Yonsei University develops acid patch to reduce photo-ageing wrinkles

Scientists at Yonsei University in South Korea have developed an AA-loaded DMN patch that they claim treats wrinkles as proved in in vitro and clinical studies.

As outlined in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Chisong Lee, from Yonsei University and colleagues from the biotechnology and dermatology arenas conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial to examine the skin application feasibility and anti-wrinkle effect of an AA-loaded DMN patch.

Twenty-three subjects (average age, 49.0 years) with crow's feet were selected; participants applied the AA-loaded DMN and blank DMN patches on different sides of their face every four days.

The researchers found that the Global Photodamage Score (GPS) of the AA-loaded DMN patch group decreased after 12 weeks, while there was no change for the blank DMN patch.

At 12 weeks after applications, the difference in GPS between the AA-loaded versus blank patch was statistically significant. Using a visiometer in the skin replica analysis, the skin roughness, maximum roughness, and average roughness values were significantly lower at 12 weeks after application of the AA-loaded DMN patch versus the blank DMN patch.

"In this study, close examination of an AA-loaded DMN patch for an anti-wrinkle effect was conducted with in vitro and clinical studies," the authors write.

"These patches can be used efficiently in cosmetics given their patient usability and efficacy for wrinkle improvement."

2006 - the 'first' anti-ageing patch to hit the market

A partnership between Israel-based PowerCosmetics and AmorePacific claimed to be the first to develop an anti-ageing patch that targeted specific areas of the face back in 2006.

The 'Age Away Program Patch', based on PowerCosmetics' technology comprised of a thin flexible battery into the patch to create a 'prestige product'.

The technology incorporated ultra-thin, micro-electronic power cells, which combined with AmorePacific's Hera spot serum targeted specific areas of facial wrinkling.

At the time, it claimed to be self-activating when applied to the skin, delivering a mild direct current to the upper layers of the skin that provides an immediate reduction in the appearance of wrinkles as well as providing long-term efficacy.

In particular the patch targets wrinkling around the delicate skin area around the eyes, reducing the appearance of crow's feet to leave smoother, younger-looking skin.

Although AmorePacific was the first to launch the product in the Asia Pacific region, Estee Lauder had been developing a 'Perfectionist Power Correcting Patch' around the same time to launch in Europe.