Miracle anti-wrinkle ingredient in face creams actually works,say scientists

But researchers have found the chemical Matrixyl,used in many creams,can nearly double the amount of collagen skin produces,the Mirror reported.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in humans that gives skin its elasticity.

Professor Ian Hamley,of the University of Reading,said: Studies like this are very important for the consumer as cosmetic companies rarely publish their work so rivals cant copy their products.

The research showed that products with Matrixyl will have skin-care benefits, he said.

Collagen is also the most abundant protein in mammals and forms a significant proportion of our connective tissue,according to the researchers.

This means peptide-based treatments,like Matrixyl,could be made to treat wounds and enhance stem cell research,as well as be used in cosmetics.

The study is published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.