The Fountain of Youth: Second Skin

INTRODUCTION:

Scientists at Harvard and M.I.T. have conducted pilot studies where they made a 'second skin' for their 170 subjects to use and test out. The chemicals used to make up this skin were FDA approved (safe chemicals) and so far, there is yet to be a complaint of skin irritation or allergic reactions. The researchers stated that the film (the thin piece second skin) can be soaked with either sweat or water without washing away. It can last for over a day. The aim of this study is to treat eczema, psoriasis, and many other skin conditions by covering dry itchy patches with a film that moistens and soothes. (A)

 Have scientists done the unthinkable? Have they found the fountain of youth? Researchers have made a large collection of siloxanes by modifying molecular features such as the chain length to get the ones with the properties they wanted. Siloxanes, in their basic form is one atom of oxygen linked to two atoms of silicon which form polymers (long chains of repeating units). 

The researchers of the study conducted a two-step process whereby a polymer, clear liquid, is first applied to the skin. The chains are not that strong so the application of a product that links these chains together is needed. Through the modification of the chemistry and relationships between these chains. Researchers were able to vary the properties of the second skin depending on how it will be used, making it more or less permeable. A more permeable second skin might be used for under eye bags while a less permeable one might hold a medication in place. It can be removed with a solution that dissolves the polymer.(A)

“I think it is brilliant,” said Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia, who was not involved in the research. “What they have done is design a clever biomaterial that recapitulates the properties of young and healthy skin. They can use it as sort of a Band-Aid over old and aging skin and get very significant results.” (A)

The concept of a 'second skin' was formed in the mind of Dr. Rox Anderson, a dermatology professor at Harvard Medical School over 10 years ago. Living Proof had been working on a polymer to be used as a hair product. The union of these two could not have been more perfect since dermatologists also know alot about hair. This is where the idea for making a polymer for skin was born. 

As people age, skin begins to lose its elasticity and beings to sag and wrinkle. (A)

 

Apparently, the skin can last for more than one day. This second skin is made of hundreds of polymers that is safe, easily spreadable, effective adherence, and making it look like normal healthy skin. However, I do have my doubts about this 'second skin'; How comfortable is it on your skin? What are the possible negative effects of this second skin? Its only a temporary solution to sagging skin. What if people want something more permenant like botox? The good news is, is that this study and the results from it have created a starting point for which future scientists can continue to do research.

Links:
(A)http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/10/health/second-skin-aging-wrinkles.html?_r=0

*Please note! These images are not mine. They were found on various tumblr sites! If any are yours please let me know so that I can give you credit for them! Also the people in the images have no relation to the diseases, illnesses, or cancers I write about. Thanks so much & enjoy~
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