Q: I recently read about a facial that involves massaging gold leaf into the skin. Is the pampering worth the price? A: Absolutely, unequivocally not! Not only are there no proven benefits to gold, it can actually harm your skin.
SKIN DEEP
Q: I'm confused about hyaluronic acid. I know it can be injected with dermal fillers like Restylane, but I've also seen it in moisturizers. Can I skip needles and just splurge on a cream?
SKIN DEEP
Q: So many skin care articles seem to be about repairing damage -- what about preventing wrinkles and spots? A: The skin care world has developed many innovative products and treatments to improve the signs of aging -- but the best investments you can make are simple, accessible and inexpensive:
SKIN DEEP
Q: The acne I experienced as an adolescent is finally gone, but the scars it left behind seem to be permanent. Are there any treatments that can significantly improve acne scars?
SKIN DEEP
Q: Can you recommend any natural or organic skincare products? A: Absolutely -- I've tried quite a few! But first, a word of caution: Even when you see words like ''organic,'' read the label. Organic items are required to contain 95 percent organic ingredients only when you see the official USDA seal; furthermore, terms like ''natural'' have no official meaning. You may find these descriptions on excellent products, but they can also be a marketing tactic. That being said, these are some of my favorites...
SKIN DEEP
Q: You've mentioned the importance of dietary supplements for healthy skin. Do vitamin-fortified beverages count? A: We've all seen lots of ''enhanced waters'' pop up in grocery stores. If you're looking for an occasional treat, go for it -- it's better to get a few extra vitamins than none at all! But no, they are not a substitute for a good multivitamin. Furthermore, these products often contain high amounts of sugar, which is damaging to skin -- from the wrinkling caused by glycation to breakouts...
SKIN DEEP
Q: I recently learned that I'm pregnant, and now I'm afraid to use any skin care products! Can you give me a quick rundown of the do's and don'ts?
SKIN DEEP
Q: Do you have any favorite skin care resolutions for 2008? A: My No. 1 goal for the New Year is to cut back on sugar. Sure, you might be thinking, that's good for your teeth and even your waistline, but what does it have to do with skin?
SKIN DEEP
Q: Why are you so adamant about sunscreen and sun protection? A: After 20 years of avoiding the sun -- and vigilantly applying sunscreen -- I recently had a small basal cell cancer removed from my eyelid inside my lash line -- the ONE PLACE you cannot put sunscreen. It had grown quite a lot and one-fourth of my lower eyelid had to be removed to get rid of it. It reminded me how important it is to know the signs of skin cancer and to detect it early.
