OTC Anti-Aging Products: Hype Or Hope?

Findings from a study
released today revealed that a limited amount of clinical research exists
to prove the effectiveness of many over-the-counter (OTC) anti-aging
products. The study is published in the July/August 2007 issue of the
Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the official peer-reviewed journal of the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).



OTC anti-aging products represent a billion dollar industry: wrinkle
creams have been marketed to the American public since the early 19th
century, and Americans spent more than $2 billion on these products in 2000
alone. While a limited body of evidence exists to prove the efficacy of
many of these products, their popularity continues to increase.



"This study underscores the need for much greater study of, and public
education on, the effectiveness of OTC anti-aging products," said Timothy
A. Miller, MD, Chief of Plastic Surgery at UCLA, lead author of the study.
"Although there are a number of beneficial OTC remedies in existence, for
many patients, prescription-strength or surgical procedures may be
necessary to achieve desired results."



The study consisted of a review of existing research on ingredients
commonly found in OTC anti-aging creams. Key compounds under review
included vitamins, antioxidants, alpha-hydroxyl acids, moisturizers,
pentapeptides and botanicals. Of these, Vitamin C, alpha-hydroxyl acids and
pentapeptides were shown to be the most extensively researched with proven
anti-aging benefits.



Vitamin A, or retinols have shown great promise, however their effects
have only been proven in prescription-strength formulations; OTC benefits
have not been determined. Minimal studies have been performed on Vitamin B,
though what evidence does exist is promising. Moisturizers have not been
extensively researched, but have been shown to improve the hydration and
appearance of skin.



Botanicals such as grape seed extract, soy compounds, green tea and
Gingko biloba are relatively new in the market and have gained great
popularity in recent years, but their healing qualities have yet to be
proven through randomized, placebo-controlled human trials. Many cell
culture and animal experiments have been conducted to investigate the
efficacy of these botanical compounds, however, indicating the potential
for many beneficial effects such as increased collagen expression, improved
antioxidant activity, accelerated healing and enhanced hydration.



"Consumers need to be realistic about the outcomes they can expect from
OTC anti-aging creams, at least until solid clinical evidence of their
efficacy exists," adds Foad Nahai, MD, Atlanta plastic surgeon, President
of ASAPS and Associate Editor of ASJ. "No matter what the treatment -- OTC,
prescription or surgical procedure -- it is always important for patients
to educate themselves and discuss options with their doctor."



About ASJ



The Aesthetic Surgery Journal is the peer-reviewed publication of the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and is the most
widely read clinical journal in the field of cosmetic surgery, with
subscribers in more than 60 countries.



About ASAPS



The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the leading
organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic
plastic surgery. ASAPS active-member plastic surgeons are certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada. surgery.


American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

surgery