Scientists discover the secret to wrinkle-free skin

Do you dream of getting smooth, wrinkle-free skin?

Well, now you may be able to achieve just that, with Canadian scientists discovering what they believe is the key to erasing those pesky fine line and crows feet – for good.

Interestingly, it all happened totally by accident. The researchers from the University of British Columbia set out to analyse the role of the enzyme Granzyme-B in heart attacks, and instead stumbled upon the wrinkle-fighting discovery

As part of the experiment they created a miniature tanning salon for mice, exposing them to UV lamps.

By week 20 of the study, it became clear that the mice that’d been engineered to lack the enzyme had noticeably smooth skin, while the control group had gotten wrinkles.

According to the researchers, Granzyme-B causes wrinkles by affecting the integrity of collagen and dismantling the ‘cellular scaffolding’ that binds its cells together. This results in the structural weakness we identify as wrinkles. It all sounds a bit sciency, but basically the enzyme breaks down what holds collagen cells together, and ‘broken’ collagen means lines, wrinkles, crows feet, and laugh lines.

Unfortunately, there’s still a way to go as far as banishing wrinkles in humans is concerned. While the mice were easily bred to have no Granzyme-B at all, the enzyme is actually part of our immune system and removing it could have unintended consequences.

Still, the discovery is expected to lead to creams and treatments that could truly defy ageing, with the team busy developing drugs that can block the skin-ageing protein.  

But until they’re commercially available, we recommend using a preventative high SPF sunscreen with moisturising properties, such as Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear Anti-Ageing Facial Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 30+ or NIVEA Q10 plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF 30+.

For already existing wrinkles, a targeted serum is also a great idea. We love the powerful Mirenesse Power Lift Wrinkle Zero Night Renewal Serum as well as Balance Active Formula Wrinkle Free Serum (which contains snake venom for an added collagen boost).

Are you concerned about fine lines and wrinkles? What other beauty-related discoveries would like you like to see made?