The cosmetics industry is taking advantage of the benefits of nanofibers in the production of face masks 

Nanotechnology is being introduced into cosmetic products because it improves their quality. Personal care products such as shampoos, face masks, moisturizers, bronzers, sunscreens, anti‑acne products, and anti‑aging creams are just some examples of the products that can be enriched with nanomaterials to improve their properties.

Nanofiber beauty masks – what are they made of?

Nanofiber cosmetic masks are made by directly mixing a polymer solution with active ingredients. They are evenly “distributed” inside and on the surface of the composite nanofibers before they dry and stiffen to form a solid nanofiber mask.

The mask has three layers:

1. 1) protective
2. 2) dry essence
3. 3) carrier

Adding the nanomaterial, manufactured from reliable Nanospider^TM electrospinning, creates a beauty mask that adheres snugly to the skin, filling even the smallest depressions a conventional mask might struggle to do. Nanospider^TM is a technology that electrospins the natural polymers from which nanomasks are made.

What materials are used in nanomasks and how do they work?

Nanospider^TM electrospinning is a technique that fabricates nanofibers for cosmetic applications from various polymer solutions. Natural polymers are commonly used to provide the final product with additional benefits. For example, cellulose, keratin, collagen, or chitosan can be electrospun.

Bioactive chitosan has many irrefutable positive properties, which makes beauty nanomasks the perfect cosmetic aid. The nanostructure of a chitosan‑based mask adapts perfectly to the skin’s contours and facilitates deep skin regeneration. Other benefits include:

1. Easy delivery of active substances like vitamins into the skin. 
2. Skin pores are not clogged and the mask can be easily washed off with either water or water‑soluble substances. 
3. High level of retention – because the nanofibers’ small pore size and high porosity lets the mask absorb a huge amount of fluid.
4. Breathability – high oxygen and water permeability turns classic masks into breathable cosmetics that moisturize the skin, for example.
5. Delivery to deep skin layers – the nanofibers’ large surface area increases the area of contact between the mask and the skin, effectively delivering active substances to the skin’s deeper parts.

Classic face masks versus a nanomask

Traditional cosmetic masks made from non‑woven fabrics and cotton are widely available at present and can be purchased. They contain unstable active ingredients such as ascorbic acid. This acid picks up free radicals and destroys oxidants, which is why cosmetics and dermatological products widely feature it. However, its chemical components are unstable and easily oxidizable. Once oxidized, the mask will deteriorate and can cause skin allergies. Nanomasks don’t have such issues.

Once a classic mask moisturizes the skin, the ingredients are quickly released and they dissolve to produce the greatest possible effect. However, it doesn’t last very long. Another problem is they do not adhere well to the skin and inadequately absorb both the nutrient solution and any dripping water. Such difficulties are rarely encountered when a nanofiber cosmetic mask is worn.

References:

1. https://www.nanofiberlabs.com/nanofiber‑products/the‑development-of‑nanofiber-beauty‑mask-is‑expected-in‑the-future‑221.html,
2. https://nanomedical.cz/chitosan‑kosmeticke-masky/,
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45367281_Novel_Vitamin_and_Gold‑Loaded_Nanofiber_Facial_Mask_for_Topical_Delivery,
4. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.201266.