Titanium Dioxide for Skin - Types, Benefits, Side Effects, and Preventions

Introduction:

Titanium dioxide, commonly referred to as titanium oxide or titania, is a colorless, odorless powder commonly found in both plants and animals. Titanium reacts with oxygen naturally to produce titanium dioxide, which is naturally occurring on the earth's surface commonly found in ores, sand, and soil. Titanium is found as an oxide in minerals and is also found with other elements like calcium and iron. Titanium dioxide is a primary ingredient added in cosmetic and skin care products like sunscreen because it functions as an ultraviolet filter to help block the harmful ultraviolet rays from sun exposure, which can cause certain skin conditions like sunburn and is associated with skin cancer.

What Are the Different Forms of Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is produced in two different forms they are pigment form and nanosized form. Both forms are colorless, tasteless, and insoluble in nature.

• Pigment Form - The pigment form of titanium dioxide produced over 98 percent compared to ultrafine forms. Pigmentary titanium dioxide particle comprises 200 to 350 nm in size, and it is widely used in cosmetic and other skin care products, including sunscreens, powders, soaps, lotions, and toothpaste. Moreover, it is used in food additives, paints, prostheses, ceramics, plastics, and papers.

• Nano-Sized Form - Nano-sized titanium dioxide comprises small ultrafine particles less than 100 nm in size. They are clear and have better ultraviolet scattering and absorption capabilities than pigmentary titanium dioxide with bigger particle sizes.

What Are the Benefits of Titanium Dioxide for Skin?

The benefits of titanium dioxide for the skin include the following:

1. Protect Against Harmful Ultraviolet Rays - Titanium dioxide is used to protect the skin from harmful rays like UVA and UVB. Sunscreens and other cosmetic products contain nano-TiO2 to prevent UV-A and UV-B light. The ultraviolet light from the sun is absorbed by nano-sized titanium dioxide in sunscreens and other cosmetic products, preventing it from penetrating the deeper layers of skin.

2. Prevent Premature Aging - Ultraviolet radiation can alter the genes like Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) may lead to premature aging. Skin that has undergone oxidative stress may appear dull and tired. Try to apply sunscreen with titanium dioxide with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to protect the overall skin's health and look younger and more energetic.

3. Non-Irritant for Sensitive Skin - Titanium dioxide is a strong, lightweight, and extremely biocompatible material that is non-toxic to the body. Anyone with sensitive skin, especially those who are allergic to nickel, silver, or gold, should choose titanium. Even among those who are sensitive to other metals, allergic responses to titanium are quite uncommon. Titanium dioxide is a very mild nonirritant to dry, sensitive skin, and they are used in cosmetic products like sunscreen for soothing the skin and also resolving other skin problems.

4. Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer - Skin can suffer severe damage from harmful ultraviolet radiation. They enter the skin cells and produce free radicals, which are hazardous and unstable substances. Free radicals seriously damage cells inside the body by attacking the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and causing mutations that may eventually result in cancer. Titanium dioxide contains sun protection factors, and they help to reduce the risk of getting the chances of skin cancer from harmful ultraviolet rays by preventing the skin.

5. Antimicrobial Properties - Titanium dioxide also provides antimicrobial protection to the skin. Due to their potent oxidizing ability and ability to reduce the growth of a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, on inflamed, irritated skin, and helps to soothe the skin and also resolve other skin conditions.

Is Titanium Dioxide Safe for Skin?

The safety of titanium dioxide in cosmetic products is an issue that is widely discussed. It is considered to be a safe ingredient as it does not offer any systemic or local health risks to people also, it does not penetrate through the skin. Researchers say that when a high titanium dioxide concentration is inhaled, the nanoparticles may enter the lungs and cause irritation and lung cancer. However, none of the studies discovered evidence that titanium dioxide causes cancer.

What Are the Side Effects Affected by Titanium Dioxide?

There is some concern about titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are smaller than 100 nm in diameter, being absorbed through the skin and the intestine.

According to the research, these nanoparticles are absorbed by intestinal cells. and may cause oxidative stress and the development of cancer.

• Allergy - Certain people may be allergic to titanium dioxide.

• Eye Irritation - Topical application may produce mild irritation of the eyes and skin.

• Phlegm.

• Coughing.

• Shortness of breath.

What Are Safety Measures Followed When Using Skincare Products That Contain Titanium Dioxide on the Skin?

The safety measures followed when using skincare products that contain titanium dioxide on the skin include:

• Observe every instruction on the product package.

• Ask the physician or pharmacist if anyone has doubts.

• All exposed skin should be entirely covered in sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Use at least one ounce (30 grams) to cover the entire body.

• Reapply the body after swimming, perspiring, towel-drying off, or if it has rubbed off. Apply more sunscreen every two hours if planning to spend a lot of time outside.

• Apply specifically to the lip area if applying lip balm.

• Avoid smoking while applying this titanium dioxide contained product if using.

Conclusion:

Titanium is extensively used in skincare and cosmetic products. Ultrafine particles of titanium dioxide is the primary form used as an ultraviolet filter in sunscreens, but also in some day creams, foundations, and lip balms. Efficacy as an ultraviolet filter shows its prevention of sunburns and skin cancers, and also some concerns have been raised about its safety . However, its effectiveness as an ultraviolet filter has been shown in the prevention of skin cancer and sunburns. Certain concerns have been expressed about its safety. However, some people are worried about the potential negative consequences of titanium dioxide on their health, especially when inhaled. More study is needed to verify titanium dioxide's safety, but there is presently no solid proof that it is hazardous to human health.