Octisalate: Your Guide to This Common Sunscreen Ingredient
Discover the benefits, safety, and environmental impact of Octisalate, a key ingredient in many sunscreens. Learn how it protects your...
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Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist | CEO | Functional Textile Expert | Bioethicist | Educator | Author | Mom
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Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 84 min read
Everything You Need to Know About Octocrylene in Sunscreen
Learn about Octocrylene, a common sunscreen ingredient that offers broad-spectrum UV protection. Discover its benefits, potential side...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 83 min read
Understanding Octinoxate in Sunscreen: Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives
Learn about Octinoxate, a common sunscreen ingredient, its benefits, potential risks, and eco-friendly alternatives. Discover why only 3%...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
May 144 min read
SPF for Lips
Lip balms tend to use thicker wax-based ingredients intended to protect the thin skin of the lips while also sealing in moisture to add...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Apr 252 min read
Natural Sunburn Remedies
Although ideally, it is best to avoid sunburn, when they do occur, management is key to giving the skin an opportunity to attempt...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Nov 6, 20233 min read
Nicotinamide | Vitamin B3 & Skin cancer
Nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, also known as niacin or nicotinic acid. Nicotinamide has been shown to play an important role in...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Oct 30, 20233 min read
Green Tea in Skincare
Green tea has been a staple of diets in Asian cultures and increasing in popularity in Western countries. The consumption of green tea...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Oct 21, 20233 min read
Antioxidants in Photoprotection
In some ways, you can think about safe sun protection similar to sex education. In other words, abstinence or avoiding the sun and photo...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Oct 2, 20234 min read
Photocarcinogenesis | Light-induced cancer development
Breaking down this word is “photo” meaning light-induced, “carcino-” meaning cancer, and “genesis” meaning origin or development. ...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Aug 7, 20234 min read
Sunscreen use during pregnancy | What you need to know
Guidance for wearing sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancer holds true during pregnancy as well, but there are other reasons to keep...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jul 3, 20233 min read
Sunscreen That Won't Stain Clothes
Sunscreens can either stain your clothes or leave a residue behind depending on the type chosen. In general, it can be easier to lift a...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 14, 20232 min read
Best Sunscreen Sprays for 2023
Sunscreen sprays are clearly favored for ease of application. Finding the best one at the store can be like finding a needle in a...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 10, 20234 min read
Reapplying sunscreen | Why does this matter?
The general rule of thumb when it comes to reapplying sunscreen is to reapply every 2 hours, regardless of the SPF listed on the...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 9, 20233 min read
Sunburn during pregnancy
A sunburn on your belly while pregnant does not affect the baby directly, but it can indirectly. Excess sun exposure is linked to...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 9, 20235 min read
How to choose sun protective clothing
The goal of sun-protective clothing is to understand the amount of protection your skin has from UV exposure underneath your clothing. ...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 8, 20233 min read
Spray Sunscreen | How to choose the right one
Spray sunscreens are popular because of their ease of application. Simply spraying sunscreen on with minimal need to rub it in can...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 8, 20233 min read
Sunscreens for Your Workout
When planning to be active or workout outdoors, think about the intensity of the UV during the time of day you are out, sweating, and...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 8, 20232 min read
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Water-resistant sunscreens tend to last in the water, remaining effective for 40 to 80 minutes depending on the label designation. ...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 8, 20233 min read
Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens
Guidance for wearing sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancer holds true during pregnancy as well, but there are other reasons to keep...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 8, 20236 min read
Sunburns vs Sun Poisoning vs Heat Stroke
Excess sun exposure is linked to several health risks. The skin plays a significant role in temperature regulation. When the body...
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