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Glycerin has long been actively used in cosmetics for various purposes, including anti-wrinkle products. Does this mean that we can safely apply glycerin on the skin of the face and expect that it will become smooth, like a baby? Do not rush to do this until you find out all the details.
What is glycerin and what is its role in cosmetics
Its main property is hygroscopicity, that is, the ability to attract water molecules from the environment, like a sponge, and increase in size. This feature of glycerin is similar to another “moisturizer” – hyaluronic acid.
“The hyaluronic acid molecule is quite large, and in its original form is not able to penetrate the skin barrier. Therefore, cosmetics manufacturers have to crush it into smaller fragments. At the same time, the glycerin molecule initially has a small size, ”comments Vichy medical expert, cosmetologist-dermatologist Altana Bazyleva.
Glycerin forms a film on the surface of the epidermis that prevents the evaporation of moisture and helps to retain moisture inside.
Hence the effects:
smoothness;
softness;
skin elasticity.
use Features
We often hear that glycerin does not moisturize, but, on the contrary, dries the skin. How can this be, if we are talking about the famous hydrator? Let’s comment on this point.
Such sensations are possible under two conditions:
increased dryness of the ambient air;
excessive concentration of glycerin in the product (not to mention pure glycerin, details will be at the end of the article).
In general, moisturizing gels and serums with glycerin (by the way, as with hyaluronic acid) are best applied at high humidity. After all, one molecule of glycerol can attract 10 molecules of water.
Glycerin attracts water molecules.
As for creams and emulsions with glycerin, they behave perfectly under any conditions, even at low air humidity, thanks to the “fatty” components: oils, lipids, fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin E), squalane.
Will glycerin help get rid of wrinkles on the face?
Moisture is the main and first indicator of the well-being of the skin, as well as its youth. The older we get, the less the skin is able to synthesize hyaluronic acid. Lack of moisture causes the following problems:
dryness;
peeling;
dull complexion;
accelerated formation of wrinkles.
Therefore, the first measure to prevent skin aging is effective moisturizing on a daily basis. And here glycerin is more than appropriate, because it is a well-deserved hydrator, the effectiveness of which has long been proven by research.
How to smooth wrinkles with glycerin at home
Is it possible to smooth out wrinkles with glycerin? In fact, counting on glycerin as the main remedy for wrinkles is not worth it. However, it is part of a great variety of anti-aging products, including those marked “anti-wrinkle” – but precisely as a proven moisturizer.
Cosmetics with glycerin
In this selection, we have collected anti-aging cosmetics, as well as intensive action products that increase skin elasticity and smooth it, they also include glycerin.
Masks
Masks are products from which you can expect a quick effect due to the high concentration of active ingredients.
Age Expert 45+ Firming Sheet Mask L’Oréal Paris
In 15 minutes, it gives the skin softness and smoothness, gives comfort. The composition includes not only the “sweet couple” glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but also proretinol, peptides.
Age Expert 55+ Repair Sheet Mask, L’Oréal Paris
This mask contains not only moisturizing ingredients, but also oils that nourish mature skin. Result? Shine, smoothness, wrinkle reduction.
Sheet mask for the face, fresh mix “Hyaluron concentrate”, Garnier
Two moisturizing ingredients – glycerin and hyaluronic acid – will nourish the skin with moisture in minutes.
Hydrogel mask for the radiance of youthful skin Advanced Génifique, Lancôme
One mask contains the same amount of probiotic extract as a 30 ml bottle of Advanced Génifique Youth Activator. The mask also contains glycerin, which undoubtedly contributes to the transformation of the skin in half an hour.
Creams
Here are collected anti-aging creams with glycerin, which gradually increase the density and elasticity of the skin, smoothing wrinkles.
Multi-corrective anti-aging face cream Super Multi-Corrective Cream, Kiehl’s
Like any effective anti-age remedy, it has a complex effect: it increases elasticity, tightens the skin, reduces wrinkles, and smoothes the relief. The composition, of course, contains glycerin and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as well as vegetable oils, jasmonic acid and beech extract.
Hyaluron Expert Day Cream SPF 20 L’Oréal Paris
Gradually promotes skin renewal, glycerin and, as you might guess, hyaluronic acid, of two types, are responsible for moisturizing and smoothing.
Face cream for all skin types Rénergie Multi-Lift Ultra, Lancôme
This gorgeous white cream promises to reduce wrinkles, increase skin firmness and even out skin tone. And there was no glycerin.
Day anti-aging face cream Revitalift Laser x3, L’Oréal Paris
It successfully fights against wrinkles of various types, including due to the moisturizing effect. Glycerin is present.
Gels
This chapter contains gel-like products, mainly serums and concentrates, that promote skin smoothness.
Hyaluronic concentrate for the skin of the face and neck in ampoules “Revitalift filler [+Hyaluronic acid]”, L’Oréal Paris
The entire anti-aging line “Revitalift filler” is based on active skin hydration. It is based on hyaluronic acid and several other important components, including glycerin. Hyaluro-concentrate has a very light fluid texture.
Daily gel-serum for skin exposed to aggressive external influences Mineral 89, Vichy
It perfectly moisturizes the epidermis and takes care of maintaining the protective functions, smoothness and freshness of the skin despite the influence of an unfavorable environment. You can use it both in the morning and at night – before the main care.
Hyaluronic aloe face gel, Garnier
It contains three moisturizing components at once: aloe extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as a result, the skin is immediately softened and smoothed.
Concentrated anti-wrinkle serum Hyalu B5, La Roche-Posay
Serum is suitable for sensitive skin and helps to increase the elasticity of the epidermis, smooth wrinkles. The product contains panthenol (vitamin B5), which supports the skin barrier.
Intensively moisturizing regenerating gel Hydrating B5, SkinCeuticals
Healthy-Food editors who have tried this serum note its excellent ability to restore smoothness and radiance to the skin. That’s what effective hydration means!
Homemade glycerin face masks
Glycerin was not, and even now is not a shortage, so that lovers of homemade cosmetics have their own hands reaching out to prepare glycerin masks or lotions. Below are the most popular combinations:
Glycerin with vitamin E – on the Internet, you can easily find a recommendation on how to apply this combination. Fat-soluble vitamin E will smooth out the feeling of dryness that glycerin applied to the skin in its pure form can cause (we mentioned this at the beginning, and we will explain the nuances in more detail a little further).
Glycerin and clay – imitation of ready-made cosmetic masks with clay, in which manufacturers add glycerin to avoid overdrying the skin. Many examples of clay masks are here and here.
Glycerin and Aloe – moisturizing mask-gel with a small amount of glycerin. Find recipes for homemade aloe masks here.
Glycerin oil – glycerin is mixed with vegetable oils (olives, avocados) and this mixture is used to moisturize, nourish and soften the skin of the face and body.
In general, a couple of drops of glycerin can be added to any homemade mask. Healthy-Food has a ton of recipes in its collection.