When it comes to achieving nourished, spotless, radiant skin, numerous skincare ingredients affirm to work miracles. But amongst the plethora of beauty components that claim hydrated skin, the one that stands unbeatable is none other than a natural ingredient named Beta-Glucan. While beta-glucan is already prescribed for lowering cholesterol, combating heart disease, controlling hay fever, and boosting the immune system, did you know it had a wealth of skin-befitting incentives as well?

Foray through this 2-minute read to know about the superb benefits, mechanisms of action, and various applications of beta-glucan in skincare.

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What Is Beta-Glucan?

Beta-glucan is a type of polysaccharide (soluble fibre) that naturally occurs in the cell walls of certain organisms, including the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, and plants like oats and barley. Since this essential glucose is not found in the human body, doctors, dermatologists and skin care experts suggest this ingredient be taken in supplemental pill, liquid or extract form to enhance overall health and wellness. 

Also read: Retinol: Discover The Benefits Of This Wonder Ingredient For Skin Care And Beauty

What Is The Working Principle Behind Beta-Glucan?

Beta-glucan comprises glucose molecules arranged in a linear chain linked together by beta-glycosidic bonds. This unique structure helps it to seep within the skin pores, attract molecules to itself and thereby keep the skin hydrated and nourished for a long time, making it an ideal ingredient for incorporating in different skincare products. This mechanism of beta-glucan makes beauty industries primarily include it in skin care products as a hydrating and soothing agent and is considered an excellent beauty component for treating eczema, psoriasis, and parched skins and reducing redness and other signs of skin sensitivity.

Spectacular Benefits Of Beta Glucan for Skin

Moisturization And Hydration:

Beta-glucan acts as an incredible humectant, pulling in moisture to the skin and retaining it, thereby providing hydration. It usually forms a thin, invisible film on the skin's surface, preventing any water loss and helping to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and suppleness. This makes beta glucan exceptionally beneficial for people bestowed with dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.

Skin Soothing and Calming:

Imbued with anti-inflammatory traits, Beta-glucan plays a key role in soothing red, irritated or inflamed skin. It can extensively mitigate conditions such as redness, itching, and discomfort caused by various factors, including environmental aggressors, allergies, product residue and skin sensitivities. By diminishing inflammation, beta-glucan assists in promoting a healthier skin barrier.

Anti-Aging Traits:

Several studies have shown that this wonder ingredient stimulates collagen production (an essential protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness). Increased collagen synthesis in the skin helps arrest and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, age spots and sagging skin, resulting in a more rejuvenated, youthful complexion. Furthermore, Beta-glucan also combats oxidative damage to the skin (a major contributor to premature ageing signs) by neutralising free radicals and enhancing antioxidant activity on the skin surface.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Build Basic Beauty Regimen For Aging Skin

Repairs And Heals Wounds:

One of the truly extraordinary traits of Beta-glucan is its ability to speed up the wound-healing process. By stimulating fibroblast activity in the wounded skin, it extensively promotes tissue regeneration which in turn aids in the synthesis of collagen and other extracellular matrix components in the skin. Additionally, Beta-glucan also boosts the body’s immune response, promoting the skin's natural defence mechanisms and assisting in the healing process of the damaged skin.

Antimicrobial Protection:

The abundance of antimicrobial properties in Beta-glucan makes it highly effective against various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. This soluble polysaccharide molecule strongly inhibits the growth of harmful pathogens on the skin’s surface, thereby preventing and combating skin infections such as pimples, acne flare-ups, and other dermatological conditions caused by a microbial infestation.

How To Use Beta-glucan in Skin Care Products?

To bathe in the numerous skin incentives of Beta-glucan, one can very well use skin care products such as moisturisers, serums, creams, masks, and lotions imbued with this vital ingredient. It is highly suggested for people blessed with sensitive, parched, dehydrated, mature, or compromised skin. When purchasing skincare products containing beta-glucan, it is highly necessary to check the concentration and the overall formulation to ensure optimal efficacy for treating the skin issue.

Apart from using skin care products containing Beta-glucan, one more way to enjoy the superb benefits of this ingredient is by incorporating foods containing beta-glucan into your routine diet. Try having foods like oats, barley, whole grains, seaweed, shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms.

Who Should Not Use Beta-glucans?

Beta-glucans are primarily considered safe to consume and to apply topically as ointments or lotions unless you are prone to allergies or those food ingredients that contain beta-glucan. Normally, it is safe for all, except those who are afflicted with multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and asthma.

Conclusion:

Beta-glucan has relayed a niche and emerged as a remarkable ingredient in the skincare realm, offering a plethora of benefits for the skin. From nourishing and hydrating the skin, to soothing dry, dehydrated sheath to promoting collagen synthesis and aiding wound healing, beta glucan has already proven its worth as an effective and versatile skin care component. But just like any new skincare product, it is strictly advisable to perform a patch test and consult with a dermatologist before using this product to avoid allergic reactions.