Textiles for therapy: Dr TWL’s eczema-friendly apparel does not compromise on style or glamour

Dr. TWL Biomaterials is the material science research and development arm of Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals, a Singaporean cosmeceutical firm headed by prominent dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin.

Under this line, the company has developed an anti-ageing sleeping eye mask, pillowcase and protective face masks engineered with copper nanoparticles.

The latest range is the Lyosilk Wardrobe, which features the Lyosilk MultiWay Wrap Dress.

It was specifically designed under the supervision of Teo to ensure that there are minimal seams to minimises friction and is able to be worn multiple ways.

It is available in three colours: mustard, coral red and dove grey, which were chosen to naturally enhance the appearance of skin.

What is Lyosilk?

Lyosilk is a proprietary plant-derived fibre that is made from 100% plant cellulose material, a sustainable waste matter from wood pulp.

It claims to have silk-like properties which do not aggravate eczema-prone skin and has been laboratory tested to be anti-microbial.

Furthermore, the material is said to have a superior sweat-wicking ability to discourage the growth of bacteria and yeast, while remaining breathable and cool on the skin.

Teo highlighted that a material like Lyosilk is especially important in warm and tropical regions like the South East Asian region.

“The value of using textiles as a form of therapy for treatment and prevention of such a persistent condition given that we cannot change the local climate.”​

While dermatologists often recommend breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and silk, Teo highlighted that these fabrics have a major disadvantage.

“Breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, are beneficial especially in a tropical climate, because of its ability to wick moisture away from the surface of the skin, however, because these natural materials tend to saturate with moisture, in the case of cotton, it becomes very heavy, especially in a tropical climate or summer climate.”​

While there have been synthetic textiles designed to keep the skin dry, commonly seen in athletic wear, such materials do not offer the same breathability.

Teo added: “And it's suitable for the creation of fashion garments as opposed to say, you know, the dry fit, polyester derived type of synthetic textiles, which are not appropriate for the design of luxury garments.”​

Teo believes biofunctional textiles are an important application in the area of skin therapeutics. For instance, she has observed that the use of such textiles can reduce the use of topical antibiotics.

“Having a textile that is inherently bactericidal will definitely confer specific benefits. In my paper with regards to bifunctional textiles, I have illustrated how they function as topical antibiotics, in a sense without the risk of inducing antibiotic resistance, which is a problem with using the topical antibiotics for treatment of skin disorders.” ​

One is all you need

The company has no plans to expand the range to include more garments, noting that the Lyosilk MultiWay Wrap Dress was intentionally designed to be worn in multiple ways.

“The idea behind it was having a single basic dress that can be worn in many different ways, creating at least seen different looks, with even a scarf as an accessory. The focus on the silk-like luxurious quality of the material is important in ensuring that this will be a staple garment in anybody’s wardrobe.”​

Additionally, it also allows the wearer to personalise the dress to their individual style and have fun with it along the way.

“The feedback we get is that it's almost a creative experience for the consumers because they get to play stylist and they change the dress when they you know tie it in a different way,” ​said Teo.

Moving forward, the company is working towards creating custom-made garments, such as gowns, using Lyosilk.