By JanakyReviewed by Lexie CornerSep 4 2024Nanotechnology is a field of science and engineering focused on creating, producing, and utilizing structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, typically measuring 100 nanometers or smaller.
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It offers significant benefits across various applications in the medical field, particularly in diagnostics, nanomedicine, and therapeutics.1 Nanoparticles (NPs) enhance advanced imaging techniques and targeted drug delivery systems (DDS), aiding in the treatment of severe illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer's.1 NPs also play a vital role in pharmaceutical development, biomedical implants, and tissue engineering.
Dermatology is another area where nanotechnology has proven successful. NPs are advancing cosmeceuticals, which are cosmetic products with bioactive ingredients that offer medical benefits.2
By improving product effectiveness, nanotechnology provides innovative solutions to limitations associated with traditional skincare methods, such as low patient compliance and the safety and efficacy of therapies.3
The Impact of Nanotechnology on Skincare
Skin diseases and conditions are becoming increasingly common, affecting millions daily. Historically, these issues have often been linked to various infectious agents or inflammatory responses, presenting serious challenges.3
The skincare industry has embraced nanotechnology, drawing inspiration from its success in biotechnology and biosciences. Nanotechnology now plays a significant role in the skincare industry, revolutionizing product formulation and treatment delivery.2
In conventional skincare treatments, ointments with formulations deliver a concentrated layer of the active ingredient on the skin, which is quickly absorbed.3 The use of nanotechnology in dermatology enhances the delivery of these active ingredients, improving their absorption in diseased areas.
Nanocarriers are NPs designed to transport drug molecules directly to target tissues. Examples include liposomes, nano-emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanospheres. These advanced systems are increasingly replacing conventional delivery methods for treating skin-related issues.2
These novel carriers offer deeper penetration into the skin and controlled and sustained release of active compounds. This improves the stability of the formulations and the efficiency of targeted delivery to specific skin areas. Nanodermatology treatments are particularly effective in treating conditions like wrinkles, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns.2
The adoption of nanotechnology in cosmetics enhances the effectiveness of treatments like anti-wrinkle creams and sunscreens. NPs are also utilized in hair care preparations, such as treatments for hair loss and the prevention of hair from turning grey.2 Additionally, they extend the longevity of fragrances and improve the stability of cosmetic products.
Nanotechnology enhances personalized treatments by enabling precise drug delivery based on an individual's unique molecular profile. The widespread utilization of nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals is also a part of this broader trend of personalized medicine, which has expanded into the beauty industry and is driven by scientific advancements and consumer demand for more tailored products.4
Nanodermatology for Targeted Drug Delivery
The skin naturally acts as a barrier to particle penetration, making topical drug delivery challenging.3 However, it also presents a potential pathway for delivering therapeutics, particularly in areas of diseased skin and through the openings of hair follicles.
Novel nanocarriers face this issue by transporting drugs directly to target cells, ensuring improved localization of these therapeutics on the skin.3 Nanocarriers can penetrate the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the epidermis that protects underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals, and mechanical stress. After reaching the deeper layers of the skin, NPs accumulate at the desired site of action to release the drug at specific sites.3
Targeted delivery using nanosystems can provide sustained release and maintain a localized effect, leading to more effective treatment of various serious dermatological conditions. Ongoing research is also exploring how novel particles interact with the skin and its lipid layers, as well as how the composition of these particles influences drug distribution within the different skin layers.3
Nanotechnology in Sun Protection and Anti-Aging Cosmetics
Nanomaterial advances have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of sun protection and anti-aging products. In sunscreens, NPs such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are utilized to provide UV protection for a wide wavelength range, while minimizing the visible white residue typically left by larger particles.5
Nanomaterials like liposomes and lipid NPs also enhance the stability and effectiveness of the sunscreens, reducing the required concentrations compared to traditional filters. Hence, NPs are key in developing
transparent sunscreens that efficiently block harmful UV rays and offer better protection against skin damage and diseases like skin cancer.6
In anti-aging technology, NPs encapsulate antioxidants and other active ingredients to enable targeted delivery deep into the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis, where they are most effective.2 This targeted approach helps to address signs of aging more effectively by ensuring that key ingredients reach the specific skin cells and layers that need them.5
Using NPs in anti-aging formulations boosts their efficacy, creating a more refined and personalized skincare experience. They also hold promise for more effective wrinkle prevention and treatment, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.6
Nanotechnology for Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration
Chronic wounds pose a significant public health challenge, affecting millions worldwide every year. Traditional wound care methods often fail to deliver adequate results, particularly for chronic and deep wounds.
However, the integration of nanotechnology has revolutionized wound care, particularly via targeted DDS.7 This approach shows great promise in advancing skin regeneration and healing.
Nano-DDSs are non-toxic, skin-compatible, and effectively create a moist environment that promotes and speeds up wound healing. Additionally, certain nano-DDSs can penetrate cellular barriers or activate specific transport mechanisms to enhance drug retention.8
For instance, silver NPs accelerate wound healing with minimal scarring by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new skin cells.7 Combining nanobiotechnology with a deeper understanding of cellular dysfunctions in delayed wound healing opens up new avenues for improving wound care and skin regeneration.
Future of Nanotechnology in Dermatology
Nanotechnology has significantly impacted dermatology, driving remarkable advancements in skincare and treatment options. The development of novel nanocarriers, including liposomes and gold and silver NPs, has revolutionized active ingredient delivery, improving stability, targeted action, and prolonged effects.9
An article in Advances in Colloid and Interface Science explores these technological advancements, which have the potential to replace traditional delivery systems and enable more effective and tailored treatments.
The future of nanodermatology holds immense promise, with continued innovations to further improve skin health and aesthetic outcomes on the way. However, despite the advancements, the use of nanotechnology in skin care is not without concerns.
A paper in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology discusses the potential risks of NPs, particularly with continuous use, raising questions about unsafe practices in nanodermatology due to their ability to penetrate the skin and potentially cause health issues.10
Further research, strict regulation, and more transparency are essential to ensure that these products are both safe and beneficial to consumers.9
More from AZoNano: Nanotoxicology: An Overview
References and Further Reading
- Malik, S., Muhammad, K., Waheed, Y. (2023). Emerging applications of nanotechnology in healthcare and medicine. Molecules. DOI: 10.3390%2Fmolecules28186624, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10536529/
- Kaul, S., Gulati, N., Verma, D., Mukherjee, S., Nagaich, U. (2018). Role of nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals: a review of recent advances. Journal of pharmaceutics. DOI: 10.1155/2018/3420204, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2018/3420204
- Gupta, M., Agrawal, U., Vyas, SP. (2012). Nanocarrier-based topical drug delivery for the treatment of skin diseases. Expert opinion on drug delivery. DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2012.686490, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/17425247.2012.686490
- Gupta, V., et al. (2022). Nanotechnology in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals—a review of latest advancements. Gels. DOI: 10.3390/gels8030173, https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/8/3/173
- Souto, EB., et al. (2022). Lipid nanomaterials for targeted delivery of dermocosmetic ingredients: advances in photoprotection and skin anti-aging. Nanomaterials. DOI: 10.3390/nano12030377, https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/12/3/377
- Pandey, AS., Bawiskar, D., Wagh, V. (2024). Nanocosmetics and Skin Health: A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Formulations. Cureus. DOI:10.7759%2Fcureus.52754, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10882253/
- Tocco, I., Zavan, B., Bassetto, F., Vindigni, V. (2012). Nanotechnology‐based therapies for skin wound regeneration. Journal of Nanomaterials. DOI: 10.1155/2012/714134, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2012/714134
- Wang, W., Lu, K. J., Yu, CH., Huang, QL., Du, YZ. (2019). Nano-drug delivery systems in wound treatment and skin regeneration. Journal of nanobiotechnology. DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0514-y, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/S12951-019-0514-Y
- Salvioni, L., et.al. (2021). The emerging role of nanotechnology in skincare. Advances in colloid and interface science. DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102437, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001868621000786
- Abu Hajleh, MN., Abu‐Huwaij, R., AL‐Samydai, A., Al‐Halaseh, LK., Al‐Dujaili, EA. (2021). The revolution of cosmeceuticals delivery by using nanotechnology: a narrative review of advantages and side effects. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14441, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.14441
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