Yet another anti-wrinkle cream faces lawsuit
September 17, 2013

It seems to be almost cyclical - every few months, a brand new, game-changing anti-wrinkle cream is introduced to the market, only to face lawsuits due to suggestions that the "scientific" claims made on the side of the bottle are absolute bunk. CBS news tells the story of one such case involving a product made by Estee Lauder.
DNA rebuilding?
You may have heard about the company's Advanced Night Repair cream, because for $92, the formula is supposed to reduce signs of aging by repairing DNA, thanks to "innovative DNA technology," according to the news source.
However, a class-action lawsuit is saying that such claims are erroneous and could be misleading for consumers. Individuals who had used the cream spoke with the news source, and some said that the effects were either nonexistent or temporary.
At least one dermatologist isn't so skeptical. She says the cream may feature certain ingredients, such as peptides, retinols or enzyme inhibitors, that may help reduce DNA damage. The ingredient list for the product is secret, so there's no telling whether any of these substances are present within the cream.
However, she does concede that just because a product has a high price tag doesn't necessarily mean it's the best of the best.
"[Shoppers] can go into their drug store, into their mass market stores and they get excellent products for a lot less and get great results," she explained to the news source.
A smarter choice
Creams and lotions can help reduce wrinkles and skin blemishes, but do not need to prove their merit to be sold in stores. Unlike injections of Botox and fillers, which have to prove their safety and efficacy to the FDA, an "age-defying" cream could be nothing more than an expensive moisturizer.
Injectable cosmetics can smooth fine or deep wrinkles and even plump up parts of the face that have become thin. Laser skin resurfacing can improve texture and help enlarged pores. Other treatments performed by a licensed aesthetician, like microdermabrasion or chemical peels, can treat blemishes such as sun spots and discoloration on the skin.
The mission of the Aesthetic Society includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Aesthetic Society, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, is recognized as the world's leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. The Aesthetic Society is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. International Active Members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.
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