Explain the importance of osmosis and diffusion

1. Explain the importance of
osmosis and diffusion in
the skin
By Tia, Megan and Alycia

2. What is the role of diffusion/osmosis in the skin?
The role of diffusion in the skin is to supply the body with molecules that it may need, If the body needs medicine
the medicine needs to get into the bloodstream once the tablet or pill is swallowed the pill will make it's way to the
stomach, once in the stomach, the medicine from the pill is absorbed into the lining of the stomach and then into
the bloodstream this process is done through diffusion of the medicine molecules making it's way into the correct
cells., Also the body carries out osmosis as without the water supply around the body the eyes and other parts of
the body will dry out. Sometimes medication come in ointment or cream form. When applied to the skin, the skin
them absorbs the ointment as there is none in the skin cells and lots on top of them. This is called diffusion.
Diffusion also helps the body get all necessary nutrients from food and that goes into our stomach and this is
broken down by enzymes and transported into our cells.

3. What substances would be moves through osmosis or diffusion in
the skin and where would they be moved from/to?
Nicotine
Nicotine patches are worn on your skin, where it slowly releases nicotine, which is absorbed into your body through your skin. Using the patch can help to reduce withdrawal
symptoms when you quit, such as cravings, irritability and difficulty concentrating. However, it may not stop these symptoms completely. Nicotine patches are small, self-adhesive
patches that you stick on your skin so that nicotine can enter your bloodstream at a steady rate all day. When you smoke or use other nicotine replacement therapies, you get a
"spike" of high nicotine level in your blood, which then lowers until you feel the need to take another dose and top up your nicotine levels. The patch just keeps you at a steady
level all the time and gets you accustomed to that without expecting to have occasional high levels. Patches come in different strengths, and you go from the strongest one you
need to the weakest available, and then stop using them altogether.
Essential oils
Essential oils are miniscule in molecular size, which means they are absorbed well by the skin – making them perfect ingredients in personal care items intended to heal, soften,
and nourish. The skin is relatively permeable to fat soluble substances and relatively impermeable to water soluble substances. Essential oil molecules are so minute that when
they are applied to the skin; they are able to pass through the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the epidermis). From here the oil molecule passes through dermis, into the
capillaries and into the bloodstream. Absorption also occurs through the hair follicles and sweat ducts. There are many factors that affect absorption of an oil molecule. Both rate
of circulation and the warmth of the skin increase blood flow to the surface, therefore increasing the skin’s ability to absorb the oil. Circulation and warmth can be increased by
massage.
HRT
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to ease symptoms of menopause. As a woman approaches her mid-40s to early 50s, levels of the female hormones oestrogen and
progesterone start to decline. The menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Menopause is the point when a woman has not had a period for a year. Common symptoms of menopause
include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal discomfort. For most women, symptoms of menopause are mild and no treatment is necessary. The skin patch results in the
required hormones being delivered directly to the bloodstream. Since they don't have to travel through the stomach and liver first.
The patches are replaced once or twice weekly. They should be placed on clean, dry skin. Do not use cream or talcum powder on the area where you intend to put the patch. The
best area is usually the upper buttocks.
HRT implants are inserted into the fat under the skin in a simple procedure. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin. Then a small cut is made, usually in the lower abdomen,
the implant is inserted and the wound is stitched or taped closed. The stitch or tape is removed a few days later.

4. What would be the consequences if osmosis/diffusion failed in
the skin?
Everyone has different products that the skin and body needs. For example a smoker that may be thinking about
quitting would need to cut the amount of nicotine in their system, they could do this by using nicotine patches. Also
an elderly woman may be using HRT in order to keep her oestrogen levels high.
If osmosis/diffusion fails in the skin, then the nicotine, HRT or moisture from moisturising products would not be
able to enter the skin. This could cause some problems such as; the smoker having withdrawal symptoms from the
lack of nicotine in their system, the women would have lower oestrogen levels so she may grow facial hair and her
skin may start sagging as the collagen and elastin are breaking down and aren't being produced. These can also
happen during menopause.