Ideal Sized Chitosan (Arche) as a multifunctional biomaterial in aesthetic treatment

Abstract

Background: Aesthetic procedures such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, and injectable treatments intentionally disrupt the skin barrier, increasing susceptibility to microbial colonization, inflammation, and delayed healing. Post-procedural care therefore requires biomaterials that provide antimicrobial protection while supporting controlled inflammation and tissue regeneration. Observation: Chitosan, a naturally derived polysaccharide, exhibits unique combination of antimicrobial activity, immunomodulatory effects, and wound-healing support. These properties are influenced by molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and formulation, allowing chitosan to function as a barrier material, bioactive dressing, and drug-delivery platform in aesthetic settings. Due to its ultra-low molecular weight (below 600 Da), Ideal Size Chitosan (ISC) manufactured by Arche (Doum Inc., Korea) is topically effective, as it can penetrate the skin barrier to target deeper dermal layers and deliver enhanced bioactive effects. Clinical relevance: In post-aesthetic care, chitosan-based films, hydrogels, and nanoparticles may reduce infection risk, modulate excessive inflammatory responses, and promote re-epithelialization. However, variability among chitosan formulations and limited procedure-specific clinical data remain important considerations. Conclusion: This short communication highlights the rationale for using chitosan as a multifunctional biomaterial in aesthetic aftercare and underscores the need for standardized formulations and targeted clinical studies. (c) 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)