[dtilford]

I have read on here that some of you think that what you put on your skin goes into the blood...that is mostly false with very little truth.

You have to understand the layers of the skin inorder for you to understand this. Most of the products we put onto our skin sits on top of the epidermis (top layer of skin). The molecular size of products are not small enough to penetrate past this layer and into the dermis (second layer) of the skin. Now, when you purchase products that have a small enough molecular make up, then yes it will enter the blood. Also, if you introduce electricity to skin care products and they are the correct products for this service it will enter the blood.

It is still a very good idea to be ingredient savy with the products you are using, because it makes the difference in good skin care lines and bad ones.

 

[Kelly]

Ok...so I understand molecular makeup and it having to be small enough to enter your skin.

One quick question, what if your pores are well ummmm....lets say someone has huge pores and the next person has....can't even see 'em pores. Would the person with larger pores, be more prone to things entering their bloodstream? Or does pore size have nothing to do with this? I mean seriously, have you seen how some peoples pores could suck up the world and others are not be be found. I'm not downing people with large pores....heck I'm one of them, luckily I'm able to keep 'em clear.

Also, do you know, does garlic have a smaller molecular makeup? Take a piece of garlic and put between you're toes (I know, I know) but...15 minutes later you taste it. The garlic obviously entered your bloodstream. Just wondering if you know is all, cuz I don't - I only know....garlic is one that will enter your bloodstream.

Ok...even so....how do we find out if the molecular makeup is large enough NOT to enter our systems, to know we are safe? That I suppose would be left to knowing the molecular makeup of every ingrediant we encounter - right?

I am in no way, arguing, just asking honest questions.

I know that 'Naturally' will be able to give insight on this topic as well. Hopefully she'll jump in to give some of her thoughts.

 

[bad cat]

Yeah, I always thought that our bodies absorb the stuff we put on it. There have been many research facts that don't mention molecular size just that what we put on our body can cause this or aggravate that.

So, are these reports from all those organic fanatics not true? Okay, I'm partly one of those b/c I'm scared as heck to poison myself (by using harmful chemicals on my skin) so I read labels but HELLOOOO I'm a total freak when it comes to the Coke at McDonald's so go figure.

Kelly I think you ask some very valid questions. Who can help with this? Naturally you out there?

 

[dtilford]

I will try to answer you questons one by one.

Pores: This doesn't matter because everyone has an epidermis, small or large pores, no difference. The only difference is larger pores get clogged easier.

Garlic test: I have done this and it did not work on me ( I actully just did it). If I was the only one not to tast mine for some reason, then yes the molecular size has to be small enough to penetrate into our skin. Sometimes we can smell things that are very strong and think we can taste them, or maybe people are tasting it??

Molecular size: "A common misconception about natural skin care products is that they are more gentle for the skin but not as effective as synthetic dermatology brands. Nothing could be further from the truth. For example, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, derived from Sugarcane, are the most effective AHA's due to their small molecular size which allows them to penetrate the skin's surface for a revitalized glowing complexion." -Naturopathica website

-All ingredients used must be capable of penetrating the stratum corneum, the protective barrier of the skin
-The emulsion to be transported must be of correct molecular size and weight to dissipate into the skin -skinstore.com/photolagen

I just wanted you guys to see other places that talk about it, look over your chemistry and you will understand more about his.

Some people will argue with you on this topic, I feel like they don't understand chemistry or they wouldn't argue. It is all scientific.

 

[Naturally]

There are many things that can be used transdermally - like hormone creams to be specific - and yes these get into the skin just that way. We don't know (unless it's on a package somewhere) as to the molecular size of things as to whether we're absorb it. However with synthetic products you're changing the whole molecular structure of how NATURE was intended to. Many of the products out there have "Penetration Enhancers" that help chemicals get absorbed through the skin. Here's a site to take a look at products and companies.

Each product is ranked according to its ingredients' potential to:

Cause cancer
Trigger allergic reactions
Interfere with the endocrine (hormonal) system
Impair reproduction or damage a developing fetus

With todays technology and KNOWING that products must get thru that stratum corneum, many companies are making their products be able to do such.

WHY take the chance is my belief! And YES I've done that test that Kelly has done and YES I did taste the garlic (although it was no big deal since I love Garlic anyhow LOL).

 

[dtilford]

But either way--Products CANNOT penetrate the stratum corneum unless the molecular size is small enough to do so--I am not making an issue of health, genetically enhanced, or anything to that sort. We all know that most things are unhealthy, I am simply stating that if the molecular size is not small enough then no penetration. If you want to go out and buy high dollar products, then you can probably count on the molecular size being small enough to penetrate (in most cases). As true with hormone creams becuase they are made to penetrate. The skin is water proof, so chemists have to find a way around that, that is why they alter the molecular size. But if you are going to Walmart and you are looking for body lotion then 9 times out of 10 all it is going to do is lay on the surface of the epidermis.

I appreciate everyones input on this topic, it is interesting to me to see the level of what people actully know about skin care.

 

[Naturally]

I agree to a point. Chemists, manufacturers, etc are creating more and more products/chemicals/etc to be ABLE to penetrate those barriers - making those molecules smaller and smaller so they DO penetrate the skin. Maybe quite a few years ago most products wouldn't penetrate - but with the advances that are being made everyday - even things you can get at Walmart will do just that! Not just the high dollar ones!

 

[dtilford]

I disagree......it takes a lot of money to chemically alter a product and unless that is what the company is trying to promote then they are not going to take the time to chemically alter something. Especially if they are not going to get any credit for something such as "smaller molecular size".

 

[Kelly]

The skin
Although the skin acts as a protective barrier against many micro-organisms and chemicals, some chemicals can penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream. Whether or not a chemical is absorbed through the skin depends on its structure: chemicals need to be able to dissolve in both water and fat (lipids) to get through the skin. Those that are insoluble, or dissolve only in fats or water, and chemicals made up of very large molecules, tend not to penetrate the skin. Chemicals are more easily absorbed where the skin is thin, such as on the forearms, than through the thick skin covering the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Chemicals are also more easily absorbed if skin is moist or damaged. Some chemicals, e.g. organic solvents, cause 'defatting' of the skin, making it a less effective barrier against further chemical exposure.

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), the organic solvent used by Tony Bradshaw (see p 19), is rapidly absorbed through the skin. In a study using human volunteers, MEK was applied to the skin of their forearms, and could be detected in the air they breathed out just three minutes later. During that time, the MEK had made its way through the skin, into the blood, and then to the lungs. Because MEK is soluble in water, it is absorbed through the skin even faster if the skin is sweaty. However, the amount of MEK in exhaled air accounted for only 10% of the amount applied to their skin. The other 90% was excreted in the urine, both as MEK and as its metabolites (Environmental health criteria 143 methyl ethyl ketone, WHO, 1993).

 

[Kelly]

I guess I don't understand what you are doing here.

No dis-respect, but this quote concerns me:

I appreciate everyones input on this topic, it is interesting to me to see the level of what people actully know about skin care.

Just wonder what your intention was with that comment? What are you implying?

Seriously, that was said with respect, and I'm not looking to argue.

I feel we all have equal rights to opinions and sharing our experiences and knowledge....guess maybe I mis-understood your comment there.

In this case....we may just have to agree to dis-agree.

 

[Kelly]

So your saying I can go stick motor oil or poison on my skin....and not worry cuz it won't enter my system? As long as it's molecular makeup is too large. Man, I just don't trust that.

My disagreement is....I do feel things enter my system....and will always be cautious as to what I put on my skin.

I know that was a long shot and may have sounded a bit harsh....but I was trying to get my point across....no dis-respect intended....but seriously. I'm concerned about what goes on my skin.

So yes....the larger molecules may not penetrate or don't....but what about all the other ingrediants or chemicals in a product? Does every single ingrediant have a separate molecular makeup....my guess is yes.

But I may be wrong.

 

[dtilford]

Like you, I ment NO disrespect AT ALL, I am here because this is my PROFESSION, not my past time or hobbie. I am here to educate women/girls on proper skin care. When people get on here and they state things that they believe to be true because they have heard that it is true, it makes me question the level of what people actully know on this site.

I have read TONS of correct advice by people on here that I know aren't professionals, but I have also heard things that are not true. This website is a learning tool for all, but when someone who has spent time educating themselves (by going to school) in every area dealing with the skin (except surgical procedures) I feel like people should be glad to have their advice. I am giving my advice for free, if you were to come see me it would cost you. I understand every area of the skin (all though I am not a Dr.), I understand chemistry, and I understand ingredients (but I want to know more). I am glad that you guys have opionions and are stating them on here, but even with what you wrote on this topic it still all comes down to the point--products cannot enter the blood stream unless the molecular size is small enough to do so.

"Whether or not a chemical is absorbed through the skin depends on its structure:"- this is a quote from your post Kelly, and it is saying exactly what I am trying to explain to everyone on here. I am not argueing the fact that chemicals cannot enter the blood system, I am just stunned by the fact that you guys are rebuking my post but yet you are all saying what I just wrote.

My intention for my post was to make everyone aware of what has to take place in the chemical make up in order for it to enter the blood stream. So for someone to say that 60% of what you put onto your skin enters your blood stream is about 80% false and 20% true (if that much). You have to have the correct ingredients for that to take place, and even if what you have bought does have 1 or 2 ingredents that is capable of doing so-it still is not anywhere near 60%. That is why I preach to my clients and to the regulars on here to be ingredient savy.

No harm intended-Kelly you are one of the members that I have been the most impressed with (if your post didn't come from articles off of the internet), I can tell when people have copy written something from another page and didn't give the credit to the place they found it.

 

[Naturally]

Our skin WAS meant to be a barrier so that we're protected on the inside - that's a given and known science! HOWEVER there are SO many caustic chemicals out there that HAVE a small molecular structure AND therefore ARE penetrating the skin - that safe barrier!

We all agree to be careful as to what we put on and I think it should be common knowledge that MANY of those skincare/makeup products out there - ARE getting INTO the skin. Will they make us die instantly - no probabaly not, HOWEVER in the long run there can be ramifications - toxic buildup!

So we agree to disagree and also agree to WATCH what you are putting on your skin!

 

[dada]

hi im new to this site. i just want to know on how to whiten underarms using only natural things or organic things without using commercial beauty products...thanks...

 

[dtilford]

Everyone should be concerned with what they put on their skin, I know I am. But take a look at mechanics, they have motor oil on their skin everyday-most are fine. They probly should worry more about breathing in the toxins from the oil. You come into contact with poision EVERYDAY- the flue, colds, posion oak and ivy, aids, etc. If that is the case we would all be dead by now. The skin is what God provided us with to protect from such harmful things. Lets look at AIDS--if you come into contact with someone that is infected with AIDS and they have the infected blood all over their hands and they touch you--you are not going to be affected unless you have a cut on your skin that allows the disease to enter your blood stream. Other wise it will sit on the epidermis.

 

[Kelly]

So the outcome here is some things will enter and some things will not. I'm gonna stay safe on this one and just watch what goes onto my skin, if fear/caution that it just may be the small molecular makeup that might enter my bloodstream.

Thank you for your comments dtilford, Naturally and bad cat. It's good to know we can have an adult type debate and still keep it respectful. I respect everyone input equally.

 

[dtilford]

hi im new to this site. i just want to know on how to whiten underarms using only natural things or organic things without using commercial beauty products...thanks...

Arbutin, kojic acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These natural skin brightening agents have not been shown to cause permanent de-pigmentation. They effectively lighten, brighten, and unify skin color. Skin brighteners containing vitamin C not only lighten the skin, but greatly improve the appearance of the skin.

 

[Naturally]

dtilford - I have a question - and I know we agree on these things and agree to watch what we put on our skin!

Benzene - I forgot what the values were - but they are like 400% over the allowed rate in the water at my dh's workplace. NO he doesn't drink the water - but what effect in time would it have on skin?

Now as for motor oil on the skin and mechanics not having any problems - he works with a guy that CANNOT work anymore with anything that has ANY motor oil in it because of the reaction on his hands.

I agree that MOST products/things won't enter the skin, however there are many chemicals in skincare products (and makeup) that DO penetrate that barrier and those products aren't good for the skin or ourselves!

 

[dtilford]

Benzene- small enough in molecular size to penetrate into the skin- also found in dies, drugs, and plastic. Mostly know for its carcinogentic properties. No longer an additive in gas........if exposed to this for long periods of time it does have certaint risk on the BLOOD SYSTEM. And if your dh's workplase has 400% of the allowed rate then they need to call OSHA or someone that can help because that is against the law!

And for the mechanic- people are alergic to different things and I do not know the chemical make up for motor oil, all though it can't be good. But people do it everday.

 

[dtilford]

I think you guys are getting what I first wrote confused.....I didn't say NOTHING could penetrate past the skin........I said that NOT all things can........ and what prompted me to write my topic was I read that SMOOTHIE QUEEN or someone said that 60% of what we put on our skin goes into our bodies......that is not true.....but yes lets agree to disagree but be cautious of what we put in our bodies and on our bodies. Thanks for all of our quizing me.....I like it!!