Can antioxidants reverse wrinkles and can skin damage and signs of aging be cleared up quickly?

Antioxidants are essential in fighting free radical formation and are important in helping prevent skin damage, but they cannot make wrinkles go away. If a product sounds too good to be true, you can bet it's claims are false. The damage did not happen overnight, and it cannot be magically repaired. Expect at least three skin cycles - a cycle can be between 21-40 days depending on age - to begin to see measurable results. (So 2-4 months). ~Taken from Skin Inc. mag 5/09

Is indoor tanning safe and should I use it to get a base tan before going on vacation?

The argument that tanning beds and booths do not cause skin mutations that may cause cancerous lesions to develop is patently false. UVA rays found in indoor tanning lead to deeper more harmful skin damage. You do not have to have a sunburn to create damage to skin cells. Any tan is a scar, and there is no such thing as a healthy, safe tan. Self-tanners are the safest way to obtain tanned skin. ~Taken from Skin Inc. mag 5/09

Can drying problematic or oily skin clear up acne?

No. When skin becomes overly dry, an environment is created in which the skin is signaled that it is too dry and it produces more oil. Use drying products sparingly and look to lightly moisturize oily skin. The goal is to keep skin balanced. ~Taken from Skin Inc mag 5/09

Are blackheads caused by improperly cleansed skin?

Blackheads or comedones are caused by clogged pores, and excessive scrubbing can irritate and further inflame skin. Blackheads often contain dirt, oil, and dry and dead skin cells that need to be removed. Products that help dissolve sebum are the most effective. ~Taken from Skin Inc. mag 5/09 (The reason blackheads are black is because they are oxidized from exposure to the air- good news is no bacteral infection from lack of oxygen).

Are preservatives in skincare products bad?

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. ~Taken from Skin Inc. mag 5/09

Are natural and organic products better?

Many natural and organic products are not as they claim. Plus, many times active ingredients have to be synthesized to be bioavailable and efficacious. Synthetic compounds can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more effective. Natural vs. lab-processed should not lead to an up or down decision about whether a product is good or bad. Not all chemicals are bad, and not all natural or organic ingredients are good. ~Taken from Skin Inc. mag. 5/09

Can't give up soda? Go healthy!

Hooked on soda pop? We know how bad it is, esp. the diet versions w/yucky aspartame. Can't kick the habit? Try changing the product. There are several easily-available, healthier alternatives to choose from.
Switching from cola, or Mt. Dew drinks, to Ginger Ales & Root Beers, is even more beneficial. The healthy alternatives use REAL ginger & herbs in their bevvies. The real stuff has actual beneficial properties.
Try:
http://www.natural-brew.com
Santa Cruz Organic Ginger Ale
Santa Cruz Organic Root Beer
http://www.reedsinc.com/virgils/