Boots' No7 Protect and Perfect anti-wrinkle cream has been shown to reduce wrinkles in the first reliable clinical trial of a high street anti-ageing product, researchers say. The study, led by dermatologist Chris Griffiths at Manchester University, found that around a fifth of users saw improvement after six months.
The trial involved 49 women and 11 men aged 45 to 80, who used either the anti-wrinkle cream or a placebo moisturiser. After six months, 43% of those using the active cream showed skin improvement, compared to 22% on the placebo. Tests revealed increased production of fibrillin-1, a protein that enhances skin elasticity.
Richard Weller, a dermatologist at Edinburgh University, called it the first proper trial of an over-the-counter cosmetic product. He noted the cream's effects are likely less potent than prescription retinoids but said the study raises expectations for cosmetic companies to prove their products work.
Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists commented that one in five users may get added benefit over plain moisturisers, but emphasised that sun exposure and smoking remain the main preventable causes of skin ageing. The research was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
