As I mentioned in my post last week, molecules don't penetrate or absorb the skin as easily as one would think. Consumers these days are a lot more conscious about what they put on their skin and are definitely a lot more skeptical. 

'Can this cream really get rid of my wrinkles? Can it really alter my DNA? Can it get rid of my acne?'

All of these questions require an understanding of how a molecule can reach its target skin layer.

As a cosmetic chemist, it goes without saying that you should have a grasp on skin biology. Aside from knowing the layers of the skin and function of each layer, you have to have a grasp on some other concepts such as:

• How ingredients penetrate the skin
• What type of ingredients penetrate the skin
• How skin actives work
• Which layers of the skin can you claim your product works on
• Validity of consumer toxicology concerns

Over time we will answer these questions in the blog and in my spring e-course. Today we're going to have an overview of the different layers of the skin so you have a general foundation to build upon when you try to understand the concepts above.