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L'Oréal's anti-aging creams in a local supermarket
with listed prices per unit
Anti-aging creams are heavily marketed and
advertised on
television, with the promise of making the consumer look
younger and reducing visible
wrinkles on the skin. Traditionally, they have been targeted
towards
women,
but products specifically targeting men are now common, often
sold as part of collections of men's grooming and skin-care
products by major brands like Zirh[1],
Biotherm and many others. This change may be due to the fact
that many societies in recent years have seen an increased focus
on young looks, including in men, and some men report that they
feel it is easier for younger-looking men to get an attractive
job than it is for older-looking men. Additionally, it has
become more socially acceptable for men to be conscious about
their looks.
There are a range of cosmetic 'treatments' for the appearance
of wrinkles on the
skin
such as
plastic surgery and
botox
injections. Advertising presents anti-aging creams as an
alternative to these more costly and invasive cosmetic
treatments.
Criticism
Critics take the view that the
manufacturers of these products prey on the fears of women,
and that the advertisements abuse
science by claiming that their products are scientifically
proven to work. It is said that the 'scientific data' is based
on the perception of women who have tried the product, and are
asked whether or not they think they look younger. These
are the hallmarks of a
placebo.
Ingredients
However, it is possible that some of the products could have
a rejuvenating effect to a certain extent.[citation
needed] For instance, many anti-wrinkle
creams contain some form of
retinol (for instance, in the form of
retinyl palmitate) which in various formulations has been
shown to give an appreance of
Rejuvenation in the skin, in that it stimulates the renewal
of skin cells and reduces dark spots.[citation
needed]
Alpha hydroxy acids have a peeling effect when used as
chemical peels. However, the effects of these compounds
likely depend on their concentration and mode of application,
making the effects of the commercial products less certain.
See also
Categories:
Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007
|
All articles with unsourced statements |
Aging |
Cosmetics |
Pharmacology stubs
