health

One kind of sunscreen could be harmful for kids

 Image via Thinkstock

A quick glimpse at the most interesting and useful health news around today.

Parents warned against spray sunscreens for kids

Health officials in the US have warned parents not to use spray sunscreens on their kids until a national safety investigation is completed. Consumer Reports has advised adults to exercise caution when using sprays on themselves (for instance, spraying the cream onto their hands and then spreading it on other parts of the body), and for children to avoid them altogether.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently examining spray-on sunscreens to determine whether nano-particles found in certain sunscreens are more harmful in spray form, as children are more likely to inhale them. A previous test found sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide could also have nanoparticles, which are known to cause developmental problems in animals. (via the Huffington Post)

Another reason to buy sandalwood air fresheners

It turns out the smell of sandalwood isn’t just pleasing to the nose – research published this week has found the popular scent has the potential to help the skin heal wounds. According to study author Dr Hans Hatt, exposure to synthetic sandalwood activates the skin’s olfactory receptors, prompting cells to proliferate and migrate – activity that could aid in healing wounds. This is also the first time olfactory receptors have been located in external skin cells.

Time to stock up on sandalwood-based perfume and incense, then…  (via TIME)

A different kind of fringe benefit

We all know fringes are stylish (see: Deschanel, Zooey), but they might also be good for our health. Doctors have observed that having a curtain of hair over your forehead can effectively shield the top of your face from sun damage. Seems blatantly obvious when you think about it, huh?

Among teenage patients with forehead-sweeping bangs, staff at a US hospital noticed the skin under their fringes was paler and had less freckles than the rest of their faces. They’ve named this finding ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and are using it to teach young men and women about the importance of sun protection. But that lesson isn’t just vital for teenagers – we all need to keep sun safety at the top of mind, even in winter. (via LiveScience)

If this information has convinced you to finally try a fringe (instant style update and sun protection in one fell snip – why wouldn’t you get one?), you need to read our cry-free guide to asking for a fringe at the hair salon.