Final answer:
Topical medications applied to the skin are absorbed slowly due to the protective barrier of the skin and the properties of the medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Topical medications applied to the skin are absorbed slowly because the skin provides a barrier that limits the entry of foreign particles into the body. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, is made up of dead skin cells that are tightly packed together. This layer acts as a protective barrier and slows down the absorption of medications.
In addition, the properties of the medication itself can affect its absorption. For example, lipid-based medications have difficulty moving in the bloodstream because they are fat-based, while the blood is water-based. This can further slow down the absorption of topical medications.
Overall, the slow absorption of topical medications is a result of the protective barrier of the skin and the properties of the medication itself.