Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that Boots' No7 Protect and Perfect intense beauty serum can reduce wrinkles, according to the first reliable clinical trial of a high street anti-ageing product. The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, compared the cream with a placebo moisturiser over six months.
Of the 60 participants aged 45 to 80, 43% who used the anti-wrinkle cream showed improvement in skin condition, compared to 22% in the placebo group. Tests revealed increased production of fibrillin-1, a protein that enhances skin elasticity.
Dermatologist Chris Griffiths, who led the study, noted that while prescription retinoids have proven anti-ageing effects, evidence for over-the-counter products has been scant. The trial is seen as a step forward in requiring cosmetic companies to substantiate their claims.
Richard Weller of Edinburgh University said the study raises the bar for cosmetic testing, though the cream's effects are likely less potent than retinoids. He added that other products with similar ingredients might also be effective.
Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists advised that sun exposure and smoking remain the main preventable causes of skin ageing, and that about one in five users may benefit beyond plain moisturisers.
