GLYCERIN - ITS AMAZING PROPERTIES IN THE CARE OF OILY SKIN
Oily skin, what to do? Glycerin is an amazing remedy for oily skin.
INNA CODRU , AUGUST 26, 2018
Skin laxity, wrinkles, dry patches and skin infections - name any skin problem and I'll name a remedy worth trying. GLYCEROL. Yes, quite a familiar name in the beauty industry, isn't it? Due to its amazing healing properties, manufacturers add glycerin to almost every second skin care product. Although glycerin is suitable for every skin type, those who are wondering how to deal with oily facial skin can safely use glycerin. And I'll tell you why. Just read!
CAN GLYCERIN BE USED FOR OILY SKIN?
The answer is yes! Many of you may think that glycerin is an excellent moisturizer and is only suitable for dry skin tones. But it is equally suitable for oily skin.
Glycerin (or glycerol) is a vegetable oil that was accidentally discovered by a Swedish chemist in 1779 when he heated a mixture of olive oils.
Being an all natural product, glycerin is exceptionally mild even for sensitive skin and helps with skin problems such as inflammation and redness. And best of all, it's non-greasy and has many other benefits for the skin.
USEFUL PROPERTIES OF GLYCERIN FOR OILY SKIN
1. Anti-aging effect
One of the most exciting properties of this product! Glycerin is a key ingredient in many anti-aging products due to its hydrating and anti-aging properties. The lack of moisture affects the protease activity in your skin, leading to flaky skin and accelerated skin aging. Glycerin helps the skin absorb moisture from the environment and increases skin hydration, which slows down the aging process .
2. Relieves irritation
Glycerin is extremely gentle on the skin. Since this substance is plant-based, it is widely used to treat skin irritation, rashes, and itching. In a study done on hairless mice, it was found that glycerin can cure skin irritation caused by sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS (an active ingredient in many beauty products) and restore the skin barrier with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin can also soothe irritation caused by other skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema.
3. It promotes cell maturation
Research shows that glycerin rejuvenates the skin by promoting the maturation of skin cells. Your skin is made up of many cells and is constantly producing younger cells to replace older ones. The top layer of your skin contains mature cells that produce lipids, which in turn form a protective barrier on the skin itself. Glycerin helps young cells mature and rise to the surface before they eventually disappear. If this process is interrupted, your skin will look dull and dry.
4. Glycerin improves skin's ability to absorb nutrients
Dehydrated skin (due to lack of moisture in your skin or dry weather) can lose its ability to absorb nutrients. However, the application of glycerin will be able to change this, thereby maintaining your skin's absorption rate.
5. Makes skin smoother
Applying glycerin will give you smoother skin without making it greasy. Glycerin is a humectant - it helps the skin absorb and retain moisture from the environment, thus keeping the skin hydrated and smooth.
6. Improves skin firmness
Overexposure to ultraviolet rays can deplete collagen levels in the skin and cause significant skin damage. A study conducted in 2014 showed that glycerin, along with other compounds, can maintain the level of elasticity of the skin and keep it young for a long time.
7. Great toner for oily skin
Glycerin can also be used as a tonic for oily skin. It is non-greasy and hence it can keep your skin toned and hydrated without causing excessive sebum production.
8. Helps heal wounds and eliminate infections
Solutions with 85% glycerin content have bactericidal and antiviral effects, which contributes to the rapid healing of wounds. A study found that applying glycerin to wounds was effective in reducing inflammation. In addition, glycerin-based products have been found to be antimicrobial. Surely many people remember how mothers in childhood smeared your hands with glycerin when "chicks" appeared on them 😊.
9. It can be used as a facial cleanser
Oily skin is prone to acne and blemishes. Since glycerin has a neutral effect on the skin, you can easily use glycerin-based products to clear up your skin and remove all traces of impurities without making it too dry and supple.
10. Protects against UV exposure
Glycerin is a common ingredient in most sunscreens sold today as it helps prevent the overall damage caused by UV rays. Regular use of this sunscreen also evens out sunburn caused by sun exposure.
Now you know why glycerin is a must in your makeup bag. While you can always buy products that contain glycerin, you can use it as a standalone ingredient in any products you make at home. And if you want to avoid putting any other chemicals on your skin, glycerin is your best bet. I will now tell you how to do it.
HOW TO CARE FOR OILY SKIN WITH GLYCERIN
Here are a few ways to use glycerin on your skin:
1. As an after-wash
- Wash your face with water and dry with a towel.
- Make sure it stays a little damp.
- Take a few drops of glycerin on a cotton pad and apply to your face.
- Avoid areas around the eyes and mouth.
- Let it work for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it off.
2. As a tonic
- Take 50 ml of glycerin and dilute it in 100 ml of rose water .
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle (refrigerated for up to a week).
- Wash your face thoroughly and spray it with the resulting solution.
3. As an anti-aging face mask
- Beat the egg white from one egg in a bowl until foamy.
- Add a teaspoon of glycerin and a teaspoon of HONEY and mix.
- Apply to the face with your fingertips and let the mask dry.
- Wash off with warm water.
4. As a moisturizer
- Take one tablespoon each of petroleum jelly, vitamin E (squeeze from capsule if required), and glycerin.
- Mix well (store in a glass container in the refrigerator).
- Massage into the skin of the face before going to bed, let the composition dry and leave it on overnight.
Note. Use in small amounts.
5. Helps Fight Pigmentation
- Mix one tablespoon of milk and glycerin.
- Apply to the skin and let it dry.
- Wipe with a clean damp towel.
6. For minor burns
- Apply glycerin diluted with water (1:1 ratio) directly to the affected area and leave for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with cold water.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
7. Against rashes and inflammation
- Take one teaspoon of beeswax, half a cup of shea butter and a quarter cup of coconut oil . Mix them thoroughly. You can even heat the mixture to better mix.
- Add two tablespoons of glycerin (once the mixture is cold) and mix thoroughly again.
- Blend the entire mixture in a blender until it becomes creamy.
- Store in a glass jar and apply to affected areas.
Although glycerin is extremely mild and relatively safe to use on the skin, a few precautions must be taken.
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USING GLYCERIN
- Run a patch test. Yes. Although glycerin is non-toxic, you should NEVER use it on your skin without testing your skin's reaction to it.
- Always mix glycerin with any other ingredient before use. If you are using only glycerin, dilute it with rose water or distilled water. Never use more than required.
- Glycerin always makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, after you have used glycerin, apply SUN CREAM before going out in the sun.
- Avoid mixing glycerin with any sticky lotions and creams as this can negatively affect your skin.
Glycerin is a wonderful, excellent ingredient for oily skin. In addition, it is readily available in stores. You can get it today and try your homemade skin recipes and even tell others how to take care of oily skin and I'm sure the results will surprise you (in a positive way, of course)!