Wearable ‘Second Skin’ Can Make You Look Younger and Wrinkle-Free

This invisible elastic film was developed by a team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard Medical School has been tested on a handful of volunteers where it was applied on eye bags and wrinkly arms and legs.

The coating was developed with the help of two MIT spin-off companies-cosmetics company Living Proof and medical company Olivo Labs-in hopes of treating eczema and psoriasis. Scientists created this new material in the form of a cream, which, when applied on the skin, dries up and forms into an elastic, transparent layer. The film clings to the skin and seamlessly tightens wrinkles, scientists claim. The second skin can stay on for at least 24 hours, or until the wearer decides to peel it off.

The formula contains a chemical structure called siloxane (silicon and oxygen), which slides on smooth on the contours of the skin, and a platinum catalyst that causes the siloxane to interlock with each other to form a thin, elastic sheet. The solution maintains its elasticity and is claimed to go back to its original form even after being stretched for more than 250 percent.

Researchers developed the siloxane-based polymer and got their most impressive results when tested on eye bags of their subjects, mostly older people. The polymer compressed the loose skin and made the skin underneath look younger-something that is only achieved through cosmetic surgery.

The scientists proceeded with a recoil test, where the under-eye skin was pinched to show that the film made the skin ping back into place much faster. Scientists claim that as skin ages, it loses its elasticity. By restoring the elasticity, the skin will appear younger. Finally, the temporary film is tested to prove its ability to lock in moisture on patches of dry skin.

The second skin is currently being explored as a cosmetic product. The creators are yet to decide whether to make the film make-up friendly or to create new make-up products based on the formula.