Top 5 Benefits of Glycerin For The Skin

glycerine-skincare

Taking care of the skin, protecting it from the signs of aging, and maintaining a fresh glow are matters many think about. Perhaps many of those attentive to their skin health know that glycerin is one of the most commonly used ingredients in skincare products.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid. Glycerin has been popular as a skin moisturizer for many years and has long been known for its benefits in aiding skin hydration and elasticity while helping repair the skin’s natural barrier. It also has antimicrobial properties.

Glycerin is a major ingredient that is used more frequently in topical lotions and moisturizers that stay on the skin after application rather than in washes and soaps. However, soaps and face washes containing glycerin are described as gentler on the skin than products containing other non-natural or harsh ingredients.

Glycerin benefits for skin:

1. Moisturizes your skin

Glycerin gives the skin a refreshed look and aids in moisturization by drawing water from the deeper levels of the skin towards the surface layer of the skin and locking it in. That way, the skin obtains the necessary hydration to give it a fresher, healthier, and smoother look.

During the winter, the dryness and low humidity in the air can easily cause the skin to dry out, making the skin less elastic and more prone to cracking. Glycerin helps protect your skin from these harsh external factors, leaving it moisturized with a soft feel.

2. Protects your skin

Glycerin has antimicrobial properties, such as bacteria and fungi, which protect the skin from harmful microorganisms that can cause many undesirable conditions and health problems.

3. Keeps your skin young

Glycerin draws moisture from the surrounding environment (Think of glycerin as a sponge that absorbs water!). This water retention increases the skin’s elasticity and hydration. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, giving you smoother and younger-looking skin.

4. Safe moisturizer for all skin types

Some compounds used in skin care products may irritate people with varying types of skin. However, glycerin has effective moisturizing properties while being gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation or clog pores. Glycerin is even suitable for children and is used in various baby products.

5. Helps damaged skin and useful in healing wounds

Glycerin has skin-repairing and antimicrobial properties therefore, it promotes the health of damaged skin and protects it from bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. In addition to its effectiveness in giving the skin moisture and helping to increase its elasticity, glycerin also improves the skin's natural defensive barrier.

Tips for using glycerin on the face:

  1. The application of products that contain glycerin after showering keeps the skin moisturized.
  2. Choose a face wash that contains glycerin to avoid products with harsh agents that cause skin irritation and other problems—Some products to add to your cart can be: Neutrogena® Hydro Boost® Water Gel Face Cleanser or Neutrogena® Oil Balancing Facial Wash with Lime.
  3. Include glycerin in your daily skincare routine, especially before bed—Make sure to use: Neutrogena® Hydro Boost® Gel Cream Moisturizer that is recommended for people with extra dry skin
  4. Use sunscreen with an appropriate degree of protection after applying glycerin or use Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Fluid SPF 30 that not only protects your skin from the sun but also contains glycerin.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560567/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/