Nano-Sunscreens Not As Effective
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The Cosmetics Design-Europe website reported this week that scientists at the University of Rochester found that sunscreens containing nanoparticles are not as effective at protecting people with sun-damaged skin. Tests done on lab mice using quantum dot nanoparticles (to simulate the titanium dioxide nanoparticles found in sunscreens) showed that the particles "penetrated UV damaged skin more than non-compromised skin."
This is particularly important as people put sunscreen on burned skin therefore really needing more protection and may actually be getting less. The scientists also said that more research is needed as, "direct comparisons were impossible to make at this stage as a wide variety of surface coatings were used."Why are nanoparticles used in sunscreen? We reported recently that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide allow light to pass through but absorb the ultraviolet light. Nanoparticles are found in lots of products we use but are still so new that there is not enough research yet on the long-term health effects.
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