Glycerin is a humectant which attracts moisture to your skin. It is a neutral, sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid which freezes to a gummy paste having a very high boiling point. It is highly hygroscopic by nature and absorbs water from the air. It is also an excellent solvent, thus finds a heavy usage in beauty products like creams, soaps, toothpaste etc. We have put together the most common uses of glycerin for skin.
1. Moisturizing
Due to humectant properties, it can draw moisture from air. If applied with moisturizing lotion, it acts an effective shield thus preventing moisture contained in the skin from escaping. While going out, it is advisable to mix small amount of glycerin with your regular face cream every day. This will keep your skin hydrated and protected.
2. Increases Glow
When applied with rose water and honey, it can give astonishing results. Apply this mix every night before going to sleep. Let this formula work on your skin overnight. In the morning, wash your face with cold water. Within 3 weeks, you will notice a glow on your skin. It also helps in reducing dark spots and fine lines.
3. Healing Dry Patches
Glycerin proves to be an excellent remedy for people with dry skin. Many of us suffer from dry patches on the body, especially in harsh winters. Glycerin can be used along with a body lotion in order to heal the patches.
4. Cleansing
Glycerin has been used to make soap for generations. It acts as a gentle cleanser which helps to breakdown oils and washes toxins away. It also helps in curing skin issues like acne and pimples. It can also be used to remove make up. Use a clean cotton ball and dab it with glycerin. Apply it gently and remove the make-up. Wash your face with cold water and re apply it along with a good moisturizing lotion.
5. Reduces Allergy and Skin Irritations
Glycerin contains very few toxins and hence naturally it does not cause allergic reactions. This property makes it a great ingredient to be used by people having sensitive skin. Skin rashes can be effectively treated with usage of glycerin. It is also be used in shaving creams to help prevent skin irritation.
Glycerin has been used from ages for keeping skin healthy and supple. Frequent use of it can prove to be beneficial. Glycerin can also be used in various products like as hair conditioning agent, oral care, nail paint remover and viscosity decreasing agent. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Glycerin on its list of direct food additives considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and on its list of approved indirect food additives. Glycerin is also an FDA approved active ingredient in Over-the-Counter (OTC) skin protectant drug products, ear drying products and an approved demulcent for the eyes.