LANZHOU — Chinese researchers have made progress in treating sun-damaged skin, according to Lanzhou University in Gansu province.

The research, conducted in cooperation with the University of Connecticut, used small patches with microneedles containing magnesium.

The results, published in Advanced Materials, expand the prospect of microneedles in tissue repair and are promising for medical cosmetology.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a major factor in skin aging. Excessive UV exposure not only accelerates skin tissue damage, but also induces wrinkles. Although current treatments can slow the progression of photoaging, it is very difficult to achieve a complete reversal.

With people's eternal pursuit of maintaining youth and beauty, researchers have been exploring new anti-aging strategies, including surgical and non-surgical methods.

Currently, there is an increasing contradiction between patients' demands for non-invasive, natural and long-lasting wrinkle resistance and the limitations of existing technologies.

Therefore, new biological materials and related therapies are key tasks of photoaging prevention and treatment, according to Fan Zengjie, a professor at the School/Hospital of Stomatology of Lanzhou University. The research team found that UV radiation damage typically manifests first as an increase in free radicals and the emergence of inflammation, which damages the local structure of the tissue and leads to skin aging.

The new method combines the functions of hydrogen and magnesium to reverse photoaging wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin, according to Fan.

"This study advances dermatological intervention research based on microneedle therapy and makes progress in skin rejuvenation therapy driven by biomaterials," Fan said.

Xinhua