The outer layer of skin protects your body from germs, sunlight, and dirt, among other things. That’s why keeping your skin healthy is so important! Today’s blog from Seoul Mamas explains how the skin absorbs nutrients, like those found in our sheet masks.
Outer Layer
The outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis, is primarily composed of fatty acids such as cholesterol and ceramides. Nutrients must pass through this outer layer to have an effect on your skin. When nutrients are fat-soluble, they pass through the epidermis more readily compared to water-soluble nutrients.
How thick is the epidermis?
The epidermis is just 0.1 millimeters thick, or about the thickness of one sheet of paper. This amounts to anywhere from 50 to 100 cells thick. Cell layers in your skin are tough to penetrate because your epidermis is your body’s first layer of protection against many environmental insults.
Three Pathways
Nutrients follow three pathways through the skin, according to the CDC.
Intercellular pathways. As the name implies, there are spaces in between your skin’s cells. Nutrients may follow these pathways deeper into the skin. Along the way, your skin’s outer layer may absorb some of the nutrients in our sheet masks, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
Permeation. Nutrients may pass from cell to cell in your epidermis. When the outermost cells take on some nutrients, they could pass some of those to the next cells behind the outer ones.
Hair follicles and glands. Nutrients that permeate slowly into your skin may reach the hair follicles or glands deeper into your skin’s layers. This represents the hardest way your skin can absorb nutrients because your follicles are much deeper in the skin.
Why Sheet Masks Work for Skin Absorption
Your skin is a tough outer layer. Mother Nature designed it that way! That’s why we created sheet masks that provide penetrating power. Sheet masks keep vital nutrients against your skin for as long as you keep the mask on, usually 10 to 15 minutes. The sheet presses the nutrients while preventing them from evaporating. The time frame and material of the sheet mask give your skin a chance to absorb as many nutrients as possible!
Daily Skin Care Routine From Seoul Mamas
When you put a sheet mask on your skin daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes, your skin has a chance to repair any damage from the day while giving your face a natural glow. Contact Seoul Mamas for more information about our sheet masks and how they work for you.
