Routinely, late night infomercials tout pseudoscience-based pills and creams that promise to make one skinny, young or beautiful—with no exercise, and minimal effort. Apparently, these miraculous cure-all appeals can effortlessly be found for any infomercial idolater who seeks such drive-through enlightenment. Consumers want what they want, when they want it, and expect the particular results they desire. One thing is for sure: anti-aging cream appeals to almost everyone’s vanity. Realistically speaking, are anti-aging creams really that fabulous…like the infomercials claim? Do they really work? Are they really worth the money? Or is it just a scam? This paper will begin by analyzing claims made by a company called Revitacel and its product line called Berridroxy. This line of anti-aging products consists of cleansers, moisturizers, eye gels, and a masque. The next step is to determine whether or not such claims are scientifically based. Finally, a Dateline NBC investigation will be examined, which uncovered certain truths about anti-aging creams.
The predominant argument for the benefits of anti-aging cream probably comes from those who believe that the product they are using has documented medical and scientific benefits. Not necessarily. However, perhaps the placebo effect should first be taken into account. The placebo effect is a psychological reaction to the promise of a result. For example, if people think that something is going to make them feel a certain way, they often do. Maybe there really are anti-aging cream fanatics who swear by the marvel effects of such creams. Revitacel Skin Care is a perfect example of a company who claims to offer “…the latest in skin care technology” (www.revitacel.net). Now, it must be determined whether or not their products have been scientifically proven to defy the aging process.
As a prime means of advertisement, Revitacel Skin Care uses either the Internet, or frequent late night infomercials. In fact, even Emmy-Award winning actress Lindsay Wagner hosts the infomercial. A questionable claim found on Revitacel’s website is: “This remarkable compound is clinically shown to reduce wrinkles and the other signs of aging” (www.revitacel.net). For example, one’s skin should appear firm, supple, and wrinkle free while using such products. Interestingly, there appears to be no credible team of scientists or clinic that determined this. No credible source is listed. Worse, their data cannot be found in order to be tested for accuracy. One could only assume that Lindsay Wagner is telling the truth. Further, doctors or dermatologists do not sell Revitacel products. “All Revitacel products are available by ordering through the Internet or by calling our Customer Service Center in Arizona,” their website discloses. (www.revitacel.net) Isn’t that interesting? To remain competitive and carry top-of-the-line products for their patients, it is obvious that doctors or dermatologists would carry Revitacel’s products. However, as Revitacel proudly purports of their products, “It has been a true success story for this little company” (www.revitacel.net). Baseless, sensational claims like this are not legitimate, yet their appeal is true to customers. Fortunately, there is real proof that such anti-aging products really do not deliver what they promise.
The most damaging evidence against any anti-aging cream, whether advertised on television or sold in a department store, comes from a recent investigation done by Dateline NBC. During their investigation, called, “Decoding the 'Magic' of Skin Care,” two top creams were selected, used for three months, and then exposed as frauds (www.msnbc.msn.com). Referred to as “genetic cosmetics,” the only factual evidence actually uncovered by Dateline is that all anti-aging creams are essentially chalked full of miscellaneous moisturizing ingredients, then sold as expensive miracle creams. Dr. Stephen Antzark, author of the book, Cosmetics Unmasked, argues that, “The majority of the ingredients are there because they hold on to water and plump the skin only temporarily” (www.msnbc.msn.com). Does this mean that only while using the product does one’s skin actually look or feel different? Dateline NBC chose Dr. Antzark as a cosmetics expert to determine the miracle make-up of such creams. According to Antzark, “for the products to make significant changes they would have to penetrate the skin deeply, and they never do” (www.msnbc.msn.com).
Nevertheless, there must be some explanation for how the anti-aging products actually work. For example, perhaps the result of using such a potent moisturizing cream is most effective during use, and not long afterwards. Conceivably, the erosive effects of time on one’s face return when the usage of such anti-aging skin care products stop. Antzark warns, "At the end of the day, it will do nothing but moisturize the skin. And that in itself, will improve the appearance. But only as long as you're wearing the moisturizer" (www.msnbc.msn.com). In sum, anti-aging creams are really over-priced moisturizers that either don’t work, or render results that don’t last.
If this is the case, and most claims made by anti-aging cream companies are fraudulent and/or false, how can they get away with it? Is the only requirement to avoid a fraud claim with the FTC, a full refund? For example, Revitacel offers “a lifetime unconditional money-back guarantee on your initial purchase” (www.revitacel.net). Isn’t it ironic that such a reputable company does not extend their refund beyond the initial purchase? Well, it turns out that in the United States, according to Dateline, “…as long as products don’t actually harm anyone, and as long there aren't a lot of complaints about consumers being misled, the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration don't pay much attention” (www.msnbc.msn.com). They take the idea that if consumers are stupid enough to purchase such products as these, then a loss of money out of pocket is only the consumer’s responsibility. Based on this rationale, almost any experimental miraculous cream or pill can be sold to the public.
Sure it is true that the human body is a complicated thing to own, manage, and maintain. With so many opportunities for betterment, it seems only natural that people will want to enhance themselves or their appearance in some way. However, the only fact here is that the childlike sense of wonder experienced by too many late night infomercial watchers, is simply a seductive mesmerizing notion being created by companies such as Revitacel. The impossible is suddenly possible. For example, just like the movie “Back to the Future” illustrates, when a person has enough imagination, time and money, they can not only turn back the clock, but also extend their youthful appearance. Can the clock of time and aging really be turned back? Not so. Without any real scientific proof for such products, the surplus of false testimonials delivered by paid actors like Lindsay Wagner only rejuvenates pseudoscience (on late night infomercials).
Cites Referenced:
1) Corderi, Victoria. Decoding the 'magic' of skin care; Are those expensive creams really worth the money? October 2004 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com)
2) Revitacel Skin Care Rewards. (http://www.revitacel.net)
The predominant argument for the benefits of anti-aging cream probably comes from those who believe that the product they are using has documented medical and scientific benefits. Not necessarily. However, perhaps the placebo effect should first be taken into account. The placebo effect is a psychological reaction to the promise of a result. For example, if people think that something is going to make them feel a certain way, they often do. Maybe there really are anti-aging cream fanatics who swear by the marvel effects of such creams. Revitacel Skin Care is a perfect example of a company who claims to offer “…the latest in skin care technology” (www.revitacel.net). Now, it must be determined whether or not their products have been scientifically proven to defy the aging process.
As a prime means of advertisement, Revitacel Skin Care uses either the Internet, or frequent late night infomercials. In fact, even Emmy-Award winning actress Lindsay Wagner hosts the infomercial. A questionable claim found on Revitacel’s website is: “This remarkable compound is clinically shown to reduce wrinkles and the other signs of aging” (www.revitacel.net). For example, one’s skin should appear firm, supple, and wrinkle free while using such products. Interestingly, there appears to be no credible team of scientists or clinic that determined this. No credible source is listed. Worse, their data cannot be found in order to be tested for accuracy. One could only assume that Lindsay Wagner is telling the truth. Further, doctors or dermatologists do not sell Revitacel products. “All Revitacel products are available by ordering through the Internet or by calling our Customer Service Center in Arizona,” their website discloses. (www.revitacel.net) Isn’t that interesting? To remain competitive and carry top-of-the-line products for their patients, it is obvious that doctors or dermatologists would carry Revitacel’s products. However, as Revitacel proudly purports of their products, “It has been a true success story for this little company” (www.revitacel.net). Baseless, sensational claims like this are not legitimate, yet their appeal is true to customers. Fortunately, there is real proof that such anti-aging products really do not deliver what they promise.
The most damaging evidence against any anti-aging cream, whether advertised on television or sold in a department store, comes from a recent investigation done by Dateline NBC. During their investigation, called, “Decoding the 'Magic' of Skin Care,” two top creams were selected, used for three months, and then exposed as frauds (www.msnbc.msn.com). Referred to as “genetic cosmetics,” the only factual evidence actually uncovered by Dateline is that all anti-aging creams are essentially chalked full of miscellaneous moisturizing ingredients, then sold as expensive miracle creams. Dr. Stephen Antzark, author of the book, Cosmetics Unmasked, argues that, “The majority of the ingredients are there because they hold on to water and plump the skin only temporarily” (www.msnbc.msn.com). Does this mean that only while using the product does one’s skin actually look or feel different? Dateline NBC chose Dr. Antzark as a cosmetics expert to determine the miracle make-up of such creams. According to Antzark, “for the products to make significant changes they would have to penetrate the skin deeply, and they never do” (www.msnbc.msn.com).
Nevertheless, there must be some explanation for how the anti-aging products actually work. For example, perhaps the result of using such a potent moisturizing cream is most effective during use, and not long afterwards. Conceivably, the erosive effects of time on one’s face return when the usage of such anti-aging skin care products stop. Antzark warns, "At the end of the day, it will do nothing but moisturize the skin. And that in itself, will improve the appearance. But only as long as you're wearing the moisturizer" (www.msnbc.msn.com). In sum, anti-aging creams are really over-priced moisturizers that either don’t work, or render results that don’t last.
If this is the case, and most claims made by anti-aging cream companies are fraudulent and/or false, how can they get away with it? Is the only requirement to avoid a fraud claim with the FTC, a full refund? For example, Revitacel offers “a lifetime unconditional money-back guarantee on your initial purchase” (www.revitacel.net). Isn’t it ironic that such a reputable company does not extend their refund beyond the initial purchase? Well, it turns out that in the United States, according to Dateline, “…as long as products don’t actually harm anyone, and as long there aren't a lot of complaints about consumers being misled, the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration don't pay much attention” (www.msnbc.msn.com). They take the idea that if consumers are stupid enough to purchase such products as these, then a loss of money out of pocket is only the consumer’s responsibility. Based on this rationale, almost any experimental miraculous cream or pill can be sold to the public.
Sure it is true that the human body is a complicated thing to own, manage, and maintain. With so many opportunities for betterment, it seems only natural that people will want to enhance themselves or their appearance in some way. However, the only fact here is that the childlike sense of wonder experienced by too many late night infomercial watchers, is simply a seductive mesmerizing notion being created by companies such as Revitacel. The impossible is suddenly possible. For example, just like the movie “Back to the Future” illustrates, when a person has enough imagination, time and money, they can not only turn back the clock, but also extend their youthful appearance. Can the clock of time and aging really be turned back? Not so. Without any real scientific proof for such products, the surplus of false testimonials delivered by paid actors like Lindsay Wagner only rejuvenates pseudoscience (on late night infomercials).
Cites Referenced:
1) Corderi, Victoria. Decoding the 'magic' of skin care; Are those expensive creams really worth the money? October 2004 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com)
2) Revitacel Skin Care Rewards. (http://www.revitacel.net)
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