A study published in the July/August 2007 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal reports that limited evidence exists for the efficacy of many over-the-counter (OTC) antiaging products.

“This study underscores the need for much greater study of, and public education on, the effectiveness of OTC antiaging products,” says Timothy A. Miller, MD, chief of plastic surgery at UCLA and 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.”

Study authors reviewed existing research on ingredients found in OTC antiaging creams, including vitamins, antioxidants, alphahydroxyl acids, moisturizers, pentapeptides, and botanicals. They found that vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids, and pentapeptides had research to prove their antiaging benefits. The study reports that the other common ingredients had not been extensively researched.

Source: Medical News Today; August 14