What is your first memory of the word glycerin or even using it?
Ours is, hopping up and down as children excited to make bubbles out of it!
Now that we have got you all nostalgic, let’s introduce you to glycerin, the commonly used skin care ingredient that we almost always overlook. When in fact, it can be a bit of a miracle-worker!
Glycerin doesn’t sound too fancy or appealing for my skincare…
For decades, it has been a common household item. However, today, it appears that glycerin has somewhat been rebranded and brought to us as the latest skincare trend. Glycerin is quite widely and commonly used in cosmetics today!
But what is it, after all?
Well, it is a naturally occurring composite that comes from animal fats and vegetable oils. But for our more wordy readers, it is a humectant. And what is a humectant? It is an ingredient that draws and attracts moisture from its surroundings and retains it in your skin.
Why is glycerin good for my skin?
There are quite a few reasons why the use of glycerin is excellent for the skin.
- It is very versatile. You can use it as an ingredient in cleanser, toner, makeup remover, sunscreen or moisturiser.
- It helps delay the ageing process of your skin. While we all wish we could look like we did when we were 20, that is impossible. However, ageing brings with it various skin related issues like dull, patchy and dry skin. Glycerin has properties that can help with avoiding the above.
- Glycerin also helps with the reduction of acne!
- It helps heal skin diseases like psoriasis.
- And alas! It is great for lip care too!
It sounds like there is nothing that glycerin can’t do!
So, How do I know I should use glycerin on my skin?
Never try any new skincare trend or products without first consulting your dermatologist! Even if you’re a risk-taker, you don’t want allergic rashes on your face; trust us. Another great thing to do is use little glycerin on a small section of the skin on your arm or behind the ear, and wait for 48-hours to check for reactions. This is commonly called a patch test.
How to use Glycerin on my skin?
It is best not to directly apply glycerin on your skin as it can dehydrate your skin if not used properly. Because it is a humectant, it draws moisture from its closest source, which a lot of the time can be the inner layers of your skin! Therefore, the best way to use it is to dilute a very small quantity (1-2 drops) with rosewater which has antioxidants and moisturising qualities. After this, it is better to put on your skin. However, the easiest way to use this ingredient as a part of your skincare regime is to buy products that use it as a mixture component. You can find this information in the ingredients section on the label of your bottle.
Animal fat? No way.
One of the things we love about glycerin is that you find it in nature, and they produce it naturally. However, we understand if the idea of it coming from animal fat isn’t very appealing. That is why it has a vegan option as well, which they make out of vegetable oils.
The silver lining
With so many uses and advantages, glycerin seems to be emerging as one of the cool kids when it comes to skincare! The best thing about it is that not only can you easily buy products that have glycerin in them, but you can also buy medical-grade vegetable glycerin directly from a pharmacy near you!
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s
1. Does glycerin darken your skin?
It does not darken your skin.
2. What are the side effects of glycerin?
It does not usually have many side effects. But, it is possible to be allergic to it. So always conduct a patch test to ensure your safety.
3. What can I mix with glycerin for my face?
Before using glycerin for the face, you can mix it with ingredients like water, organic oils like sesame oil and almond oil, or even add essential oils as long as you are not allergic to any of these products and do not have active acne, inflammation or sensitive skin.
4. Is glycerin good for the lips?
Yes! it is great for the lips too! You can find it in many skin care as well as lip care products.
