Nanotechnology applied to Dermatology – we have gone even further !!!!!

What implications does nanotechnology have in the field of cosmetic dermatology? After years of research, Sesderma NanoDermatology found a way to make important active ingredients penetrate to the inner layers of the skin with a non-invasive topical application. Until now, skincare products remained in the upper layers of the epidermis due to the barrier function of the skin, and the low penetration capacity of large molecules, however often in the fields of dermatology and aesthetics, deeper structures such as hair follicles or sebaceous glands, and sometimes even the subcutaneous tissue needs to be reached, as in the case of cellulite.

The key to reaching these deeper layers is in nano and liposomal technology. Industry has many types of encapsulation techniques used in skin care, for example Liposomes composed silicone or nylon structures. Sesderma NanoDermatology, has gone further, by encapsulating the active ingredients in membrane structures identical to that of human cell membranes, so that our bodies do not consider them as foreign elements. This aids the nanometric size of the nanosomes (3000 times smaller than the pores of the skin). For the first time we can also combine in one product, fat-soluble and water-soluble active ingredients. To understand the importance of this, consider for example Vitamin C and its instability due to oxidization when it comes in contact with air. Vitamin C is a lipo-soluble active ingredient. If we take into account the structure of our skin, it becomes practically impossible for a water soluble active ingredient to pass through the same, but encapsulating the vitamin C in a phospholipid membrane (which is identical in structure to human cell membrane) and the nano size of this structure, we are transporting vitamin C where it is needed, and without barriers to stop it.

One of the advantages of nanotechnology is that a product can be applied topically and reach deeper skin layers. Imagine an elevator that can stop at multiple floors, where the nanosomes can only be opened only on specific floors. This approach allows us to successfully treat diseases whose target is in the depths of the epidermis, or even further, such as melasma. Most products do not reach the basal layer of the epidermis, much less deeper layers. Many of the “nanosomed” active ingredients are large particles such as hyaluronic acid and peptides like Matrixyl, which are used to relax wrinkles, this technology becomes effective with these active ingredients whose size normally would make it impossible for them to act deeply, where they are needed.

Nanosomes a have two “compartment” structure where liposoluble and hydrosoluble active ingredients can be transported in the same nanosome, for example vitamin C can be put in the heart of the nanosome (water soluble) and Vitamin E can be put in the bi-layer (fat soluble). Retinol is one of the favorite active ingredients of dermatologists for its many applications and benefits, it becomes more powerful in nanosomes but not as aggressive to the skin, and can even be used even in the most sensitive skins without causing irritation. Another important aspect is that the nanosomes are designed to arrive to the target layer of the skin but do not travel through the bloodstream.

There are thousands of applications for nanotechnology, not only in cosmetic dermatology, but in many fields such as the encapsulation of oxygen to treat ulcers and wounds or encapsulating antibodies to fight cancer, active ingredients that pass through impassable barriers, such as the brain for brain disease. This is only the beginning of a new technological era, where the application of thousands of nano moluecules guarantees the success in the cure for various diseases.

For more information on our nansomed products, don’t hesitate to contact Sesderma Nanodermatology.