Glycerin is a versatile ingredient that is used in the food and cosmetic industry. Most of us have come across soaps, beauty products, and acne products that contain glycerin. What Makes Glycerin a Versatile Product? What are its healthy properties for the skin? Can it cure acne and other skin conditions? Let’s find out!
Delving into the chemistry of glycerin, we found that it is a humectant, that is, a substance that allows water retention. Being hygroscopic, it can absorb moisture from the air. So what do we infer? Glycerin can be a great moisturizer for your skin! Not surprisingly, it is used as a softening agent in soaps, lotions, body scrubs, creams, etc. Also known as glycerol, glycerin is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic compound that is unlikely to cause allergies or irritation. A note of caution here is that you shouldn’t apply concentrated glycerin to your skin as it can draw water out of your skin and cause blisters. In its diluted form, glycerin is safe and is even used in skin products intended for babies or children.
Dry skin can cause itching and flaking, allowing dead skin cells to build up, clogging skin pores and aggravating acne problems. The hydrating property of glycerin allows pores to breathe, locking in natural moisture and preventing clogging. Thus, it addresses one of the main causes of acne, namely, clogged pores. It works from the outside by filling in small cracks and gaps in the surface of the skin to provide a healthier and smoother appearance. Among other properties, glycerin can fight fungal infections, bacterial infections, and skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Glycerin is also inexpensive.
How is glycerin most effective? You can apply glycerin directly to your skin or add it to a moisturizer or make your own face mask out of it. Here’s a simple formula: Mix glycerin with fuller’s earth to make a smooth paste and apply it to your face. After it dries, just wash it off with cold water. Alternatively, you can do a facial peel by mixing the white of an egg with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of glycerin. Make sure to beat the ingredients: first mix the egg white separately, then add honey and glycerin. Not only is honey healthy for the skin, but it is also sticky enough to hold the mask in place and peel off the layer of dead skin. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry until you feel the tightening effect. Remove the mask and rinse with cold water. Another option is to mix equal amounts of vegetable glycerin, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil and use the mixture to massage your skin. Adding a few drops of essential oil can impart a pleasant fragrance to the massage mixture.
Using products that contain glycerin is the easiest way to include glycerin in your daily skin and hair care regimen. However, for specific conditions like acne, the proper use of glycerin can trigger a natural remedy and provide a protective barrier for the outermost layer of the skin.
