There’s a wealth of anti-ageing products out there – and wealth may be the operative world. Companies have made millions on these products, many of which have been shown to do nothing to improve your wellness. Useless supplements and dangerous concocotions are being created, packaged and targeted towards the boomer generation every day, thanks to unethical and unregulated sources.
But with legitimate and non-legitimate manufacturers all making the same big promises, how do you know the warning signs of a scam? In order to guard your wellbeing against the anti-ageing fakers, you need to know the right questions to ask. Firstly, where’s the proof? Are you buying a product that has been shown to work, or are you spending your hard-earned money in good faith? What you’re looking for is an unbiased lab or third party which did the supporting studies, not the manufacturer’s team or any company invested in profits.
Also, check the trials were done on participants in your age group and your ethnicity, as results vary depending on those factors. You can also check that no claims have been filed against the manufacturer, as well as ensuring your money is fully refundable should you have any reactions to the product. If a company does boast a money-back guarantee, make sure you read the fine print and get that promise in writing.
When you’re doing your background checks, don’t rely on internet reviews. Some retailers and independent review sites offer unbiased customer reviews, but often reviews are created by and/or paid for by those promoting the product. The same goes for celebrity endorsements. Most celebrities are compensated to endorse a product, as are some customers who provide personal testimonials.
Buzz words are another thing to look out for. If an advert cracks out terms like “secret formula”, “secret ingredient” or “active remedy”, raise the red flag. If the product is the real deal, it will offer evidence or define those terms. Other catchphrases to be on guard against are “breakthrough”, “exclusive” and “scientific product”. The biggest concern of all is if a claim says it is unnecessary to consult a doctor. You should always check with your doctor before starting any diet, nutritional supplement or new health regime.