- What are the ingredients in Nano.Silver Acne Gel?
The ingredients include silver nanoparticles (AgNP), Salicylic acid, Carboxymethylcellulose, propylene glycol and aqua.
- What are those ingredients used for?
Salicylic acid is a well-known ingredient approved by FDA for acne treatment. It helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions. However, it does not have an effect on sebum production and does not kill bacteria. On the other hand, AgNP has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Carboxymethylcellulose and propylene glycol are used to make an amorphous hydrogel which gently re-hydrates necrotic tissue, facilitating debridement, which promotes the healing process. Dead tissue not only inhibits healthy new tissue, but it also can cause infection. Propylene glycol is commonly used as a preservative due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It also helps the active ingredient penetrate skin.
- What is the difference between Nano.Silver Acne Gel and other acne gels (cream) available on market?
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are widely used ingredients for over-the-counter acne treatment. Salicylic acid can penetrate into pores to unblock oil and prevent further breakout lesions. Benzoyl peroxide is another effective ingredient against acne. It can kill bacteria and exfoliate the pores at the same time. Acne gels (creams) found over-the-counter have high concentrations of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This can cause most common side effects of dryness and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide may also bleach hair and colored fabric.
The formulation strategy of Nano.Silver Acne Gel is to use low dose salicylic acid (0.5%) with AgNP prepared by our most advanced nanotechnology. AgNP is well known for its activity against nearly 150 strains of bacteria as well as common fungi and viruses with no antibiotic resistance. AgNP also has anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to improve the healing process significantly. The proposed mechanism is that AgNp facilitate the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, reduce the formation of collagen by fibroblasts and modulate the number of cytokines produced (Materials 2013 6,2295-2350). The low dose salicylic acid minimizes the common side effects of irritation and dryness.
- Why does AgNP have antimicrobial properties?
The silver nanoparticles (AgNP) can get attached to the cell membrane and penetrate inside the bacteria. The nanoparticles attack the respiratory chain and finally cause cell death. As the size of particles decrease, their surface area increases, leading to an exponential increase in their antibacterial efficiency.
- What causes acne?
Acne is a common skin disease. Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples are all caused by excess oil released by sebaceous glands. Once the skin pores are clogged by the excess oil, they may become whiteheads or blackheads depending on how many dead skin cells cover the follicle opening. The clogged pores are also a breeding ground for bacteria growth. If the bacteria cause to inflammation, then severe acne (acne vulgaris) will be formed. A lot of research has been done on what causes acne but there is no final answer. It can be hormone changes such as those during the teenage years, greasy food or dirty skin, but no one knows.
- How do I apply Nano.silver Acne Gel?
Wash and dry the area to be treated. Apply with fingertip a thin layer of gel covering the entire affected area. Gently massage the gel in until it is evenly distributed. Do not get the gel into the eyes. If this happens, rinse with water immediately.
- Does Nano.Silver Acne Gel have any side effects?
Since the lowest dose of salicylic acid is used in the formulation of the gel, most common side effects such as dryness and irritation are minimized.
- How long does it take to see the results?
You should see improvement in a few days. If your acne is severe (the bacteria cause inflammation), it might take more time to see visible improvement, depending on your acne skin condition. It will vary from person to person.
- How do you properly store the gel?
Store the gel at room temperature, away from heat. Keep out of reach of children.