Wrinkle Relief

Other anti-wrinkle products target collagen. Fillers such as Restylane stretch fibroblasts in the skin, found just under the outer layer, causing them to produce more collagen. The product is also supposed to inhibit the breakdown of existing collagen which is usually facilitated by an enzyme called collagenase. Until recently, fillers were thought to make skin look better simply by 'filling' or physically increasing the volume of skin, but a study conducted earlier this year showed that the product actually has an effect on collagen production.

For a quick fix, a botox injection can paralyze muscles in the face and temporarily make you look wrinkle-free. But most dermatologists will say that using a basic moisturiser and sun protection is the best way to preserve your skin. When skin absorbs moisture, it tends to become puffier and hide lines. Sun exposure significantly accelerates skin damage, so putting on some sunscreen should help. A team of Swiss researchers has recently advocated covering up, and even wearing thick fabrics like wool and denim, as a much more effective alternative to sunscreen.

So many expensive products that claim to be specially formulated to prevent wrinkles may well be a waste of money. In fact, there is a fine line to tread for cosmetics companies because if they claim that their product can 'heal' damaged skin, then it would be classified as a medicine. Medication is subject to years of testing and requires a license before it can be sold. At the end of the day, aging catches up with all of us, so perhaps saving up for retirement instead of spending money on wrinkle creams is the way to go...

Guardian Unlimited - Serum to tackle age-old problem is here. Prepare for mayhem
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,,2071061,00.html

BBC - Here comes the science...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6498421.stm