There’ve been a lot of dubious scientific claims about skin care over the years but could nanotechnology be the skin care revolution we’ve all been waiting for?
What is Nanotechnology?
Nano just means very small – technically anything smaller than 0.25 millimeters and nanotechnology is an emerging science that focuses on manipulating individual molecules. The unit of measurement is a nanometer (nm) and each is about 100 000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Nanotechnology is being heralded as a possible cure for a host of diseases, including cancer but has also sprouted another branch of research, often branded as ‘nano-emulsion technology’ or ‘Nano Chem’ conducted by Cosmeceutical Chemists.
How nanotechnology could really work.
The epidermis (top layer of skin) on your face is about 0.2 millimeters thick. It doesn’t sound like much but to the active ingredients in most skin care products, it may as well be a mile thick. Many products on the market are considered “scientifically unlikely to make significant improvements” because they don’t penetrate the epidermis, they simply create a nutrient rich barrier between the environment and your skin.
The cure for this has been more invasive technologies that tear at the skin or are injected under the skin. The surface of your skin has dead skin cells but also a lipid (fat) layer that contains very, very small gaps. These gaps are so small that nothing could get between them, until nanotechnology came along. Nanotechnology allows scientists to develop skin care products that deliver active ingredients right to the (aging) heart of your skin.
But is it safe?
There are some concerns that any substance which penetrates skin may make it into the blood stream and increase risk of disease and reactions. Nanotechnology is used (both labeled and unlabeled) in hundreds of skin care, make up and other beauty products and opposition groups such as Friends of the Earth have expressed concern about their physical properties and their potential risk to cells and organs.
The technology can potentially turn otherwise safe materials harmful. According to a 2009 study by Friends of The Earth, their tiny size means that they are able to penetrate not just skin but other organs. Some animal studies have found that they can pass through organs, into the blood stream and potentially cause brain damage, pre-cancerous lesions, birth defects, lung and heart disease. There has not however, been any large scale tests into individual products although there have been calls to introduce such tests.
With more and more “nano products” on the market, and greater claims with every product, it’s no wonder it’s a billion dollar industry. Whether it works long term and whether it is completely safe, well, just like everything about your skin, it will become obvious with time.
***About the Author: Susan Long helps people keep the worry lines at bay both in her relentless pursuit of the fountain of youth and through her work at Sell Property Quickly.
There’s no point in using beautiful cosmetics if your skin is tired and rough. To achieve a flawless make-up look, your skin should be in optimum shape first. Avoid nasty foundation clumping and shine (the bad kind) with a few easy pre-application tips.
1. The Baking Paper Test.
Your age, skin type, beauty regime and body clock can all affect where and how much oil comes to your skin’s surface. Before you start applying your make-up, try this handy tip for testing your skin’s trouble zones. Cut several small squares of baking paper
(also known as grease proof paper). Press squares firmly to your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. If the squares come away clean, you should have no problems with clumping foundation. If they come away oily, you will need to take steps to fix that before you start applying your make-up.
2. Oil Ain’t So Slick!
Your grandmother may tell you to use plenty of soap and warm water. This is the last thing you should do as your body will rush more oil to the surface to replace anything you wash away. Instead, wash your face with a good quality, alcohol free cleanser and then use a cotton bud dabbed with a light diaper cream. This is not the thick white gunk used to keep baby bottoms dry, it’s a cream cleanser used to remove oily deposits after a nappy change. Ask for it at your local baby, pharmacy or grocery store as it is a wonderful moisturizer and is specifically designed to remove stubborn oil without drying the skin. Take a few squares of baking paper in your purse when going out and dab your trouble areas throughout the day or night to keep oil under control without ruining your look.
3. Bags Are For Over The Shoulder, Not Under The Eyes!
OK, this genius little tip may make you cringe at first but it is the greatest secret weapon of make up artists everywhere. Get great results and the hardest thing about it is, asking your local pharmacist for – ready – hemorrhoid cream
. Hemorrhoid cream is designed to sooth delicate skin while tightening it up. You will probably feel and see a difference immediately. But, the eye area skin is extremely delicate so this one is only for special occasions and only after seeking advice from your preferred medical professional.
4. The Real Secret To Younger Looking Skin (Part 1)
For all the claims about younger looking skin made by cosmetic companies, there are actually skin creams that are medically proven to improve the appearance of skin. These have been developed in labs by pharmaceutical companies, not cosmetic companies. They have been proven beyond a doubt to improve the appearance of damaged skin. How do you know if an anti-aging product REALLY REALLY works? You need a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist to get it. Usually these products are used to treat skin disorders or burns but some pharmaceutical companies are now creating versions that simply help skin repair itself from damage caused by aging and sun damage. These products are available on prescription at your doctor’s discretion in many countries.
5. The Real Secret To Younger Looking Skin (Part 2)
In a study done by a large, non-commercial British Broadcaster, skin biopsies were taken from volunteers using different methods of skin care. No brand names were given (prices however, were), and as the broadcaster does not accept advertisements, the trial was shown to be impartial. A few of the very very expensive creams contained active ingredients that improved skin quality moderately however, there was one active ingredient that stood out and out performed every other cream by a long, long way. The best news is, it’s cheap, easy to get hold of and it becomes even more effective when taken orally – it’s good old, garden variety vitamin C. It would seem that an apple a day keeps the doctor away but an orange a day keeps the surgeon away!
Following a few easy methods, you can provide your cosmetics the perfect canvas to create a perfect work of art for your next big night out or day at the office.
***About the Author: Dana Flannery’s work with brides, both young and older has given her many insights into looking your best for big occasions. See more about Dana’s beautiful brides at Brisbane Civil Celebrant.
Prepping Pretty Spring Skin
By Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetic Science Institute (ASI).
When the sun finally begins to warm our faces again, and the world slowly looks a little greener, we always feel the need to freshen up our looks a bit. In an enthusiastic hurry to apply this season’s bright makeup colors, we may forget to stop and realize that the most important step is good skincare for a clean, smooth base. After the cold wind, dry heating systems, and dark days are done with our faces, most of us go into springtime looking a little dull.
To bring your face back to life, there are some basics that always help whether you’re at a spa or your bathroom sink. Firstly, be sure to exfoliate: it can be as simple as adding salt (for oily skin) or sugar (for dry skin) to your face wash or buying one with exfoliating beads in it. It always helps to add a product with something like fruit enzymes or hydroxy acids into your regimen for added results. Going to get microdermabrasion at a local spa is a great choice for deep exfoliation that will be noticed right away. Any of these options will reveal fresh skin that is glowing and smooth.
Second, you need to continuously moisturize to have skin perfect for makeup application. If you’re getting a facial at a spa, that’s great because they will both exfoliate and moisture your skin while you’re there. At home, be sure you’re using a formula appropriate for your skin type, like a gel for oily skin, a thicker cream for dry, or something in between. Some of the face lotions with radiance/skin brightening ingredients are perfect for dewy spring skin, and are a nice boost for any look.
If we just take a little extra care in reviving skin at this time of year, the reward will be a complexion that’s more awake and well-textured. Your face will look flawless all season long!
***ASI is a beauty school for new students interested in a career in aesthetics and licensed aestheticians interested in advanced aesthetics training and certification.
