By Marilynn Larkin
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Material made from a silicone-based polymer can mimic the properties of normal youthful skin and shows promise for improving appearance, treating dry skin, and providing ultraviolet protection, researchers report.
"As the skin ages, it loses biomechanical integrity, while also becoming more susceptible to environmental injury and impaired wound healing. The aging-related changes in skin mechanical integrity result primarily in loss of elastic recoil and baseline laxity," Dr. Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, and colleagues write in an article in Nature Materials, online May 9.
"Although existing flexible and skin-adherent pre-formed films interface with the skin, these materials are not designed to serve as a `second skin' that can be worn invisibly to restore normal skin recoil and aesthetics," they observe.
To develop a "second skin" product, the team synthesized an elastic, wearable crosslinked polymer layer (XPL) material that mimics the appearance, elasticity, and strength of healthy skin. They say that in the laboratory, XPL returned to its original state after being stretched more than 250%, performing better than silicone gel sheets and polyurethane films, both of which are used as wound dressings.
"The proof-of-concept human studies showed that XPL contraction reliably reshapes the skin surface as well as mechanically flattening herniated fat pads that cause under-eye bagging," they state. In the latter study, they applied XPL to the herniated lower eyelid fat pads of 12 participants. This resulted in an average 2-grade decrease in herniation appearance on a 5-point severity scale.
Other small studies showed decreased moisture loss and improved elasticity when XPL was applied to forearm skin.
"So far, we have not seen any downsides," Dr. Langer told Reuters Health by email. "Nearly 200 people of different ages and skin types have been tested. The hope is that this elastic skin could be a huge help in the whole area of dermatology."
Commenting by email, Dr. Jennifer Lucas of Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, said, "Second skin is a novel and intriguing idea, worthy of further study. We currently have limited options, especially in a topical formulation, for troubling cosmetic issues such as the herniated lower eyelid fat pads. This typically requires surgical intervention and possibly a combination of lasers, peels, and available topicals. I could see myself incorporating this into my practice in a subset of patients, if/when further studies are available proving its long-term efficacy and lack of side effects."
"I'm concerned about possible allergic contact dermatitis, skin irritation, and change in the texture/integrity of the skin with multiple applications and extended wear," she continued. "I would like further information on how the product is removed and how long wear time is/should be. I also look forward to hearing more about recommended use protocols, and patient feedback about the product."
Asked when the product might be on the market, Dr. Langer said he "is not in a position to say."
All the study authors hold a financial interest in Living Proof and/or Olivo Labs, which will develop the product.
SOURCE: https://bit.ly/1XhdbLa
Nature Materials 2016.
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