A new second skin to make you look younger

 

A new second skin that can make you look younger up to twenty years. According to the scientists, an invisible elastic film which can be applied on the skin. The second skin can make those wrinkles and eye bags disappear.

Nature Materials reported that once the formula is applied on the skin, it dries to form a film that “mimics the properties of youthful skin.” At this moment, it is being considered as a commercial cosmetic product.

But according to the scientists from the United States of America, their ‘second skin’ might be used for medical purposes and protection against the sun.

The Second skin

To test their product, the team of researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has used their primary version of the product on volunteers. They applied the product to the volunteers’ under-eye bags, forearms, and legs.

The second skin polysiloxane polymer was made in the laboratory by using molecules of silicone and oxygen as the building blocks. The synthetic of the product is designed very close to the real skin. It also provides a breathable, protective layer.

The researchers said that the temporary film locks in moisture and it improves skin elasticity.

Scientists have performed many tests, including skin elasticity test. The skin was pinched and then set free to determine how long it takes to come back into the original position. With the age, human skin tends to become less firm and loses its elasticity, so in this test the performance was not impressive.

The researchers noted that the skin which had been coated with the polymer has more elasticity than skin without the film. And looking at it with the naked eye, it appeared smoother, firmer and less wrinkly.

The researchers, who have a follow-up company that could market their patented formula in future, say the film is essentially invisible, can be applied for all day, it doesn’t cause irritation and can resist natural causes such as sweat and rain.

But before putting it into the market, it required more studies. The polymer would also need safety approval from regulators.

Dr. Tamara Griffiths of the British Association of Dermatologists says bags under the eyes are caused by the bulging of fat pockets, which is connected with ageing. It is natural, but some people consider it unacceptable and they want to get rid of it. Sometimes they even consider surgery to reverse it.

 

Experts’ views on the second skin

Dr. Tamara Griffiths said, “The results [with the polymer film] appear to be comparable to surgery, without the associated risks. Further research is needed, but this is a novel and very promising approach to a common problem. I will follow its development with interest.”

Prof. Robert Langer, who led the research at MIT, said, “Developing a second skin that is invisible, comfortable and effective in holding in water and potentially other materials presents many different challenges. It has to have the right optical properties, otherwise, it won’t look good, and it has to have the right mechanical properties, otherwise it won’t have the right strength and it won’t perform correctly.

He added, “We are extremely excited about the opportunities that are presented as a result of this work and look forward to further developing these materials to better treat patients who suffer from a variety of skin conditions.”