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With an area of around 2 m2,  skin is our largest organ and it is constantly exposed to external influences. The outer layer (epidermis) acts as an essential protective barrier which at the same time performs the metabolic functions needed for healthy skin. The outermost layer is composed of a protective layer of dead cells, the so-called horned layer (stratum corneum), which to- gether with the skin’s fat and acid mantle prevents most foreign substances and pathogens from entering the skin. Care products which are applied on the skin hence do not penetrate – or at most, only on a very small scale – to the deeper skin layers where cell regeneration takes place.

The cosmetics industry, therefore, uses nano- dispersion “encapsulation or carrier systems”, so that agents or actives can penetrate into deeper skin layers where they activate skin metabolism with the aim of improving the skin’s appearance.

Nanomaterials are used in the manufacture of cosmetics in two important areas: as “encapsulation or carrier systems” to transport agents to deeper skin layers, and as optimal UV protective filters in sunscreens.

According to the manufacturers other functions and benefits of these “encapsulation and carrier systems” are:

  • The controlled release and optimization of the availability of cosmetic agents in certain skin layers.
  • The protection of sensitive agents.
  • Longer shelf life and hence greater product effectiveness.
  • A reduction in the amount of agents and additives used in products, such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, microemulsions (micelles)10 and lipid-nanoparticles which are soluble and biodegradable.

Nanoemulsions

Nanoemulsions are very fine emulsions of oil in water with a droplet size of approximately 50 to 1000 nm. Like liposomes, they are produced by high-pressure homogenization with added phosphatidylcholine. How- ever, the droplets’ shell, unlike that of liposomes, only consists of one layer and inside they have a liquid, oily core.

They can be used to transport liposoluble agents (vitamin A, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, coenzyme q10 including herbal extracts) to the skin.

The advantage of nanoemulsions is that they do not contain synthetic emulsifying agents (tensides)18, which is why the skin’s fatty components are not washed out with water. They are hence regarded as particularly suitable for sensitive skin.

Nanoemulsions are transparent due to the droplets tiny size and they also remain stable for a longer period of time. They are mostly used in deodorants, sunscreens, shampoos, and skin and hair care products.

Cosmeceuticals can benefit greatly from nanotechnology. First, it can help solve two major problems associated with cosmetics, specific delivery and prolong effects. For the best effects, nutrients should be delivered to the place where it can be metabolized and used to nourish cells.

Conventional cosmetics greatly lacks this specificity and to compensate relatively heavy doses may be necessary. On the other hand, one of the commons complaints of consumers is rather short-term activity of cosmetics, especially in face care products. Consumers will pay higher price and be loyal to a product that have prolong effects which is quite important for cosmetic companies to be competitive.

Secondly, nanotechnology in cosmetics can help to increase the aesthetic appeal of a product. People in the industry know that this is a key factor that influences the purchase decision of a buyer. The techniques mastered in nanotechnology can play an important role in future of the cosmeceuticals industry. Nanotechnology applications in cosmetics are in the rise. Here we will discuss the top 3 of them.

1. Sunscreens

No other cosmetic product has seen widespread use of nanotechnology as sunscreens. They are widely used on the skin as a cream or a lotion to protect the skin from harmful effects of sun rays, especially in the ultraviolet (UV) range. Severe UV exposure can lead to skin darkening, sunburns and in worse situations skin cancer. The most popular nanomaterials used in sunscreens are nanoparticulate Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Titanium dioxide (TIO2). These nanoparticles blocks both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating down to the deeper layers of skin providing broad-spectrum sunscreen eff

2. Skin moisturizers

Human skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s designed to keep inside in and outside out. Among others, a skin layer named, Stratum corneum serves the function of primary barrier in the skin. However, water molecules can diffuse and evaporate through the stratum corneum leading to dehydration of the skin. Dry skin can lead to many problems, including dry patches, loss of stretch, wrinkles and in worse cases premature aging. Nanotechnology-based cosmetics use special nanoscale materials to form a humectant layer on top of the skin. This primarily limits the excessive water loss through the skin while keeping the skin moist due to constant moisturization by the humectant layer. The moisturization efficiency and longevity of nanotechnology-based skin moisturizers are much higher compared to conventional products. The most widely used nanomaterials are Liposomes, nano-emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles.

3. Anti-wrinkle products

Many factors can lead to wrinkling of the skin, including lack of nutrients, age, excessive use of chemicals on the skin, pollution, stress and over-exposure to the sun. The main reason for wrinkling of the skin is the weakening of collagen structure in our skin triggered by any of the reasons noted above. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and found in connective tissues. Collagen is responsible for wrinkle-free supple look on the skin primarily due to elasticity given by the protein. There are number of cosmeceuticals that claim the anti-wrinkle and firming effect. Antiwrinkle products that are being made using nanotechnology is a big hit in the market today

VNI SCIENTIFIC had collaborated with scientists and researchers to formulate cosmeceutical compounds that can improve the moisturizing effect while slowing down the collagen breakdown. These compounds contain nutrients encapsulated in a nanosized particle.

For more information about VNI products, do contact the sales rep at hello@vniscientific.com.