Glycerin 101: What Is It, Benefits & How To Apply It?

If you have ever picked a skincare product, a lotion, cream, or soap, we are sure that you have noticed glycerin on the ingredients list. It might not sound super glamorous, but don't let it fool you. The benefits of glycerine make this a perfect ingredient for some skin-loving goodness. We are sure that you must have a fond memory of your grandmother or mother rubbing glycerine on your cheeks, especially in winter! 

So, what exactly is glycerin? We have put it very simply for you. It is a clear, odourless liquid that can be sourced from natural materials like vegetable oils or even be made synthetically. What makes use of glycerin so noteworthy for your skin, you ask? Well, it is a powerful humectant, meaning it helps your skin lock in moisture, keeping it hydrated and happy.

What Is Glycerin

Glycerin is popularly known as glycerol. It is a versatile sugar alcohol that is used in everything from foods and soaps to medicines and skincare products. 

It's a kind of carbohydrate called polyol, which naturally occurs in plants as a result of the fermentation of sugars. Most glycerin today is produced through the hydrolysis of fats and oils.

This clear, odourless liquid has a sweet taste and a thick, syrupy consistency. Now, let us enjoy some trivia: Glycerin has been around for quite a while, with the first man-made prototype created in 1779 by Swedish chemist K. W. Scheele, who discovered it while boiling olive oil with a chemical. He named it "glycerol", meaning sweet.

Amazing Benefits Of Glycerin

Glycerine is a skincare sweetheart in the truest sense. We have put together an amazing range of glycerine benefits for the skin and face. Come, let us take a look:

• For Skin

Glycerin is a skincare superhero with a range of uses of glycerine for skin that will totally blow your mind.  

• As a powerful humectant, glycerin helps your skin retain moisture, boosting hydration, relieving dryness, and giving your skin a refreshed, dewy look. 

• Glycerine also has skin-softening properties that can smooth out rough, dry patches, which can be very helpful in dealing with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

• Glycerine also has antimicrobial properties, which provide a protective barrier against harmful microorganisms, keeping your skin safe from irritants.

• Glycerin can also aid in skin repair and speed up the wound-healing process, making it a versatile ingredient that can safeguard your skin's overall health and appearance.

• For Lips

Let us unravel some of the most amazing benefits of glycerine for lips:

• Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it excels at absorbing moisture and locking it in. Consistent use will make you say goodbye to cracks and flaky skin and leave your lips feeling super soft and plump.

• Struggling with dark or discoloured lips? Glycerin can work wonders. Apply it regularly, and you’ll start to notice your lips becoming plush and pink in no time.

• Glycerine can deeply hydrate the top layer of your skin to heal the flakiness and protect your lips from damage.

• As we age, our lips can start to thin and sag. Regular use of glycerin can your lips plump and youthful.

• Besides hydrating, glycerin also helps eliminate dead skin cells to reveal newer, softer skin. Consequently, you can say hello to lips that look and feel super smooth and pink.

• Glycerin forms a protective barrier on your lips, thereby shielding them from aggressive environmental irritants such as pollution. 

How To Use Glycerin For Your Skin?

If you are wondering about how to use glycerine for your face and lips, you can refer to the following steps:

1. Glycerin and Lemon Juice

Mix equal parts glycerin and lemon juice. Gently massage the mixture onto your lips and skin for a brighter, even tone.

2. Glycerin and Beetroot Juice

Achieve super-pink lips and soft skin by boiling beetroot cubes with glycerin for 15 minutes. After the glycerin turns light pink, cool the liquid and apply it to your lips with a cotton swab.

3. Glycerin and Sugar

Create a perfect lip scrub by mixing glycerin with sugar. Massage the paste onto your lips or hard skin, like elbows and knees, to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. For brightness, you can mix in a few drops of lemon juice into the mix. 

4. Glycerin and Rose Water

You can mix glycerin with rose water to hydrate and soothe super dry, chapped lips or even dry skin. For that, all you have to do is apply the paste to your skin for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This can be done daily or a few times a week for best results.

5. Glycerin and Castor Oil

For exfoliation and hydration, mix ½ tablespoon of glycerin with ½ tablespoon of castor oil. Massage the blend onto your lips or skin to melt away dry, flaky skin.

Conclusion

Glycerin might not always steal the spotlight when it comes to fancy skincare ingredients, but its benefits for your skin and lips are nothing short of amazing. From dealing with skin dryness and irritation or just wanting to keep your skin plump and healthy, glycerin is your go-to ingredient! All the above-mentioned benefits of glycerine for the face and lips make this a must-have in your skincare routine. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to embrace glycerin and let it work its magic. Your skin (and lips!) will thank you.  To that end, you can try out Shankara India’s Anti-Age Serum, which has a 100% active formula that helps you maintain a youthful appearance. This serum is enriched with the goodness of Bakuchiol and Gotu Kola to deeply moisturise and rejuvenate your skin and give it a natural glow. 

FAQs On Glycerin

Q. What are the uses of glycerin?

A: Glycerin is truly a multitasking marvel! It can be used in your skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and protected. Beyond skincare, glycerine is also found in foods, soaps, medicines, and even hair care products.

Q. What does glycerin do to the skin?

A: Glycerin is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin and helps keep it there. This results in smoother, softer, and more hydrated skin.

Q. Can glycerine remove pimples?

A: Glycerine’s moisturising properties can help keep your skin balanced and hydrated, which can prevent dryness that sometimes triggers oil production. Moreover, glycerine is gentle, making it an ideal ingredient for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Q. Is glycerin bad for oily skin?

A: Glycerin is actually great for oily skin because it hydrates without clogging pores or making your skin feel greasy.

Q. Is 100% glycerin good for skin?

A: Yes, 100% glycerin is safe and beneficial for the skin. Since it is super concentrated, it’s often diluted with water or mixed into other products for easier application.

Q. What happens if I use glycerin every day?

A: Using glycerin daily is a great way to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and healthy. Consistent use can help maintain moisture levels and improve skin texture.