Differences between percutaneous absorption and oral ingestion

Every day we take in nutrients and substances into our bodies in a variety of ways.
The most common methods are "percutaneous absorption" and "oral ingestion."

This time, we will take a deeper look at the different advantages and disadvantages of "transdermal absorption" and "oral intake" in the process of taking in nutrients into the body.

What is percutaneous absorption?

Transdermal absorption is a method of taking in nutrients and other substances through the skin.

This occurs primarily through two pathways:

It is absorbed into the body through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.
The stratum corneum is composed of intercellular lipids and keratinocytes, and substances can pass through the gaps between them and through the cell membranes.

[Hair follicle-sweat gland pathway]
It enters the body through openings such as pores and sweat glands.
Pores and sweat glands have a weaker barrier function than the stratum corneum, so relatively large molecules and lipid-soluble substances are easily absorbed.

【merit】
- Since nutrients are delivered directly to the area where it is applied, it is effective for localized care and provides pinpoint nutrition.
For example, applying a beauty serum designed to treat blemishes to problem areas on the face can help suppress the production of melanin, which causes blemishes.
-It does not pass through the digestive system, so even those with weak stomachs can use it safely.
It is also effective in suppressing side effects of medication and supplementing only specific nutrients.
-Products are available in a variety of forms, including creams and gels, so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and use it easily.

【Demerit】
- The absorption rate through the skin is lower than through oral intake, so it is not suitable for supplementing large amounts of nutrients.
- The absorption rate may vary greatly depending on the condition of your skin and your constitution, so the effects felt may vary from person to person.
-If you have sensitive skin, some products may cause irritation.

Examples of percutaneous absorption

Mugwort steaming

Mugwort steaming is a hot bath that has been popular as a folk remedy since ancient times.

By exposing the lower half of your body to the steam made from mugwort tea, you can warm your body from the inside out and improve blood circulation.

In addition, the abundant active ingredients contained in mugwort are absorbed through the skin, improving sensitivity to cold and swelling, promoting sweating, detoxifying the body by facilitating the excretion of waste products, and providing skin-beautifying and relaxing effects.

hot spring

Hot springs contain a variety of minerals.

By absorbing these minerals through the skin, the following effects can be expected.

Some minerals have the ability to promote skin turnover and moisturize, which can be expected to have a beneficial effect on skin. In addition, the thermal effects of hot springs are expected to promote blood circulation, improve poor circulation and swelling, and help recover from fatigue and relieve stress.

pack

A mask is a beauty care product that is applied to the face and body.

The active ingredients in the pack are absorbed through the skin, providing whitening, moisturizing, anti-aging, and acne treatment effects.

Moisturizing products such as lotions, creams, and serums maintain the skin's moisture level and prevent it from drying out by forming a film on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporation, retaining moisture within the stratum corneum, and preventing a decline in the skin's barrier function.

Moisturizing also keeps the skin soft and supple, preventing dry skin.

Although both percutaneous absorption and moisturization are important concepts related to the skin, there are clear differences in their purpose and function.

Transdermal absorption is a method of taking substances such as medicines into the body, while moisturizing is a method of providing moisture and oil to the skin to prevent it from drying out.

Ingestion

It is the process of taking in food and drink through the mouth and getting nutrients into the body.

It is the most basic method of nutrition intake for humans, and because it is highly efficient in digestion and absorption, it is essential for maintaining good health. Food is not just about taking in nutrients, but also about enjoying the taste and smell.

[merit]

- Because it is absorbed through the digestive tract, nutrients can be supplied more efficiently than through skin absorption.

- Through food, you can get a balanced intake of various types of nutrients.

- Getting nutrients from your food helps you feel full.

[Demerit]

-For people with weak stomachs, it may put a strain on digestion and cause symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea.

During the digestive process, some nutrients may be destroyed.

- Compared to transdermal absorption, it may take longer for the effects to appear.

summary

Percutaneous absorption is a method of taking in substances through the skin, and cosmetics, medicines, chemicals, etc. can enter the body through this method.

Oral intake is the method of taking in food and drink through the mouth and taking in nutrients. It is the most basic method of nutrition intake for humans, and is essential for maintaining good health because it is highly efficient in digestion and absorption.

These are ways of getting nutrients, each with different advantages and disadvantages.

By using them properly, you can maintain your health and beauty more effectively and safely.