Over the next few days I would like to discuss two articles that recently caught my eye. The first was published in last week's New YorkTimes and discussed a new night cream by a prominent cosmetic company that claims to "synchronize" your skin's "clock genes" to enhance the repair process. While clock genes in skin were recently discovered, it is unclear if they can be "synchronized" and if so, what effect it will have on the appearance of the skin.  The article points out that because this is not an FDA approved medical treatment, it can be marketed only as a cosmetic product.   Although it is being marketed only as a cosmetic product, the company can, however, make this kind of claim with only minimal scientific evidence to support it.  Patients should speak to their plastic surgeon or dermatologist before selecting any products that claim to have great therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, truly effective products take years of research, development and peer-reviewed testing as well as a significant financial investment to bring to market. Don't be fooled by the advertising and claims that cannot be supported by accepted scientific studies. Buyer beware!