatening.

Do collagen supplements fulfill their promises?

The protein collagen supports skin, hair, nail, bone, joint, and muscle health. As people age, natural collagen production drops. Some early research suggests collagen supplements offer benefits, but people should ask their doctor about the pros and cons.

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