Our skin is the largest organ of the body.
Many ingredients have the ability to “penetrate” while a few have the ability to be “absorbed” into the skin.
When it comes to skincare, penetration is the goal so that the active ingredients can work to hydrate and fortify the skin.
However, because of your stratum corneum. The shield of fatty acids, sebum, and ceramides is water-repellent. Which means penetration enhancers, which are ingredients like certain alcohols or fatty acids (such as linoleic and oleic acid) enhances the chances of an ingredient's penetrability.
Ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid can easily penetrate the skin. Ingredients that are non penetrative have benefits such as sealing moisture in and provide a better looking outer texture.
Chemical molecules like parabens and phthalates that mimic hormones are distributed throughout the body and have DNA altering capabilities.
Skin conditions like atopic dermatitis have an increased chance of products actually getting into the bloodstream because the integrity of your skin barrier is compromised. So that is why using natural products is important to help heal, alleviate and/or avoid creating more irritations.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is naturally rich in linoleic acid (omega 6), linolenic acid (omega 3) and vitamin A. This helps to target signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and other skin conditions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant. It helps to brighten, smoothen, and tighten skin by promoting healthy collagen production and skin-cell renewal.
Willow Bark Extract
Willow bark extract is an all-natural ingredient which is rich in salicylic acid, which is the main ingredient in most acne treatments.
Turmeric
Turmeric is most effective when the skin is already compromised with inflammation as the skin barrier is weaken.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal enlarges pores and enhance the cleansing of the skin by removing dead cells. It only adsorbs toxins that are in the dissolved liquid phase via direct contact. Activated charcoal soaks up and binds excess oils, bacteria and toxins.
Clays
Some clays have high-absorption properties and when mixed with water, it has electromagnetic properties that help lift toxins out of your skin. Green clay pulls blood toward the surface of your skin making it one of the strongest and not recommended for dry skin. Clays topically absorb excess oils, bacteria and toxins.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can easily penetrate the skin with their lipophilic characteristics. They are penetration enhancers and help other natural ingredients penetrate the skin. The combination of some essential oils and other ingredients can create antimicrobial properties.