The truth about looking younger.

Presented by consultant cosmetic surgeon, Dr Rozina Ali, this documentary looks at the science of skin and ageing. Beginning by looking at the everyday effects of sunlight on our skin, we then go on to learn about a particular sun protection compound produced in coral reefs. Working from research into compounds in a squid's eye, Dr Paul Long is designing a sun protection pill which could be on the market in five years time. Other research is underway into the relationship between oxygen and skin ageing. The relationship between collagen, fibroblasts and youthful skin is looked at in detail. Will it ever be possible to reverse the ageing process? We hear about an antioxidant diet which is now being developed into pill form by Unilever. Sugar can also make us look older - Dr Gunn talks about how with blood sugar levels leads to older looking skin but although cutting down on sugar can postpone the ageing process, is there anything that can reverse it? Professor Peter Seeberger used artificial glycans to form a vaccine for malaria and this kind of glycobiology has been taken up by L'Oreal, the cosmetics company. They believe they can switch ageing glycans back on and then restore the quality of aged skin.