Week 8 | Nano-Beauty

Lotus Effect.

Research on nanotechnology has offered a wide range of innovative, invisible utilities including hygiene and pigmentation in the fashion and beauty industry. I was surprised to see that my midterm from Week 5 incorporated the concepts from the UC Online lectures on nanotechnology. In particular, I had researched biomimicry in relation to the lotus leaf which is characterized by its ultra hydrophobicity. My project proposal aimed to reduce fashion industry waste through a collection of self cleaning, shape shifting apparel. The presence of silver nanoparticles in athletic wear such as socks for its antibacterial properties was another topic I had explored in the research phase to consider hygienic fabric. Nanotechnology also facilitates development for cosmetics and skin care. 

Blue Morpho

I was amazed to learn that the butterfly wing of the Blue Morpho has a fascinating nanostructure that reflects vibrant blue light rather than containing a pigment for the color blue. The Christmas tree nanostructures are responsible for the stunning hue, and water could temporarily disrupt the structure and alter the wing color. This discovery could lead to alternatives within cosmetics to replace toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Already, major companies like L’Oréal have been experimenting with these possibilities to produce healthier cosmetic products. 

Tennis champion, Naomi Osaka. 

Lastly, the discussion of nanosized objects such as zinc oxide in sunscreen introduced an intriguing idea for sunscreen more suitable for people of color. Tennis champion, Naomi Osaka, has recognized the need for sunscreen manufactured for darker skin tones. She is releasing her own brand, Kinló, this summer. The white sheen of traditional sunscreens are not flattering on darker skin tones, so transparent zinc oxide in nanosized sunscreen would be a great product for increasing skin care accessibility. 

More examples of biomimicry

Image

Image

Image

Image

Source

ask Nature. "Surface Allows Self‑Cleaning: Sacred lotus". 2021. https://asknature.org/strategy/surface-allows-self-cleaning/. 

Isaac, Paulina. "Naomi Osaka Is Serving Up Her Own Sunscreen Line". Glamour. April 29, 2021. https://www.glamour.com/story/naomi-osaka-skin-care-line-sunscreen.  

"Nanotech Jim pt4". UC Online. 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCuZetAIhk. 

Sherman, Lauren. "Naomi Osaka to Launch Skin Care Brand for People of Colour". Business of Fashion. April 27, 2021. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/beauty/naomi-osaka-to-launch-skin-care-brand-for-people-of-colour. 

Voyagers. "8 Mind Blowing Facts to Know About the Morpho Butterfly". 2019. https://amazoncruise.net/8-mind-blowing-facts-to-know-about-the-morpho-butterfly/.