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Scientists inched closer as they discovered an enzyme keeps wrinkles at bay and keeps the skin looking younger. The scientists at Newcastle University found that mitochondrial complex II stops working as people age. This enzyme is found in the cell batteries that is potent for the skin's elasticity and texture. Now that the secret of youthful skin has been discovered, scientists believe that the treatment and cosmetics can be developed that stimulate this enzyme's activity, thus restoring the skin's lost vitality, reports Medical Express

Mark Birch-Machin, Professor of Molecular Dermatology at Newcastle University, led the pioneering study. "As our bodies age we see that the batteries in our cells run down, known as decreased bio-energy, and harmful free radicals increase," said Prof Birch-Machin.

"This process is easily seen in our skin as increased fine lines, wrinkles and sagging appears. You know the story, or at least your mirror does first thing in the morning!

"Our study shows, for the first time, in human skin that with increasing age there is a specific decrease in the activity of a key metabolic enzyme found in the batteries of the skin cells.

"Our research means that we now have a specific biomarker, or a target, for developing and screening anti-ageing treatments and cosmetic creams that may counter this decline in bio-energy.

"There is now a possibility of finding anti-ageing treatments which can be tailored to differently aged and differently pigmented skin, and with the additional possibility to

address the ageing process elsewhere in our bodies."

Dr Amy Bowman, Research Associate at Newcastle University's Institute of Cellular Medicine, said: "It has long been thought that mitochondria play an important role in the ageing process, however the exact role has remained unclear.

"Our work brings us one step closer to understanding how these vital cell structures may be contributing to human ageing, with the hope of eventually specifically targeting areas of the mitochondria in an attempt to counteract the signs of ageing."

A study conducted recently on mice shows that complex II activity low in the skin that ages naturally as compared to the younger mice's skin, as reported by Telegraph