Shifa Khan Updated: 23 Oct 2023, 13:09 pm IST
From time and beyond, glycerine has been as popular as a beauty essential of our moms and grandmothers because it has a range of amazing benefits. An excellent moisturizer for skin, glycerin, if used regularly can give you soft, shiny and healthy skin. Glycerine helps to attract moisture to the skin and thus, keeps your skin glowing. It helps to relieve dryness and make the skin soft and smooth. To know about some lesser known benefits of glycerin, we got in touch with an expert.
Dr Monika Kapoor, a celebrity cosmetologist, spoke to Health Shots about some amazing benefits that glycerin has to offer for our skin.
Dr Kapoor says, “Before I list the benefits of glycerine, let’s know what it is. Glycerine is a by-product of the soap-making process. This sugar and alcohol organic compound is derived from both plant and animal sources and is used extensively in the beauty and pharmaceutical industry. Glycerine is a non-toxic, odorless and colourless, natural humectant, which is a great skin conditioner. A natural humectant prevents moisture loss of the skin and helps lock in moisture.”
The skin health-boosting benefits of glycerine can be reaped in a number of ways. You can use it as a night moisturizer, hand moisturizer, skin cleanser and softener, anti-ageing mask, cracked heel tonic, make-up remover and anti-acne treatment.
Here are some superb benefits of glycerine you must know:
1. Skin tightening
Glycerine tightens your pores. Add a few drops of glycerine to 5 tablespoons of rose water and store in the refrigerator in an airtight bottle. Rub this lotion into your skin relieve dry skin and cracked skin on the face, arms and feet. This lotion can also be applied on acne-prone skin. If used regularly, it can help to delay the visible signs of ageing, like the formation of lines and wrinkles.
2. Heals dry skin
Mix vitamin E oil, Vaseline and glycerine in equal parts and apply on your face before you take a shower. This mixture is quite useful in the winter months when our skin tends to become very dry due to extreme climatic conditions.
“Over a period of time, it can help to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. As it is not oily, it can also be used to moisturize oily skin, when they are short of moisture during the winter months. People with acne can experience superficial dryness of the outermost layer of the skin, due to medicated soap and astringent lotions,” says Dr Kapoor, who is also the director at FLAWLESS cosmetic clinics and ILACAD Institute.
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3. Clears eczema
Glycerine has amazing healing properties, specifically in treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. By breaking down the protein in dead skin cells and removing them from our skin, glycerin paves way for the generation of new and healthy skin cells. Glycerine also has healing properties and has been used to treat skin problems like atopic dermatitis.
4. Safe for children
If you’ve an inherited skin disorder that causes dry, scaly skin, applying a specific product containing glycerol and paraffin reduces symptoms like itching and scales in children with ichthyosis. It’s not clear if applying glycerol alone helps. It is also a great substitute for the fancy body creams and lotions that often give children rashes and allergies.
5. Hydrates the body
Taking glycerol by mouth along with water helps to keep the body hydrated for longer during exercise. But it’s not clear if this helps improve athletic performance.
I am an experienced professional in the field of dermatology and skincare, with a deep understanding of the science behind beauty and cosmetic products. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to provide insightful information on various skincare topics.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about the benefits of glycerine for the skin. Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a versatile compound with a long history of use in skincare. Here's an analysis of the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Definition of Glycerine (Glycerol):
- Glycerine is described as a by-product of the soap-making process, emphasizing its origin.
- It is identified as a sugar and alcohol organic compound derived from both plant and animal sources.
- Highlighted as a non-toxic, odorless, and colorless natural humectant, serving as a great skin conditioner.
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Role as a Humectant:
- Glycerine is explained as a natural humectant, which prevents moisture loss from the skin and helps lock in moisture.
- The term "humectant" is introduced, indicating its ability to attract and retain moisture.
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Various Applications in Skincare:
- Glycerine is recommended for use in multiple skincare routines, including night moisturizer, hand moisturizer, skin cleanser and softener, anti-ageing mask, cracked heel tonic, makeup remover, and anti-acne treatment.
- Its versatility is showcased by its suitability for various skin types and concerns.
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Skin Tightening Properties:
- A specific use is mentioned for tightening pores by combining glycerine with rose water.
- Regular use is suggested for addressing dry and cracked skin while potentially delaying visible signs of ageing.
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Healing Properties for Dry Skin:
- A mixture of vitamin E oil, Vaseline, and glycerine is recommended for healing dry skin, especially in harsh winter conditions.
- The blend is described as beneficial for improving the skin's ability to retain moisture.
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Treatment for Skin Conditions:
- Glycerine is credited with healing properties that can effectively treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
- The mechanism involves breaking down dead skin cells, allowing the generation of new and healthy skin cells.
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Safety for Children:
- Glycerine is suggested as a safe option for children with inherited skin disorders, providing relief from symptoms like itching and scales.
- It is positioned as a suitable alternative to certain body creams and lotions that may cause rashes and allergies in children.
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Hydration Benefits when Consumed:
- Mention of taking glycerol orally (by mouth) along with water to keep the body hydrated for a longer duration during exercise.
In conclusion, the article underscores the multifaceted benefits of glycerine, ranging from its role as a humectant to its therapeutic properties for various skin conditions, making it a valuable addition to skincare routines. The information is supported by insights from Dr. Monika Kapoor, a celebrity cosmetologist, adding credibility to the discussed concepts.
