PENETRATION OF SKIN—DEAD AND ALIVE
R. H. Marriott

The penetration of skin by oily materials depends on the spreading of the oil on free water surfaces, both with dead skin (tanned) and the living skin. Examples are given of the effect of various forms of emulsion on the ability of the topically applied material to penetrate into the epidermis, and also through the epidermis into the blood stream. In the case of water-soluble substances, the ionisation factor has to be considered in respect of mobility of the ions. In the case of weak acids or bases, the permeability can occur insomuch as un-ionised molecules are free to diffuse through the electrostatic barrier of the epidermis. Various forms of emulsifying agents are also dealt with, including the ionic, non-ionic and ampholytic surface-active agents and the suitability of the many varieties of emulsions as bases for the inunction of the intact skin.

Full Article PDF

Table of Contents