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A team of scientists has come up with news which should make women happy - some anti-wrinkle creams really do work.
The scientific journal Archives of Dermatology reports on atest of wrinkle creams containing retinol or "pro-retinol", the compounds from which vitamin A is derived.The U.S. study found they both improve the appearance of wrinkles and boost production of skin-building compounds.
Test subjects had one arm smothered in retinol cream, the other in a lotion containing no vitamin A.
Analysis of tissue samples from both arms showed that retinol had increased the production of two key components of the skin, glycosaminoglycan and procollagen.
Lead researcher Dr Reza Kafian said: "In natural ageing, skin loses its youthful appearance by becoming thinner, laxer and more finely wrinkled.
"These changes are readily appreciated by inspecting the upper inner arm.
"Thinner skin results from a reduced production of the protein collagen. Retinol improves fine wrinkles associated with natural ageing."
Dr Kafian said the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycan, which is known to retain water, were likely to be involved in reducing wrinkles.
The researchers said the creams could bring health benefits to older people because retinol-treated skin was more likely to withstand injury and the formation of ulcers. Wounds in thinner skin heal more slowly.
Retinol has to be used with care, however, because it can cause redness and irritation and sensitise the skin to sunlight. |
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