Glycerin For Skin & Glycerin Benefits
Glycerin is one of the most common ingredients used in skincare products. It is used in soaps, lotions, and creams. But today, with more and more people becoming interested in back-to-basics skincare and products with fewer components, glycerin is increasingly purchased in its pure form.
Pure glycerin can be used on its own. But, you can get the most benefits out of a single bottle by mixing it with a variety of other ingredients. In doing so, you can create DIY products to address specific skin conditions. Some mix it with rose water to make a nourishing facial mist while others combine it with honey to make an overnight face mask. The possibilities are endless. All you need is to understand the benefits of pure glycerin for the skin. Once you know that, you’ll know exactly how to use it for your specific skin care needs.
Here are some of the most essential benefits of using glycerin on the skin:
Moisturizes
Glycerin is a humectant, which is a substance that is able to draw moisture from the environment. In doing so, it hydrates the skin. Its most important advantage is that its humectant properties allow it to moisturize without clogging or irritating pores. So, it is especially useful for people with acne-prone skin.
Refreshes
Because it is a powerful humectant, glycerin doesn’t just moisturize the surface of the skin. It is also able to do so on a cellular level. It provides deep hydration benefits, which consequently lead to more supple and younger-looking skin.
Smoothens
Glycerin is considered as an emollient, which is a cosmetic preparation that is meant to soften the skin. It is especially useful for treating dry, patchy, flaky, or other similarly rough areas. Because it also has moisturizing benefits, the skin is further able to combat blemishes that often accompany dryness.
Beautifies
When the skin is moist, supple, and smooth, it looks healthier and glows with youthful radiance. Additionally, healthier skin is less prone to common skin conditions like acne or eczema. Given all those benefits, glycerin consequently gives you clearer skin and makes you look younger and more beautiful.
Nourishes
Although glycerin doesn’t provide nourishment per se, a study published by the British Journal of Dermatology in 2008 notes that it helps improve the skin’s natural barrier function and enhances its mechanical properties. As such, the skin becomes increasingly healthier over time.
Repairs
Healthier skin achieved through proper hydration is also better able to heal itself from skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Additionally, the same glycerin study mentioned above showed that glycerin is effective in speeding up the skin’s natural wound-healing process.
Protects
Apart from improving the skin’s barrier function, glycerin further protects against other skin conditions because of its natural anti-microbial properties. It also has hypoallergenic effects. Combined, these properties make it a useful ingredient in treating and combatting acne.
Glycerin is relatively inexpensive and yet is capable of providing all these important benefits. That’s why it is commonly regarded as a miracle skincare ingredient. A single container of glycerin will go a long way, if you know how to use it. Plus, it’s so versatile that all you need is a good understanding of other beneficial ingredients to make your own products. But if you’re not the DIY type, you can still gain all these benefits by choosing skincare products that list glycerin as one of its active ingredients.