Chances are you’ve heard of it. Especially if you have dry skin, family, friends, or even a dermatologist may have suggested you start using it as a remedy. But why all the fuss about glycerin? Why does everyone keep talking about it so much, and why is it widely used in beauty products? Does it have so many benefits? Yes! In fact, glycerin can solve a wide range of skin problems. In this article, we take a look at this popular ingredient and tell you everything you need to know about it.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a liquid derived from plants, animals, and petroleum. Odorless, non-toxic, and colorless, this natural component is used in several industries but is mainly found in cosmetic products. Glycerin can work wonders for your skin by keeping it soft, hydrated, and supple. While it also strengthens your skin, glycerin protects it from environmental aggression.
Benefits of Glycerin for Your Skin
1. Protects
Glycerin is very efficient in protecting the skin against irritants and pollution. During winter seasons, the humidity levels outside drops, which leads moisture in your skin to quickly evaporate. Your skin will, therefore, become flaky and becomes more sensitive to wounds and infection. A lotion that contains glycerin blocks the moisture inside your skin and stops it from drying fast.
2. Heals
Are you looking to heal some wounds? Glycerin will be perfect for you! When the skin is dry and damaged, this ingredient can quickly improve its appearance with its high hydration properties. Many skin experts advise using glycerin to treat conditions like eczema or psoriasis and heal wounds resulting from cracked skin.
3. Moisturize
Think of glycerin as a sponge that captures moisture from the environment. When applied to the skin, glycerin keeps your epidermis moist and hydrated, even during cold seasons.
4. Slows Down the Aging Process
Since glycerin keeps moisture in your skin, it also helps in getting a youthful and healthy glow. This also reduces the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hence keeping your skin smooth and soft. Glycerin helps improve the skin’s protective barrier when it encourages the young skin cells to move from the deepest layers to the surface of your epidermis.
5. Decreases Acne
Some cleansers and moisturizers contain harsh ingredients that can cause more damage to the skin. And acne can get worse with healthy skincare products, causing inflammation and irritation. On the contrary, glycerin can be used to beautify your skin’s look without the side effects of harsh products. Besides, glycerin is oil-free and does not clog your pores. When pores are clogged, this causes breakouts, so glycerin for oily skin may be the best solution.
Is Glycerin Safe To Apply Directly on Your Face?
Glycerin can be used safely on your face, and besides, you can find it in numerous facial creams and cleansers. However, you should note that glycerin can also attract dust because of its hydration properties, which can cause irritation in some cases. We advise that you mix it with some water before applying it to your face.
4 Ways to Add Glycerin to Your Face Care Routine
-Lip Balm
Combine glycerin with shea/cocoa butter or some coconut oil and apply it on your lips. Leave it overnight, and you’ll wake up with super-smooth lips.
-Face Wash
Make sure you clean your face with some water first. Then dab a bit of glycerin on your face and allow your skin to absorb it for a few minutes. Then wash it off.
-Toner
Add a few drops of liquid glycerin in some rose water. You can apply a bit to your skin before moisturizing it.
-Moisturizer
Dilute the glycerin with some water. Apply the mixture to your skin to moisturize your face. If you wish, you can even replace the water with some drops of your favorite essential oil, like almond oil.
Now that you know more about glycerin, you can start using it in your skincare routine to get the most out of it. Yet, we recommend that you always do a patch test before testing anything new on your skin. Do you have any more tips on how to you this great ingredient? Leave them in the comments below.
