Comments on: Is nanotechnology in sunscreen good or bad?

By: beautifulwithbrains

beautifulwithbrains — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:02:35 +0000

Dao: I read a study about that too. Apparently fishes exposed to nanoparticles developed brain tumors. I don’t think it was Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide, though. So far, these have been proved to be safe when applied topically on healthy skin, but ingestion and inhalation is dangerous. But like you, I prefer physical sunscreens and don’t really care about the white cast, my skin is white (litterally) anyway.

Danielle: that’s a good point. Antioxidants degrade when exposed to sunlight, not sure if that happens immediately but very rapidly, yes. Since sunscreens are supposed to be reapplied frequently anyway I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Nanoparticles can’t penetrate the skin so even if antioxidants weren’t added I doubt they would generate free radicals.

Anastasia: lol, I had to google that, I’m not a Stargate fan unlike my mom. She has never missed an episode. But they sound pretty nasty.
I know, it sounds silly to me but since nanoparticles can’t penetrate skin, I don’t think that would be a problem. I’m more concerned about chemical sunscreens that are said to generate free radicals too and that’s why I tend to avoid them. I stick to Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as they are the best sunscreen ingredients available at the moment and I don’t mind the white cast either. Kinda matches my skin anyway.

Jojoba: I agree with you. Although topical application is supposed to be safe, and is definitely safer that not wearing sunscreen or using one that doesn’t offer broad spectrum protection, these particles haven’t been studied much and some concern about their safety (esp regarding inhalation) remain. Based on current research, I wouldn’t avoid sunscreens with nanoparticles, but I’d still I’d rather stick to physical sunscreen that don’t contain them as they are a better option.

prettybeautiful: that is a very common misconception. But actually these particles can’t penetrate skin (most ingredients used in beauty products can’t, doesn’t matter what marketing says) and in any case, you wouldn’t want them too. In order to protect the skin from the sun rays, these ingredients have to remain on the surface. I don’t mind the white cast either, being properly protected is more important.

By: prettybeautiful

prettybeautiful — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:43:47 +0000

gio this is so enlightening. all the while i thought everything with nano technology has to be better in terms of penetrating deeper into skin and repair or protect. in tht case i agree with jojoba, i wouldn't mind a white cast on my face then. .-= prettybeautiful´s last blog ..Nail Monday =-.

By: jojoba

jojoba — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:22:16 +0000

nano techonology is so popular in the far east here. everything with nano suddently seems to be better. personally, i am very wary about it. i'd rather have a white cast instead. .-= jojoba´s last blog ..Revew/Swatch/FOTD: T. LeClerc Sunflower Pressed Powder =-.

By: Anastasia

Anastasia — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:49:06 +0000

My flippant reaction is that nanotechnology sounds awesome and reminds me of nanites from Stargate. Of course, the nanites were actually pretty bad.

If they can create free radicals, it seems a wee bit daft to me, considering that the sun is one of the primary causes of free radicals and thus one of the reasons why we use sunscreen.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind having a white cast. I’m already milk-colour, I welcome pale.
.-= Anastasia´s last blog ..Sliced Bread Isn’t Actually All That Great =-.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:57:15 +0000

Even if antioxidants are added to reverse the oxidizing properties of sunscreen, wouldn’t the exposure to sunlight immediately break down any antioxidants, assuming that they are stable in the first place?

By: Dao

Dao — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:43:02 +0000

I went to a seminar during my first year in grad school and a guy gave a speech about nanoparticles and fishes. Apparently, some fishes get tumors when exposed to man-made nanoparticles in the water. The sunscreen I use still has a white cast and it's a lifesaver to me since chemical sunscreens give me big breakouts. .-= Dao´s last blog ..Sunday Beauty Reads =-.