Novel Second Skin Technology Using Direct-Electrospinning and Adhesive Primer for Long-lasting Makeup with Superior Aesthetic Qualities
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Presented by: Nobuyuki Asami
[Introduction]
Skin has various biological functions, including the prevention of excess water loss and protection from unwanted external irritants, and a social function, e.g. aesthetic appearance. Recently, technology to form a polymeric ultra-thin film on skin, termed ‘second skin’, has attracted attention in the cosmetic field. Research has mostly focused on improving the biological functions of skin, such as its moisturisation and anti-pollution ability. However, since it is extremely difficult to apply an ultra-thin film uniformly to the curved surfaces of a face and maintain it all day without significant deterioration, only a few reports exist on the application of second skin technology in makeup for beautification. In this study, a novel second skin makeup technology that has high aesthetic value and remarkable durability is proposed. This technology utilises a direct-electrospinning (D-ES) method, wherein an ultra-thin film is formed by electrospinning fine fibres directly onto the skin using a portable device, after applying an adhesive makeup primer. The goal was to achieve superior makeup aesthetics and durability, along with moisture retention and anti-pollution capabilities.
[Methods]
A polymer solution that can be used to form ultra-thin films via electrospinning was developed by mixing polyvinyl butyral and additives in ethanol. To improve the durability of the film, a primer was developed by mixing a polymeric emulsion and additives in water. The film was applied over the primer through D-ES and evaluated as follows.
1. An in vitro rubbing test was conducted using a surgical facemask over a film spun on artificial leather, with and without the primer.
2. The aesthetic quality of commercial foundation (powder or liquid form), applied after the film and primer, on the entire face of eight panellists was compared to the same foundation alone through visual evaluation, optical measurements, and photographic analysis using a previously developed artificial intelligence (AI) system.
3. A half-face test was conducted on eight panellists for 8 h to compare the durability of the makeup with and without the primer and film, and the transfer of foundation onto the mask was analysed.
4. Makeup removability was evaluated in vitro by measuring the colour difference before and after peeling off the film applied below the foundation.
5. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on eight panellists when the film and primer were applied.
6. An in vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate the anti-pollution function of the film by peeling it off after the model pollution particles were applied.
[Results]
1. The adhesive polymer primer dramatically increased the durability during the mask-rubbing test.
2. The visual evaluation, optical measurements and AI results demonstrate that the foundation appeared smoother when applied over the primer and film.
3. The film and primer decreased the level of colour transfer to the mask, and reduced the oily shine on the face.
4. The foundation colourants were almost completely removed with the film.
5. The film and primer decreased the TEWL significantly.
6. Most pollution particles were removed with the film, meaning that the film protected skin from direct contact of the pollutants.
[Discussion]
The novel primer made a D-ES film sufficiently robust, even under a mask, to achieve superior appearance and long-lasting performance of the makeup. These qualities result from the fine fibre network of the film. The fibre network prevents foundation particles from falling into pores and grooves by forming a bridge, and thus, achieves a smoother appearance than foundation alone. Furthermore, the fine fibre network can hold foundation particles, resulting in long-lasting performance and the easy removal of foundation. The structure also plays an important role in defending the skin from pollution and achieving suitable water permeability for barrier function.
[Conclusion]
The adhesive polymer primer formula significantly improved the durability of D-ES second skin film, which achieved the desired barrier and makeup functions. This novel technology takes second skin technology to the next level through the amalgamation of skincare and makeup, and will influence future research focused on applications such as wound dressings and wearable sensors.
Skin has various biological functions, including the prevention of excess water loss and protection from unwanted external irritants, and a social function, e.g. aesthetic appearance. Recently, technology to form a polymeric ultra-thin film on skin, termed ‘second skin’, has attracted attention in the cosmetic field. Research has mostly focused on improving the biological functions of skin, such as its moisturisation and anti-pollution ability. However, since it is extremely difficult to apply an ultra-thin film uniformly to the curved surfaces of a face and maintain it all day without significant deterioration, only a few reports exist on the application of second skin technology in makeup for beautification. In this study, a novel second skin makeup technology that has high aesthetic value and remarkable durability is proposed. This technology utilises a direct-electrospinning (D-ES) method, wherein an ultra-thin film is formed by electrospinning fine fibres directly onto the skin using a portable device, after applying an adhesive makeup primer. The goal was to achieve superior makeup aesthetics and durability, along with moisture retention and anti-pollution capabilities.
[Methods]
A polymer solution that can be used to form ultra-thin films via electrospinning was developed by mixing polyvinyl butyral and additives in ethanol. To improve the durability of the film, a primer was developed by mixing a polymeric emulsion and additives in water. The film was applied over the primer through D-ES and evaluated as follows.
1. An in vitro rubbing test was conducted using a surgical facemask over a film spun on artificial leather, with and without the primer.
2. The aesthetic quality of commercial foundation (powder or liquid form), applied after the film and primer, on the entire face of eight panellists was compared to the same foundation alone through visual evaluation, optical measurements, and photographic analysis using a previously developed artificial intelligence (AI) system.
3. A half-face test was conducted on eight panellists for 8 h to compare the durability of the makeup with and without the primer and film, and the transfer of foundation onto the mask was analysed.
4. Makeup removability was evaluated in vitro by measuring the colour difference before and after peeling off the film applied below the foundation.
5. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on eight panellists when the film and primer were applied.
6. An in vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate the anti-pollution function of the film by peeling it off after the model pollution particles were applied.
[Results]
1. The adhesive polymer primer dramatically increased the durability during the mask-rubbing test.
2. The visual evaluation, optical measurements and AI results demonstrate that the foundation appeared smoother when applied over the primer and film.
3. The film and primer decreased the level of colour transfer to the mask, and reduced the oily shine on the face.
4. The foundation colourants were almost completely removed with the film.
5. The film and primer decreased the TEWL significantly.
6. Most pollution particles were removed with the film, meaning that the film protected skin from direct contact of the pollutants.
[Discussion]
The novel primer made a D-ES film sufficiently robust, even under a mask, to achieve superior appearance and long-lasting performance of the makeup. These qualities result from the fine fibre network of the film. The fibre network prevents foundation particles from falling into pores and grooves by forming a bridge, and thus, achieves a smoother appearance than foundation alone. Furthermore, the fine fibre network can hold foundation particles, resulting in long-lasting performance and the easy removal of foundation. The structure also plays an important role in defending the skin from pollution and achieving suitable water permeability for barrier function.
[Conclusion]
The adhesive polymer primer formula significantly improved the durability of D-ES second skin film, which achieved the desired barrier and makeup functions. This novel technology takes second skin technology to the next level through the amalgamation of skincare and makeup, and will influence future research focused on applications such as wound dressings and wearable sensors.