Scientists have developed a “second skin” that can mimic the properties
of youthful skin, according to a report in the journal Nature Materials.
Better yet, the chemicals used to make this elastic, wearable
crosslinked polymer layer (XPL) are considered safe by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration. The XPL may play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical, skin care and beauty
products. The unique aspect of this product is that it forms 3-D
crosslinking structure that can’t be washed away by sweat or water, and
doesn’t transfer to clothing or sheets. XPL can be used for more than just cosmetic purposes. It has been
shown to work better than current moisturizers available on the market,
which are often used to treat conditions like psoriasis, ichthyosis and
eczema. Many of these moisturizers must be used multiple times a day
and can transfer onto surfaces like sheets and clothing. Research
indicates that XPL would be able to provide moisture to the skin without
the mess of transfer.
Another use of “second skin is to keep in place skin
medications, like corticosteroids. These medications are used to treat
many skin conditions, but again, because of transfer, the body only ends
up absorbing about 10 percent of it. The thought is that XPL can be
used to seal in skin medications so the body will absorb more.
Skin cancer is another area where XPL could potentially help.
While sunblock is the leading form of prevention
against the sun’s damaging rays, it only lasts a short amount of time
and can become even less effective if a person is sweating or swimming.
According to the report, XPL has the potential to last 24 hours, sealing
in sunblock, which could potentially help reduce the rate of skin
cancer.
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