Current Use of Nanotechnology in Cosmetic Dermatology: An Overview

Introduction:

Nanotechnology and biotechnology are newer facets of science that have great potential in the medical field. Developments in this area will provide opportunities in cosmetic dermatology as there is an enhanced delivery system and more biocompatible and active compounds. Cosmetics are those that help enhance the appearance or aesthetics of an individual. In the present age, as more and more people are concerned about their appearance, there is an increased demand for effective products. Nanotechnology can help improve the efficacy of these products.

What Is Nanotechnology?

• Nanoscience is the study of particles on the molecular or atomic scale. It deals with structures with the size of nanometers - A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. For ease of comparison, the average thickness of human hair is about ten thousand nanometers.

• Nanotechnology is the technique of processing materials that are of atomic or molecular size, which in turn produces products that have enhanced physicochemical properties. It is also used for making instruments necessary in cellular biology.

• Nanobiotechnology is the junction of nanotechnology and biotechnology. It deals with the biological and biochemical aspects of nanotechnology.

What Is the Significance of Nanotechnology In Cosmetology?

It is a budding discipline and one with immense potential in the field of cosmetic dermatology. It can be used to enhance the therapeutic properties of cosmetics and to develop anti-aging products.

The nanomaterials can radicalize the drug delivery systems as the rate and efficacy of absorption of a substance through the skin surface depend on the size of the molecule. It also depends on the bioavailability- the longer it acts on the site of action, the better the results.

Therefore cosmetic manufacturers can utilize these potentials of nanoparticles to increase the efficacy of UV protection, long-lasting effects, and deeper skin penetration.

What Are Nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are small substances with dimensions between 1nm and 100 nm. They can be classified based on their:

• Shape, surface, size, and physicochemical properties.

• Inorganic or organic.

• Malleability and rigidity.

• Malleable nanomaterials can change their shape by stress or in contact with surfaces and are organic in nature. They are:

  • Liposomes: They have high penetration into hair follicles.

  • ISCOMs (Immune Stimulating Complexes): They are used in vaccines.

  • Virosomes: They are also used in vaccines such as HPV and HBV.

  • Polymerized Particles: They are of limited use in humans due to their cytotoxic (toxic to cells) and nonbiodegradable accumulative tendencies.

  • Fullerenes: They are studied for their capacity to absorb UV rays and eliminate free radicals.

  • Dendrimers: They can be used to transport medication.

  • PAMAM (Polyamidoamine): They increase skin penetration.

  • Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: They carry and deposit substances in the skin.

• Rigid nanoparticles are inorganic in nature. They are of various forms, such as:

  • Colloidal.

  • Metal oxide (iron).

  • Made of metal (silver or gold).

  • Ceramic material (silica).

They encapsulate the medication and transfer without getting degraded on the way.

• Quantum dots are noncrystalline semiconductors with good optical properties, making them ideal for diagnostic applications and delivery systems.

What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Skin is the first layer to be crossed for a topical agent. It has to pass through different layers of skin before it reaches the bloodstream and has a systemic effect. It has to pass through the stratum corneum (uppermost layer) and subsequent layers of the epidermis and reaches the dermis. However, there is little need for systemic action against cosmetic products; the more significant the penetration, the better the action. The mechanism of penetration includes:

1. Trans Follicle Permeation: Through the hair follicles. Many studies have shown that hair follicles have a high rate of absorption.

2. Intercellular Permeation: The material passes around the cells.

3. Transcellular Permeation: The material passes directly through the cells of the skin.

Since the skin acts as a barrier, permeation of substances through intact skin is difficult unless the molecules are smaller than 200-350 Daltons. Any material of more than 400 Daltons will not penetrate the skin.

What Are the Applications in Dermatology?

Consumer Products: Photoprotectors:

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are being increasingly used as nanoparticles. These act as skin filters, as they can disperse and reflect UV radiation.

Innovations in cosmetics:

They have revolutionized the cosmetic industry. They are characterized as a delivery system in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They can also prevent water loss and thereby increase the hydration of the skin.

Inflammatory Disorders:

It can be used to treat inflammatory disorders such as atopic dermatitis. These are conditions where the barrier function of the skin is impaired. They can target and trap allergens, thus preventing an immune response. They can also evenly distribute on the skin and reestablish skin integrity.

Antisepsis and Asepsis:

Agents such as chlorhexidine gluconate carried by nanoparticles (nanochlorex) have prompt antibacterial effects as they are absorbed from the capsule wall. They also have sustained action.

Phototherapy:

Phototherapy is already being used for targeting melanosomes for treating dermatologic disorders such as skin pigmentation. Sometimes medicines are given to enhance the effect of phototherapy. Gold nanoparticles have been used to target the specific cells on which phototherapy should be effective, thereby reducing the damage to surrounding tissues.

Treatment of Sebaceous Gland Diseases:

The hair follicle is an area where nanoparticles are of increased efficacy. Sebaceous glands open into the hair follicle canal; therefore, to treat sebaceous gland disorders and hair follicle-related problems, follicular penetration of nanoparticles is used.

Treatment of Scalp Diseases:

Hair follicles can also be used for drug delivery for hair disorders. Nanoparticle formulations have better results than aqueous or alcohol-based drug delivery, therefore, can replace these agents for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Cancer Treatment:

Chemotherapy is presently the best treatment option for cancer. Many times chemotherapy only has palliative properties in cancers with high morbidity and mortality. It also has certain drawbacks, such as tumor cells developing resistance, toxicity, and tissue barriers.

Nanotechnology can be promising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancers.

What Is Nano-diagnosis?

Magnetic resonance is done by using contrasts. Gold, silver, and iron oxide are used for this. Diagnostic agents depend on carrier particles that help differentiate tumor cells in primary or secondary tissues. This is used for visualization and localizing, thereby facilitating diagnosis.

Nanotechnology has higher efficacy as it is faster, more susceptible, and specific while only requiring a minuscule amount of material.

Two novel and upcoming methods are:

• Optical fabric.

• Quantum dots.

What Are the Risks of Nanotechnology?

• It is a new branch, and more studies are required.

• The risks involved in using new materials that are on a nanometric scale are still not fully understood.

• Risks include chemical volatility and increased risk of cell and tissue damage.

• The environmental impact of nanoparticles and their effect on the human system are areas yet to be evaluated.

• The life cycle of nanoparticles in the human body, exposure routes, and human-particle interaction is also not fully understood.

Therefore the toxicity and side effects of this novel technology are yet to be determined.

Conclusion:

Nanotechnology is a budding and upcoming technology that can be very useful in treating many disorders, especially skin conditions. It is yet to be fully explored. It can be used in engineering, infectiology, oncology, dermatology, and chemistry, among others. It can be used in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention stages. The half-life, capacity to penetrate tissues, and tissue specificity are areas that, if thoroughly evaluated, can render an array of possibilities. In dermatology, their small particle size can help repair the damaged skin barrier, treat inflammatory diseases, and are more effective with fewer side effects.