September 11, 2008 - People will go to any lengths nowadays to retain their youthful good looks - including smearing their face with snake venom.

Pots of cream containing a synthetic version of the poison of the Temple Viper are going for £60 each.

The anti-ageing moisturiser contains venom to "stun" the skin in the same way a real snake bite would, helping to keep it smooth, according to manufacturer Planet Skincare.

The company says it gives "Botox-like results" without needles.

Department store Selfridges began stocking the moisturiser last week and said it was selling 50 pots a day.

The Temple Viper is a distant cousin to the rattle snake found in Southeast Asia.

Amino acids in the venom block nerve signals telling muscles to contract, which helps to stop wrinkles forming.

Products containing snake venom have been used for a few months now in the US," Selfridges' Christine Benson said.

"Actresses especially love the effect.

"Unlike Botox it allows the face movement and emotion, but lessens wrinkles and paralyses muscles which cause creases."

Dr Aamer Khan, medical director of the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, said:
"This could work for somebody who doesn't want injections.

"The effects are not going to be as dramatic as with Botox. It will also need to be reapplied as the body gets rid of it quickly."