Glycerine For Face: Benefits, Side Effects, Best Ways To Use

What Is Glycerine?

Glycerine, or glycerol, is a natural compound usually found in animal fats and vegetable oils. [3] Glycerol [4] is derived from the Greek word “glykys,” meaning “sweet.” Glycerine is a clear, non-toxic, colourless, odourless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. It can pull water from deep layers of the skin and the air into the outermost layer of your skin. A natural humectant, glycerine also protects your skin from damaging environmental invaders while improving its texture. Not only does it keep your skin hydrated, soft, and supple, but it also treats several skin disorders, covering dry skin and wound healing. The ingredient has the potential to improve your overall internal health as well.

Is Glycerine Good For Your Skin?

Glycerine doubles as an excellent skin conditioner as it acts as an effective humectant, which allows the skin to retain moisture. Glycerine can improve skin hydration, refresh the skin’s surface, and even relieve dryness. For those with eczema or psoriasis, glycerine helps get rid of rough or dry patches as it is an emollient, [5] meaning it can soften the skin. Packed with antimicrobial properties, glycerine can shield the skin from harmful microorganisms. Popular belief about glycerine is that it repairs skin and expedites wound-healing processes.

Glycerine Benefits For Skin

Glycerine benefits for skin are plenty. It is a useful ally for preserving healthy and moisturised skin. Let’s discover glycerine benefits for skin.

Glycerine is most renowned for improving the skin’s moisture levels. It acts like a sponge, which attracts moisture from the environment and deep layers of your skin, helping you achieve healthy, soft, and hydrated skin.

Glycerine protects the skin against external pollutants, strengthening your skin’s natural protective barrier. [6] It soothes irritation and helps increase cell turnover, aiding in wound healing and repairing damaged skin.

The moisturising prowess of glycerine helps combat the signs of ageing, promoting a youthful appearance. Regular use of glycerine reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, [7] enhancing skin firmness and elasticity.

Glycerine’s hydrating properties help soothe damaged, cracked, and dry skin, locking moisture. It has proven helpful in alleviating skin conditions like eczema, [8] atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis, [9] thus improving skin function and promoting skin health.

Glycerine is non-comedogenic, too, which means it does not clog pores. This makes glycerine an excellent moisturiser choice for oily and acne-prone skin.

Glycerine for Different Skin Types

Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, glycerine has properties that serve all skin types. Let’s find how glycerine assumes favour among different types of skin:

Glycerine is a tremendous skin-reviving ingredient for dry skin, effectively hydrating it by drawing moisture and trapping it in the skin. Glycerine helps reduce dryness, flakiness, and roughness, keeping the surface of your skin hydrated, smooth, and supple. Glycerine, the natural humectant, helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. You can add a few drops of glycerine to your moisturiser or serum and apply it.

Despite its moisturising properties, glycerine has maintained its leverage as a non-comedogenic ingredient. It provides hydration to oily skin without clogging the pores or contributing to excess oiliness. The glycerine penetrates the pores and moisturises, making it ideal for acne-prone skin types. Dilute glycerine with rose water [10] or normal water before applying it for best results.

Gentle and non-irritating, glycerine is a fragrance-free ingredient used for ages in the beauty and skincare world. You can trust this time-tested ingredient to soothe and calm sensitive skin. Your ancestors, too, relied on it to relieve irritation, redness, and inflammation. Mix glycerine with rose water and dip it in a cotton pad before gently dabbing on the skin.

Ways To Add Glycerine To Your Skin Care Routine

Glycerine is a preferred soap ingredient due to its gentle, moisturising qualities. It doubles as a natural humectant, keeping the skin soft and hydrated while gently cleansing it. Due to its suitability for all skin types, there are many ways to use glycerine for the face. Let’s have a look:

Glycerine for face in the form of a cleanser is excellent for the dry skin type. It works extra to retain moisture in your skin and safeguard it from any potential irritation or reaction on the skin during the cleansing process. To make it a part of cleansing, mix two to three drops of glycerine with your regular cleanser and wash your face as usual. For those encountering dry skin issues, this cleanser will prevent the tight, itchy sensation you get after washing your face.

Using glycerine as a toner is a great way to refresh the skin. Glycerine toners have pore-tightening advantages, helping oily or acne-prone skin type hydrate their skin without making it feel greasy. Combine a few drops of glycerine with rose water, and you will have a toner to achieve healthy, fresh-looking skin. You can add a few drops of glycerine with a natural toner with aloe vera, lavender, or other options suitable for different skin types.

Glycerine acts as a barrier against damaging UV rays and environmental pollutants, making it a mild sunscreen ingredient. It helps control the loss of moisture caused by sun exposure. Glycerine can help restore your original skin tone if you already have a tan. It also acts as a natural moisturiser, making it a common ingredient in sunscreen products available in stores. Glycerine works by lightening your skin and removing impurities in the pores. You can also mix a few drops of glycerine into your favourite sunscreen, making it more spreadable.

Glycerine’s most impressive factor is its moisturising abilities. As a humectant, glycerine is found in face serums, creams, and even in hand and foot lotions — to name a few. Glycerine is an excellent natural moisturiser and can be used for a smooth, soft feel and appearance. You can also make your moisturiser by mixing a few drops of glycerine with two drops of almond oil or any essential oil of your choice.

Face masks are significant in providing the essential nutrients to the skin. A glycerine face mask effectively soothes dry skin and brightens the skin as well. Some face masks containing glycerine are helpful for fast hydration and age-defying results. You can also prepare a quick and hassle-free nourishing glycerine-based face mask. Mix a tablespoon of bentonite clay with a few drops of glycerine and rose water. Alternatively, you can combine a banana with a spoonful of glycerine.

Glycerine is a well-loved ingredient found in soaps and body washes. It is also a common component in baby skin products as it does not dry out the skin. To prepare a glycerine-based soap yourself, melt glycerine with a cup of liquid soap base and add any essential oils or fragrances of your choice. You can also add some colour or exfoliants like coffee beans to your soap if you wish.

Precautions And Tips For Using Glycerine On Your Skin

Like any effective skincare ingredient, glycerine also comes with its potential precautions. Users should know whether to experiment or try for the first time. Here are a few tips and precautions to bear in mind while using glycerine on your skin:

• While glycerine is usually gentle on the skin, it is recommended to always conduct a patch test before applying it. Dilute glycerine in rose water before applying it to the back of your hand. If your skin doesn’t reveal any allergic reactions within 24 hours, [11] you can use it on your face.
• Never use glycerine directly on your skin if you have sensitive skin. First, dilute it and then apply it.
• It is advised to use glycerine before sleeping at night as it may potentially cause sun sensitivity.

Does Glycerine Have Any Side Effects On Skin?

Being a natural product, glycerine is generally considered safe. [12] However, there is potential for an allergic reaction. The skin of the face is usually more thin and delicate. Glycerine may dehydrate the skin in certain conditions. If undiluted, glycerine can badly irritate the skin, causing blistering or worse in some cases. If you experience itching, redness, or rash, stop using and look for a comparable alternative free from glycerine. It is also a good idea to read labels and consider using a product rich in glycerine. Consult an experienced dermatologist for effective professional treatment and better results for any unsolved concern.

Takeaway

Glycerine is a gentle and natural humectant found in many cosmetics, including baby products. It is a perfect emollient to treat many skin concerns and keep the skin naturally healthy. Owing to its hydrating and moisturising benefits, glycerine has remained a preferred choice among all skin types. However, every individual’s skin and behaviour are different, so it is important to conduct a patch test to determine its suitability for you. It is a smart idea to consult an expert. By choosing a good dermatologist, you can get personalised care and treatment based on your needs, concerns, and skin type.