I did not know anything about nanotechnology until I read an article by Forbes.com, “How to Become a Billionaire.” Pete Newcomb senior editor at Forbes was answering questions on how the rich become rich. He said that to become a billionaire you need to invest, take risks, think outside the box, have big ideas and a great capacity for creative thinking, love what you do, and also think of an idea we haven’t heard of yet. Two industries of interest he mentioned were nanotech and organics. Since I am in the beauty industry and have read about organic cosmetics and not nanotech, I began to do some research. Both of these are growing markets in cosmetics. Even though nanotech was new to me, it has been around for awhile. Nippon Keidaren (Japan Business Federation) is a comprehensive economic organization born in May 2002. They forecasted that nanotech in the domestic market will gross 27 trillion by year 2010. All of the major cosmetics companies like L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, and Shisedio have nanoparticles already in many of their products. A lot of this technology is used in the anti-aging products and in sunscreens.
What is nanotechnology? It refers to a field of applied science and technology whose theme is the control of matter on the atomic and molecular. It makes compounds very, very small. It is supposed to deliver more effective and faster results. It makes products lighter, stronger, cleaner, and less expensive. This technology has not been thoroughly tested and we don’t know how safe it is; especially on the delicate areas of the face. The FDA has not done much research. As yet, it seems not to have any adverse effects nor have any cases emerged. However, some experts wonder about the safety because when particles get very small, they tend to develop new chemical properties. Nanoparticles can slip through skin layers, and that means they can potentially interact with the immune system and bloodstream, and possibly become toxic and damage tissue.
All major cosmetics companies do test their products and there are laws that cosmetics companies have to follow to insure products are safe, but the FDA only investigates cosmetics if safety questions emerge after a product has been on the market. The testing of nanoparticles in cosmetics continues to be tested by the big cosmetic companies using the technology. For me, the jury is still out.
I’ve worked for several cosmetics companies and tried many of their products that have this technology and have had no issues. I am not a chemist or researcher. I am a makeup artist. One of the most important aspects of makeup is the skin. After reading and learning more about nanotechnology in cosmetics, it is a bit disturbing because it may be toxic. Cosmetic companies are making these products because they are less expensive to make, they have faster results and more benefits. The companies sell whole skin care systems because they specify that they work synergistically, and have more effective results. However, whole systems may be even more toxic to the consumer, if they contain nanoparticles. Are these companies taking enough precautions to prove these products are safe? Short term, it may reduce wrinkles and lift, but long term can it cause cancer or breakdown your immune system, or damage the tissue on your face? I have changed my philosophy regarding some of these products.
To live consciously with the universe, use products that are not used in animal testing, use products that are free of parabens. Even consider making some of your own products. Try organic or natural products. If the nanoparticle in the cosmetic product is a natural compound like green tea or grapeseed extract, it is probably of no harm. But be aware of chemicals. Cosmetics are full of chemicals. As a consumer and promoter of skin care products, I encourage my clients to do self work and study to educate themselves, ask your dermatologist. Don’t take everything said by a sales person as complete fact. If they tell you a product is going to reduce wrinkles 20% , lift your sagging skin, or make your skin soft and supple; that may happen at the moment – short term, or while your using that product continually. It may be a quick fix, but that’s not what you want when you’re caring for one of the most important organs of your body, your skin, which has a major role in protecting and presenting you. Think seriously about what you’re putting on your face and read, read, read the labels of the cosmetics you’re using.
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