Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree--a species native to Morocco--which is now endangered. In recent years, it has become a popular ingredient in beauty products. It is also sold in its pure form, which has been used by Moroccan natives for hundreds of years for its beauty benefits.

FOF Donna Fiorino says: “I have combination, acne-prone skin and using argan oil makes my face feel hydrated, but does not cause it to break out or feel greasy. In fact, it helps with my breakouts. I also use it on my cuticles and to smooth the ends of my hair. It really is a miracle, do-everything product!”

FOF Peggy Lanman says: ”I use argan oil by Josie Maran all over my face at night, concentrating around my eyes and neck. It is natural and very moisturizing but not greasy feeling.”

Dr. Krant says: “There are few-to-no formal studies proving a measurable effect of argan oil on skin health. However, the promise is great--it contains vitamin E, many essential fatty acids, and other antioxidants.”

Witch hazel comes from the witch hazel shub, a flowering plant that grows in North America. It’s sold as an astringent, which is made by boiling the shrub’s stems and condensing the steam.

FOF Gail Martin says: “My grandmother always had witch hazel in her medicine cabinet, but I rediscovered it for myself a few years ago. I have fairly sensitive skin, and it’s a great way to cleanse and tone without any harshness. It’s very soothing. I apply it with cotton pads or via a spray bottle that I spritz on my dry skin as a refresher. I use one by Thayers, which has a nice aroma.”

Dr. Krant says: “Witch hazel has been scientifically shown to reduce inflammation and redness when applied to skin. It has also been shown to reduce loss of moisture through the skin barrier. This moisture-blocking quality may be a reason it could reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in skin.”

Biotin is a vitamin essential to the human diet. It’s particularly abundant in swiss chard, raw egg yolk, peanuts and liver. It’s available as a dietary supplement in pill form.

FOF Debbie Geist says: “My doctor recommended Biotin to me for my dry skin. The label says that it ‘supports healthy hair, skin and nails.’ Love support in all three of those categories!”

FOF Fran Liscio says: “I use biotin specifically for my nails which tend to be soft--they split and peel easily. After taking one capsule a day--for around three weeks, I was surprised to notice that my nails were long and simply hadn't split in a while. (I use CVS pharmacy brand Biotin 5000 Mcg). The longer I used it the better and healthier and stronger my nails became.”

Dr. Krant says: “Biotin has been shown in multiple formal studies to reduce the brittleness of nails and their tendency to chip and peel. 2.5 to 5 milligrams per day seems to do the trick.”

Olive oil is an edible oil from the olive tree, which traditionally grows in the Mediterranean. Olive oil is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soaps.

FOF Trish Perry says: “A year ago, I found an online discussion between women whose mothers and grandmothers used pure olive oil as moisturizer. I loved the idea of a natural beauty product, so some nights I work a little into the ends of my hair and then I’d shampoo it out in the morning. It seems to keep the ends healthier. I’ve also started using olive oil as my nighttime ‘cream,’ on my face, throat, and decolletage. It’s pretty lightweight and seems to absorb into my skin quickly. The texture of my skin is so much nicer than when I use pricey skin creams.”

Dr. Krant says: “Olive oil is an age-old beauty secret, known to contain vitamin E, many essential fatty acids, and for its antioxidant properties. The staple of the Mediterranean diet, it’s lauded for its protective health effects. There is also some evidence that when applied to the skin it reduces damage from ultraviolet B rays which implies it may provide some protection against skin cancer and wrinkling.”

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts. It applications vary from food, to medicine, to beauty and as fuel.

FOF Cassi Jensen: “I use Spectrum Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. When I rub it between my fingers, it turns liquid very quickly and I can use it as a face moisturizer, body moisturizer, lip treatment (tastes great!) or on the ends of my hair to condition and de-frizz. I use a little more sometimes at night on the ends of my hair and sleep with a shower cap or plastic wrap to really deep condition. I shampoo it out the next morning. It is supposed to be great for cooking and baking too--I'll have to get another jar for the kitchen.”

FOF Vera Brasher: “I cleanse my face morning and night with it. My skin is as soft as a baby's behind! The one I use has a somewhat gritty consistency and I think it probably acts as a gentle exfoliant.”

Dr. Krant says: “Coconut oil has repeatedly been shown to be a safe and effective moisturizer when applied to the skin. One study shows it improved open-wound healing, but, there is no evidence that when applied topically to intact, healthy skin that it’s a magical beauty secret.”

Fish oil omes from the tissues of oily fish such as salmon, some tuna and swordfish. It is thought to have many health benefits and can be ingested in liquid or pill form.

FOF Linda Holzbaur says: “I use Nordic Natural Omega3 Fish Oil capsules [orally] based on the advice of an acupuncturist. She believes most modern humans do not get enough Omega-3s in their diets. Since I’ve used it, my skin, prone to eczema, is healthier and my cholesterol levels are the best my doctor has ever seen.”

Dr. Krant says: “Fish oil, containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, is a known and proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory when ingested.”

Hempseed oil is pressed from the seed of the hemp plant. It has high nutritional value, and, in addition to being edible, it is used in body care products, lubricants, paints, inks, fuel and plastics.

FOF Vera Brasher: “I take 1 tablespoon daily of hempseed oil, usually in my salad dressing or just straight from the bottle. I also apply it to my skin. It has unique anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which allows it to detoxify and clean your skin, as well as even out skin tone. A bonus is that it has a very pleasant taste and can be used to make wonderful salad dressings, mayonnaise and dips.”

Dr. Krant says: “Hempseed oil has been shown to decrease skin inflammation and irritation when ingested. This is likely due to its high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. One study showed it also contains a small amount of Vitamin E and may be usable in a spray-on formulation, but the effect of this on skin health hasn't been studied.”

Garlic nail polish - In some countries such as the Dominican Republic, chopped, raw garlic is used as a nail strengthener. Recently, the ingredient has popped up in many nail polish formulas, as manufacturers search for nail strengthening alternatives to harsh chemicals and toxins.

FOF Stacey Riech: “I use enriched nail polish by Dr.'s REMEDY because it contains natural anti-fungal ingredients like garlic bulb extract. My nails were getting yellow from wearing regular nail polish but now they are noticeably whiter and stronger.”

Dr. Krant says: “There is no published scientific evidence relating chopped garlic-infused clear nail polish to growing stronger, harder nails. In fact, I was unable to even find a theory about how this might work, but it sounds scrumptious.”