Invisible Anti-Aging Innovation

Neither a cosmeceutical nor a procedure, Neotensil is an innovative new polymer film that can best be compared to invisible shapewear for aging skin. The name is an acronym for Neo, (T) transforming, (E) elastic, (N) noninvasive, (S) supportive, (I) invisible, and (L) layer. Living Proof, a technology-based beauty company, introduced the product at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Denver in March.

Neotensil is the first of what the Living Proof hopes will be many products using its proprietary, cross-linking polymer film technology, Strateris, which was developed over the past 10 years by a team of researchers and clinicians led by Bob Langer, an award-winning MIT Institute professor; Betty Yu, an expert in transdermal drug delivery; R. Rox Anderson, M.D., of Harvard University; and Barbara Gilchrest, M.D., of Boston University.

“The Strateris platform is tunable—that is, it can be used in a variety of ways,” says Yu, who is vice president, Skincare and New Material Discovery for Living Proof. “We chose to start with a solution for the under-eye area after talking to dermatologists about their greatest unmet needs.” Doctors, including Patricia K. Farris, M.D., Old Metairie Dermatology, Metairie, Louisiana, and clinical assistant professor at Tulane University School of Medicine, participated in a multi-center clinical trial of Neotensil. “Our patients were most impressed with the results and so were we,” she says. “Everyone we treated got significant results. Those with severe under-eye problems certainly improved and were happy, but the group with moderate problems really hit the biggest home run. It is a pretty impressive product.”

The Neotensil Under-Eye Reshaping Procedure compresses, smooths and re-contours the lax skin under the eyes for up to 16 hours. The two-step application process involves mixing a base with an activator and using a special shaping tool for optimal results. Once in place, the film is invisible and flexible, keeping the skin smooth while allowing for natural facial expressions. “We chose to work with physicians to introduce because it is our company mission to bring the most advanced technologies to physicians, and because applying the two-step cream properly does require some training,” says Yu.

Performance studies conducted through five dermatology and plastic surgery centers included 95 female subjects from 30 to more than 70 years of age. Physicians rated subjects using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the BAG Scale at baseline and three hours after product application. Preliminary data demonstrated that:

  • Neotensil visibly improved the appearance of under-eye bags by at least one grade in 94% of subjects; 69% of subjects with moderate under-eye bags improved by two grades or more.
  • 83 percent of subjects with moderate or severe wrinkles showed marked improvement or optimal results, cor- responding to GAIS values of 2 and 3.
  • 99 percent of subjects showed a visible improvement in overall appearance.

“We were amazed at the difference using this product makes in global appearance,” says Dr. Farris. “Just compressing and changing the shape of the under-eye area made the patients look much better overall.” Living Proof has joined forces with Valeant Pharmaceuticals to launch Neotensil exclusively through Valeant’s direct-to-physician channel. The kits, which include the Reshaping Base, Activating Layer, Reshaping Tool, Skin Prep Towelettes, and Remover—enough for about 50 applications—will retail for $500. That’s expensive for something that lasts 24 hours or less. Will patients buy it? “Price is always an issue,” says Farris. “I don’t think my patients are going to be using this product every day. It’s something they will use for special occasions or when they need to make a special presentation at work or in their personal life. When you do the math, the price works out to about $10 per application, and women won’t find that out of range for times when they want to look their best.”