Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It’s a clear, colourless, odourless, and syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Glycerine is highly priced in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Behind water and fragrance, glycerine is one of the most frequently reported ingredients in cosmetics. It’s also a major ingredient in moisturizers and lotions.
The Best Humectant
Glycerine is a humectant, Humectants are water-loving ingredients that draw moisture into the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, whether through the environment or through the deeper layer of skin (the dermis).
The following are some of the benefits of glycerine for skin:
SKIN TIGHTENING
Glycerine has multiple benefits for the skin - one of which is that it helps to tighten your pores. If used regularly, glycerine can also help delay the visible signs of ageing, such as the formation of lines and wrinkles.
REDUCES ACNE
Acne is most commonly the result of clogged pores. Under normal circumstances, dead skin cells are constantly shedding from the body. When the skin produces an excess of oil, however, the dead skin cells can stick together and become trapped in a pore. And when bacteria also become trapped in these pores, they can quickly multiply.
Some ingredients that are commonly used in cleansers and moisturizers for acne are actually too harsh for the skin and can end up causing more irritation and redness. Glycerine, on the other hand, is a gentle ingredient that can be used to hydrate and soothe the skin without any harsh side effects. Skin tightening
MOISTURIZES SKIN
Glycerine is known to act like a sponge, drawing in more moisture and helping to slow down the evaporation of water from the skin. This makes it an ideal ingredient to help keep skin moist and hydrated.
In a study, researchers found that participants who bathed in water with glycerine added to it experienced significant improvement in skin moisture levels at the forearm and forehead, and higher skin moisture levels in other areas of the body compared to the group that did not use glycerine. They concluded that a bath of glycerine and warm water is an effective way to maintain skin moisture and prevent skin disorders. Glycerine has considerable anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.
PROTECTS SKIN
During the winter, humidity levels drop outside, and cold air causes moisture in your skin to evaporate quickly. As a result, winter air can make skin dry, cracked and flaky. When skin breaks down, it becomes more susceptible to wounds and infection. A moisturizing lotion containing glycerine locks moisture in your skin and can be especially helpful in protecting hands, feet, elbows, knees and other parts of the body that typically get dry. Glycerine can also help protect skin from the effects of wind or dry indoor air.
To further protect your skin, it's a good idea to apply skin-moisturizing glycerine after showering. Glycerine will help hold moisture in your skin after you wash the natural oils away from your body. You might choose glycerine soap rather than soaps that contain harsh detergents to keep skin soft, smooth and protected. You can incorporate glycerine in your routine every day to benefit from its hydrating qualities year-round.
CRACKED HEEL REMEDY
Cracked heels are a common problem, in most cases they're only a cosmetic issue. However, in some cases cracks can be deep and painful. Glycerine is known to help skin feel and look healthier as well as more supple. You can use glycerine by mixing it with your favourite moisturizing foot cream.
If you're looking to reap all the benefits that glycerine has to offer, using a glycerine-based soap on a regular basis is the best way to go. Nature Power Glycerine Bathing Soap offers a wide range of glycerine soaps in an array of different scents, so you're sure to find one that fits your needs.