Non-invasive, painless skin rejuvenation technology developed by UC scientists
In collaboration with LaserLeap Technologies, the research team has developed and tested an innovative non-invasive treatment for facial skin rejuvenation without the need for surgery, needles, or pain.
A team of scientists from the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), in collaboration with LaserLeap Technologies, has developed and tested a ground-breaking non-invasive aesthetic procedure that promises to rejuvenate facial skin without the use of surgery, needles, or pain.
"This technology is based on high-frequency ultrasound, which temporarily destabilises the epidermis, allowing the formation of channels for the diffusion of dermo-cosmetics. These can fill, hydrate, and reduce skin irregularities associated with the ageing process," explain Carlos Serpa and Gonçalo de Sá, researchers at the Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC) and inventors of the technology.
According to the scientists, "this major technological breakthrough enables non-invasive, effective, and painless treatments with non-injectable hyaluronic acid, replacing outdated skincare routines. Aesthetic professionals are set to revolutionise the appearance and maintenance of beauty standards." The launch of the technology in Be.U Beauty Corners will democratise hydration and rejuvenation treatments, offering competitive prices that were previously unattainable.
By delivering hyaluronic acid effectively and non-invasively into the epidermis, it is possible to hydrate the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, significantly enhance skin quality, and combat visible signs of ageing. The basic hydrating and rejuvenating treatment involves filling in small wrinkles in the epidermis and improving the skin's hydration, elasticity and sagging (mild to moderate).
"When certain materials absorb a nanosecond laser, it efficiently converts light into a high-pulse pressure wave (ultrasound)," the experts explain. "These high-frequency ultrasounds transiently penetrate the skin, facilitating the delivery of cosmetics to the epidermis."
The pressure generated according to the time of the high-frequency ultrasound is determined by the laser pulse width(=10 ns). Low pulse widths correspond to high-frequency ultrasound waves, making it possible to generate ultrasound with frequencies up to the MHz range.
"The wavelength of these ultrasounds is similar to the thickness of the stratum corneum (a 15 µm barrier), inducing internal pressure variations that temporarily disrupt the skin texture and facilitate the absorption of cosmetics," they conclude.
This mechanism, now specifically designed for hyaluronic acid aesthetic procedures, has been patented by UC inventors Luís Arnaut and Carlos Serpa, professors at the FCTUC Chemistry Department, and Gonçalo de Sá, a researcher at the CQC. The new treatment will be launched on the 21st of September at Be.U Beauty Corners in Oeiras Parque, Lisbon.