New York: A study of a recently patented ingredient based on naturally occurring skin lipids has shown that it reduces wrinkles and improves the texture of sun-damaged skin.

The study, published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, suggests that salicyloyl-phytosphingosine (SP), reduces wrinkle depth and improves the texture of photoaged skin.

The recent study on SP, funded by Germany-based fine chemicals group Degussa, manufacturer of the product.

Thirty women, aged between 41 and 69, with moderate photo damage to facial skin, were asked to apply the SP cream to half of the face whilst applying a placebo cream to the other half, twice daily for four weeks.

The three dimensional profile of the subjects’ skin was then measured; changes were quantified using skin smoothness and skin roughness parameters, and measuring the distribution of wrinkle depth.

Results showed both an improvement in skin smoothness and a reduction in wrinkle depth, suggesting positive applications for the ingredient in anti-ageing products. How the product works is still a bit of a mystery but scientists believe it is due to SP’s ability to stimulate the skin’s own production of ECM proteins.