DPS Special Feature: Popular Cosmetic Products
Beautech
NANO-Q: Skin & Scalp, Nano-Sizing Drug Delivery
By Gu So-yeon, Director at Dongang Center (Cheongdam Branch)
Beautech's NANO-Q: A Multi-functional Aesthetic Device
NANO-Q by Beautech is a versatile aesthetic device. The effects of facial treatment devices can generally be classified into two major categories: regeneration and whitening. NANO-Q’s primary functions are jet peeling for skin scaling, nano mist & galvanic for the infusion of various solutions. In addition, it incorporates a spray for solution delivery and vacuum functionality using negative pressure.
Solution infusion, or drug delivery, is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of skin care treatments. No matter how good the ingredients may be, if they cannot be absorbed by the skin, they are meaningless. Although liposome technology has been integrated into cosmetics for some time now, the absorption rate of cosmetics by the skin still does not exceed 10%. The statement that solutions can be infused without needles is almost as unrealistic as saying you can eat with your eyes. This demonstrates just how challenging it is to penetrate the skin barrier and deliver effective ingredients. Moreover, with the growing number of sensitive skin conditions, continuous skin treatments requiring needle-based high-frequency or 1927nm laser, plasma devices, or air-pressure-based treatments may be a burden, especially considering the need for anesthesia and expensive consumables.
Non-Stimulating, Comfortable on the Skin
The key to NANO-Q’s solution absorption mechanism lies in its nano (nano) technology, as suggested by its name. Nano-sizing means breaking down the liquid solution into tiny particles, which can pass through the skin barrier. I have used a variety of drug delivery devices over the years, including needle-based high-frequency devices, 1927nm wavelength lasers, ultrasound vibrations to forcibly push solutions into the skin, iontophoresis and electro-poration using electrical stimulation, plasma-based devices creating temporary holes in the skin, and devices using air compression energy to inject solutions. While these devices employ different mechanisms, selecting the most effective one has not been easy. In other words, it's not simple to quantify their pros and cons.
The advantage of NANO-Q is that it causes minimal skin irritation. Before solution infusion, it uses jet peeling to remove dead skin cells. The jet peel function uses compressed air and water to blow away dead skin and dust from pores. While scrubbers or cleansers must come in direct contact with the skin to work, jet peel only uses a high-pressure spray of purified water, meaning the steel nozzle does not touch the skin. The jet peel is a more cost-effective version of the oxygen peel, which was once popular in aesthetic treatments. Even without medical-grade oxygen, the results are nearly identical.
Synergistic Effect of Nano Mist & Iontophoresis
Nano mist breaks solutions into small particles to enhance skin absorption. During this process, it works in tandem with galvanic technology. The combination of nano mist & iontophoresis generates a synergy effect, where 1+1 results in more than just 2.
NANO-Q’s nano mist is extremely fine, so the solution doesn’t run off the skin once applied. This is the key advantage of nano mist. Patients can undergo treatment while sitting in a scalp care chair or a lazy chair, rather than being confined to a facial bed. The mist during treatment even creates a smoky effect, which adds to the visual appeal. In the current market, where presentation plays a significant role in patient satisfaction, this "showing" aspect can be a useful feature.
Though a spray typically designed for painting may be used to apply solutions, its effect is more about presentation than actual treatment. NANO-Q does feature a spray function, but it’s rarely used. According to the manufacturer, it is primarily intended for use in scalp clinics, where solutions are applied to the hair. However, for modern patients, such a "showing" effect may be seen as less desirable. With just the dual effects of scaling and drug delivery, NANO-Q stands out as a worthwhile device to consider.
