Gels: Application and Absorption

I am newly on Gel prescribed by Dr Saya and filled by Halandale pharmacy. I was previously using T cream. The gel gets tacky then dries out within 10 seconds and does not spread on skin well, just ends up a small sticky patch. Seems like it possibly is more sitting on the surface rather than being absorbed. This is very unlike the cream I was previously using which took a bit of time to rub in and felt like it was absorbed by the skin.

I tried sort of spritzing with a little water as the gel dries which helps spread it and seems like more would be absorbed spread over more skin. Wondering though if this would negatively affect the dosage/absorption. Any problem as far as transdermal absorption to add a little H2O to the application process?

Blackhawk said:

I am newly on Gel prescribed by Dr Saya and filled by Halandale pharmacy. I was previously using T cream. The gel gets tacky then dries out within 10 seconds and does not spread on skin well, just ends up a small sticky patch. Seems like it possibly is more sitting on the surface rather than being absorbed. This is very unlike the cream I was previously using which took a bit of time to rub in and felt like it was absorbed by the skin.

I tried sort of spritzing with a little water as the gel dries which helps spread it and seems like more would be absorbed spread over more skin. Wondering though if this would negatively affect the dosage/absorption. Any problem as far as transdermal absorption to add a little H2O to the application process?

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Moisturizers assist absorption. Water washes it off, it doesn't spread it. I loathed topicals, they were messy and, most importantly, did nothing for me. Good luck.

Well, the way I am using water does not rinse/remove anything from the skin, just allows it to spread around on the skin. I guess you could say using it more like a moisturizer anyway. I don't wash/rinse anything off for many hours after application. I do not use my hands/palms applying, but the skin that rubs/spreads it is either underarm or forearm. All of it stays on the skin

Blackhawk said:

Well, the way I am using water does not rinse/remove anything from the skin, just allows it to spread around on the skin. I guess you could say using it more like a moisturizer anyway. I don't wash/rinse anything off for many hours after application. I do not use my hands/palms applying, but the skin that rubs/spreads it is either underarm or forearm. All of it stays on the skin

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I'd be astonished if you aren't losing some by applying water. Skin moisturizers have be shown to increase absorption.

Only if T evaporates into the air or is denatured by water.

All the best.

Likewise to you!

So for anyone else in the know, does T evaporate or become rendered ineffective from contact with water on the skin?

BTW, the amount of H20 I'm using amounts to a few drops.

Blackhawk said:

I am newly on Gel prescribed by Dr Saya and filled by Halandale pharmacy. I was previously using T cream. The gel gets tacky then dries out within 10 seconds and does not spread on skin well, just ends up a small sticky patch. Seems like it possibly is more sitting on the surface rather than being absorbed. This is very unlike the cream I was previously using which took a bit of time to rub in and felt like it was absorbed by the skin.

I tried sort of spritzing with a little water as the gel dries which helps spread it and seems like more would be absorbed spread over more skin. Wondering though if this would negatively affect the dosage/absorption. Any problem as far as transdermal absorption to add a little H2O to the application process?

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3465120/

That is really helpful info, though not conclusive for my particular questions.

The pertinent aspect on first quick look is the discussion of skin hydration level. My skin is pretty dry and the gel gel dries almost immediately on application. According to the article, better skin hydration can lead to 20X more absorption. Not to say that putting a few drops of water in the mix hydrates my skin at all....

BTW, thanks and kudos CW re moisturizers. Thing is I avoid all cosmetic products due to rampant inclusion of endocrine disrupting ingredients. Wondering now what kind of moisturizer would be completely non-problematic

Blackhawk said:

That is really helpful info, though not conclusive for my particular questions.

The pertinent aspect on first quick look is the discussion of skin hydration level. My skin is pretty dry and the gel gel dries almost immediately on application. According to the article, better skin hydration can lead to 20X more absorption. Not to say that putting a few drops of water in the mix hydrates my skin at all....

BTW, thanks and kudos CW re moisturizers. Thing is I avoid all cosmetic products due to rampant inclusion of endocrine disrupting ingredients. Wondering now what kind of moisturizer would be completely non-problematic

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Perhaps Defy can offer some suggestions regarding the appropriate moisturizer to consider. I imagine thy have fielded more questions than we can possibly dream up. Yours is a good one...you'd not be alone in raising those concerns.

When I apply a cream to my sack I often add a couple drops of water to help it spread, I *think* it helps but probably isn't necessary, this is quite a different and small amount than you're using though. Back in my Androgel days that alcohol base really flashed off quickly. I'm unclear on what different product you're using, I get cream from Hallandale.

if the gel leaves like doughnut glaze kinda thing does it mean it didn't absorb? or is it ok?

If possible, I tend to shower first and shave with a razor where im about to apply the gel, usually shoulders, chest and upper thighs.
once dried off I apply the gel and rub it in well, it normally dries within a minute of application. I use Testogel 50mg sachet x2 each morning
my blood results show consistent readings between 29 - 32nmol/L
I find I get a higher reading if I rub it into my upper thighs & hips (shaved)
.
Have never used Moisturiser or sun tan lotion to assist absorption but good to hear it works and will use sun tan lotion on top of gel as and when required.

do you guys use moisurizer after applying gel? ive read here in some thread it improves absorption. and if so how long after applying topical you apply moisturizer

lowe2sucks said:

do you guys use moisurizer after applying gel? ive read here in some thread it improves absorption. and if so how long after applying topical you apply moisturizer

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1 hour after the application of gel

Vince said:

1 hour after the application of gel

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How did you test this? did you apply moisturiser this way for 3 months then do blood test and then same without applying ?

FOX1 said:

How did you test this? did you apply moisturiser this way for 3 months then do blood test and then same without applying ?

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Effect of sunscreen or moisturizing lotion on absorption of testosterone

In a randomized, 3-way (3 treatment periods without washout period) crossover study in 18 hypogonadal males, the effect of applying a moisturizing lotion or a sunscreen on the absorption of testosterone was evaluated with the upper arms/shoulders as application sites. For 7 days, moisturizing lotion or sunscreen (SPF 50) was applied daily to the AndroGel 1.62% application site 1 hour after the application of AndroGel 1.62% 40.5 mg. Application of moisturizing lotion increased mean testosterone Cavg and Cmax by 14% and 17%, respectively, compared to AndroGel 1.62% administered alone. Application of sunscreen increased mean testosterone Cavg and Cmax by 8% and 13%, respectively, compared to AndroGel 1.62% applied alone. "

This graph shows how applying on shoulders (treatment B) gets blood levels of testosterone higher than applying testosterone gel on abdominal area (treatment A). It is probably related to the lower amount of fat in the shoulders that makes it easier for testosterone to get to the blood stream.
https://www.excelmale.com/forum/sho...-that-Can-Improve-Testosterone-Gel-Absorption

lowe2sucks said:

do you guys use moisurizer after applying gel? ive read here in some thread it improves absorption. and if so how long after applying topical you apply moisturizer

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Just thinking out loud
If you use 2 sachets a day and do not get total absorption, would it be worthwhile simply using 2.5 sachets per day which may give you the full absorption of 2 sachets, without having to go and apply moisturiser an hour or two later when you may be at work or where ever else.

is 5 hours long enough to leave gel on? or if its left on longer will i get more in my blood?