Skin Care Truths

Fayne Frey, M.D., is a board-certified clinical and surgical dermatologist practicing in West Nyack, New York, where she specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. She is a nationally recognized expert in the effectiveness and formulation of over-the-counter skincare products, and, as a speaker, has captivated audiences with her wry observations regarding the skincare industry. She has consulted for numerous media outlets, including NBC, USA Today, and, the Huffington Post, and has shared her expertise on both cable and major TV outlets. Dr. Frey is the Founder of FryFace.com, an educational skincare information and product selection service website that clarifies and simplifies the overwhelming choice of effective, safe and affordable products encountered in the skincare aisles. Dr. Frey is a fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

How Much Water Do I Need to Drink? Do I Really Need 8 Glasses a Day?

01/25/202201/26/2022

by Fayne Frey, MD Board Certified Dermatologist Where did the recommendation for 8 glasses of water/day come from? On a regular basis I hear “experts” tout the benefits of drinking water, and lots of it. I agree that water is a good thing, and that it's very important to keep ourselves hydrated.

6 Dermatologist Approved Tips for Dry, Cracked Heels

01/13/202201/17/2022

by Fayne Frey, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist You may enjoy the winter, but it's not great for skin Winter can be beautiful, especially in the Northeast. Think about the white covered mountains, translucent icicles sparkling in the trees, and snow angels embedded in lawns next to adorable snowmen. Even Texas had a

Winter Dry Skin: 6 Expert Tips for Winter Skincare

01/06/202201/14/2022

by Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist I hate my winter dry skin. When the weather is cold and the air is dry, I find flakes of skin all over the place. They're on my sheets, attached to the inside of my clothes, on the floor. And the drier the air, the

The Mystery of Moisturizers – Do you Really Know What’s in Yours?

01/05/202201/06/2022

by Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist A moisturizer is a blind item As I do every morning, I woke up today at 6:00 am, put on my running shoes, and raced out the door to meet my friends at a local state park. We run unplugged, devoid of cell phones or any

The “Not So Natural” 100% Natural Sunscreen

12/08/202112/09/2021

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Rock Your Ginger Genes on National “Love Your Red Hair Day”, But Know the Health Risks!

11/01/202111/01/2021

by Dr. Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist National "Love Your Red Hair Day" November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Yes, it's true. Who knew there was such a holiday? I found out only recently. I think redheads have a unique and beautiful look. Think about some of the more

Skin Care Products: False Claims and Broken Promises at Your Expense

10/27/202110/29/2021

originally posted April 16, 2019 updated October 27, 2021 by Fayne Frey, M.D. If the promises sound too good to be true, they probably are just that - too good to be true. Most of us were victims of deceptive marketing strategies from cosmetic companies at one time or another. The labels boast youthful

Do I need a silk pillowcase? (and other interesting skincare questions)

09/13/202109/13/2021

By Fayne Frey, MD, Board-Certified Clinical and Surgical Dermatologist I absolutely love my work as a dermatologist. Sharing my knowledge and experience with patients, friends and family makes me happy. I hear questions on a wide range of skincare related topics, but I get a few more often than others. Below are

The Truth About Formaldehyde in Shampoo and Skincare Products

Skin Care Truths

09/05/202109/06/2021

by Fayne Frey, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist "Does formaldehyde cause cancer?" The answer is yes, and many people have concerns. For example, a 32 year old young mom, Erica, recently visited my office with her 3 month old daughter. Concerned about the scales on her infant's scalp, she asked, “I tried baby

High SPF’s Capture our Attention – But Do We Need Them?

08/06/202110/11/2021

Author, Fayne Frey, MD Yes, we need them! The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor), the more sunburn protection the sunscreen provides. It’s that simple. SPF is the amount of energy (ultraviolet light) that is necessary to cause sunburn on protected skin (with sunscreen) in relation to the amount of energy

DIY Sunscreen – Why Dermatologists Recommend You DON’T Try This At Home

07/30/202108/02/2021

by Dr. Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist Mixed messages... Sunscreen. We know we need it. Experts tell us it protects us from skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma, the deadliest form. They also say it prevents skin aging (wrinkles). At the same time, we hear frequent reports in the media that sunscreen contains

Face Facts: What’s Up With Anti-Wrinkle Creams?

07/10/202107/29/2021

by Fayne Frey, MD ,Board-certified clinical and surgical dermatologist Patients ask me daily if anti-wrinkle creams work. If the question they are really asking is if the aging process can be reversed, the answer is no. Anti-wrinkle creams cannot change the anatomy of skin to erase wrinkles. Let’s rephrase the question. “Can anti-wrinkle

Are “Natural” Skincare Products Really Better?

07/09/202107/27/2021

By Dr. Fayne Frey, M.D, Board Certified Dermatologist Are you drawn to natural skincare products? Jenna Smith (not her real name) came to my office one day with her face red, swollen, and about the size of a basketball. She could hardly see due to the swelling that forced her eyes almost

How Do I Get Rid of Age Spots and Avoid Getting More?

06/02/202106/03/2021

Author: Dr. Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist originally posted: 7.1.2021 updated 6.2.2021 Concerned about age spots? Does an unsettling image of your mother or grandmother pop into your mind when someone mentions age spots? Perhaps you've noticed a small brown pigmented spot on your own cheek or on the back of your hand. After

Do You Wash Your Face Before or After You Shower? Notes From a Dermatologist

05/31/202109/06/2021

by Fayne Frey, MD The order of things We all have our routines. Some of us are more flexible than others, but most of us have specific habits we repeat daily. Think about these two examples; Do you put on your pants or your socks first? And do you wash your face

The Skinny on Cellulite – What Causes It and How Do I Get Rid of It?

03/21/202110/18/2021

by Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist The complicated relationship we have with our cellulite If cellulite bothers you, you are not alone. Many of my patients worry about putting on shorts and swimsuits as summer approaches. They ask me how to get rid of the unattractive orange-peel textured skin on their

A Dermatologist’s 7 Top Tips to Treat Dry Winter Skin

02/07/202102/07/2021

Author: Fayne Frey, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist originally posted 1/5/2019 updated 2/7/2021 Dry itchy skin during the colder months? Is your skin drier in the winter than during other seasons? You’re not alone. Cold air, strong winds, and other seasonal factors often lead to dry winter skin. It's important to first understand why you have

Let’s Be Accurate: Moisturizers Don’t Add Water to the Skin

Skin Care Truths

12/24/202012/25/2020

originally posted 11/25/2019 updated 12/24/2020 By Fayne Frey, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist What is the purpose of moisturizer? Some of my patients seem to think our skin absorbs water from moisturizers. The reality is moisturizers help skin stay moist by providing an environment that minimizes water loss from the skin. Things aren't always what

Why This Board Certified Dermatologist Doesn’t Buy Expensive Skincare Products

Skin Care Truths

11/30/202011/30/2020

by Dr. Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist Are you a collector? Some people like to collect stamps. Others squirrel away stacks of comic books or coins. I have a good friend who accumulates shoes. I collect guitars. As a dermatologist, I encounter a lot of women that collect skincare products. Do you

Do You Exfoliate? Why This Board Certified Dermatologist Does Not

09/14/202009/14/2020

By Dr. Fayne Frey, Board Certified Dermatologist originally posted October 3, 2018 updated September 14, 2020 The truth is, I don’t exfoliate. Why should I? Exfoliating the skin may remove some dirt and dead surface skin, but is it good for me? I have healthy skin and intend to keep it that way.