导读:科学家称，目前已经研制出一种隐形的、有弹性的薄膜，可以作用于人体皮肤，减少皱纹和眼袋。
Scientists claim to have developed an invisible elastic film that can be applied to the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and eye bags.
科学家称，目前已经研制出一种隐形的、有弹性的薄膜，可以作用于人体皮肤，减少皱纹和眼袋。
once applied, the formula dries to form a film that "mimics the properties of youthful skin", Nature Materials reports after a series of small trials.
在历经一系列的试验后，英国《自然·材料学》杂志报道，一旦用于人体皮肤，这一配方立刻形成一层薄膜，这一薄膜“模仿了年轻肌肤的特性” 。
At the moment it is being explored as a commercial cosmetic product.
目前，这是一种商业化妆产品。
But the US scientists say their "second skin" might eventually be used to deliver medicines and sun protection.
但是美国科学家们说他们研制的“第二层皮肤”最终可能用于医学和防晒产品。
The team from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have tested their prototype product on a handful of volunteers, applying the formula to their under-eye bags, forearms and legs.
这一团队的成员来自于哈佛医学院和麻省理工，他们在一些志愿者身上进行了样品测试，主要将产品作用于志愿者的眼袋、前臂和腿部肌肤。
The polysiloxane polymer was made in the lab using molecules of silicone and oxygen as the building blocks.
这是一种硅氧烷及聚合物，它的基本形态是氧原子和硅原子的组合，在实验室状态下制成。
Although it’s synthetic, it’s designed to mimic real skin and provide a breathable, protective layer.
即便这是人造皮肤，但其设计模仿了真正的人类皮肤，是一层可呼吸、有保护作用的薄膜。
The eye on the left of the photo had the skin polymer applied, whereas the right eye did not.
图片左边的眼睛被贴上了一层皮肤聚合物，右边眼睛则没有。
According to the researchers, the temporary film locks in moisture and helps boost skin elasticity.
根据研究者所述，目前设计出来的这一薄膜可以锁住水分，帮助皮肤恢复弹性。
They performed several tests, including a recoil test where the skin was pinched and then released to see how long it takes to ping back into position.
他们进行了多次测试，其中包括一个弹性测试，在这一测试中，先捏住皮肤，然后释放，看看需要多长时间来才能恢复原状。
As skin ages, it becomes less firm and less elastic and so performs less well in this sort of test.
由于老化，皮肤不再紧致，也缺乏弹性，因此在这一测试中，人类皮肤表现并不出色。
Skin that had been coated with the polymer was more elastic than skin without the film. And, to the naked eye, it appeared smoother, firmer and less wrinkly.
而已涂覆聚合物的皮肤则比没有覆膜的皮肤更具有弹性。而且，它更光滑、更紧致、皱纹更少，这都是肉眼可见的。
The researchers, who have a spin-off company that could eventually market their patented formula, say the film is essentially invisible, can be worn all day without causing irritation and can withstand things like sweat and rain.
目前已有一家衍生公司最终可能推广他们这一专利配方。研究人员说，这一薄膜基本上是隐形的，可以整天贴在脸上，不会有任何刺激，还能隔离如雨水和汗水等物。
But more studies are needed before then. The polymer would also need safety approval from regulators.
但在此之前，还需要做更多的研究。并且这种聚合物也需要监管部门的安全认证。
Dr Tamara Griffiths of the British Association of Dermatologists says bags under the eyes are caused by the protrusion of fat pockets associated with ageing.
英国皮肤科医生协会的的塔玛拉·格里菲斯博士说，眼袋的形成是由于衰老引起的脂肪口袋突出造成。
While entirely natural, some people see it as undesirable and seek ways to reverse it - sometimes resorting to surgery.
虽然眼袋是自然形成的，有些人认为有损美观，想要消除，所以有时他们会诉诸于手术。
Dr Griffiths said: "The results [with the polymer film] appear to be comparable to surgery, without the associated risks. Further research is needed, but this is a novel and very promising approach to a common problem. I will follow its development with interest."
格里菲斯博士说：“相比于整形手术，这些研究成果[包括这一聚合物薄膜]是无可比拟的，没有任何手术风险。虽然还需要进一步研究，但这是一新型的、非常有前景的配方，能解决常见问题。我将继续带着满腔热情致力于其开发。
Prof Robert Langer, who led the work at MIT, said: "Developing a second skin that is invisible, comfortable and effective in holding in water and potentially other materials presents many different challenges.
带领麻省理工团队工作的罗伯特·兰格教授说：“这种第二层皮肤隐形、舒适、能有效锁住水分并具有其他潜力，但其开发还面临着了许多不同的挑战。”
"It has to have the right optical properties, otherwise it won’t look good, and it has to have the right mechanical properties, otherwise it won’t have the right strength and it won’t perform correctly.
“它必须具有良好的光学特性，否则外观也不会好看，它也必须具有良好的力学性能，否则其弹性就不好，使用效果不佳。
"We are extremely excited about the opportunities that are presented as a result of this work and look forward to further developing these materials to better treat patients who suffer from a variety of skin conditions."
“对于目前出来的成果所体现的潜力，我们都非常兴奋，并期待着这些材料的进一步开发能够更好地治疗那些有皮肤问题的患者。”
