The next innovations in skincare go far beyond the product formulas and into the digital realm. Our Digital Complexions highlights the latest technological innovations in skincare. Drone technology is a new distribution of ingredients that involves blocking the signal to the muscles that create fine lines and aids in better delivering of a concentrated dose of actives for more targeted results. A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed an electronic skin that is completely recyclable and self-healing, mimicking the function of the natural skin. At M.I.T., another group of researchers has developed a color-changing tattoo ink that responds to changes in the body, such as blood sugar and sodium levels. It’s possible that as technology continues to fuse with the body, our skin will become the digital device itself.

Influencers

NAKED LABS
Naked Labs has created the world’s first home body scanner. Users step on a rotating scale and the smart mirror scans the body using infrared light and 3D scanning technology. An app measures the progress, tracking body fat percentage, mass and weight, and offers a side-by-side comparison of the body before and after.

IDENTITÉ 
U.K. based agency Seymourpowell designed a personalized skincare concept based on user data and A.I. Operated by an app, users would receive a weekly personalized package that caters to their specific needs and conditions. 

LISA FRANKLIN  
Award-winning skincare expert Lisa Franklin has developed science-based products integrated with cutting-edge technology. Her anti-pollution line is powered by cosmetic drone technology to deliver precise active ingredients. 

E SKIN SENSOR 
A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering has developed a wearable device that can monitor health by recording vital signs through on-skin electrode sensors. The electrocardiogram waveforms would be displayed on bright lightweight sensors attached to stretchable rubber sheets. Data would be transmitted to a smartphone, allowing information accessibility for patients outside of the hospital.

DERMAL ABYSS BIOSENSOR TATTOOS
One of SXSW 2018 Interactive Awards nominees in health, medical, and biotech was DermalAbyss, a research project by M.I.T. that developed a color-changing tattoo ink that responds to changes in the body, such as blood sugar and sodium levels. Using a liquid with biosensors instead of traditional ink, scientists want to turn the surface of the human skin into an "interactive display" - an idea that makes this proof-of-concept an exciting one to watch. Technology like this could become a revolutionary new way to monitor health.

- Heather Picquot