Lotions, potions and pills
Those who’ve seen the film ‘Death becomes her’ will be familiar the premise of a magic elixir that can erase the ravages of time. As tempting as it is, not many of us would sell our soul to look young and luckily we don’t have to, as those clever scientists have come up with the goods.
The global beauty industry is worth more than £6bn, so it’s hardly surprising that every product launched is accompanied by outlandish claims and an attempt to blind us with science. All that may be about to change, as a recent article in the Telegraph reported a breakthrough in the field of ‘cosmeceuticals’, which unlike traditional make-up and cosmetic treatments that just add moisture or shine, these would induce physical changes by actually altering your DNA.
Research into the make-up, behaviour and the changes that occur in our skin and hair as we age have been used to come up with products that go beyond a tub of Créme de la Mer or Vaseline (depending on your budget). The first of these products with the ability to restore the skin’s structure was, Boots No. 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, which was tested in independent clinic trials in 2007 and then again in a larger trial in 2009. Professor Griffiths a dermatology expert at Manchester University who was involved in the original trials stated, “Cosmetic companies have always had to substantiate their claims to show that what they are saying in adverts is actually true. But they haven’t used rigorous clinical trials. Over the last few years cosmetics companies are now starting to do this.”
But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Boots is already using gene technology to reduce cellulite (Biotherm Celluli Laser D Code) and L’Oréal has been studying stem cells in hair roots for several years and is due to launch a new type of Mascara that encourages increased lash growth, plus after 10 years, they could be close to banishing grey hair.
These days consumers are looking for more than pretty packages, pleasant smells and a high price tag, they are looking for products that work. However, on the other hand, due to current laws preventing cosmetic companies from making medical claims, there could already be products that can do more than it says on the can.
