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They look like something out of nightmare, but these so-called ‘spider viruses’ could be a powerful new weapon in tackling the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages, or phages for short, have a remarkable and currently untapped potential for viral …

• According to a report, topical acne products have been found to contain benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.
• The testing company says they found that acne products containing benzoyl peroxide can produce high levels of benzene when they are exposed to hot temperatures.
• Benzene is a group one carcinogen, similar to asbestos

Scientists have discovered that many topical acne products contain benzene, a colorless liquid chemical that can increase the risk of cancer.  

The testing company Valisure found that acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide can produce high levels of benzene when they are exposed to hot temperatures.

This could occur when the products are kept in a hot car, for example, or stored in a bathroom when a warm shower is running.

Benzoyl peroxide is incredibly common in facial products that target acne and these products are available at major drug stores nationwide.

What is benzene?

Benzene is a group one carcinogen, similar to asbestos and lead, meaning there is enough evidence to conclude the chemical can cause cancer. 

Based on its findings, Valisure filed a citizen petition asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the products further and consider withdrawing them from the market. 

“There are many acne products available to use besides benzoyl peroxide. If a patient is concerned enough, then seek an alternative,” Dr. Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a Yale Medicine dermatologist, told Healthline. 

What are the health risks of using skincare products with benzene?

Persistent exposure to low levels of benzene has been directly linked to cancer in humans. 

Some researchers believe there is no amount of benzene that is considered safe and that any amount can potentially increase the risk of cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found evidence that benzene exposure can cause acute myeloid leukemia and is further linked to acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Currently, the FDA prohibits the use of benzene in drug products unless its inclusion is unavoidable — at which point, it cannot exceed a concentration of 2 ppm.

According to Bunick, there’s limited evidence regarding if and how, specifically, skincare products contaminated with benzene can lead to cancer. 

“Little attention has been paid to the health risks and consequences of benzene exposure from personal skin care products and medicines,” he said.

That said, recent research from the United Kingdom found that low levels of ambient benzene exposure heightens the risk of death, heart disease, and various cancers. 

The risk is associated with long-term use, and immediate, short-term health effects are rarely reported.

“More epidemiology studies are needed, but this report raises enough health concerns that the benzene issue needs to be taken seriously by regulatory agencies and manufacturers,” Bunick said.

How to store and use acne products with benzoyl peroxide

According to Bunick, it’s been known for over 100 years that benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene. 

High temperatures accelerate this process. 

In one of Valisure’s testing experiments storing one commonly-used acne product at 158°F — which is roughly the temperature of a hot compact car — for nearly 17 hours produced levels of benzene gas 1,270 times greater than the threshold the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) associates with an increased risk of cancer from long-term inhalation exposure.

Another test, in which the acne products were stored at 104°F — which is roughly the temperature of a hot bathroom — the concentration of benzene reached four times the EPA’s threshold for an increased risk of cancer from long-term benzene inhalation. 

The concerning effect was not observed in acne products that were not made with benzoyl peroxide, including those containing salicylic acid or adapalene, according to the report.  

The takeaway: Any skincare products made with benzoyl peroxide that have been stored in a car or bathroom should be discarded, Bunick advises.

“At the current moment, there is not a proven way to stabilize or store benzoyl peroxide-containing products,” says Bunick. 

That said, cold temperatures can delay the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide into benzene, he noted.

“I believe, at the moment, the best middle ground for patients who wish to continue benzoyl peroxide products is to always store them in the refrigerator,” Bunick said.

The bottom line:

Scientists have discovered that many popular acne products made with benzoyl peroxide can produce high levels of benzene when they’re exposed to hot temperatures. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and health experts are urging people to choose safer alternatives or store their acne products in a cold environment, such as a refrigerator, until there’s more evidence on the link between acne products and cancer.

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Nearly every state has laws that ban restaurants…

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In this blog post, we explore the decades old science behind mRNA and the exciting technology behind mRNA vaccines will help ensure preparedness against future health threats.

• A new study shows wearing a foundation during exercise can cause changes in skin and its pores.
• Dermatologists said wearing make-up while working out can clog the pores and potentially cause acne.
• Healthier alternatives to foundation include beauty balm and color-correcting creams.

When it comes to skincare, it’s well-known that removing makeup before bed is important. This helps to prevent clogged pores, acne and other skin issues.

And as it turns out, makeup during exercise can also be problematic.

According to a new study, wearing a cosmetic foundation during aerobic exercise affects the skin and its pores.

The findings were published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

How foundation makeup can affect the skin during a workout

Researchers examined 43 healthy college students including 20 males and 23 females. Foundation cream was put on the forehead and upper cheek on half of the face. The other half remained bare.

Results showed an increase in moisture post-exercise on the entire face, but there was more moisture in the makeup area. 

After exercise, skin pore size increased on the non-makeup of the face, but not as much on the makeup side. The amount of oil increased in the non-makeup area and decreased in the makeup area.

“There is a growing trend of people wearing makeup while exercising,” corresponding author Dongsun Park, PhD, of the Korea National University of Education, told Healthline. “This research suggests significance in studying the changes in the skin condition of individuals who wear makeup while exercising.” 

Park continued: “According to this study, wearing heavy makeup like cream foundation during exercise can potentially lead to skin problems such as clogged pores due to sweat accumulation. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for lighter makeup or oil-free products to maintain healthy skin during exercise.”

Here’s how makeup can hurt your skin

Makeup can clog pores and cause increased skin dryness, experts say.

“The reason it is recommended to remove makeup before going to bed is because it can combine with oil and dead skin cells to clog pores and promote acne formation,” said Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist based in New York. “The same [applies] to wearing makeup while exercising. This recent study also suggests that wearing makeup while exercising may predispose the skin to increased dryness.”

This study focused mainly on foundation, but there are many other kinds of makeup.

“Mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick may present less of an issue during exercise because they are not applied to the entire face,” Camp explained.

However, more research is needed to see the impact of specific types of makeup on the skin during a workout.

Foundation alternatives to use while exercising

Some people may feel self-conscious about working out without makeup, especially in a public place. The good news is that there are healthier options than foundations that can provide coverage, according to experts.

“An alternative to foundation is a BB, or beauty balm,” said Camp. “BB creams are a cross between foundation and skincare products. They are often formulated to be non-comedogenic and are intended to improve skin tone and the overall appearance of skin. CC or color-correcting creams are intended to reduce redness or uneven skin tone. They may have a lighter consistency than BB creams.”

How to help your skin post-workout

“After exercising cleanse your skin (face and body) to remove excess oil, sweat, bacteria, and product residue that can contribute to acne or folliculitis,” Camp explained.

Also, “when exercising outdoors remember to protect your skin from the sun. Use an SPF 30 minimum, sunglasses, a hat, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your ears, neck, and lips,” said Camp. “Drink water while exercising, which will help your skin remain hydrated but also maintain your body’s water balance.”

Takeaway

Wearing foundation during exercise can affect the skin and its pores, according to a new study.

Dermatologists advise against wearing foundation while working out since it can clog the pores and lead to acne.

For face coverage during exercise, beauty balm (BB) and color-correcting (CC) creams are healthier options.

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• A new study found that sleeping less than 6 hours a night can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• If you don’t get enough sleep, the body’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism and appetite hormones is disrupted.
• Type 2 diabetes is defined by a buildup of glucose levels when the body cannot react to insulin effectively or is unable to produce enough of it.

People who sleep less than six hours a night are at considerably higher risk for type 2 diabetes than those who sleep seven to eight hours a night, a new study found. And even those with habitual short sleep who follow a healthy dietary regimen carry that risk, suggesting that sleep is a vital element in type 2 diabetes prevention.

The study was published March 5 in JAMA Network Open.

The study followed nearly 250,000 adults in the UK between May and September of 2023. The mean age of the participants was 55.9 years old, and the group had varying dietary habits ranging from “red meat, processed meat, fruits, vegetables, and fish, resulting in a healthy diet score ranging from 0 (unhealthiest) to 5 (healthiest).”

Type 2 diabetes is defined by a buildup of glucose levels when the body cannot react to insulin effectively or is unable to produce enough of it. Treatment for type 2 diabetes most commonly involves careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and medications like metformin or sulfonylureas. Additionally, diet, weight management, and exercise are part of a broader approach to treating the condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38 million Americans (one in 10, on average) have diabetes, and up to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. The condition can significantly increase the risk for heart disease and heart attacks.

How does sleep affect the risk of type 2 diabetes?

Dr. Nuha Ali El Sayed, the senior vice president of Health Care Improvement at the American Diabetes Association, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline that dysfunctional sleep patterns have wide-ranging health consequences.

“Sleep disturbances are categorized into long-term and short-term issues, each with different implications for health,” El Sayed said. “Long-term disturbances, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, result in prolonged periods of inadequate or poor-quality sleep and have been linked to various health problems, including an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Short-term disturbances caused by factors like stress or travel, lead to temporary discomfort or fatigue with less impact on long-term health.”

Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the director of communications for the nutrition company Prolon, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline that without adequate and consistent sleep, the body becomes more vulnerable to inflammation, stress, impaired glucose metabolism, and imbalances to appetite hormones.

“Our body runs on circadian rhythms in which all of our organs, tissues and glands operate. When we disrupt these circadian patterns, our body becomes less responsive to insulin, the hormone needed to pull glucose into our cells to be used as fuel. When someone is insulin resistant, the body’s insulin receptors dull, and therefore more glucose floats freely in our blood, causing blood glucose imbalances,” Richter said.

Richter also explained that key hormones called ghrelin and leptin affect our appetites and can be impacted by inadequate sleep.

“Ghrelin, which increases appetite, increases when we lack sleep, likely due to evolutionary reasons for needing energy to continue to find or hunt for food,” Richter said. “This increase in appetite leads to increased eating, most especially sugary or sweet foods, which can exacerbate blood glucose levels.”

Too much or too little sleep linked to health risks

Disrupted sleep can occur at various points in life, for various reasons, but the chronic nature of habitual short sleep duration was the main focus of the study. El Sayed explained that the extremes — not enough sleep (less than 6 hours) or an excess of sleep (more than 9 hours) — contribute to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

“Short sleep duration can contribute to insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, increased levels of HbA1c (indicating poor long-term glucose control), obesity (a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes), and disruptions in hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain,” El Sayed said. “Conversely, long sleep duration may signal underlying health issues such as depression, sleep disorders, or chronic diseases, which are also risk factors for type 2 diabetes.”

“While research has shown that even one night of poor sleep can negatively impact health, acute phases of sleep deprivation as with new parents, for instance, may not always lead to the development of diseases like T2D,” Richter said. “Yes, the body will absolutely experience temporary disruptions to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, but the greater risk associated with T2D is most prevalent in those who are chronically sleep deprived.”

Can napping offset poor sleep?

Brief naps can result in better energy and cognitive function during the day, but they don’t make up for chronic short sleep patterns, Richter said.

“Our bodies need a long stretch of sleep to really do the deep repair work it needs to function properly. It cannot do this as effectively in short bursts, as with napping,” Richter said. “If you are a new parent or in a phase of life where you are temporarily unable to get adequate sleep, naps can help to restore some of this sleep deficit to better support your energy levels, mood and brain health. But you cannot nap your way to better health. Only regular, consistent, and quality sleep every night can do that.”

Takeaway

Chronically inadequate sleep — less than six hours a night — can lead to type 2 diabetes even in people who follow a healthy dietary regime.

Without proper sleep, the body’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism and appetite hormones is disrupted.

Sleep also puts stress on the body and can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes.

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• Parents’ weight status in middle age can influence their child’s weight at the same age.
• A person is six times more likely to be living with obesity in middle age if both their parents had obesity at the same age.
• Genes play a role, but other factors are also involved, such as a family’s dietary and physical activity habits and racism and discrimination.

Your risk of living with obesity in middle age is influenced by whether your parents had obesity at the same age, a new study suggests.

In a multigenerational study in Norway, researchers found that people were six times more likely to be living with obesity in middle age if both their parents had obesity at that age.

If only one parent had obesity in middle age, the risk of obesity was more than three times higher.

“Previous research shows a strong association between parents’ and their children’s obesity status but few studies have investigated whether this intergenerational transmission of obesity continues past adolescence and into adulthood,” says study author Mari Mikkelsen, of the Department of Community Medicine, UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway, in a release.

“We were interested in how parents’ BMI is related to their offspring’s BMI when the offspring is well into adulthood and has lived away from home for a long time,” she said.

The study will be presented in May at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Austria. It has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, so the results should be viewed with caution.

Child may be 6 times more likely to be obese if parents also heavier

Researchers used data from the Tromsø Study, a population-based health study that has been going on since 1974.

They examined data on 2,068 parent-child trios. People were middle-aged (40 to 59 years old) when they participated in the Tromsø Study — parents in 1994 to 1995 and children in 2015 to 2016.

By analyzing height and weight data, researchers found a strong association between parents’ BMI and obesity status in middle age and their child’s BMI and obesity status at the same age.

When both parents had been living with obesity in middle age, their child’s risk of having obesity at the same age was six times higher.

The risk was also greater if only one parent had been living with obesity in middle age. When only the mother had obesity, the child’s risk of living with obesity at the same age increased by 3.44 times. If only the father had obesity, the odds were 3.74 times higher.

All of these scenarios were in comparison to children whose parents did not have obesity or were not overweight in middle age.

In the analysis, researchers adjusted for the child’s sex, and for the parents’ and child’s age, education level and physical activity level.

Is obesity genetic or due to environmental factors?

Mikkelsen said their analysis can’t show whether the link between parents’ and child’s obesity status in middle age is due to genes or environment, “but we are most likely looking at a combination of the two.”

“From previous studies, we know that several factors contribute to the shared obesity status between parents and their children,” she said. “Genes play an important role by affecting our susceptibility to weight gain and influence how we respond to obesogenic environments in which it can be easy to eat unhealthily.”

An obesogenic environment is one that makes it easier for people to gain weight and harder for them to achieve weight loss. It includes the buildings, roads, parks, recreational areas, shops, and other businesses in a community — all of which can affect the kinds of food people eat and how easy it is for them to be physically active.

Other research has also found that a person’s risk of having obesity in childhood is greatly influenced by their parents’ weight status.

“Some studies … speculate that children tend to develop similar dietary and exercise habits to their parents when they all live together under the same roof, resulting in a similar BMI status,” said Mikkelsen.

Also, “obesity in childhood, and especially in adolescence, tends to follow the individual into early adulthood and so we suspected it would also follow them into middle age,” she said, which is what she and her colleagues found in their study. 

Other studies have had similar results, showing that children living with obesity were more likely to have obesity in adolescence or adulthood, and even into middle age.

However, one study found that 70% of adults living with obesity did not have obesity in childhood or adolescence.

How to combat rising obesity levels

Because of the complex nature of obesity, a broad public health approach will be needed, with a focus on prevention among children, adolescents, and adults.

“Given the [findings] from this study, the focus should be on decreasing the likelihood of children with obesity having the disease as adults,” said Dr. Veronica Johnson, assistant professor of general internal medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine physician, who was not involved in the new research.

“However, this doesn’t address the current disparity where Black and Latino children are [disproportionately] affected by this disease,” she said. 

In 2020, the rates of obesity in the United States were 26.2% among Hispanic children, 24.8% among Black children and 16.6% among white children, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition, research shows that racism and discrimination, and stress resulting from those — which can affect entire communities for generations — increases the risk of developing obesity.

So “there is a need for [ongoing] efforts to not only address the overall prevalence of obesity, but also focus on the populations that need help the most,” said Johnson.

In addition, she recommends that parents learn about treatment options available to manage their own weight and their child’s. 

This is especially important given that obesity increases the risk of many other health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

However, there still remains resistance to using treatment options in children such as medications and bariatric surgery, she said, in spite of recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“In this case, lifestyle interventions are imperative to manage weight,” she said. “Parents need to counsel [children] around healthful nutrition, increased physical activity and decreased screen time.”

Takeaway

Researchers from Norway examined data on 2,068 parent-child trios. When they analyzed height and weight data, they found a strong link between parent’s BMI and obesity status in middle age and that of their child’s at the same age.

People whose parents both had obesity in middle age were themselves six times more likely to be living with obesity at the same age. If only one parent had obesity in middle age, the risk was over three times higher.

Many factors contribute to obesity, including genetics, the environment, family eating and exercise habits, and racism and discrimination. These will need to be targeted differently to reduce the impact of parents’ weight status on that of their grown children.