The claim: This article also from worldhealthguide.org made the rounds for suggesting that a simple facial mask of lemon juice and oatmeal can eliminate basically every skin imperfection on earth: wrinkles, acne, dark spots, fat, and freckles.

Shared: 15.7K times

Fake or fact: Pretty fake

Why: The ingredients in this mask have some efficacy, says Dr. Patricia Wexler of Wexler Dermatology. "Oatmeal contains saponins, a cleansing agent," she explains. "This gives the oatmeal a large role in exfoliation and absorption of excess oil on the skin, and absorption of dirt and debris deep within the pores." Lemon juice is a natural skin lightener, adds Wexler. Together, she says, these ingredients can "address spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation."

Although these two ingredients are effective in fighting certain skin issues, they're unlikely to completely eliminate them, like the article claims. They're also very likely to irritate skin, possibly doing more harm than good.

"Oatmeal can be used to exfoliate the skin, but can be irritating and drying if used too often," says Sobel. Not to mention applying lemon juice to skin can also make it more sensitive to the sun, leading to burns.

And the notion that lemon juice and oatmeal can burn facial fat? Well, it's utter hogwash.

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The claim: This inscrutable guide from a site called pinoyhealthguide.com discusses the miracle that is the guava leaf, which the author claims can erase wrinkles, pimples and hyperpigmentation and calm inflammation from atopic dermatitis.

Shared: 60.9K times

Fake or fact: It's a toss-up

Why: Wexler defends some of this article's claims. "It is a fact that the leaf of the guava fruit has more antioxidant properties than the fruit itself," says Wexler. "It is extremely high in lycopene, and vitamin C, which is responsible for stimulation of collagen, protection against UV damage, and anti-inflammatory properties." She says guava leaves are also an "effective antibacterial" treatment for acne and possess "anti-allergic properties" to fight atopic dermatitis.

Sobel is more cautious, citing the lack of published evidence for the effectiveness of such a home remedy. "Guava leaves may have some properties to exfoliate or help with irritation, but there are no studies to show this method can extract enough of it to be effective," he says.

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The claim: This article from realfarmacy.com positions humble frankincense oil as a universal cure-all. The writer explains the oil is effective in healing minor wounds and pimples, "balancing the emotions," reducing stress, strengthening the immune system, relieving anxiety, and even removing moles.

Shared: 136.4K times

Fake or fact: Irresponsibly, savagely fake

Why: Dr. Scott Caroll, a psychiatrist who specializes in psychosomatic medicine at the Ayni Neuroscience Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, calls this news story "an excellent example of borderline hucksterism." He notes that although it is "legal to make claims about 'supporting the health of (insert organ system)' without citing any research or scientific evidence ... such claims are vague and meaningless from a medical and scientific prospective."

Carroll is careful not to knock alternative medicine as a whole, noting that he has used ingredients like frankincense oil and peppermint oil in his household. "The real problem is when people cite these completely nonscientific claims and refuse medical treatments where I can scientifically state the odds of success and the risks of side effects," he says.

"The claim doesn't specify the effectiveness of the ingredient, and there is little research proving such a claim," confirms Dr. Jared Heathman, a psychiatrist based in Houston, Texas. "The actual oil may not be beneficial at all."

Strangely, the article makes no mention of the headline's sensational promise that frankincense will "cure" migraines, depression or cancer. This is probably for the best, since no such evidence exists.

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The claim: This wacky interpretation of a clinical study about condom use asserts that, because women who don't use condoms "show fewer signs of depression," semen may "have an effect on women's moods" when it is "absorbed through the vagina."

Shared: 87.9K times

Fake or fact: So fake, it's ☹

Why: Although the referenced study clearly showed that women who don't use condoms with their sexual partners are less likely to be depressed, it's probably not because they're getting up close and personal with seminal fluid, experts say.

"The study found a correlation, but that does not show causation," says Heathman. "There are many other possible explanations that are more likely to be true. It may be that women engaged in sexual intercourse use fewer condoms when they trust their partners, or maybe they are confident in their alternative methods of contraception. Trusting and confident women are less likely to be depressed."

"Could a single protein or enzyme be manipulated in the future to treat some type of illness?" he asks. "Maybe, but ... trying this 'treatment' could cause a lot more harm than good through sexually transmitted diseases."

Dr. Nicole Prause, sexual psychophysiologist and founder of Liberos LLC in Los Angeles, California,, says she is "very familiar" with this "nightmare study." "To interpret refusing condoms as evidence it 'helps depression' is poor science at its worst," she says. "Data are far more consistent with the interpretation that people who have relationships in which they do not elect to use condoms are, on average, in relationships that are more stable and reinforcing. Social support has always been one of the strongest protectors against depression."

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The claim: This article via theheartysoul.com recommends using castor oil to resolve a variety of ailments. It also promotes the oil for its supposed ability to prevent hair loss, thicken eyebrows and lashes, and encourage new hair growth.

Shared: 50.6K times

Fake or fact: Half-fake

Why: Like a lot of plant-based oils, there are many health benefits to castor oil, says Fusco. "Castor oil is rich in minerals, proteins, and omega fatty acids," she explains. She also notes that the oil has natural antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

"When applied to scalp and hair, it might be helpful in reducing build-up of dead skin cells, and [hydrating] the scalp," Fusco says. But would it actually prevent hair loss? "If someone is losing hair due to extensive build-up of dead skin cells, this would help," she responds.

However, if you've got normal, healthy hair, don't count on castor oil to make it thicker or speed its growth.

"[Castor oil's] omega-9 fatty acids can certainly help keep hair well-nourished and prevent it from drying out and breaking," says Sobel. "This will help maintain the hair growth you already have, but there are no studies to show that it can stimulate new hair growth."

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