Are you looking for a natural product that will keep your skin well-hydrated and minimize the appearance of fine lines and crows feet? Glycerin is one of the best natural remedies for your skin around, and it’s an ingredient in most commercial skincare products.
Also known as glycerol, it is a compound found in all plants and animals. This is worth noting if you are vegan or vegetarian–check the label. The one you see in the pharmacy or grocery store is probably derived from plants like sugar cane or soybeans. Most manufacturers use the plant-based version because it is colorless, odorless, and can easily be mixed with other natural skincare products.
A Brief History of Glycerin
Glycerin is a typical product used in skin concoctions today. Like many great discoveries, this natural compound was found by accident. In 1799, a Swedish chemist named K.W. Scheele discovered glycerol while experimenting with fats.
Early in the 19th century, a French scientist named M.E. Chevreul did a further investigation into Scheele’s discovery. Chevreul noticed that the new substance had a subtly sweet flavor, so he called it glycerol, taken from the Greek word, “sweet.” His 1811 patent for extracting glycerol later paved the way for it to be recognized around the world.
Using Glycerin for Skin Care
As you get older, you will notice slight wrinkling and fine lines due to thinning skin. These can develop into deeper creases and the dreaded crows’ feet beside your eyes. It’s essential to use a skin treatment that keeps your skin well-hydrated to slow down the process.
If you glance at the ingredient lists in your skincare products and moisturizing soaps, you’ll probably find glycerin in most of them. Dermatologists researching this ingredient conclude it serves as a superb moisturizer because it is a humectant. That term refers to something that draws moisture from the lower layer of your skin to the dermis, the top layer. It also can remove water from humid air into your skin for optimal hydration.
One reason that wrinkles and fine lines are more noticeable is if your skin is dry and flaky with dead skin cells. As glycerol hydrates your skin, it gets rid of those cells so that your skin looks youthful and radiant. When it’s mixed with other natural moisturizers, your skin gets even more benefits.
Advantages of Using Glycerin for Your Skin
If you want a beautiful, well-hydrated complexion, consider these benefits of using glycerol to care for your skin.
• A Kinder Moisturizer
No matter your skin type, be it dry, oily, or sensitive, you can reap health benefits from glycerol. Unlike some skincare products like petroleum, glycerol doesn’t hurt the environment. When you choose glycerol products that are derived from plants, your beauty regimen can be cruelty-free.
• Gentleness
Do you have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts? You must have gentle cleansers and moisturizers, like glycerol. If you have oily skin with acne problems, it helps if you exfoliate the dead skin cells away to clog your pores. Unfortunately, many exfoliants are too rough and can make the condition worse.
When you use glycerol, it will gently exfoliate and moisturize your skin without irritation. It will clean away dirt particles and excess oil effectively to reduce acne breakouts. If your sensitive skin is dry, you’ll discover that glycerol is an excellent way to clean and moisturize your skin and not irritate it.
• Safety
Do you read skincare ingredients before using them on your precious skin? Some things may not only irritate your skin, but they can also be harmful to it. Most people can use glycerol without any worry. It’s been proven by the FDA and dermatological studies to be so safe. In fact, it’s so gentle that you’ll often find it in baby skincare products.
• Healing
When your skin is dry and scaly because of dehydration or skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, glycerol can help. You may develop painful rashes, cracks, or deeper creases in your skin. As the glycerol hydrates and nourishes your skin, it can help heal these painful symptoms.
• Protection
Did you know that glycerol can protect your skin during hot, humid weather or cold winter months? It creates a thin hydrating layer of protection between your skin and the elements. If your skin is already chapped and sore, glycerol can soothe and protect it while it heals.
• Preservation
Do you like to create homemade beauty products? Adding a little glycerol will not only boost their moisturizing effects, but it will also act as a preservative. Glycerol is a natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. If your concoctions contain herbal extracts, glycerol will also help them dissolve quicker in the mixture.
Different Options for Using Glycerin for Your Skin
If you aren’t already using glycerol for all your beauty care needs, it’s easy to start. Compared to other natural beauty ingredients, glycerol isn’t that expensive, and you can find it in most pharmacies and supermarkets. Be sure that what you are buying is 100 percent pure glycerol and is certified cruelty-free.
It doesn’t take a lot of time and money to make your skincare products. You’ll probably save in the long run and will be happy with the results. Here are some fun and practical DIY recipes containing glycerol to try.
Age-Defying Mask
As you age, thinning skin makes lines and wrinkles a little more noticeable. When you keep your skin hydrated, it may slow the effect before they turn into deeper creases. Consider whipping up this homemade face mask to tighten your pores and make your complexion radiant.
• Ingredients:
- One egg white
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerol
• How To:
Separate the egg and save the yolk for later. In a small mixing bowl, add the egg white and beat it until foamy.
Add the honey and glycerol and mix well.
Dip your fingers into the mixture and apply it to your face in circular motions. Allow the mask to dry and leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with cold (not hot) water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Gentle Daily Cleanser
You probably wash your face at least in the mornings and before you go to bed. To keep your skin free from harsh cleaners or from drying out, you need a gentle cleanser you can use daily. Here’s one that has hydrating glycerol and cornstarch, which is a mild exfoliant.
• Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup filtered water
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable glycerol
- One heatproof glass jar with a lid
• How To:
In the glass, add the water, cornstarch, glycerol, and stir well. Seal the pot with the cover. In a small saucepan, add enough cold water to fill the pan halfway, and place it on the stove over medium-high heat.
Place the jar in the water and bring it to a boil, cooking it until the inside mixture is precise. Remove the pan from the heat. Use tongs to remove the jar and set aside to cool completely.
To use this cleanser, splash your face with a little warm water. Measure out about a teaspoon of the cleanser and use your fingertips to rub it into your skin gently. Allow the mixture to work for about 1 minute then rinse your face with some more warm water. Use a soft towel to pat your face dry.
To optimize the benefits of your cleanser, follow up with homemade glycerol toner and moisturizer.
Glycerol Toner
When you use a skin toner in your daily beauty regimen, it will help remove toxins from your skin, shrink your pores, and keep your complexion well-hydrated. This is an easy recipe to make that contains witch hazel, a natural astringent.
• Ingredients:
- One-fourth C. pure witch hazel (alcohol-free)
- One-half Tsp. vegetable glycerol
- Small spray bottle
• How To:
Use a small funnel to pour the ingredients into the spray bottle. Seal the lid on tightly, and shake well to combine the components.
After you wash and dry your face, spray a mist of toner on your face with about 2-3 sprays. Follow up with a moisturizer.
Glycerol Moisturizer
Keep your complexion dewy fresh with this homemade moisturizer. Choose vegetable oil and essential oil that is best for your skin type. Store your moisturizer for up to six months in the refrigerator.
• Ingredients:
- One-half C. purified water
- One teaspoon vegetable oil
- One teaspoon vegetable glycerol
- Ten drops essential oil of choice
- 5 drops essential oil
- Spray bottle, glass, or plastic
•How To:
After you wash your face and use toner, spritz some moisturizer on your skin. Use this moisturizer a couple of times a day, or whenever your skin needs a little extra hydration. This moisturizer works fine with makeup.
Final Thoughts on Adding Glycerin to Your Beauty Regime
While nothing can stop the process of aging and wrinkling, you can draw it out a little longer and age gracefully. The key is to care for your body and your skin. When you use hydrating glycerin skin products, it can keep you looking your best.
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