From Skin Care Recalls to Brain Health: This Week’s Top Health News

Skin Care Products Recalled for Cancer-Causing Chemical

Several popular acne treatment products are being pulled from store shelves after lab tests found elevated levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer. According to CNN Health, the recall includes Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Control.

Health experts say the cancer risk from these products is very low for people using them in the short term. However, long-term exposure to benzene over many years can slightly increase the chance of developing cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor products for chemical safety.

Congress Works to Expand Fentanyl Testing in ERs

A bipartisan bill aimed at saving lives from fentanyl overdoses is back in front of Congress. Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) and Senator Jim Banks (R-Indiana) have reintroduced “Tyler’s Law”, which would make fentanyl testing a regular part of emergency room drug screenings.

The law is named for Tyler Shamash, a young man who died after overdosing on fentanyl—even though his standard drug test came back negative. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that doesn’t show up on the common five-panel tox screens used in many hospitals. Lawmakers in both the Senate and the House say expanded testing could help doctors act faster to save lives during overdose emergencies.

New Study Links Pain Relievers to Lower Dementia Risk

Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin may offer more than just relief from aches and pains. A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that adults who regularly took NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for two or more years had a 12% lower risk of developing dementia.

Researchers believe the connection may have to do with inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the body, and especially in the brain, is a growing area of study in understanding dementia. While doctors don’t yet recommend NSAIDs specifically to prevent memory loss, the study adds to evidence that reducing inflammation could be key to protecting brain health as people age.