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Nanotechnology in Dermatology pp 9–18Cite as

Nanotechnology in Photoprotection

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Abstract

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces a wide range of adverse effects such as sunburn, photoaging, photoimmunosuppression, and photocarcinogeneis. Use of sunscreen is an important practice by the public to protect against excessive UV exposure and reduce UV damages. In general, inorganic-based sunscreen composed of mineral UV filters, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), work by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. These agents are regarded as safe and effective. Compared to organic UV filters, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, inorganic filters are less irritating on individuals with sensitive skin and chronic skin disorders. For these reasons, TiO2 and ZnO have been widely recommended as the safest UV filters in sunscreen products. Despite these benefits, older sunscreens containing these ingredients were limited in popularity by their poor cosmetic appearance. Due to the broad particle size distribution and poor dispersive qualities of the TiO2 and ZnO particles, these sunscreens left a white or opaque film, as well as grainy-residue on the skin. The diminished aesthetics of these sunscreens hindered wide acceptance by the public.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 160 E 53rd Street, New York, NY, 10022, USA

    Lucy L. Chen B.A. & Steve Q. Wang M.D.

  2. Croda Europe Ltd, Sun Care and Biotechnology, Foundry Lane, Ditton, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8UB, UK

    Ian Tooley Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Lucy L. Chen B.A.
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  2. Ian Tooley Ph.D.
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  3. Steve Q. Wang M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steve Q. Wang M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dermatology, UNC School of Medicine, 3100 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill, 27554, North Carolina, USA

    Adnan Nasir

  2. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, 10451, USA

    Adam Friedman

  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, 10065, USA

    Steven Wang

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Chen, L.L., Tooley, I., Wang, S.Q. (2013). Nanotechnology in Photoprotection. In: Nasir, A., Friedman, A., Wang, S. (eds) Nanotechnology in Dermatology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5034-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5034-4_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-5034-4

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