Shiseido acquired the Second skin technology in 2018 through the takeover of Olivo Laboratories, a US-based start-up that created the patented XPL Second Skin tech, a breathable, flexible, and nearly invisible artificial skin.
After its acquisition, the cosmetics company spent three years readying the technology for commercialisation, testing the product on around 4,000 people in the US and Japan.
The company first applied the technology to use on the area to diminish undereye bags instantly without the use of make-up.
In October this year, the company launched it under the SHISEIDO Bio Performance range. The line-up consisted of the Second Skin and a trial kit and retailed from JPY3,850 (U$34.87) to JPY35,200 (U$318.82).
In its latest round of tests, the company had successfully developed Second Skin to improve facial sagging in the cheek area.
Sagging occurs in various parts of the face as people age, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. As the droop becomes more pronounced, it can lead to an increased appearance of ageing.
The company’s challenge was to adapt the tech to the cheek area, which were larger and deeper than the undereye area.
The Second Skin was able to instantly “remodel” the cheek area, resulting in a reduction in the appearance of nasolabial lines.
Additional functions observed
Additionally, the research found that undereye bags and wrinkles could be improved by repeated application of Second Skin.
In a repeated application test with 33 women aged 44 to 66, Shiseido confirmed that after eight weeks of repeated application, the volume of the eye bags was reduced by an average of 13.3% and the wrinkle grade of the eye bags were improved by 20%.
This suggested that in addition to its immediate effects the technology could potentially improve skin concerns in the long term.
Shiseido also found that Second Skin could enhance the penetration of ingredients.
In one experiment, Shiseido applied 4-methoxysalicylic acid potassium salt (4MSK), an ingredient developed by Shiseido, on the skin and covered it with Second Skin. The ingredients were observed have penetrated deeper into the skin.
The researchers also confirmed that the amount of 4MSK in the stratum corneum increased two hours after applying the film as compared to skin that is not treated with Second Skin.
Based on the results of this study, the company has planned to develop and introduce new Second Skin solutions.
The new research on Second Skin was recently announced during Shiseido’s research and development strategy conference on November 17.
At the conference, the company unveiled its Dynamic Harmony approach in bid to strengthen its R&D division.
Shiseido also welcomed neuroscientist Dr Nobuko Nakano to join the company in an advisory capacity and study the psychological effects of sensorial elements of beauty products.
Additionally, it has brought Professor Masaru Tomita, Director of the Institute for Advanced Life Sciences, Keio University on board to advise and guide a team at the Shiseido Global Innovation Centre.