The Soviets' last great secret - a cream that can make you look 20 years younger (and it's on sale here) - News

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Both of the products claim to kick-start dormant stem cells into rejuvenating the skin.

One of the creams, Amatokin, is being made by U.S. firm Voss.

But it is thought to have been discovered by Russian scientists researching the treatment of burns, in laboratories protected by armed guards.

Sold by Harvey Nichols, it claims to "dramatically reduce the appearance of both deep and superficial wrinkles".

Voss researcher Dr Richard Wells said: "Rather than going under the knife, you may be able to look 20 years younger by applying a 'stem cell' face cream, thus replacing a time-ravaged complexion with your own new, wrinkle-free skin."

Such rejuvenation does not come cheap, however - a small pot costs £135.

Even more expensive is Peau Magnifique, which claims to 'reset the skin's clock' by a minimum of five years and costs around £750 for a month's supply.

Made by US cosmetics firm ReVive, and sold in Britain by Space NK, the cream should be applied at night for a month, for two sessions a year.

Those who add the lotion to their beauty regime are promised clearer, firmer skin and a 45 per cent reduction in wrinkles.

Key to its success is a trio of compounds designed to trigger resting stem cells to make baby-soft skin cells.

However, skin and stem cell experts have questioned whether the lotions live up to their claims. Dr Chris Mason, a stem cell expert at University College London, said: "It's intriguing. It's plausible you might be able to enhance skin, I don't think it's impossible.

"But I think the scientific evidence that they work is weak."

There are also fears that tampering with stem cells could cause cancer.

Jim Frame, a consultant plastic surgeon at Capio Springfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, said one of the ingredients of Peau Magnifique, a chemical called epidermal growth factor, was of particular concern.

A spokesman for ReVive said there was absolutely no scientific evidence that Peau Magnifique caused cancer or any other health problems.