If you’re craving that bouncy, healthy skin, the secret sauce is hydration! And guess what? Glycerin’s been the go-to for years. Just check out the ingredient list on your fave moisturiser or cleanser, and you’ll probably spot it. But what is glycerin and why is everyone obsessed with it? Let’s spill the tea.
What is glycerin?
Also known as glycerol, glycerin is this naturally occurring magic. It’s a thick, colourless liquid with no smell, derived from animal and plant fats. But what is the use of glycerin in your skin routine? Glycerin benefits the skin in tons of ways as a humectant; this means it grabs moisture from the environment and pulls it up from the deeper layers of your skin. The result? Hydrated, glowy skin that makes you look like you’ve got a built-in filter.
What are glycerin’s benefits for skin?
- Glycerin is a hydration hero as a humectant. Pairing glycerin with occlusives (those things that trap moisture by creating a layer on your skin) is a perfect way to get max hydration.
- Another benefit of glycerin for the face is maintaining a healthy skin barrier since it’s antimicrobial and repairs skin. Your skin barrier is like your body’s bouncer, keeping the bad stuff out.
- Worried about fine lines and wrinkles? Glycerin’s here to help! It gives you that plump, bouncy skin texture that smooths out those pesky lines.
- Some people claim that glycerin also helps detan because of its exfoliating properties.
Are there any side effects of glycerin on the skin?
While the benefits of glycerin for your face are amazing, there’s a catch: glycerin can pull moisture from the deeper layers of your skin if there’s not enough in the environment, potentially causing dehydration and even blisters. So, always dilute it if you’re DIY-ing.
The use of glycerin can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To avoid this, use it at night and always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
How to use glycerin on your face (at night)?
Here are a few fun ways to soak up the benefits of using glycerin on the face with home ingredients. We recommend doing these at night to avoid sun sensitivity:
Remember to patch test any home remedies on your arm to check for allergies. If you see redness, swelling, or itchiness, skip it or check with a dermatologist.
1. Glycerin Face Pack: Mash a banana, add a tablespoon of glycerin, some honey, and a few drops of Vitamin E oil. Mix it up and apply to your face and neck. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
2. Glycerin Toner: Mix one part glycerin with six parts rose water. Use a cotton swab to apply it to your face, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse off. This is also how you can use glycerin for skin lightening. It’s not a superstar for this, but some people say its exfoliating powers help shed dull, dead skin cells.
3. Glycerin Moisturiser: Add a few drops of glycerin to your nighttime moisturizer for an extra nourishing boost. An easy way to use glycerin on your face at night, just slather it on before bed and wake up to glowing, hydrated skin.
4. Glycerin Oil: Mix a few drops of vegetable glycerin with rosehip oil or Vitamin E oil for a nourishing blend. Apply a few drops to your face and neck to keep your skin moisturized overnight.
If DIY isn’t your thing, grab some of Smytten’s skincare faves and bask in glycerin’s benefits for the skin:
Our recommendation:
1. Meglow Glycerin with Rose Water Toner:
This multi-purpose face toner gives you instant hydration and a radiant glow. It is also an easy way to use the GLYCERIN ON THE FACE AT NIGHT and remove the day’s impurities.
2. Fuschia Natural Handmade Glycerin Soap:
This multi-purpose face toner gives you instant hydration and a radiant glow. It is also an easy way to use the GLYCERIN ON THE FACE AT NIGHT and remove the day’s impurities.
3. Wishcare Pure & Unscented Glycerine:
Use it for your DIY journey or add a couple drops to your moisturiser or bodywash to make them even more hydrating.
Glycerin’s benefits for the skin are incomparable— be it hydration, protection, or that irresistible glow. It’s your go-to BFF. Whether you’re into DIY remedies or prefer to shop for tried-and-true products, incorporating glycerin into your skincare routine is a total game-changer. Stay hydrated, stay glowing, and let glycerin work its magic!
