Scientists reveal wrinkle-cream secret

THE “miracle ingredient” boasted about in many anti-wrinkle cream adverts may have been found by scientists.

There are myriad creams and moisturisers for those who want to slow the ageing process and now researchers at the University of Reading have found that a chemical used in many creams nearly doubles the amount of collagen skin produces. Collagen is a naturally-occurring protein that gives skin its elasticity.

The scientists said the peptide Matrixyl, which is present in many anti-wrinkle creams, could almost double the amount of collagen the body produces, if the concentration was high enough.

Professor Ian Hamley, of the university’s chemistry department, said: “Studies like this are very important for the consumer, as cosmetic companies rarely publish their work so rivals can’t copy their products.”

The scientists’ research, published in Molecular Pharmaceutics on Monday, showed that “products with Matrixyl will have skin-care benefits”.

Peptide-based treatments like Matrixyl could be made to treat wounds and enhance stem cell research, the scientists said.