Indiana University researchers have discovered that a chemical compound found in essential oils improves the healing process in mice when it is topically applied to a skin wound — a finding that could lead to improved treatments for skin injuries in humans. IU scientists also reported that skin tissue treated with the chemical compound, beta-carophyllene […]
Narrow wavelength of UV light safely kills drug-resistant bacteria
Scientists from the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Medical Center have shown that a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light safely killed drug-resistant MRSA bacteria in mice, demonstrating a potentially safe and cost-effective way to reduce surgical site infections, a major public health concern. A paper just published by PLOS ONE describes how the Columbia […]
Eating Habits Affect Skin’s Protection Against Sun
Sunbathers may want to avoid midnight snacks before catching some rays. A study in mice from the O’Donnell Brain Institute and UC Irvine shows that eating at abnormal times disrupts the biological clock of the skin, including the daytime potency of an enzyme that protects against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Although further research is […]
Risks from Lawn Care Pesticides
Pesticides are intentionally toxic substances. Some chemicals commonly used on lawns and gardens have been associated with birth defects, mutations, adverse reproductive effects, and cancer in laboratory animals. EPA permits over 200 different pesticides to be used for lawn care, and these are often mixed together and sold as chemical combinations. Approximately 35 pesticides are […]
Topical Curcumin Gel Effective In Treating Burns And Scalds
What is the effect of Topical Curcumin Gel for treating burns and scalds? In a recent research paper, published in the open access journal BioDiscovery, Dr. Madalene Heng, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, stresses that use of topical curcumin gel for treating skin problems, like burns and scalds, is […]
Skin Bacteria Could Protect Against Disease
There are more and more examples of the ways in which we can benefit from our bacteria. According to researcher Rolf Lood from Lund University in Sweden, this is true for the skin as well. He has shown that the most common bacteria on human skin secrete a protein which protects us from the reactive […]
Harmful effects of CFL bulbs to skin; Energy-efficient bulbs safest when placed behind additional glass cover
Researchers looked into the potential impact of healthy human skin tissue (in vitro) being exposed to ultraviolet rays emitted from compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Results revealed significant levels of UVC and UVA, which appeared to originate from cracks in the phosphor coatings, present in all CFL bulbs studied. Inspired by a European study, a […]
Natural Approach To Repel Mosquitoes
Some studies show that catnip oil is as good as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance when trying to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you’re trying to host guests. The faint buzzing reminds us of those pesky pricks we receive when we least expect it. Soon thereafter the itching and swelling begins […]
Aloe vera Health Benefits
For centuries people have respected the soothing nature of Aloe vera. The beneficial properties of the aloe plant come from the 20 amino acids it contains. It is used to support the natural healing of skin that has been damaged. A common usage is to sooth sunburned skin. Aloe vera is known as the medicine […]
Safer Alternatives to Conventional Hair Color
Studies have shown that beauticians who are regularly exposed to hair dyes have an elevated risk of bladder cancer. Coal-tar derivatives are included in a vast majority of commercial hair-darkening products. The US government doesn’t do much to regulate hair dyes, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does warn that several coal-tar ingredients are […]