OTC Anti-Aging Products: Hype or Hope?( While the potential benefits ar...),Health

While the potential benefits are many, clinical studies are few

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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
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SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Copyright©2007 PR Newswire.

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