But skin, in fact, is a multi-dimensional terrain, with pores that absorb some chemicals as effectively as a sponge. It is only in the past half century that some drugs have been delivered topically. Among the best known are nicotine and estrogen patches. To Meisner, treating the skin directly seemed the logical way to get to the root of wrinkles. The process of the human face falling from rosy tautness to a labyrinth of lines is a complicated one.
Scientists now understand that it has very little to do with the passage of time.
Sun, smoking, stress, pollution and even normal eating and drinking are the enemies. They all contribute to the breakdown of collagen by producing an onslaught of what are known as free radicals. Free radicals destroy vitamin C, without which the body can't maintain its collagen, the substance that keeps human tissue firm. When collagen breaks down the skin sags and wrinkles. She envisioned a more direct approach.