Preservatives help prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other organisms that can not only deteriorate a product’s effectiveness and spoil the product itself, but also allow harmful bacteria to get on or in the skin. Although there is concern about the use of parabens, the research is not definitive that topical application leads to harmful accumulations. Parabens are found throughout nature; for example, many fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, are naturally full of parabens. But further study is needed.

Cosmeceutical-grade mineral oil is not comedogenic. The myth is that industrial-grade mineral oil and lubricants are the same as those used in cosmetic ingredients. So-called medicinal white mineral oil has met with stringent safety standards. To remove sebum plugs in the follicles, an oil-based substance is needed. Water-based products cannot melt or remove sebum plugs.

Today’s cosmeceutical mineral oil is a far cry from the industrial type that was previously used on skin. It is a very effective ingredient in helping remove excess oil from the skin. Oil attracts oil, and the modern mineral oil formulated for use in skin care has a different molecular weight and will not harm skin or clog pores. Mixed with kaolin-fine clay-it makes a potent cocktail to assist in controlling oil production in problematic skin. Vitamin A is the best ingredient to normalize skin.

There is a lack of impartial, empirical evidence that the topical application of collagen or elastin can penetrate the dermis, even when using nanotechnology.  They can provide moisturization to the epidermis, but only injections are conclusively effective.

You are only protected to the extent of the higher rating of one product.  A foundation with an SPF of 10, moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 does not yield an SPF rating of 45.

SPF ratings, soon to be revised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only refer to protection from UVB rays.  A person needs sun protection that has chemical and physical blockers, plus antioxidants.  A higher SPF also gives a false sense of security and introduces more potentially harmful chemicals to the body.  Plus, an SPF of 50 is only marginally more protective than an SPF of 15; an SPF of 30 has only 2% more protection than an SPF of 15, and a 40 has only 1% more than a 30.  Sunscreens need to be reapplied every 90-120 minutes.

Truth: Pores are openings in the skin that allow oils (sebum) to reach the surface. If pores are larger, this can be due to dead cells, genetics or scarring from squeezing blemishes.

Truth: The principle ingredient in cucumbers is 90% water with the balance being inert fiber. They can be soothing and, with moisture, hydrate skin temporarily. The same results can be obtained from a cold compress.

Truth: Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps build skin, but there is no evidence that it does anything to help with scarring. There is even some research that suggests it may have a negative effect on scarring.

Skin care professionals and consumers alike are bombarded daily with a myriad of information about skin care, skin science and skin health from the media, manufacturers and an ever-increasing number of physicians, all attempting to justify that what they profess and advocate is the truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes claims are accurate and sometimes they aren’t. More often than not, the truth may lie somewhere in between.

Myth #1: Facial exercises tone facial muscles and make a person appear younger.

Truth: The face is the only part of the body where muscles are attached directly to the skin; there are no facial ligaments and tissue. Constant facial exercise and tugging contribute to additional lines. Actually, wrinkles often form along expression lines caused by facial movements.