Glycerin
What Is Glycerin?
When we consider which ingredients to incorporate into our skin care products, the most important question we ask is - Is It Natural? And, Yes, Glycerin is 100% natural. It is found in animal and plant matter and is commercially obtained from palm oil, coconuts, rapeseed oil, soybeans and cane sugar.
If you eat it, Glycerin is safe, odourless and has a mild sweet taste and a syrup-like consistency. However, we are not serving up Glycerin today as a meal! Our focus is on Glycerin (also known as Glycerol or Glycerine) as a humectant. A substance that attracts and holds water, providing exceptional moisturising qualities to the skin.
How does it work? The science behind Glycerin
Skin naturally contains hygroscopic molecules that draw in moisture to prevent your skin from drying out. The term hygroscopic stems from a Greek word and means ‘to readily absorb water’. Glycerin is a substance that has advanced hygroscopic powers. It draws moisture from the atmosphere and can then deliver it onto a surface that it comes into contact with.
Glycerin is often used with moisturising agents known as occlusives. Occlusives help trap the moisture that Glycerin has fed into the skin.
So, how does Glycerin help the skin?
Moisture is the prime factor that keeps skin looking healthy, glowing, smooth and radiant. Glycerin does exactly what your skin does, but far more effectively.
Let's look at some of the benefits that Glycerin offers for your skin.
Acts as a natural moisturiser
As you age, your skin becomes dryer as the natural moisture-absorbing functions decline. It starts to look flaky, dry, and dull. Glycerin acts as a natural moisturiser to hydrate your skin and create a healthy bright glow and a plump appearance.
Reduce wrinkles and find lines
Dry skin comes with the dreaded wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, eyes, and nose. Not something any fashion-forward lady wants! Glycerin replaces lost moisture which improves elasticity, keeping the skin plump and filling out wrinkles and fine lines.
Repairs damaged skin
Damaged skin craves moisture and Glycerin will instantly replenish lost moisture. This helps soothe and calm sensitive damaged skin and reduce redness and blotches. By plumping up the elastin component you will notice that scars are reduced and skin tissues are repaired.
Treats skin infections
People suffering from skin infections will find that applying Glycerin goes a long way toward helping and reducing these ailments. Glycerin stimulates skin cell growth and strengthens the barrier functions to protect against irritants. This helps alleviate symptoms like psoriasis, thick leathery patches, erythema, and eczema.
Great as a toner, cleanser and soothing face mask
You can use Glycerin to cleanse and tone your skin. It is also ideal to apply as a soothing face mask. When it touches your skin, Glycerin begins to match your skin’s temperature, creating a luxurious warming effect. A great reason to plan some me-time and create your own relaxing home-spa treatment!
Other uses for Glycerin
Glycerin is versatile and is used for several other health-related issues:
- Heals cracked hands and heels
- Improves hair health by moisturising, making it strong and shiny
- Helps with dandruff and dry itchy scalp
- It has natural antiviral and bactericidal properties that help heal wounds
- Perfect for protecting lips and preventing cracking in dry and windy weather
Can Glycerin be used every day?
Yes, Glycerin is mild and safe and can be used every day to give you glowing, radiant, young-looking skin.
When combined with other natural products, Glycerin becomes even more effective.
Our newly formulated Youth Series range contains a variety of moisturisers, masks and serums that all feature Glycerin to boost the moisturising properties and help combat the visible signs of ageing.
Who can use Glycerin?
Glycerin is safe and soothing. It is ideal for people of any age who want to start a safe skincare regime.
Who shouldn’t use Glycerin?
If you have a chronic skin condition, please consult your dermatologist for advice.
References
https://www.emedihealth.com
https://www.verywellhealth.com/glycerin-for-skin-5114541
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erythema-
multiforme/#:~:text=Erythema%20multiforme%20is%20a%20skin,known
%20as%20erythema%20multiforme%20major.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humectant
https://www.healthline.com/health/glycerin-for-face#what-is-it
