nanoparticles in skin care - article on smartskincare.com
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free skin care · Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:38 am

Has anyone seen this?

http://www.smartskincare.com/ingredients/nanoparticles_toxicity_risk_in_skin_care.html

free skin care · Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:45 am

I know that some of Dr Todorov's comments before have come under criticism. I think he had a few things to say before about CPs, and people had difficulty in locating where he had studied or something or mainstream studies that he had taken part in.

free skin care · Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:04 am

I was reading an article not long ago about a Florida Sunscreen Symposium which had this to say:

Quote:

Unfortunately for the sun care industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have done an excellent job of spreading misinformation based on poor science to the consumer. As a result, there is growing public concern about the safety of nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

But Patricia Aikens of BASF provided details of a tape-stripping test that proved the materials do not penetrate the stratum corneum. According to her study, virtually the entire amount of both UV blocks applied was recovered in the first five stripping tapes with minute amounts recovered in subsequent strippings, presumably from skin folds and hair shafts. Moreover, no UV filter was found in the receptor fluid.

Finally, even when sunscreens were applied to compromised skin or even introduced directly into the bloodstream, they did not prove toxic to organs.

But for consumers still concerned about nano materials, Yun Shao of Kobo Products explained how silica or jojoba ester surface treatment can force primary particles to aggregate to a size over 100nm. While non-nano TiO2 was found to be too whitening, non-nano ZnO showed an acceptable transparency and attenuation power, according to Dr. Shao.

I would be interested in seeing the study referred to in the quote. I'll see if I can find it when I have more time.

I do agree, though, that topicals can enter the bloodstream through wounds, etc.

free skin care · Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:23 am

Hi Riley; if you would like to see a summary of the study on mice and nanoparticles in their drinking water, you can read more about it here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165739.htm

The Australian government has done a review of the scientific literature on nanoparticles in sunscreens, initially in 2007 and a further updated review earlier this year. They concluded that:

The potential for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens to cause adverse effects depends primarily upon the ability of the nanoparticles to reach viable skin cells; and
To date, the current weight of evidence suggests that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles do not reach viable skin cells; rather, they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer layer of the skin that is composed of non-viable cells.

They further state that "The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is continuing to monitor the emerging scientific literature to ensure appropriate action is taken should any tangible safety concerns be identified."

http://www.tga.gov.au/npmeds/sunscreen-zotd.htm#pdf

free skin care · Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:19 pm

Skippie wrote:

I was reading an article not long ago about a Florida Sunscreen Symposium which had this to say:

Quote:

Unfortunately for the sun care industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have done an excellent job of spreading misinformation based on poor science to the consumer. As a result, there is growing public concern about the safety of nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

But Patricia Aikens of BASF provided details of a tape-stripping test that proved the materials do not penetrate the stratum corneum. According to her study, virtually the entire amount of both UV blocks applied was recovered in the first five stripping tapes with minute amounts recovered in subsequent strippings, presumably from skin folds and hair shafts. Moreover, no UV filter was found in the receptor fluid.

Finally, even when sunscreens were applied to compromised skin or even introduced directly into the bloodstream, they did not prove toxic to organs.

But for consumers still concerned about nano materials, Yun Shao of Kobo Products explained how silica or jojoba ester surface treatment can force primary particles to aggregate to a size over 100nm. While non-nano TiO2 was found to be too whitening, non-nano ZnO showed an acceptable transparency and attenuation power, according to Dr. Shao.

I would be interested in seeing the study referred to in the quote. I'll see if I can find it when I have more time.

I do agree, though, that topicals can enter the bloodstream through wounds, etc.

I too have searched for the study by Aikens but can't find it; perhaps this is not a published research study but rather a test conducted in-house. Patricia Aikens PhD is/was the Technical Services Manager for BASF’s Cosmetic Solutions Business in North America. BASF is the developer of of T-Lite™ MAX™ titanium dioxide and Z-COTE® MAX™ zinc oxide which uses nanotechnology. These ingredients have a particle size of less than 200 nanometers. Because the visible spectrum starts at 400 nanometers, sunscreens containing these products are able to offer the least amount of whitening.

I was able to find a different research article which evaluated whether metallic nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm could penetrate and eventually permeate the skin. The authors results showed "nanoparticles were able to penetrate the hair follicle and stratum corneum (SC), occasionally reaching the viable epidermis. Yet, nanoparticles were unable to permeate the skin. These results represent a breakthrough in skin penetration because it is early evidence where rigid nanoparticles have been shown to passively reach the viable epidermis through the SC lipidic matrix." You can view it here:

http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v127/n7/abs/5700733a.html

Perhaps we can cautiously conclude that topical application of nanoparticles is not a health concern, based on the current studies. However the ingestion of nanoparticle products may be of some concern. It has already been established that air-borne nanoparticles do affect the lungs when inhaled and for that reason I believe they are banned (or at least discouraged) from spray-on sunscreens.

free skin care · Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:54 pm

Thanks for the info and comments, skippie and lacy. I don't think this really pertains but I did want to ask this question. My 302 Recovery Minerals has a warning on it about making sure you do not breath it in. Any comments regarding this? (I'll see if I can dig for the ingredients.)

http://www.302skincare.com/products_rmintrans.html

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:55 am

rileygirl wrote:

Thanks for the info and comments, skippie and lacy. I don't think this really pertains but I did want to ask this question. My 302 Recovery Minerals has a warning on it about making sure you do not breath it in. Any comments regarding this? (I'll see if I can dig for the ingredients.)

http://www.302skincare.com/products_rmintrans.html

riley - My Recovery Minerals (out of all the MMUs I have) do the 'best' (LOL) job of hanging around when applying. It is SO easy to inhale the particles used in it because of that. I always try to hold my breath and fan my face, but I worry that I still inhale some of it anyway. It does a great job as a SS, but not sure I will want to reorder it when it's gone.

Thanks for bringing up this topic. When I get a chance, I'll read all the links provided. I've saved some info on this from previous research, so maybe I can add to it.

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:01 am

foxe wrote:

riley - My Recovery Minerals (out of all the MMUs I have) do the 'best' (LOL) job of hanging around when applying. It is SO easy to inhale the particles used in it because of that. I always try to hold my breath and fan my face, but I worry that I still inhale some of it anyway. It does a great job as a SS, but not sure I will want to reorder it when it's gone.

Thanks for bringing up this topic. When I get a chance, I'll read all the links provided. I've saved some info on this from previous research, so maybe I can add to it.

Totally agree. I love the Recovery Minerals for the sun protection. They work great. I still use the 302 liquid sunscreen and then apply the Recovery Minerals on top. I also hold my breath when I apply it, but I am concerned about it, also. I am nearing the end of my jar, and I don't know if I will re-order them either, just due to the "breathing in" factor!

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:38 pm

rileygirl, thanks a lot for starting this topic. When I first heard about nanoparticles I was excited to think that actives could actually penetrate the skin. I always believed that they just stayed on top and didn't penetrate the epidermis, so even though I used them I didn't really think they worked (Just HOPE).

Then I read a few articles like this one and became concerned. All articles were urging caution in the use of nanoparticles in cosmetics because there were no studies on the cumulative effects over time and, as the FDA didn't regulate the cosmetic industry, there was nobody responsible for the ethical manufacture of products. Large cosmetic companies are in business to make money. If they have a product that customers see works (ie it penetrates the dermis and does affect the skin surface), it will definitely improve their sales, so they'll run with it. Whether the companies actually include nanoparticles in the ingredient list is debatable. I have no faith in cosmetic companies and look at the ingredient lists, check out the ingredients see what others have said about it and then make up my mind. However, if it's not there in the first place, how can we make an informed choice?

Apparently one reason that titanium dioxide doesn't remain white on the face is because it is delivered to the skin in nanosomes or liposomes.

I still think the future of skincare is exciting but we need to see many more independent studies completed before we can feel confident in their use.

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:43 pm

Here's an article about possible future regulation on nanos:

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Publications/Cosmetics/CosmeticsDesign.com/Formulation-Science/International-regulation-bodies-move-towards-global-nano-regulation/?c=f44MNo67P9YLiweelkpDsA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:50 pm

miss anna wrote:

I still think the future of skincare is exciting but we need to see many more independent studies completed before we can feel confident in their use.

I agree! Thanks for posting the link to the possible regulation on the nanos in cosmetics! Very interesting.

Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:36 pm

Hi Rileygirl,

Thanks for bringing this up. I am using 302 Recovery Minerals too and now i'm worried after reading the Smartskincare article on nanoparticles....I tried to find the warning about not breathing it in on the Recovery Minerals but could not find it, is the warning stated on the enclosed instruction sheet (mine did not have any enclosed instruction sheet) or is it on the container or packaging? Do you think Dr Huber will be able to help us with our concerns?

Thanks
Cecilia

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:12 pm

Oubeautiskin wrote:

Hi Rileygirl,

Thanks for bringing this up. I am using 302 Recovery Minerals too and now i'm worried after reading the Smartskincare article on nanoparticles....I tried to find the warning about not breathing it in on the Recovery Minerals but could not find it, is the warning stated on the enclosed instruction sheet (mine did not have any enclosed instruction sheet) or is it on the container or packaging? Do you think Dr Huber will be able to help us with our concerns?

Thanks
Cecilia

Hi, Cecilia. I am trying to remember where I read that info. I think it was on the paperwork. Unfortunately, I threw all my product sheets out when I stopped using the products. Maybe foxe will remember!

free skin care · Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:48 pm

Hi,
One easy soultion is to mix the Mineral makeup into your moisturizer and then apply. I have found this works with all the MMU brands I have and you can adjust to the desired coverage needed on an individual basis. Minimises breathing the particles into your lungs.
I was also under the impression it is the Zinc Oxide that is white and not the Titanium Dioxide, as I have actually purchased them both and made my own MMU in the past, the Titaniun Dioxide is what gives the color while Zinc Oxide is pure white.

HTH
DM Very Happy

free skin care · Sat Dec 05, 2009 6:32 am

That is one thing I really love about the liquid minerals foundation - you don't have to worry about breathing it in. But I do wonder about loose finishing powder. I'm using my own DIY powder and I've include micronized zinc in it. I powder my nose with it several times - but only after applying my foundation - because that's where I get really oily. I'm almost positive I'm breathing some in.

free skin care · Sat Dec 05, 2009 7:06 am

Skippie,
I know what you are saying, even if you mix any MMU the finishing "veil" really only works dry! I just think about all the other bad stuff we breath in and use natural methods of cleaning things in and around the house. The pollution from exhaust ect. what can we do, there is so much from inside buildings to the great outdoors that is full of nasties we breath every day I sometimes think about the whole Don't sweat the small stuff mentality! We can drive ourselves crazy with it all!

DM Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:24 pm

Nanoparticles could potentially be dangerous for humans and the environment. I really hope that the cosmetic industry will become more sensible with the use of it.

In the UK, Soil Association bans nanomaterials from organic products.
"There should be no place for nanoparticles in health and beauty products or food," says Gundula Azeez, Soil Association policy manager.

Read
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/15/organics.nanotechnology

free skin care · Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:46 pm

Very interesting information about mineral cosmetic ingredients and nanoparticles, I think it might just ease your minds!

http://blog.aromaleigh.com/blog/ingredient-information/

HTH
DM

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