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Written by Tamryn Burgess The plant-based movement is growing larger by the day as people (and perhaps you too) are becoming a lot more conscious of what they put into their bodies. But have you ever thought about the products you’re applying to your skin? With absorption rates ranging from 60 to 100 percent, it’s time to start paying attention to the ingredient labels on your skin and body care products. Your skin is the largest organ of your body after all, so it deserves just as much time and care that goes into planning your organic, free-range meals! But first… LET'S TALK ABOUT ABSORPTION VS. PENETRATION Often used interchangeably, absorption and penetration actually have two very different meanings you should be aware of… especially with sneaky marketing tactics being used to pull the wool over your eyes. Penetration simply means that the ingredient is able to sink to the deepest layer of the skin, while absorption means the ingredient makes it all the way to your bloodstream and lymphatic system. When it comes to the varying rates of dermal absorption, the 60 to 100% is quite general, and does certainly vary from person to person. There are also many biological factors to consider; namely:
Even so, it’s better to stay on the safe side (as you’ll learn below). In fact, you may be interested to know that one study found the skin on the face to be seven times more penetrable than other parts of the body, while genitals and underarms also see a whopping 100% absorption rate (1). UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL ABSORPTION Your body is an amazing, complex machine, capable of incredible things. Unfortunately, when you bring chemicals in the mix, your body is unable to fight them off, and it’s quite as simple as this... Our bodies were not made to ingest or absorb chemicals! Certain chemicals like ethanol (a very common additive used in skincare) acts as a “skin penetration enhancer” (2) by breaking other chemicals’ molecules into smaller parts and by disrupting your skin’s natural barrier function. On the other hand, silicones are commonly used in skincare and makeup for their ability to create a smooth layer on the top of the skin. The problem with these chemicals is that they act as a trap (3), blocking skin’s natural processes like sweating and eliminating dead skin cells. Below is a list of the most widely used chemicals in skin and body care products. Don’t be alarmed if you find more than a few on the labels of your favorite products currently sitting in your bathroom cabinet.
The list goes on and on and on! See the Environmental Working Group’s list of chemicals that should disappear from cosmetics. HOW CAN YOU AVOID ALL THIS? If I’ve done my job right in this article, the next question you have is “How the heck can I avoid all these chemicals?” Fortunately, it’s as simple as avoiding and replacing. We’re fortunate to live in a time where there are great amounts of options available to us when it comes to natural skincare. A simple Google search will yield many great options… but since you’re here right now, why not have a look at what Earth Soldier has to offer you for your personal care needs? With “natural and purity” being a running theme here, you’ll find a selection of organic non-GMO products suitable even for the most sensitive skin! sources
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