Beyond hydration: Elravie Re2O and the extracellular matrix

Written and reviewed by Dr. Lee Yumin, MeSOnBom Clinic

Hello. This is Dr. Lee Yumin of MeSOnBom Clinic.

Skin booster treatment has been developing beyond simple hydration toward managing the skin environment as a whole.

Where the focus was once on temporary moisture, treatments that consider the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) making up the dermis are now drawing attention.

Within that trend, Elravie Re2O, using acellular human dermal matrix (hADM), is one of the skin boosters applying ECM-based material.

In this column I want to look at the relationship between skin ageing and the ECM, how Elravie Re2O works, and how it differs from existing skin boosters.

The extracellular matrix makes up most of the dermis and supports collagen and elastin. Damage to the ECM environment through ageing and UV light is the underlying cause of reduced firmness and fine lines.

The dermis is not simply a space containing cells; most of it is extracellular matrix made up of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans.

The ECM is the structure that allows fibroblasts to function normally, and is understood to play an important part in cell signalling and tissue homeostasis.

As ageing progresses, or under the influence of UV light and oxidative stress, the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down the ECM increases, while the synthesis of collagen and elastin declines.

These changes can affect firmness, skin texture and the formation of fine lines, and over time can alter the structure supporting the skin.

So the approach of understanding skin ageing not as a simple lack of moisture but as a process to be managed alongside change in the ECM environment has been broadening.

Elravie Re2O combines purified acellular human dermal matrix (hADM) with hyaluronic acid (HA), providing a scaffold in the dermis for cells to settle on while improving the moisture environment.

hADM is a biomaterial processed from human dermal tissue to remove cellular components that could provoke an immune response, while preserving the ECM structure including collagen as far as possible.

This decellularisation technology has long been used in tissue engineering, and is also used in medical fields such as burn treatment and reconstructive surgery.

Elravie Re2O applies hADM purified through a patented process together with hyaluronic acid.

hADM is an ECM-based material used in tissue engineering as a scaffold on which cells can attach and function, while hyaluronic acid is known to help the skin retain moisture.

So Elravie Re2O can be understood as a skin booster that considers the ECM environment of the dermis rather than simply supplying moisture.

The change seen in actual skin can differ with individual condition and technique, and related clinical research is continuing.

Where ordinary skin boosters focus on surface hydration and regeneration and collagen stimulators prompt the body's own production, Elravie Re2O supplies a biologically derived ECM scaffold directly, remodelling the dermal environment itself.

Skin boosters do not all work on the same principle.

The mechanism and purpose differ with the ingredient used, so choosing a product suited to your skin condition and concern matters.

Skin boosters based on hyaluronic acid (HA), PN/PDRN or exosomes are generally used with skin environment, texture and moisture retention in mind.

Collagen stimulators such as PLLA and PDLLA work by inducing the body's own collagen production through a reaction within the tissue.

Elravie Re2O applies ECM material based on acellular human dermal matrix, differing from other skin boosters in taking the ECM environment of the dermis into account.

Since each product differs in ingredient and mechanism, rather than one being superior, the appropriate choice depends on skin condition and treatment aim.

Applying ECM-based Elravie Re2O after thermal stimulation of the dermis with RF or ultrasound may offer synergy in promoting the tissue regeneration response.

Skin ageing is a process in which various biological changes appear together in the epidermis and dermis.

So depending on skin condition, skin boosters and energy-based devices are sometimes considered together.

Radiofrequency (RF) and focused ultrasound (HIFU) are representative devices delivering thermal stimulation to the dermis to induce a tissue response.

Combining such devices with ECM-based skin boosters is used clinically, and can be considered a combined approach aiming at improving the skin environment through different mechanisms.

The effect of combined treatment, the appropriate sequence and the intervals can differ with individual skin condition and treatment aim, and further research is ongoing.

So it matters to establish a plan after full assessment and consultation.

Q. What is the skin response after treatment, and daily life?

A. Because it is injected directly into the dermis, embossing, redness, swelling or fine bruising can appear immediately afterwards. These generally ease within a few days, though recovery speed differs with individual skin condition and the area treated.

Q. How painful is it?

A. Discomfort differs from person to person. Anaesthetic cream is generally applied thoroughly beforehand, which helps reduce it.

Q. What side effects can occur?

A. As with any injection, embossing, redness and fine bruising can appear briefly, mostly easing naturally within a few days. Rarely, infection or an immune reaction can occur, so keep the area clean afterwards and avoid alcohol, saunas and other irritants for a time.

Skin ageing is not a change arising simply from a lack of moisture; it is a complex process in which declining collagen and elastin and changes in the extracellular matrix appear together.

Elravie Re2O, a skin booster applying ECM material based on acellular human dermal matrix, can be used as one option among treatments that consider improving the skin environment.

But the appropriate method differs with individual skin condition, degree of ageing and treatment aim.

Understanding the causes of skin ageing and the principles of treatment, and choosing what suits your own skin, is the first step in healthy skin care.

Written by Dr. Lee Yumin, MeSOnBom Clinic