I just read of a shocking new development out of Johnson & Johnson’s research and development team. J&J claims that a topical application of their new Cytomimic Technology delivers “biological levels of electric signals similar to the skin’s natural bioelectricity.”

Hmmm. Color me dubious.

J&J’s R&D team created this Cytomimic Technology using micronized particles of copper and zinc. The claim is that as we age, our bioelectricity signaling diminishes, slowing down the cell-to-cell communication. This slows down the production of collagen and elastin. It also  slows down the skin’s ability to repair and heal.

Bioelectricity is complex, and from what I know about it, it’s primarily a function of the nervous system–blinking your eye or pointing a finger are all part of this bioelectric chain.  How this reduces signs of aging in the skin, when applied topically no less, is a mystery to me. J&J claims that “On the skin’s surface, the microparticles mimic the body’s electrical signal restore youthful looking skin.” Except that if you are talking about the surface of the skin, those cells are already dead, so there is no bioelectric chain to tap in to. Unless this penetrates into the dermis (the live layer).

They claim that in-vitro testing has shown anti-inflammatory activity, which is great for the skin. Except that copper and zinc are both anti-inflammatory ingredients–they both are spectacular wound healers. So I suspect those ingredients could be the cause for the in-vitro improvement, not necessarily the results of a juiced up bioelectric impulse.

I need to crack the books for this one, but my initial response is that Cytomimic Technology is a short circuit.

For the past two weeks we have been studying electricity and its applications for skin. It’s ranged from pretty boring–anyone want to give me the dictionary definition of plug–to downright fascinating. The beauty-speak of ions and electrolytes meant nothing to me all these years–it was just jargon to make something SOUND impressive. But, electricity does have meaning to the body and the skin. Electrolytes, which are made up of ions, regulate the pH levels of the body, and they are extremely important in hydration (this is where osmosis comes in–making sure intracellular and extracellular fluids are balanced). They also play a role in the body’s muscular and nervous systems (which I will be covering in a few weeks).

In terms of beauty treatments, some are more effective than others but each serves a certain purpose and it is not simply snake oil. High frequency machines are germicidal, and perfect for zapping acne post-extractions (to keep post-facial breakouts from occurring). Galvanic currents help with product penetration. Faradic currents (such as those silly “shock” belts that you see on info-mercials that tout a no-exercise solution to weight loss) actually DO exercise the muscles, thereby increasing muscle tone, but you have to use them daily to see any sort of results.

I get to play with some of the machines at school tonight! Fun!