We may not be aware of it, but most skincare essentials contain a rich array of remarkable ingredients that work wonders to make you look your best. Right from hydrating, exfoliating, and cleansing you name it, they do it! One such incredible component in your skincare regimen is glycerin, they work hard from offering moisture to cleansing the skin. It is indeed a multi-tasker.
Yes, after water and fragrance, glycerin is one of the most widely used ingredients in beauty products. It’s a key element in moisturizers and lotions. In recent times, using glycerine in its pure form has gained huge popularity, however, one must be aware of using it in the right way.
Read this article to know about what glycerine is, it’s benefits for skin, and how to use them in your skincare regimen.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a natural element obtained from vegetable oils or animal fats. It’s a clear, colourless, odour-free liquid with a sweet taste. It is also known as glycerol, which is a humectant and moisturising agent that draws water into the outer layer of the skin from deeper levels of the skin
In skincare essentials, glycerin is mainly used with occlusives, another type of moisturising agent to lock the moisture it draws into the skin. Studies reveal that glycerin is the most effective humectant available naturally to enhance hydration on the top layer of the skin. Owing to its versatility and ability to retain moisture, glycerin is used in every single product, from lotions to soaps to toners.
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How Does Glycerin Benefit Skin?
Glycerin is highly beneficial for the skin as it acts as a humectant that lets the skin preserve moisture, increase hydration, ease dryness, and rejuvenate the skin’s surface from deep within. It’s also an emollient that can soften skin and is valuable to alleviate rough or dry patches caused due to psoriasis or eczema. Apart from this, potent antimicrobial traits of glycerin safeguard the skin from harmful pathogens. Moreover, it can also repair, restore, and speed up the wound healing process.
Skin Healing Benefits
- Glycerin soothes and calms irritated skin and is gentle on sensitive skin and helps ease skin woes
- Regular use of glycerin can tighten and firm the skin, thus making your skin look supple and plump
- Glycerin makes a barrier between the skin and environmental pollutants and toxins that may harm the skin
- Natural hydrating and rejuvenating traits of glycerin support make the skin smooth, supple, radiant, and luminous
- Glycerin being a non-comedogenic help to unclog pores and combat acne breakouts
- Yes, nothing can make the skin look young and vibrant like an extra dose of moisturiser retaining the skin's natural moisture to the surface, glycerin aids in delaying the signs of premature ageing and fades away fine lines and wrinkles
- Additionally, glycerin can work magic for every skin type and can uplift the skin's beauty and glow from the inside out
How To Use Glycerin?
Using glycerin on its own can moisturize and exfoliate the skin, while beauty care experts believe that glycerin when mixed with other ingredients may help to brighten and whiten the skin.
Combining glycerin with other natural ingredients like lemon and rosewater may help revamp dull, dry skin, and soften the skin for easier exfoliation.
Rosewater acts as an astringent that not only cleanses the skin but also tightens pores and makes the skin look firm and toned.
Also Read: Aromatic Rose Water For Health And Beauty Benefits
The acidic nature of lemon juice helps to enhance discolouration and uneven pigmentation.
Make Natural Serum
Try making your own serum by following the below steps:
- Blend 5 drops of pure glycerin with the juice of one lemon and 4 teaspoons of rose water
- Stir well and pour the mixture into a spray bottle or small bottle
- Smear the mixture onto your face regularly or apply as a mist for a healthy radiance after applying make-up
- Store the serum in the refrigerator
Always prefer using pure vegetable glycerin for all your beauty care needs.
Is Glycerin Safe To Use On Skin?
Yes, glycerin is generally safe to use on the skin and most people use beauty products containing it without any problem. However, there’s always a risk of irritation, especially if you’re allergic to it, thus do a patch test before using cosmetics containing glycerin for the first time. Smear a small amount to a small region of skin, wait for 24 hours and then monitor for any reaction.
If you’re sensitive to glycerin, then signs of a reaction include:
- Skin redness
- Swelling
- Itching
Further, if you have an allergic reaction then you may develop hives and tenderness.
