Marvellous Advantage or Misleading Advert?

I was doing my usual lunch time browsing in Boots recently when I spotted something that made me a bit mad - an advert for Revlon's "Age defying with DNA advantage" foundation. I may only have an A-Level in biology but I was pretty sure that, as of yet anyway, scientists haven't found a way to mass modify our DNA by applying a formula to the surface layer of skin and hoping it seeps far enough in to make an impact.


However I decided to kind of give it the benefit of the doubt and do a little read up when I got back to my desk. The reviews themselves are iffy. MakeupAlley gives it an average of 2.9, Boots customer reviews are 4 star and Amazon 3 (do people buy makeup from Amazon?!) but to be honest for once I wasn't interested in the texture and durability I wanted to know and understand the science behind this claim. It's one thing to say a product will reduce the signs of ageing but to say that it has a DNA advantage..

 First of all and most obviously this foundation contains SPV which will prevent further damage from UV rays. UV rays are one of the most talked about causes of ageing, because when the UV rays penetrate the skin they actually distort or destroy the DNA in cells. When this is destroyed the cells lose their instruction manuals for how to function properly which is what causes wrinkles and a loss of elasticity in the skin. So the SPV in this foundation will help to prevent further damage, hopefully keeping us looking younger for longer but what about the damage that has already been done?

Well Revlon's miracle cure is yeast (Source - FutureDerm). This supposedly magic ingredient works by causing the DNA cells to repair themselves however the scientific evidence of this is thin and contradictory, so it surprises me that Revlon have been allowed to continue with this claim by the Advertising Standards board.

Furthermore, a study at the University of Bath a few years ago found that even the most expensive skincare creams were not able to penetrate the skins outer layers (the epidermis) to reach the cells that would most need to be repaired (in the dermis). Without getting too technical - foundation, which is generally of a thicker consistency than most moisturises principally because it's purpose is to sit on top of the skin, is therefore very unlikely to reach the inner layers of skin where action could be taken. Think of someone who has botox and how long that needle is - can a foundation really penetrate that far?

 I'm skeptical and certainly won't be buying the foundation for it's anti ageing properties but I have read that the consistency of the foundation means it "sits in the cracks" well creating a smoother appearance and minimising the noticeability of fine lines. So if you're looking for something that makes you look younger maybe this foundation is perfect for you, but please think twice before buying into the "DNA advantage" malarky. Once DNA is damaged there is very little that can be done to reverse the damage, remember the saying "prevention is easier than cure"!

What do you think, have you tried this?
Carly x