5 Simple Do's And Don'ts For Healthy Skin

Updated Feb 7, 2025 | 01:16 PM IST

SummaryDespite what social media tells you, using anti aging products early will not help prevent wrinkles. So what will keep your skin healthy? Read on to know.
Do's and Dont's Of healthy skin

Credits: Canva

Your skin tell a lot about your health. By just looking at someone's skin, one can tell if they are sick, unhappy, or completely healthy. This is because whatever happens inside, reflects on the outside, on your skin. But there are ways to take care of your skin otherwise and it always does not mean expensive products or complicated routine. A basic skincare regimen includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. Beyond this, good food with enough nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep and stress management too is the key.

Here's all you need to know about skincare:

Who all need skincare?

Despite what social media tells you, children do not need fancy skincare products. The best approach for them is, once they start approaching the pre-puberty time, they keep their skin clean and use a non-comedogenic moisturizer if necessary. For children with eczema or other skin conditions, following a doctor-recommended routine is important.

Fighting Acne

Everyone experience acne at some point, especially during puberty. The best hack is to use oil-free products like benzoyl peroxide that can help control breakouts. If acne are causing scars, it is best to first take advise from your doctor and only then apply something else. A treatment usually takes up three-months to finally show results, therefore before considering alternatives a three-month window must be given.

When Should you start using anti aging products?

Again, social media here tells you to use it as soon as possible. But did you know that using anti aging products early will not help prevent wrinkles? A simple routine with a good sunscreen is often the best approach. Those in their mid-to-late 20s may consider introducing a mild retinol product, but factors like sun exposure and individual skin needs play a role in determining the right time to start.

What Ingredients Work?

Certain ingredients have proven beneficial, these are:

  • Retinol for skin renewal
  • Sunscreen for preventing premature aging

There may be many trendy ingredients like hyaluronic acid, however, not necessarily does it penetrate the skin deeply, but instead it helps retain moisture on the surface. Expensive doesn’t always mean better—affordable products often work just as well.

Do's and Dont's

Be Cautious: It is important that you be cautious when you use new products. Before introducing a new product, always take a patch test, especially for sensitive skin. For instance, retinol should be used only in small amounts a few times a week to prevent dryness. However, if it creates irritation, you can reduce usage, or switch to a milder formation.

Popping Pimples: This could lead to scarring and worsen inflammation, this is when spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide could help. Also consider using face wash.

Use Sunscreen: Remember, sunscreen is a skincare essential! It also reduces the risk of skin cancer and prevent sun-induced aging. It is always best to apply a sunscreen with an SPF 50+. Remember to always go for a cream over spray and reapply every two hours.

Moles: Keep an eye on your moles. Though, mostly they are harmless, but if the size, shape, or color changes, then you must go see a doctors. While most moles are harmless, some could turn into cancer.

Lifestyle Changes: What really does well for your skin is when you start eating a healthy diet, rich in whole foods, healthy fats and variety of plants. Moreover if you are smoking, it accelerates aging and reduces blood flow to skin. Thus make these changes to make your skin radiant.

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Nick Jonas Shares Key Lessons To Live A Healthy Life With Diabetes Type 1 For 20 Years

Updated Dec 29, 2025 | 10:34 AM IST

SummaryNick Jonas marked 20 years living with type 1 diabetes, the same year the Jonas Brothers completed two decades. He reflected on struggles and gratitude, advocacy through Dexcom and Beyond Type 1, sharing his A1C on World Diabetes Day, dedicating an early song, and promoting self care, community, and hope globally.
Nick Jonas Shares Key Lessons To Live A Health Life With Diabetes Type 1 For 20 Years

Credits: Facebook and Instagram

This year, Nick Jonas has completed 20 years with type 1 diabetes. This is also the same year when his band, the Jonas Brothers have also hit the mark of 20th anniversary. Speaking to Healthline, Jonas said, "It is crazy hpw it lined up. It has been a wild journey in both... in the Brothers sense, it's been the ride of a lifetime, and we have been so fortunate to be able to do this for 20 years now and to have the support of the world's greatest fans."

He also revealed that he had great and some tough times too living with diabetes. There had been struggles of managing his low, however, he revealed that being the spokesperson of Dexcom, a healthcare company known for its glucose monitoring system, and through his own non-profit initiative Beyond Type 1, he has been joyful. “Overall, I’m really grateful to have been able to be transparent about [type 1] and to connect with all these wonderful people from all regions of the world who are experiencing their own diabetes journey, and it’s a really big thing to feel like you’re a little less alone in it,” said Jonas.

On World Diabetes Day, which was on November 14, Jonas took to the stage during a Jonas Brothers concert and shared the audience his A1C. This is a test that measures one's average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. This number shows how well diabetes has been managed. He shared an inspiring message of hope, while giving a shoutout to his A1C. The concert was attended by Dexcom Warrior community, which makes more than 30,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes and may share the same experiences. “It was really special for me to get to use the Jonas Brothers’ platform as a place to speak about something that’s obviously very personal to me and on World Diabetes Day, I think it’s natural to get reflective and to tap into kind of what life looks like for me as a now 33-year-old person living with this disease,” he said.

He also dedicated the song 'A Little Bit Longer', that he had written very early on in his career during his diabetes journey. “It’s a really important time for me to get to speak on stage like that and play a song that I wrote about these experiences when I was 14 and to see the impact it still has to this day with the fan base,” he said.

Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Here are some strategies Jonas uses that helped him manage his diabetes. First off the list is to take the pressure off. “You’re never going to have the perfect day living with this disease and even if you’re super on top of your diabetes management, there are just things that are a little out of your control and being able to take a deep breath, reset, and know that it’s going to be OK on the other side is really important,” he said.

It may seem hard, but he said learning it in the beginning of his diagnosis helped him manage his diabetes. Then comes the care. He has focused on taking vitamins, caring for his skin, and most importantly, staying hydrated. “It’s a simple thing, but the more water I drink, my glucose levels are better. I don’t know exactly why, but I just find that hydrating has a lot of health benefits,” said Jonas. “I didn’t put as much focus on it earlier in my life as I do now, and it’s been really beneficial.”

Physical activity is a must. He walks for 30 minutes daily, or sometimes longer for his physical, mental, and emotional health. “It really centers me and even when it’s cold out, getting out in the fresh air is really important when a lot of my day too, is spent indoors for hours at venue or on a film set or something,” he said.

His focus on self, he says is the most important as he says he relies on his therapist from time to time. "I think it is really important to do that self-work". Lastly, he says everyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, must take part in the community. “There will be good days, there will be tough days, but you can climb this mountain, and there’s some incredible people out there whose stories will really inspire anybody that’s going through tough moments,” said Jonas.

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Taking Venlafaxine? Experts Flag Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention

Updated Dec 29, 2025 | 12:00 AM IST

SummaryVenlafaxine is widely prescribed for depression and anxiety, but some side effects may need urgent medical advice. Here’s what symptoms to watch for and when to contact a GP or NHS 111. Keep reading for details.
venlaflaxine warning

Credits: Canva

People prescribed venlafaxine are being urged to stay alert to certain symptoms and side effects that may require medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP. Venlafaxine is a widely used SNRI antidepressant. It is mainly prescribed for depression, but doctors may also recommend it for anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

What Is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine, sold under brand names such as Effexor and Effexor XR, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It helps regulate mood by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that play a key role in emotional balance and mental stability.

Doctors Warn People Taking Venlafaxine

The medicine is usually taken as a tablet or capsule. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, chemicals that help regulate mood. According to NHS guidance, venlafaxine tends to cause fewer side effects than older antidepressants. That said, it is not completely free of risks.

Most people begin to notice some improvement within one to two weeks, although it can take four to six weeks for the drug to have its full effect.

Venlafaxine Side Effects

Common side effects listed by the NHS include sweating, nausea, a dry mouth, and headaches. These are generally mild and often ease as the body adjusts to the medication.

However, there are other, more serious side effects that may need prompt medical advice. While these reactions are uncommon and affect fewer than one in 100 people, the NHS advises contacting 111 or a GP if they occur.

Venlafaxine Serious Side Effects

NHS advice says you should speak to your GP if you notice unexpected weight gain or weight loss, or sudden changes to your menstrual cycle. This may include spotting, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods.

Patients are also advised to contact their doctor or NHS 111 without delay if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking venlafaxine:

  • Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bruising that appears without explanation or continues to spread
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Muscle pain or weakness with no clear cause
  • Breathlessness, or a heartbeat that feels fast, uneven, or irregular
  • Intense feelings of elation, extreme excitement, or restlessness that makes it hard to stay still
  • Changes in vision, including blurred eyesight or enlarged pupils
  • Coughing up blood
  • Blood in urine
  • Persistent headaches along with confusion, weakness, or repeated muscle cramps
  • Black or red stools, or blood in vomit, which may point to internal bleeding
The NHS notes that venlafaxine is generally considered safe for long-term use and is not linked to lasting harm for most people. Even so, anyone worried about new or worsening symptoms should seek advice from a GP, pharmacist, or another qualified health professional rather than ignoring warning signs.

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Adenovirus Or Super Flu? Here Is How To Tell The Difference

Updated Dec 28, 2025 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryAdenovirus is a DNA virus that affects the respiratory tract and other organs, with symptoms ranging from mild colds to more severe illness, and differs from flu and super flu. Keep reading to know how it differs from super flu.
adenovirus or superflu

Credits: Canva

As adenovirus cases continue to rise globally, health professionals have noticed that this potentially serious infection is sometimes being mistaken for another illness, what many are calling the ‘super flu’.

For those unfamiliar, adenovirus is a DNA virus that gradually affects a person’s upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as other organs. This can include the eyes, digestive system, and kidneys.

Adenovirus Or Super Flu?

According to Dr. Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who spoke to Cosmopolitan: "It spreads when someone breathes in infected droplets, touches the virus and then rubs their eyes, or through the faecal-oral route (not washing hands properly after using the toilet)."

"It moves quickly in crowded spaces where people are close together." She added, "The virus is resistant to soap and many commonly used cleaning products."

Adenovirus: What Are The Symptoms?

The reassuring news about adenovirus is that most people recover within a week or two. Its symptoms are often similar to those of a common cold.

Typical signs include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In more severe cases, patients may also experience conjunctivitis, ear pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, or urinary tract infections.

Certain groups are at higher risk of serious illness. Dr. Lee notes, "Babies and children under five, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable."

Although adenovirus symptoms often resemble those of a typical flu, it’s important to know when someone is dealing with the flu—or worse, the current ‘super flu’ that’s circulating widely.

How Does Adenovirus Differ From The 'Normal' Flu?

One way to tell the difference is by how long someone is sick. Adenovirus tends to develop gradually, whereas the ‘normal’ flu often hits suddenly, with high fever and intense symptoms within hours, Lee explains. Common flu symptoms also include a high temperature (38–40°C), severe headache, and extreme fatigue.

Other key differences: adenovirus can occur throughout the year, while flu is mostly seasonal. Adenovirus can also cause pink eye and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea, but it’s less likely to lead to serious complications compared to flu.

What About The 'Super Flu'?

Doctors say it’s not only the regular flu that needs to be distinguished from adenovirus, but also the current ‘super flu,’ which is causing particularly dramatic symptoms.

This infection is caused by the H3N2 virus and tends to be more severe than typical winter illnesses, especially in the UK.

"Past data shows H3N2 has been linked to more hospitalizations and deaths from flu, especially among adults over 65 and young children, compared with other flu types," Lee explained. When comparing the ‘super flu’ to adenovirus, she notes that the symptoms are very similar.

However, she stresses that the ‘super flu’ is considered much more intense. Not only can your sore throat feel agonizing, but aches and pains may be strong enough to confine you to bed.

Adenovirus vs Super Flu: Symptoms Explained

While adenovirus and the so-called ‘super flu’ can feel very similar, there are subtle differences to watch for. Adenovirus usually develops gradually, with fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes pink eye or digestive upset. Most healthy individuals recover within a week or two. In contrast, the ‘super flu,’ caused by the H3N2 virus, hits hard and fast—high fever, intense body aches, severe fatigue, and an agonizing sore throat are common.

Both illnesses can affect vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, but the super flu tends to bring more extreme symptoms that may require hospitalization. Understanding these distinctions can help people recognize the illness early and seek appropriate care.

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