The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis. It has many functions, but one of its main purposes is to provide a barrier preventing dirt from entering the skin. Because it needs to act as a barrier, the epidermis has chemical and structural properties that limit the loss of vital nutrients and water, but also slow absorption and penetration into the skin.
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Without help, the epidermis would “protect” our skin even from nutritionally vital nutrients. This is where penetration enhancers come into play. Penetration enhancers help the skin absorb substances.
There are 2 ways for the skin to absorb substances.
The first method is to remove the top layer of skin using methods such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and adhesive tapes.
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The other option is to use chemicals that have similar properties to an absorption enhancer. Some of these chemicals are added to skincare products, and can disrupt your skin. Common chemical permeation enhancers found in skincare include parabens, Formaldehyde, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Alcohol, Petrolatum, Coal Tar, Phthalates, Oxybenzone, Triclosan and Hydroquinone. Chemical penetration enhancers help increase skin absorption but may cause harm in the long run.
A safer option would be to use natural and organic products as the benefits include moisturizing and healing of the skin. The higher the concentration of the natural ingredient, the more effective it is as it will have higher the absorbance in the skin.
Mafura butter is a great permeation enhancer. It contains palmitic and oleic acids help to bypass the barrier properties of the skin. This allows the micronutrients contained in creams containing Mafura Butter to penetrate the skin and provide nutrition to our skin. These micronutrients help to promote the natural moisturizing abilities of the skin. The skin is then able to retain moisture content even in the driest of environments and to stay young and healthy. If left unmoisturised, the skin is more prone to effects from the environment that can lead to cell damage, inflammation and ageing.