Which ionic charge is associated with increasing skin permeability?

The ionic charge associated with increasing skin permeability is cationic. Cationic substances carry a positive charge, which allows them to interact more effectively with skin and cellular structures that often possess negative charges. This positive charge enhances the ability of these substances to penetrate the skin barrier.

Cationic ingredients are known for their ability to disrupt the skin's lipid barrier, facilitating the absorption of active ingredients and moisture. This property is particularly beneficial in formulations designed to hydrate, treat, or enhance the absorption of other beneficial compounds into the skin. Understanding this characteristic is essential for estheticians when selecting and applying products that aim to improve skin texture, hydration, and overall health.

Other options may not have the same effect on skin permeability due to their charge characteristics. For instance, anionic substances, which carry a negative charge, tend to repel from the skin's surface because of the like charges. Neutral substances do not interact strongly with the skin's charged components, and acidic conditions primarily affect pH balance rather than directly increasing permeability.