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The main building material of cells, in cosmetics, lecithin is valued for its ability to conduct active and diverse activities: restore, transform, move, protect. Lecithin can play one or several roles at once, and with equal success, so there will always be a place for it in a cosmetic formula.
Why do we need lecithin
The human body consists of 50 trillion cells – and without lecithin, none of them can exist. It is one of the most important building materials, the basis and protector of cell membranes. Lecithin is a complex substance, mainly consisting of phospholipids, that is, compounds of phosphorus and fats. Most of the lecithin is concentrated in the liver, which consists of more than half of it. The brain is one third. Nervous tissue – a quarter.
Egg yolk is the first source of lecithin known to mankind
Phospholipids are synthesized not only by human and animal cells, but also by plants, which today are the main suppliers of lecithin for a wide variety of needs, including cosmetic ones.
Useful properties of lecithin
Its activity in the human body is not limited to only one function. After all, the phospholipids that make up lecithin are direct participants in many events that make up the daily life of cells. Lecithin acts in several capacities.
Builder
Lecithin serves as the foundation and unshakable base for the processes of repairing damaged cells and the formation of new ones.
Defender
Phospholipids surround cell membranes, forming a protective fatty capsule, plus lecithin performs antioxidant functions, neutralizing free radicals.
Carrier
Lecithin is also a conductor for vitamins and nutrients, which are delivered with its help to where they are most expected.
Emulsifier
Breaks fats into tiny drops, which contributes to their better digestibility. Due to this property, lecithin has found application in the food industry.
Lecithin in cosmetics performs both the main role and the function of “technical personnel”
Natural source of lecithin
Lecithin was first isolated from a chicken egg, and the ancient Greek word lekithos translates as “yolk”. Suppliers of lecithin can be found in both the animal and plant kingdoms. In cosmetic formulas, phospholipids come from:
soybeans;
cotton, rapeseed, sunflower oil;
algae.
Indications for use
Lecithin is indicated for disorders of the liver, brain, and nervous system. For the skin, the lack of phospholipids turns into all the typical problems associated with the violation of its hydrolipid mantle.
Lecithin is one of the forms of lipids (fats), and the most important for the normal functioning of skin cells.
Symptoms of lecithin deficiency
The lack of lecithin negatively affects the state of the nervous system, the activity of the brain and liver. And skin that lacks its own phospholipids is distinguished by the following signs:
dryness;
hypersensitivity;
thinning;
heterogeneity.
The benefits of lecithin in cosmetics
Lecithin helps restore the skin’s lipid barrier
Lecithin is one of the first candidates for a place of honor in a cosmetic formula, because its possibilities are great. In creams, masks and serums, it can play both a major role and an auxiliary or technical one.
Active Ingredient
Restores the protective functions of age-related, damaged skin in need of nutrition, and is also used for antioxidant protection.
Emulsifier
By converting fats into microdroplets, lecithin can give thick “sour cream” an airy texture of whipped cream that spreads easily on the surface of the skin and is better absorbed.
Vehicle
Active substances that are not able to independently overcome the epidermal barrier are placed in microcapsules (liposomes) of lecithin. Thanks to their lipidic origin related to the skin, they easily penetrate deep into the skin, delivering a “package” in value and safety.
Funds overview
Lecithin can be found in the composition of many daily care creams, masks for various purposes, as well as in narrowly focused cosmetics.
Eye and face creams
Know: if the cream contains lecithin, the product has at least a pleasant texture and moisturizing properties.
Creams containing lecithin
Creams
| Name | Features | Effect |
Anti-aging care for normal and combination skin Redermic C, La Roche-Posay | In addition to lecithin, it contains high concentrations of vitamin C. | Smoothes wrinkles, improves elasticity. |
| Hydra Zen Neurocalm Nuit Night Soothing Moisturizing Anti-stress Night Cream, Lancome | Eliminates the effects of stress, reduces dryness and flaking, relieves redness. | Softens the skin, moisturizes, increases the level of resistance. |
Anti-aging face cream “Magic care” anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, SPF 20, Garnier | The formula includes micropigments that adapt to skin color. | Instantly evens out the texture of the skin and gives it a radiant look. |
Masks for all skin types
In masks for various purposes, lecithin provides easy application and pleasure to use.
Masks with lecithin in formulas
Masks
| Name | Features | Effect |
Night anti-aging detox mask Powercell Skin Rehab Youth Grafter Night d-toxer, Helena Rubinstein | A velvety mask-serum with plant cells responsible for high-quality detox and good rest. | Increases the level of elasticity and tone, provides freshness of the skin and a rested look. |
| clay mask “Magic Clay. Detox and Radiance, L’Oreal Paris | Mask with three types of clay and black charcoal. | Easily spreads, draws impurities from the pores. |
| Mineral pore-clearing mask, Vichy | Clay-based detox mask is suitable for all skin types. | Deeply cleanses the skin without drying it out. |
Special cosmetics
In concentrated and targeted creams and products with SPF, lecithin is responsible for moisturizing.
Means of special purpose with lecithin
Special conditions
| Name | Features | Effect |
| Moisturizing Serum Aquasource Deep serum, biotherm | Features a melting texture. | Provides deep hydration, radiance, smoothes the skin. |
| Tightening, minimizing pores Precision Lifting & Pore Tightening Concentrate, Kiehl’s | Thickens the skin, providing a lifting effect and narrowing the pores. | Thanks to its dual effect, it visibly improves the appearance of the skin. |
| Moisturizing balm for the skin around the eyes Eye Balm, Skinceuticals | Fights the main signs of aging. | Softens and firms the skin, smoothes wrinkles |
| CHILDREN’S SUN AQUA-CREAM Ambre Solaire Expert Protection, SPF 50, Garnier | Can be applied even on wet skin. | Reliably protects children’s skin from ultraviolet radiation. |