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Skin

A cheap plain lip balm is 'a zillion times' better than an expensive product for chapped lips. Here's why

With winter well and truly here, chapped lips are among the most annoying side effects of the cooler air. We speak to two experts on how best to treat them.
a close up of a woman applying lip balm to her lips

Why sitting by a sunny window won't help your vitamin D needs in winter

​​While UV exposure through a window can contribute to sunburn and skin cancer, it won't trigger vitamin D production. Here's what you need to know.  
Updated
A blonde woman with her hand on her head sits at a wooden table by a tall window, with a white curtain draped to the side

Jordan was in so much pain he couldn't hug his partner. But he had to go to Thailand to receive any help

Jordan Hendey used topical steroids to help his eczema since he was a baby. Now he's asking Australian dermatologists  to address its possible side-effects. 
Updated
A man with shedding skin looks into the distance

Eczema treatments leaving some with possible side effects

Doctors often prescribe topical steroids to treat the skin condition, but calls are growing to address a possible side-effect of the medication.
Steroid Withdrawal, Eczema Treatment: A woman bandages the ankle of a man who is sitting on a bed.
Duration: 2 minutes 44 seconds

'Know when to stop': Why do we get pimples — and is it OK to squeeze them?

What triggers acne, can you inherit it, can chocolate and hot weather give you zits, and most importantly, should we pop our pimples?
pimple on the forehead with arrows pointing at it

Household paint, pen ink, and watered-down ash used in DIY tattoos prompt warnings over home kits

Pen ink, household paint, even watered-down ash — laser tattoo removalist Phil Pagdin has seen it all. He's among those in the industry concerned about the safety of home tattoo kits available to buy online.
A person removing tattoos from a man's arm, both wearing protective glasses and sitting

Women are more likely to be impacted by this rare skin condition severely under-researched in Australia

It took more than two decades for Leisa Prescott to receive a diagnosis after suffering with inflamed abscesses and nodules on her skin.
Updated
A selfie of Leisa Prescott hooked up to a machine in hospital.

'Lack of sight does not mean lack of pride': People with vision impairment call for more accessible beauty products

Lizzie Eastham was born without sight but loves to wear make up — and wants it to be more accessible for people with vision impairments.
Lizzie Eastham smiles as a black dog licks her face.

How often do I need to wash makeup brushes and sponges?

From the bristles of brushes to the porous surfaces of sponges, your makeup kit can harbour a host of bacteria and fungi. Here's what you need to know about keeping things hygenic.
A collection of makeup brushes of different sizes and thickness in a cup

Will drinking straight olive oil or moisturising with it actually help your skin?

Celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez all extol the virtues of swigging extra virgin as well as slathering it on their skin, crediting olive oil for their glowing complexions.
A close up image of Jennifer Lopez on a red carpet.

Kids are spending big on skincare not meant for them and the risk of damage is real

Social media is alive with "skinfluencers" sharing beauty routines, promoting products and posting wildly popular "get ready with me" videos, and tweens and teens are paying close attention.
A teen with a towel on her head putting cream her cheeks, against a blue-apricot starburst background, with beauty products.

New guidelines add nuance to sun safety

The new guidelines highlight the importance of getting some sun exposure for those with darker skin tones.
ABC News Current
Duration: 1 minute 43 seconds

Sunscreen prevents skin cancer and premature ageing — but are you doing it right?

For decades, we've known sunscreen dramatically lowers a person's risk of developing skin cancer, with some of the first evidence coming from (aptly) the Sunshine State. This is how it works.
Illustration of a man sunbathing on the beach under an umbrella

Skincare products promise to slow the effects of ageing, but how well do they really work?

We look at the evidence behind some of the most common ingredients found in skincare products that claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. 
An array of clear dropped bottles of different colours, on cream surface,  taken from above

'Bronze culture killing us': Australians of Year issue dire warning as thousands flock to the beach

The 2024 Australians of the Year have warned the nation's tanning culture is "killing us", but that hasn't stopped of people hitting the beach on a scorching Australia Day.
Updated
Swimmers at Sydney's Coogee Beach 260124

Weather conditions are exacerbating eczema symptoms

The hot and dry summer, coupled with a high-pollen count is making it worse for sufferers.
ABC News Current
Duration: 2 minutes 13 seconds

Pollen and heat could make painful condition of eczema worse this summer — here's what to do

Sufferers of the sometimes-debilitating skin condition are being urged to take steps to prepare now, with pollen and heat predicted to make the painful condition of eczema worse this summer.
A woman with eczema and glasses looks at herself in the mirror.

Less than an hour from Canberra, 85pc of Yass residents won't drink their tap water

Bathing in dirty, smelly water is nothing new in this town where residents spend thousands of dollars on bottled water to avoid drinking the "rotten" local supply. 
A bathtub full of brown water, with toys floating in it.

Dermatologist warns against skincare advice from influencers

Dermatologist Dr Leona Yip has urged teenagers against purchasing expensive products endorsed by influencers.
Updated
ABC News Current
Duration: 4 minutes

Don's skin disease is common but trying to manage it consumed his life for 15 years

Psoriasis affects an estimated 2 to 4 per cent of Australians, and its physical, mental and financial toll can be devastating.
A downcast man pops tablets into his hand

analysis:Why do I bruise so easily? Could it be something serious?

After a bump, we can expect a bruise. But what if we find ourselves bruising without any noticeable cause? What might be behind it? Should we worry? 
A woman leg, on a white bed sheet, covered in greenish coloured bruises

Rheanca's condition made it hard to get out of bed, but people couldn't see that she was suffering

Rheanca was in overwhelming pain, but when the 16-year-old went to the doctors for help, she found herself met with a similar response: "You look fine".
a young woman stands arms crossed in front of a green hedge smiling

Are ice baths good for you? Dr Norman Swan investigates by taking the plunge

The sun is rising over Bronte Beach in Sydney's east, and Norman Swan is about to sit in an ice bath. So what's the evidence for and against cold water immersion?
Updated
Norman Swan in ice bath

Byron Shire boy, 8, hospitalised with 'margarita burns' after juicing limes

Otis Kerr's mum said she had no idea that lime juice had the potential to cause a severe and painful skin reaction if it was exposed to sunlight.
A small boy rests his arms on a pillow to show the blisters caused by lime juice.

How to treat scars at home — and the first six months are critical

The first six months after an injury or surgery is critical for scar prevention and treatment, writes Michael Freeman. 
A woman holds her fingers to her collarbone where a long scar can be seen