Skincare

10 Benefits Of Glycerin In Your Skincare Regime

Payal Bhattacharya

Glycerin is perhaps the oldest and the most well-known skincare item. It is one of the most valuable substances in the world and has outstanding moisturizing properties that can be used in skincare products. As a result, it is very much likely that you will find glycerin atop many households and as labels in many products at your place. Since it’s popularity has risen so far to be included in almost all your skincare products, we compiled this list of why glycerin is so effective and how you can include it in your skincare regime. 

 

What Is Glycerin? 

To understand why glycerin works so well in skincare products, we need to understand essentially the composition of glycerin. Glycerin in its natural form exists in all animal and vegetable matter and is a syrupy liquid with sweet flavor. It’s a hydroxyl sugar alcohol and in its natural form, it is a result of hydrolysis of animal or vegetable fats. Synthetic glycerin on the other hand is produced through chemical processes involving petroleum, propylene and chlorine. 

 

The use of glycerin dates back to many centuries, but in recent times, it’s prominent usage can be found as the moisturizing element in many soaps and skin care products. It is natural humectant which means that it has the ability to pull water from the second layer of the skin and bring it to the top layer. In case of excess humidity, humectants also draw moisture from the air. This means that glycerin can be incredibly moisturizing and hydrates your skin giving you a youthful glow. 

 

Benefits Of Glycerin

10 Benefits Of Glycerin In Your Skincare Regime  - 1 | Skin | Purplle

Due to it's gentle, moisturizing qualities, glycerin is a preferred soap ingredient for individuals with sensitive skin. Glycerin, on the other hand, keeps skin moist and soft while gently cleaning the skin. Because glycerin is so effective as a skin moisturizer, you can find it in many skincare products like cleansers, lotions, toners, etc. So here is how glycerin benefits the skin: 

 

1.A Youthful Appearance: 

 

Applying glycerin to the skin will not only trap the moisture in your skin but because it’s humectant, the ingredient will also pull excess moisture from the deeper layers of the skin and give your face a beautiful glow. But pulling moisture from within also helps your skin’s chances of developing fine lines and wrinkles thereby ensuring that glycerin keeps your skin smooth and soft. Recent studies have also found that using glycerin can help mature properly thereby reducing the chances of premature aging. 

 

2.Acne Reduction: 

 

Glycerin is oil-free and non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog your pores as often as other heavy skincare ingredients. This might reduce your chances of breaking out and ideally make glycerin a wonderful solution for people with oily skin. Other than that, glycerin being a natural derivative from plants and animals is also incredibly mild on the skin as compared to other strong skincare products that can make your skin red or inflamed. 

 

3.Safe And Gentle: 

 

Skincare should always be safe, period. This is why you should always stay away from products that use harsh chemicals for their formulation; however glycerin will not clog pores or dry out the skin, and it's safe to use. Additionally, glycerin is gentler in its way of cleansing as it is without any gritty materials and that can cause irritation. It removes dirt and oil all the while being extremely gentle with the outer layer of the skin. Therefore, it is a good option for people with dry skin type as well. 

 

4.Heals The Skin: 

 

Since glycerin provides intense hydration, it also helps in healing dry, damaged or cracked skin. As a result it can be used by those people having eczema or psoriasis. Furthermore, glycerin also promotes skin health by promoting skin function like accelerating the healing process of a wound and protecting the skin against irritants. It has also been known to have antimicrobial properties making it wonderful against acne and pimples. 

 

5.Moisturizes And Protects The Skin: 

 

Glycerin acts like a sponge and draws more moisture to itself. It also helps to slow down the evaporation of water from the skin, which can help keep skin moist and hydrated especially in the middle of winter. Glycerin also significantly improves the skin’s moisture levels and decreases water loss or loss of hydration. Due to this, during winter, when humidity levels drop and the skin becomes dry and flaky due to loss of moisture, glycerin can lock the  moisture in your skin and can be especially helpful in protecting hands, feet, elbows, knees and other parts of the body that typically get dry. 

 

The most appropriate way of adding glycerin in your skincare routine is either by using a glycerin based face wash which is milder on the skin and gently cleanses your face without stripping it away from the skin's oils. Or you can use a glycerin based moisturizer which will intensely hydrate your dry, flaky skin and promote a healthy glow on your face. Let us know which method you try out and what wonders glycerin does to your face.

 

You might also like: How can you use glycerin to cure acne!

 

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About Payal Bhattacharya

Payal is an editor at Purplle.com. She believes that the world will be a much better place if everyone owns a cat, it’s bizarre but true. She’s very sensitive and particular about her skincare routines and never skips it even for a single day. She loves to read about intimate hygiene and educate herself about female and male personal care which clearly reflects in her writings.