NAD Recommends DERMADoctor Discontinue Claims Comparing Topical Lotion to Laser Treatments

New York, NY – Feb. 6, 2013 – The National Advertising Division has recommended that DERMADoctor discontinue advertising claims that state or suggest the company’s “Photodynamic Therapy Laser Lotion” offers the same benefits as physician-administered light treatments.

NAD found the company could continue to promote the lotion as a “moisturizer” and broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

NAD is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation. It is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Pursuant to its ongoing monitoring practice, NAD requested the advertiser provide support for claims that appeared in print advertising, including:

• “With Photodynamic Therapy you get the same anti-aging red light treatment without the hassle of cumbersome light gadgets, costly doctor visits or post-procedure downtime.”
• “Simply apply this lotion for all day anti-aging benefits, including restoring radiance, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone and improving elasticity.”
• “Photodynamic Therapy is a red light treatment, daily moisturizer and broad spectrum SPF 30 all-in-one.”
• “It is the new reality in light therapy.”

Following its review of the evidence in the record, NAD determined that the company could promote the product as a moisturizer or sunscreen, but recommended the advertiser discontinue references to “light therapy” or “light treatment.”

NAD recommended the advertiser modify references to “restoring” radiance to better reflect the results of the advertiser’s clinical study.

The company, in its advertiser’s statement, said it “fully supports NAD’s mission and thanks NAD for the opportunity to work collaboratively with NAD in this matter.”