‘Nature-Based’ Products Protect Sensitive Skin, Fight Signs of Aging
Skincare products made from natural ingredients can effectively improve skin barrier function and diminish the appearance of certain signs of aging, some recent research has found. All of the products tested supported the skin’s microbiome, which is key for overall skin health but can become disrupted with the use of various chemicals.
The research involved three separate studies that examined the effectiveness of a topical treatment for age spots, a lip balm, and a “nature-based skin care regimen.” Some of the highlighted ingredients in the products included licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra), turmeric extract (Curcuma longa), and bakuchiol along with plant oils and butters.
The results showed that the topical treatment reduced the appearance of hyperpigmentation (age spots), while the skincare regimen improved hydration and skin barrier function in those with sensitive skin. The lip balm helped with dryness and supported microbial diversity.
“Protecting the skin microbiome is essential as it augments the physical barrier between the skin and the external environment,” said Stanley Levy, M.D., study consultant. “Our study demonstrated the ability of a nature-based skin care regimen to improve skin barrier function without disrupting the skin microbiome, which is particularly important for those with sensitive skin.”
Nighttime Light Exposure Increases Risk of Depression, Anxiety
Exposure to light at night could increase the risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, a new study has found. The risk for depression, specifically, increased by about 30% with high amounts of light exposure at night but decreased 20% with high amounts of light exposure during the day.
The study is currently the world’s largest on mental health and light exposure and involved 86,772 adult participants. A wide array of data was analyzed, including nighttime and daytime light exposure, sleeping patterns, physical activity, and mental health.
Overall, the findings showed that seeking more light exposure during the day and avoiding it at night could be an effective way to help improve mental health. Researchers believe that this may stem from how our biological systems respond to natural light and dark cycles.
“Humans today challenge this biology, spending around 90 per cent of the day indoors under electric lighting which is too dim during the day and too bright at night compared to natural light and dark cycles,” said Sean Cain, study author. “It is confusing our bodies and making us unwell.”
