Salmon based skin creams drawing raves in Europe

A chance discovery by farmed salmon hatchery workers has spawned a line of skin care products that help cure disorders like eczema and also keeps skin younger looking. According to Intrafish, scientists in Norway became curious after it was noticed that hatchery workers who spent long hours handling salmon fry in cold seawater had softer, smoother hands. Normally, hands held in cold water become red, dry and cracked.

Researchers at Norway's University of Science and Technology discovered the skin softening component came from the enzyme zonase, found in the hatching fluid of the salmon eggs. The enzyme's task is to digest the protein structure of the tough egg shells without harming the tiny fish. The scientists hailed this dual ability as the secret behind the beneficial properties for human skin. Zonase helps dead skin flake off and stimulates the growth of healthy, new skin cells. It has also proved helpful in healing wounds.

The new product underwent clinical trials at a hospital in Sweden and is now patented. It's being sold under the International Meridian Beauty line, based in Malta, with outlets in Britain and Russia. Another more well known prescription for younger looking skin works from the inside out. Dr. Nicholas Perricone's best selling books promise that eating wild salmon for 28 days is the cure for wrinkles and provides a nutrition based face lift.

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