To keep your hands looking young, you need to take care of them regularly, and cream becomes an indispensable assistant. It may contain substances needed at different times of the year for skin that requires special measures: pronounced nutrition or stimulation of recovery.
How to choose a product that will help cope with severe dryness and support healing? What are the features of formulations intended for moisturizing and intensive care? And what ingredients should the best hand cream include? More details about this in the FAN .
Glycerin - what is it?
Glycerol
is a moisture-retaining substance from the class of trihydric alcohols, which is widely used in the cosmetics industry and is part of moisturizing, softening and anti-aging products. The chemical formula of glycerin consists of three water molecules, which explains its hygroscopic ability to absorb water molecules from the air, accumulate them in cells and prevent transepidermal moisture loss.
Glycerin in its pure form is a syrupy, clear liquid with a sweetish taste. The component gained its popularity in cosmetology due to its low cost and high efficiency. Glycerin for the face can be found in the basis of the formulas of various cosmetic products: emulsions, creams, gels, masks, soaps and is suitable for caring for problematic and sensitive skin types.
There are several ways to make glycerin: plant, animal and synthetic production. Let's take a closer look at its forms.
Natural (natural) glycerin
In nature, the substance is found in oils and fats: animal glycerin is made from pork fat, vegetable glycerin is a derivative of palm oil, coconut oil is the most accessible and safe. The plant-based production method is the most common and is considered more environmentally friendly. It is natural vegetable glycerin that is used in cosmetology and pharmacology and is characterized by high quality and safety.
Synthetic glycerin
The industrial production method is the synthesis of glycerin from propylene. There are two synthesis technologies: the chlorine method (by chlorination of propylene) and the chlorine-free method (oxidative method through acrolein). The synthetic form of glycerin has a low degree of purity and is most often used for technical purposes.
Use of glycerin for skin
In cosmetics
In skin care products, glycerin not only plays the role of a skin moisturizer, but also effectively fights the signs of early aging: smooths out wrinkles, increases skin elasticity and firmness. Cosmetics with glycerin are a good way to provide a lifting effect to the skin at home.
Due to its beneficial properties, this ingredient is often found in the basis of cosmetic formulas of natural and pharmacy products in combination with vitamins, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vegetable oils. Glycerin is a common component in the basis of emollient and nourishing body products, some sunscreens, and shower gels. The basis of cosmetic formulas is Glycerin.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, natural glycerin is most often found in the base of skin masks, caring and intensely moisturizing creams, and softening lotions. Such products are used at different stages of comprehensive care for dry, oily and mature skin. Check with your cosmetologist which mask recipes contain glycerin.
In pharmaceuticals
The well-known solution of pure glycerin is used in medicine as an antiseptic, emollient, moisturizer, and healing agent. Most often it is used to accelerate the healing of wounds and prevent their infection and suppuration.
Anti-aging
Anti-aging products are aimed at activating the production of collagen, which helps smooth out fine wrinkles and increase elasticity.
Such products have a cumulative effect - to achieve the first results they need to be used daily for 3-4 weeks.
The composition of the drugs most often includes:
- Snail mucin – smoothes;
- Collagen and elastin – cope with fine wrinkles and increase elasticity;
- Vitamins - for saturation;
- Oils and extracts – for nutrition and hydration.
It is recommended to use anti-aging products from the age of 30-35 to prevent the first signs of skin aging. They work best in tandem with other hand treatments - paraffin therapy, massage, spa care.
Paraffin therapy for hands - what is it, benefits and step-by-step instructions
Manufacturers offer products with different sets of active ingredients. Natura Siberica with ginseng and chamomile extract;
Bielita with collagen and algae.
Review of the best anti-aging hand creams
Benefits of glycerin for facial skin
- Moisturizes
Glycerin creates a film on the surface of the epidermis, strengthening and restoring the hydrolipid layer. Moisturizes by literally attracting water molecules from the air and helping to retain it in the dermal layers of the skin, preventing tissue dehydration. It is important to remember that hygroscopic glycerin applied to the skin in its pure form can also dry out and cause a feeling of tightness of the epidermis, provided that the ambient humidity level is below 45%. Accordingly, the higher the air humidity, the better the substance works. - Softens
Another important property of glycerin for skin is softening. The component has a pronounced dermatoprotective effect, improves the mechanical properties of the epidermis, softens the skin and minimizes peeling, penetrating into the deep layers of the epidermis. - Renews
Glycerin also accelerates cell regeneration, promotes rapid healing of skin damage, relieves inflammation and irritation. - Protects
By strengthening the hydrolipid mantle, glycerin also strengthens the barrier properties of the skin and increases its resistance to negative environmental influences. The antiseptic properties of the substance help cells resist pathogenic bacteria and microbes. - Smoothes wrinkles
Thanks to its powerful moisturizing properties, glycerin nourishes the epidermis with moisture, filling and smoothing out dehydration creases and expression wrinkles.
Indications for the use of cosmetics with glycerin
Let's look at in what situations and for what skin imperfections it is appropriate to use glycerin in cosmetics.
- Dry skin: due to a genetic characteristic or caused by improper care.
- Dehydration and flaking, for example, due to improper care of oily and problematic skin using alcohol-containing, acidic products or aggressive alkalis.
- Loss of radiance and dull complexion.
- Photoaging caused by decreased moisture and skin damage due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Expression wrinkles, dehydration creases.
- Small cracks, irritation, inflammatory foci, for example, against the background of recurrent acne.
Features of using cosmetics with glycerin for different skin types
How does glycerin affect the condition of the skin in the presence of possible imperfections? Let’s look at what effect the component in cosmetics has on different skin types and the specifics of its use.
- For oily and problematic skin
It is found in moisturizing non-comedogenic gels or lotions that protect the skin from dehydration. It is also used as a basis for therapy against the background of temporary dry skin caused by aggressive components (alcohol, alkalis, acids) that are not suitable for oily skin types. - For the
dry type, the main client of glycerin for the face: the epidermis is permanently saturated with moisture, flaking is reduced, the feeling of tightness disappears, the protective properties and hydrolipid barrier are strengthened. Glycerin acts as a powerful humectant and restores softness and comfort to dry skin. - For normal and sensitive skin
Prevents dryness, dehydration, flaking. Thanks to its antiseptic and soothing properties, it relieves discomfort and irritation of the sensitive epidermis. Promotes accelerated regeneration of skin damage. Use with caution for reactive hypersensitive skin. - For combination:
Moisturizes the dry U-zone and protects against dehydration and its consequences of increased sebum production and skin thickening in the oily T-zone. - For mature skin
Increases hydration, elasticity, firmness of the skin, smoothes out visible creases of dehydration and wrinkles, has a lifting effect, strengthens, protects the epidermis.
Day or night?
When choosing a cream with glycerin, give preference to the drug for daily use. Don't forget that at night our skin starts an enhanced detoxification process. While you sleep, waste and toxins accumulated over a long day come out through your pores, along with sweat and sebum.
If you cover your face with glycerin cream, don't be surprised if you wake up to find bags under your eyes and puffiness. The created film will prevent harmful substances and moisture from escaping, making you look like you cried all night.
Which cosmetic products usually contain glycerin?
Most often, glycerin is found in the base of creams, masks (for skin and hair), fluids, lotions, gels, cleansers, some shampoos and hair conditioners. Many people mistakenly believe that glycerin is not used in serums, but this is not true. An example is Hyalu B5 Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Serum from La Roche-Posay. Thus, natural (pure) glycerin in a concentration of up to 15% can be present in the base of any moisturizing, softening and anti-aging cosmetic products.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
If you have very oily skin and need a lightweight formula, or just want to switch up your thick winter cream for summer, try this water-based gel. When everything else feels like it's slipping off your face, this hyaluronic acid cream will absorb and hydrate your skin without feeling greasy or sticky.
Price: approx. 700 UAH
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Review of cosmetics with glycerin La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Gel for Face and Body
EFFACLAR GEL
Micro-exfoliating gel
Thanks to an active formula that combines two types of acids and components that restore skin balance, the gel gently but intensively cleanses and exfoliates the epidermis and does not contain scrubbing particles that can injure problematic skin.
RUB 1,290 buy
A product without abrasive particles, with zinc, salicylic acid and glycerin, fights imperfections and helps smooth out signs of post-acne: stagnant spots, scars. Intensively cleanses pores, mattifies and softens the skin.
Consumer reviews:
Alexandra: I was pleasantly surprised by the effect, after washing my face was fresh, smooth, as if it was exfoliating the skin without damaging it. I use it once a day at night, so far I like it!
Christina: A godsend for those with problem skin. A pleasant menthol smell and a cooling sensation on the skin, high-quality cleansing, which, combined with good hydration, will not cause dryness. The gel is delicate, there are no scrubbing particles, exfoliation due to acids. It’s difficult to judge the effect on post-acne, since I use external therapy in combination, but for basic daily care it’s excellent.
Lily: I use it on the face. A very delicate effect and at the same time effective. From the first wash, the pores narrowed, the skin was smooth, no redness or tightness. It suited me (my skin is oily, flaky, my pores are wide). I ordered a large quantity at once and did not regret it.
Moisturizing mattifying emulsion Effaclar Mat
EFFACLAR MAT
Mattifying sebum-regulating emulsion
Contains the Sebulyse component, which reduces sebum production, providing a mattifying effect and helping to tighten pores. Intensely moisturizes and prevents skin from dehydration.
RUB 1,714 buy
An emulsion with perlite and sebulise reduces oily shine, tightens pores, instantly mattifies the skin, prevents dehydration, does not dry out, but moisturizes the skin.
Consumer reviews:
Alexandra: I’ve been using it for over a month now. The product is very light, does not dry out the skin, moisturizes, mattifies for 4 hours, softens the pore pattern in the T-zone somewhat, does not clog pores, and is a good base for makeup. The aroma is very weak, subtle and quite pleasant.
Annet: It fits well, absorbs well, no stickiness or discomfort, it really evens out the tone, a great product, I advise anyone who uses this line of products to buy it, as the makeup base has proven to be excellent.
Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturizing Cream
TOLERIANE SENSITIVE
Moisturizing cream for sensitive skin
Moisturizes, soothes, enhances the natural protective function of the skin.
RUB 1,111 buy
Cream for dry sensitive skin with a nourishing formula with prebiotics, niacinamide, shea butter normalizes the skin microbiome, moisturizes, soothes, softens, strengthens, and protects the skin.
Consumer reviews:
Alena: I’m very pleased with the cream. If you use it at night, then in the morning the skin will feel like after a mask, it will perfectly nourish and moisturize. In my opinion, it is ideal for the cold season, and also creates a certain barrier. It has a dense texture, easy to apply, I recommend it for dry and sensitive skin. No smell! What is very important for me, I will continue to order it, it is quite economical, lasts for a couple of months.
Sharafutdinova: The cream is good. The problem I had was that my skin was dry and the creams were not absorbed, I tried different creams. After consulting with a doctor, I bought this cream, I use it, I am very pleased. Absorbs, moisturizes, does not leave a film.
Effaclar Purifying Mattifying Mask
EFFACLAR
Purifying mattifying mask
Absorbs excess sebum, deeply cleanses, helps tighten pores and thereby has a mattifying effect, and also controls sebum production.
RUB 1,167 buy
A mask with kaolin and panthenol cleanses pores well of all types of impurities, controls sebum synthesis, mattifies the skin, does not dry out, and does not cause a feeling of tightness or discomfort. Calms inflammation, relieves redness, promotes tissue regeneration.z>
Consumer reviews:
Olga: I really liked the mask. Copes with all the tasks set in the description of this product. very economical to use. I recommend!
Valeria: An excellent mask for deep cleansing problem skin. Cleanses very well and does not dry out the skin. Pleasant texture, very economical, excellent price, I will buy more!
Lily: Very pleasant, homogeneous consistency, the pores immediately seem to be smoothed out, becoming less noticeable and deep. Treatment has become an interesting procedure, every time I get an immediate effect.
Reviews
- Olga, 35 years old: “When I am asked to recommend a cream, I recommend my favorite one. I have been using Nivea moisturizing cream since childhood. Previously I was just playing around, but now I can’t live without him. I am satisfied with the effect, there are no allergic reactions. I apply to clean skin of the face, neck and hands during my morning routine. I think this is the best cream for the money!”
- Kira, 34 years old: “ I tried a lot of creams. Nivea, Garnier, Chinese medicines with jojoba oil. But she chose the domestic “Clean Line”. I really like the long lasting effect at such a low price. Of course, there are foreign analogues that keep the skin moist 24 hours a day. But they cost several times more. Therefore, three packages of “Clean Line” are better than one small bottle of overseas cream.”
- Varvara, 41 years old: “ I agree with “Test Purchase” in everything regarding moisturizing creams. At one time I tested all six. Today I use Clinique, since it contains a minimum of all kinds of additional components such as heavy silicone and preservatives. If you do not wash it off with soap and water, it protects the skin for about 5-6 hours. Just enough for me to go to work!”
- Inna, 25 years old: “ They say there is no ideal face cream. But I'm ready to argue with this statement thanks to Olay essentials moisturizing and nourishing cream. It is always in my purse, even when visiting and at work. Its original smell is sometimes even mistaken for perfume. But, of course, the main thing is the powerful effect of maintaining moisture and acid-base balance. I recommend it to everyone who has not yet made their choice.”
FAQ:
Dermatologist Alexander Prokofiev, an expert of the La Roche-Posay brand, answers the questions.
Is glycerin harmful to facial skin?
Modern cosmetics use natural glycerin of plant origin, which is absolutely safe for the skin of the face and body. To further protect yourself from allergic reactions, choose proven products, for example, buy care products in pharmacies.
Does glycerin moisturize or dry out the skin?
As part of cosmetic formulas, in a concentration of up to 15% in pure form, glycerin moisturizes, creates a hydrolipid film on the surface, prevents the evaporation of moisture from cells and prevents dehydration of the epidermis. It is not recommended to use medicated glycerin solution in its pure form for cosmetic purposes.
Can glycerin be used on the skin around the eyes?
The neck and décolleté area, like the area around the eyes, is characterized by increased dryness due to the peculiarities of its physiological structure, so these areas most need care aimed at intensively moisturizing the skin. Glycerin is often found in eyelid care products.
Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Cream from the Polish brand Cetaphil PRO is often recommended by dermatologists, as in addition to moisturizing oily skin, it offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. For oily skin, this is very important, since ultraviolet light can stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands and increase post-acne hyperpigmentation. To produce the cream, a special “micro-pearl technology” is used, which absorbs oil and reduces shine.
Price: approx. 500 UAH
