Skin patches set to innovate anti-aging market

The patches by France based Alta Laboratoiries are said to release active ingredients into the skin more efficiently than other medications or applications, and allegedly have longer lasting results. The skin is said to be the largest and most accessible organ of the human body, through its layers to the circulatory system. The patches have therefore long been used as a way to dispatch ingredients at a constant rate over a period of several hours to counteract many health and medicinal problems. However, their cosmetics benefits are now emerging, as the skin patch is able to use a special membrane to control the rate at which the drug it contains in the patch can pass, in turn allowing for a more pin pointed medication application. Mainly sold at pharmacies, the patches are increasingly sought after due to the convenience of the administration - with one application said to have the same effect as many doses of similar anti-wrinkle and cellulite formulas. By attaching the patches to the skin, the consumer can terminate the administration process by 'simply removing the patch'. With their being less obvious side affects expected due to the consumer being able to monitor the amount of time the patch is on the skin. However, a large attraction for cosmetics consumers is the ability for the patch to work locally on a specific area, such as the eye contour which is most commonly prone to sun damage that then leads on to fine lines and wrinkles. Despite there being no apparent internal side effects, there is a possibility of skin irritation in the area surrounding the patches, with the suggestion that erythema, itching and local edema can be caused if the consumer is allergic to the ingredients in the patch.