Hydroderm Anti Wrinkle
From LoveToKnow Skincare
Hydroderm anti-wrinkle skincare products are sold over the internet and at some specialty stores. The company claims that their products reduce wrinkles by delivering collagen directly to the skin.
How It Works
According to the company's web site, Hydroderm anti-wrinkle serum uses a patented process to infuse collagen molecules into the skin. Collagen helps keep skin looking supple and youthful. Aging skin has less collagen, which is one reason why wrinkles develop.
Collagen injections are available to fill in wrinkles. These injections last for a limited time and must be done at a doctor's office. Hydroderm claims that their products have the same effect, but without the needles or the doctor visits.
Is It True?
In 2006, a study comparing Hydroderm to Botox appeared in the medical journal Dermatologic Surgery. Patients were generally pleased with their Botox results. Hydroderm, on the other hand, didn't improve wrinkles any better than an ordinary face cream.
Hydroderm's web site mentions clinical trials proving that the wrinkle-reducing cream works. However, the site does not provide any details about those trials. A search of the medical literature reveals no information about the company's collagen delivery process, and the only clinical trial is the comparison with Botox described above.
According to a web posting from the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program, Hydroderm was able to provide two studies supporting their claims that Hydroderm Body Shape can reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, the studies are not published in the medical literature and do not seem to be available online.
About the Free Trial
A visit to product review sites like Epinions.com reveals many comments about Hydroderm anti-wrinkle products. Many of the reviewers complain about receiving unwanted products or having trouble canceling orders. This seems to be due, at least in part, to a confusing offer of a "free trial."
At different times in the company's history, Hydroderm has offered "free samples" and "free trials," asking for a credit card number to cover a small shipping fee. But hidden in fine print was an agreement to pay for monthly product shipments, too. People who thought they were getting a one-time sample found themselves charged for an ongoing supply. Before you sign up to try Hydroderm anti-wrinkle products, read the fine print carefully.
Hydroderm and the FDA
In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Hydroderm to alter their marketing practices. According to the letter, Hydroderm was committing "serious violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act" in their advertising and labeling.
Hydroderm claims that their products "reduce wrinkle shape and thickness" and provide "visible age-reversing effects." They also say that their products are "clinically proven to deliver full, whole collagen molecules to the skin." These sorts of statements are permitted only for FDA approved medications, and not for cosmetic products like Hydroderm anti-wrinkle serum. This is because medications undergo a much more stringent approval process than cosmetics. Any claims about a drug's effect must be supported by strong scientific evidence and side effects must be carefully studied. Hydroderm products have not undergone the FDA's strict approval process.
As of early 2007, a comparison of the FDA warning letter and the current Hydroderm web site shows that the company has not complied with the FDA's rules. The company continues to describe the products as if they were medications. Claims which were specifically mentioned in the warning letter are still prominent in Hydroderm's advertising.
Shopping for Hydroderm Anti-Aging Products
Hydroderm products are available directly from the manufacturer at Hydroderm.com. The company says that the retail price for their Age-Defying Wrinkle Reducer is $79.95, but if you join their membership program you can save about $30 per bottle. If you decide to try this product, you may want to shop around a little: other web sites appear to sell the same size bottle for less. Other Hydroderm products are available from various discount sites, too.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 2,354 times. This page was last modified 16:55, 3 March 2007.
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