Osmosis and Salt and Saline
Article by Gemma Hutchings | Date Published 15th November 2024
Salt & saline lightening treatments, as a result of osmosis
In order to understand the science of pigment lightening in the skin and osmosis we will first need to understand some important things about cells.
The cells in our bodies are surrounded by a wall-like structure called a cell membrane. The cell membrane is found in all cells and separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment. The cell consists of a semipermeable membrane which regulates the transportation of materials entering and exiting the cell. This membrane is essential for cell survival and function, allowing cells to maintain their internal environment, taking in necessary substances, and expelling waste.
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across the semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute (less salty) concentration, to an area of high solute (more salty) concentration. This natural process aims to equalise the concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
How this process is relevant to the salt and saline technique for lightening pigment in the skin.
Implanting a saline solution: By introducing a salt solution (which has a high solute concentration) into the skin, we create an environment where the solution outside the cells has a much higher concentration than inside the cells.
Osmotic effect: Because of this concentration difference, the cells react and create balance. Water inside the cells moves out towards the area of high salt concentration.
Expelling pigment: This movement can essentially “push” some of the pigment particles out of the cells, helping to lighten the pigmentation over time as the body naturally removes or sheds the loosened pigment.
Pretty clever! This natural balancing act allows us to harness the body’s own mechanisms to lighten pigment effectively using a simple saline solution.
