The increasing rise in exposure to solar radiation causing a continuous increase in the number of associated diseases, such as skin cancer, makes the development of safer and more-effective photoprotectors a global necessity and a persistent challenge to the scientific society in general. 

The liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (SLN and NLC) used as adjuvants in photoprotection have proven advantageous compared to chemical and/or physical filters alone. Some direct benefits in the efficacy and safety of the SLN and NLC formulations are increased photoprotection, photostability and the UV action spectrum, along with reducing the concentration of filters and maintaining the sun protection factor (SPF) and, ultimately, the characteristics of the skin. These advantages indicate that introducing these innovative lipid carriers into the market is only a matter of time, since the results are much more promising than the products currently commercialized. 

Researchers have recently developed lipid carriers for treating and preventing wrinkles. However, most studies aim to improve formulations of clinically approved bioactive molecules. The use of nanotechnology may improve both cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and other hygiene and beauty products. Although legislative norms are still unclear for using nanotechnology for topical use, companies have already commercialized this technology. But it is crucial to describe the vectors in terms of their size, polydispersity and surface load. We must also recognize their interaction with biological systems, and further studies must clarify the possible nanotoxicology. 

In the future, nanotechnology may revolutionize skin aging treatments, especially with the treatment and prevention of wrinkles, avoiding invasive surgical techniques.

Source: Souto EB, Jäger E, Jäger A, et al. Lipid nanomaterials for targeted delivery of dermocosmetic ingredients: advances in photoprotection and skin anti-aging. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022;12(3):377.