Jessica Wu, a Los Angeles dermatologist and author of "Feed Your Face, " a book about nutrition and food-based topical treatments for skin, says "there is very little in the way of clinical trials" showing the anti-aging benefits of grapeseed oil.

WSJ: An Oil's Promises, From Cooking to Cosmetics

As I sink into one of the leather chairs in the shop off London's Jermyn Street, he begins by preparing my beard with a "skin food" in this case Trumper's soft, rose-scented coral cream.

WSJ: Razor Sharp | The Return of the Classic Wet Shave

New guidelines by the Food and Drug Administration aim to protect consumers from skin cancer through greater testing and clearer labeling on sun-protection products, including cosmetics with sunscreen.

WSJ: The Myths of Daily Sunscreen

Another 18% were admitted for food allergies, with the remaining 17% admitted for angio-oedema - deep swelling underneath the skin, often around the eyes and lips, and sometimes on hands and feet.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Severe allergies 'rising sharply'