What is a Patch

In recent years the patch has become much more prevalent in chemist’s, perfumeries and aesthetics centers. Though there are many reasons for this successful expansion, they can be summed up under four headings

1. The skin is the most accessible organ in the human body so that the use of the patch enables it to be applied comfortably and quickly.

2. Administering active components through the skin eliminates possible diseases and their risks.

3. Researchers in recent years have managed to develop a transdermic technology which is able to transfer the active components in a very accurate way through the skin.

4. Patches guarantee intensive, constant treatment without having to go through the digestive system.

As well as protecting our body, the skin performs regulatory and immunising functions. It is also responsible for synthesising vitamin D. However, one of the main points of interest is its function as a “protective barrier”. Indeed, the skin facilitates the removal of toxins, but, especially, it has a bactericidal function, preventing the entry of substances which are harmful for the body.

The outer layer of the epidermis or corneal layer is responsible for acting as a “barrier”. This is because it is made up of dehydrated cells and surrounded by lipids (20% water). This is quite unlike the hydrophilic tissue (70% water) of the deep epidermis.

For all these reasons, cosmetics applied to the surface help to improve the appearance of the skin, but are unable to get inside it.
Nonetheless, the transdermic patches are able to carry the active cosmetics across the dermis. These patches include a lipophile part linked to an instrument for facilitating entry through the corneal layer, and another hydrophilic part with different active components allowing it to penetrate as far as the deep dermis.

The modern patch is useful to enhance one’s body image, hydrate and extend youthfulness. The new technologies have managed to become precise. They concentrate in a small strip the dose required for each application. Indeed, the days when we used creams are now history