Collagen is a protein that is very important for your body. It helps keep your skin, hair, nails, muscles, and joints strong and flexible. As you get older, your body makes less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, thinner hair, and joint pain. Many people use collagen supplements and beauty products, hoping to look younger and feel better. This article explains what collagen is, how it works, the different types, and whether supplements really help. It also shares natural ways to boost your body’s collagen and clears up common myths.

Natural oils have been used for centuries to nourish and protect hair. Today, they remain a key part of many hair care routines, especially as people look for natural alternatives to chemical-based products. Coconut and argan oils are the most popular, but other oils like jojoba, castor, olive, and rosemary are gaining attention. But how effective are these oils? Can combinations, like rosemary mixed with castor or almond oil, boost benefits? Let’s explore the evidence-based science behind these oils, their benefits, limitations, and practical uses.

Hair growth treatments are hugely popular in the UK, but it’s not always clear which ones genuinely work. With so many choices - medicated products, natural remedies, supplements, and over-the-counter options: it can be challenging to separate fact from marketing hype. Whether you want to slow down hair thinning or encourage new growth, it’s essential to know which treatments are backed by scientific evidence, which may help in certain situations, and which are unlikely to make a difference. This guide reviews the most common options available in the UK and highlights when it’s best to seek medical advice.

Hair plays a significant role in how many women see themselves, so losing it can be upsetting and impact self-esteem. While often thought of as a men's issue, hair loss in women is more common than many realise. It can happen for a variety of reasons: including age, genetics, health conditions, or hair care practices and can begin gradually or suddenly. This guide covers the leading causes when to see a doctor, how doctors diagnose hair loss, and treatment and prevention options to help you manage hair loss with confidence and care. Why Hair Loss Happens in Women Ageing and Genetics As women get older, they may notice thinning hair, especially at the top or crown of the head. This is often due to female pattern hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia), a genetic condition that affects millions of women. Unlike male baldness, women usually don't lose all their hair but may see gradual thinning over time. Hair loss typically starts in the 50s or 60s, but it can begin earlier. By age 70, about 40% of women will experience noticeable thinning. If your mother or grandmother had thinning hair, you may also be more likely to experience it. Hairstyling Practices Certain hairstyles and hair treatments can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss over time. This includes: Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, buns, or weaves, which can cause traction alopecia: hair loss caused by pulling. Heat styling tools (blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons) can weaken the hair shaft and cause breakage. Chemical treatments, such as perms, relaxers, and frequent dyeing, can damage hair and scalp health. Letting your hair "rest" by avoiding tight or damaging styles and using gentle, protective products can help prevent long-term damage. Medical Conditions Several health problems can lead to hair loss in women. These include: Autoimmune diseases, like lupus or alopecia areata, cause the immune system to attack hair follicles. Thyroid disorders (underactive or overactive thyroid) can cause hair to become thin, dry, or fall out. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that can lead to hair thinning on the scalp and excess hair growth elsewhere. Iron deficiency, often caused by heavy periods or low dietary iron, can limit hair growth, even without full-blown anaemia. If you're experiencing other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, irregular periods, or sudden hair loss, it's essential to talk to a doctor.

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin, hair, and eyes. It can affect individuals of all skin tones and types and is usually harmless, though it often leads to self-consciousness or cosmetic concerns. Where Does Hyperpigmentation Show Up? These darker patches can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, neck, and back. On the face, they often appear on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip, sometimes forming a pattern referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” Understanding hyperpigmentation is an important first step toward managing it. With a range of treatments available: from home remedies to medical therapies: many people are able to reduce the appearance of dark spots and achieve a more even skin tone. Causes of Hyperpigmentation A variety of internal and external factors can trigger hyperpigmentation. Some of the most common causes include: Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can lead to sun spots or uneven skin tone over time: especially without proper sun protection. Hormonal Changes: Conditions like pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or hormonal imbalances can lead to melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation that appears as symmetrical patches on the face. Skin Injuries or Inflammation: Cuts, burns, acne, eczema, or other skin trauma can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where dark spots form after the skin heals. Medications and Medical Conditions: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or antimalarials, may cause pigmentation changes. In rarer cases, underlying health conditions like Addison’s disease can also lead to skin darkening due to hormone imbalances. Types of hyperpigmentation include: Melasma: often hormone-related, usually affects the face. Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines): caused by UV exposure over time. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): occurs after injury or inflammation of the skin.

Starting a skincare routine early is essential for maintaining healthy skin, especially during the teenage years when the skin undergoes significant changes due to puberty. Hormonal shifts increase oil production, making the skin more prone to acne, blackheads, and other skin issues. Establishing good skincare habits now can help prevent these issues and maintain healthy skin in the long run. This article will explore a pharmacist-approved skincare routine specifically designed for teens. We'll also discuss common concerns, such as oily skin and acne, which many teenagers experience, and explore practical ways to manage them. Additionally, we'll highlight key ingredients to look for in skincare products and offer tips on when it might be necessary to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or pharmacist.

Sunscreen is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. It protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can cause sunburn, accelerate skin ageing, and even lead to skin cancer. Studies show that using sunscreen regularly can lower your risk of getting skin cancer by up to 50%. Sunscreen acts like a shield, blocking both UVA and UVB rays, which can damage your skin in different ways. You should use sunscreen every day, no matter the weather. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin. For optimal protection, select a sunscreen labelled as “broad-spectrum” and with an SPF of 30 or higher. This helps keep your skin healthy and looking young. Why Sunscreen Matters UV rays from the sun come in two main types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause your skin to age and wrinkle. UVB rays cause sunburn and can increase the risk of skin cancer. Both can damage your skin’s DNA, which increases your risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen regularly can reduce your risk of certain skin cancers by up to 40%. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. About 1 in 5 Americans will get it in their lifetime. Sunscreen helps prevent melanoma, the most severe and deadly type of skin cancer. Sun exposure also makes your skin age faster. Up to 90% of visible changes, like wrinkles and dark spots, are caused by the sun. Sunscreen helps keep your skin looking younger by protecting it from these effects.

Discover how to determine your skin type and develop the ideal skincare routine for healthy, radiant skin. Get tips for oily, dry, combination, normal, and sensitive skin. Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters Knowing your skin type is the first step to having healthy skin. Many people use products that aren't right for them, which can cause breakouts, irritation, or dryness. When you understand your skin type, you can choose the right products that keep your skin balanced and healthy. There are five main skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. Each type needs different care. Using the wrong products can make skin problems worse. In this article, we'll help you figure out your skin type and share tips to keep your skin looking great. The Five Skin Types Here's how to identify which skin type you have: 1. Normal Skin Normal skin has a good balance of oil and moisture with few problems. The pores aren't too big, and the skin feels smooth. People with normal skin typically don't experience excessive oiliness or dryness, allowing them to follow a simple skincare routine. 2. Oily Skin Oily skin produces more oil than needed. This can cause your face to appear shiny, with larger pores, and you may experience more blackheads or pimples. Oily skin requires products that control oil without over-drying the skin. 3. Dry Skin Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture. It can feel tight or flaky, especially after washing. You might notice rough patches or redness. People with dry skin need products rich in moisture, such as creams and oils. 4. Combination Skin Combination skin has both oily and dry areas. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, while the cheeks tend to be drier. You need to balance these areas with products that add moisture to dry spots without clogging pores in oily areas. 5. Sensitive Skin Sensitive skin gets irritated easily. It may turn red quickly due to skincare products, harsh weather, or certain foods. If you have sensitive skin, look for gentle products that are free from added scents. Simple Test: To help figure out your skin type, wash your face with a mild soap, wait an hour without putting anything on your skin, and see how it feels. Common Skin Myths Here are some wrong ideas about skin that many people believe: Myth: "I have dry skin because I get breakouts." Many people think only oily skin gets pimples, but dry skin can break out too. When skin is too dry, it may produce extra oil to compensate, which can clog pores. Use a gentle cleanser and don't skip moisturiser. Myth: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser." Skipping moisturiser can actually make oily skin worse. When your skin feels dry, it makes even more oil. Choose light, oil-free moisturisers that won't clog your pores. Myth: "Combination skin needs different products for each area." While it may seem that you should use different products for dry and oily areas, most people with combination skin can use the same products everywhere. Look for products made for combination skin that control oil in the T-zone while adding moisture to dry areas.

What is postherpetic neuralgia? Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is long-lasting pain that happens after a shingles rash goes away. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus stays in your body but is not active. Years later, the virus can wake up and cause shingles. When you have shingles, you get a painful rash. This rash typically resolves within a few weeks. But sometimes, the pain doesn't go away after the rash heals. This ongoing pain is called postherpetic neuralgia. PHN happens when the shingles virus damages your nerves. The damaged nerves send pain signals to your brain even when there is no rash anymore. This can cause burning, stabbing, or throbbing pain that lasts for months or even years. Who gets postherpetic neuralgia? Some people are more likely to get PHN after having shingles: people over 50 years old people who had severe shingles with a bad rash people who didn't get treatment for shingles right away people with health problems that weaken the immune system women (slightly more than men)

Sunburn is when excessive exposure to the sun damages the skin causing it to become damaged. The majority of cases can be self-treated. Sunburn is an example of a first-degree (superficial) burn - the skin is red, painful and very sensitive to touch, and the damaged skin may be slightly moist from leakage of the fluid in the deeper layers of the skin. Sunburn, caused by the UVB rays in sunlight, is common and sore at the time. But it also increases your risk of developing skin cancer later in life, so it's important to avoid this by using sun safe practices. These include adequate - sun cream SPF 30 and above, with both UVA and UVB protection, cover up with hats and clothes and avoid the sun altogether on summer days between 11 am and 3 pm.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal condition that causes a range of symptoms in women of reproductive age. Acne is one related condition affecting 3 in 10 of PCOS sufferers, which on top of other PCOS-related symptoms, adds to a feeling of anguish and low self-confidence.

We have all had that important date in the diary coming up, and a day or so before, what happens – our skin breaks out. There are many different things in our day to day life that can affect how our skin is reacting. Some in the short term, and others over the long term. Here the Healthwords medical team takes a look at some of these lifestyle factors in detail that can contribute to changes with your skin.