You might wonder why I've used two skin care commercials to discuss evidence and bias (lesson #1 and today, lesson #2). The reason for this is that beauty products often have ads that try to be "science-y" even when there is no science to back up their claims. They provide good opportunities to practice poking holes in "evidence". Today, I want you to compare the information given in the commercial on the left, to the information you can find in the product reviews to the right.
Reviews from Amazon.com
Beware, 19 Feb 2013 By XXXXX I started to use L'Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew Advanced Rejunenating Day Moisturiser 3 days ago and liked the texture of the cream and even thought that my lines appeared less deep after only 2 days. On the third morning I awoke to find my face and neck were red and swollen and covered with itchy lumps and small blisters. In more than 30 years of using all kinds of skin creams I have never had a reaction of any sort and have never considered my skin to be sensitive - but it is to this product. I noticed no warning about testing small areas of skin first, for several days, perhaps there should be. Wonderful skin cream, 7 Jun 2013 By XXXXX I have used many very expensive skin creams in my time (I am 70) but this is one of the best and at the moment, it is the only cream I use. It does what it says and my skin looks wonderful. It arrived in a timely manner. Causes allergic reaction, 14 Jan 2013 By XXXXX I was given this moisturiser and the serum as a Christmas present. After using it my skin became hot, red, sore and my face swelled up with lumps under the skin and tiny blisters on the surface. I had to have a course of steroids to fix it. I couldn't be certain it was the cream as I had used other things, e.g. cleanser and toner so, once my skin was better I used the moisturiser again but just on my left cheek area. The result, within a few hours, is that there is circle of red sore lumpy swollen skin where I put the cream. I've tried lots of different creams, many by L'Oreal, and have never had a reaction like this. Awful stuff. (I wouldn't give it a star at all but the system insists!) |
Consider the Following Questions in Small Groups. Record your answers.1. What claims does the commercial make? What evidence does it present to support those claims, if any?
2. What group of people is the intended audience of the advertisement (who are they talking to)? Why do you think that? 3. What pros are presented in the advertisement? What cons are presented? 4. Do any of the reviewers seem less trustworthy to you? Why or why not? 5. What patterns can you see in the reviews? Are there pros that get mentioned more than once? Are there cons that come up repeatedly? 6. Think critically about the reliability of user reviews on Amazon. What things should you keep in mind when you're getting information from user reviews (so you don't just believe anything they tell you)? 7. If you were a member of their intended audience, and in the market for skin cream, would you purchase this product? Why or why not? |
you've tried the rest now buy the best, 25 Aug 2013
By XXXXX
I was quite sceptical when I bought this product but after only 2 weeks I could see the difference to my skin. It is a non greasy cream which is very important as your other make does not run or bleed into each other also you don't get panda eyes! I would highly recommend this product.
Great day cream, 16 Jun 2013
By XXXXX
Great product - feels great on my skin and have definitely seen a difference in my skin. Have used
Revitalift products for a few years but I think Lazer Renew is definitely the best yet
Youthful glow!, 30 May 2013
By XXXXXX
Product is in full use now, attempting to bring back my 'youthful glow' ... only time will tell if it's successful! ... must say it feels nice and seems to be working
Love it!, 8 May 2013
By XXXXX
This cream has really made a difference to my skin. It's easily absorbed and you don't need a huge amount. I have sensitive skin and I don't have any problems using it. I've been using it for almost 2 weeks now and my skin feels very smooth and I've had no breakouts. My skin can get dry through the day but i don't have these issues with this cream. Very pleased I tried this.
Wonderful Product, 28 Oct 2012
By XXXXX
Bought this several months ago as I take my skin creams very seriously. I thought I would give this a go and my god, it worked absolute wonders. I thought it would be the same as every other skin cream but for some reason this cream is easier to apply to the skin, especially the neck and cheek
I would highly recommend applying this every morning and night as it will work absolute wonders for you
not for me., 29 Oct 2012
By XXXXX
Bought this cream a few months back and it smells lovely its highly perfumed it glides on your skin and feels lovely.
I didn't notice any reduction in wrinkles or any change apart from my eyes swelled up to twice the size and the skin around my eyes were red and inflamed.
I have not heard of any other reports of allergy attached to this cream.
Very nasty skin reaction, 24 July 2013
By XXXXX
Unfortunately I am one of the people who experienced a puffy, red, blistered face after using the NIGHT cream for about 3 days. I felt as if my skin was burning. Never experienced a reaction like this before so would warn others to try a small area first. Unfortunately, I purchased 2 jars (oh, the confidence that this would rid me of my wrinkles) - an expensive mistake. The pharmacist recommended E45 cream and an antihistamine and after a couple of days the worst seems to be over and I can leave the house again although with my neck covered and very large sunglasses!!
As with your other reviewer I would not give this product even 1 star - maybe even a minus.
By XXXXX
I was quite sceptical when I bought this product but after only 2 weeks I could see the difference to my skin. It is a non greasy cream which is very important as your other make does not run or bleed into each other also you don't get panda eyes! I would highly recommend this product.
Great day cream, 16 Jun 2013
By XXXXX
Great product - feels great on my skin and have definitely seen a difference in my skin. Have used
Revitalift products for a few years but I think Lazer Renew is definitely the best yet
Youthful glow!, 30 May 2013
By XXXXXX
Product is in full use now, attempting to bring back my 'youthful glow' ... only time will tell if it's successful! ... must say it feels nice and seems to be working
Love it!, 8 May 2013
By XXXXX
This cream has really made a difference to my skin. It's easily absorbed and you don't need a huge amount. I have sensitive skin and I don't have any problems using it. I've been using it for almost 2 weeks now and my skin feels very smooth and I've had no breakouts. My skin can get dry through the day but i don't have these issues with this cream. Very pleased I tried this.
Wonderful Product, 28 Oct 2012
By XXXXX
Bought this several months ago as I take my skin creams very seriously. I thought I would give this a go and my god, it worked absolute wonders. I thought it would be the same as every other skin cream but for some reason this cream is easier to apply to the skin, especially the neck and cheek
I would highly recommend applying this every morning and night as it will work absolute wonders for you
not for me., 29 Oct 2012
By XXXXX
Bought this cream a few months back and it smells lovely its highly perfumed it glides on your skin and feels lovely.
I didn't notice any reduction in wrinkles or any change apart from my eyes swelled up to twice the size and the skin around my eyes were red and inflamed.
I have not heard of any other reports of allergy attached to this cream.
Very nasty skin reaction, 24 July 2013
By XXXXX
Unfortunately I am one of the people who experienced a puffy, red, blistered face after using the NIGHT cream for about 3 days. I felt as if my skin was burning. Never experienced a reaction like this before so would warn others to try a small area first. Unfortunately, I purchased 2 jars (oh, the confidence that this would rid me of my wrinkles) - an expensive mistake. The pharmacist recommended E45 cream and an antihistamine and after a couple of days the worst seems to be over and I can leave the house again although with my neck covered and very large sunglasses!!
As with your other reviewer I would not give this product even 1 star - maybe even a minus.