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Scientists Develop 'Second Skin' To Smooth Wrinkles (cbsnews.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the human-reptile dept.

An anonymous reader writes a report from CBS News: MIT researchers have developed a "second skin" that could be used to smooth wrinkles, protect skin from damage, or administer medications to treat skin conditions, such as eczema. "It's an invisible layer that can provide a barrier, provide cosmetic improvement, and potentially deliver a drug locally to the area that's being treated," Daniel Anderson said in a university news release. "We started thinking about how we might be able to control the properties of skin by coating it with polymers that would impart beneficial effects," said Anderson. "We also wanted it to be invisible and comfortable." The scientists created a library of more than 100 potential polymers, and they tested each material in order to determine which one would most closely match the appearance and characteristics of healthy skin. The "second skin" is applied in two steps. Both layers are applied as creams or ointments. Once on the skin, XPL is nearly invisible. It can remain on the skin for up to 24 hours, the study authors said. Researchers found the polymer was able to reshape "eye bags" beneath the lower eyelids, and the effect lasted about 24 hours. It also treated dry skin and improved hydration.

4 of 27 comments (clear)

  1. prior art! by ooloorie · · Score: 2

    "And already she's twice as beautiful as she was before!"

    https://youtu.be/Bnx95KyQEAA?t...

  2. Interesting that its Silicon-based by meadow · · Score: 2

    Already the vast majority of cosmetic foundations, creams, and serums contain silicon-based products. Also many high-tech serums and foundations are designed to adhere extremely well to the skin and persist for very long periods. You can literally run your head under a shower or dunk it in a bath with modern cosmetics and come out with them looking exactly the same as before.

    Its no surprise then that there is more innovation occurring with silicon-based cosmetic compounds. Makeup products are among the most heavily engineered products (according to Wikipedia, but I can't find the reference).

  3. One wierd trick by taylorius · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Is one of the scientists, by any chance, a grandmother who dermatologists all HATE?

  4. Re:Clickbaitdot by NerdyLove · · Score: 2

    Girls can be nerds, too. This is pretty awesome.