Glycerin for the face: beneficial properties, contraindications, use in home cosmetology

Description and classification

Glycerin is a chemical substance (trihydric alcohol) obtained by processing fats. It is divided into 2 types: plant and animal origin. The latter is used when creating cosmetics.

There are two more varieties:

• synthetic;
• natural.

Many cosmetologists recommend using natural ones, although recent research by scientists has proven that these types are no different from each other, and in some cases it is quite difficult to accurately determine the identity of the substance.

In any case, the formation of a substance occurs as a result of a chemical process. This division is conditional, and the properties of both types are the same.

Use in the food industry

Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, milk powder, and cream, are among the potential sources of glycerol. This nutritional supplement can also be found in condensed milk, whey products, pudding and milk drinks. Processed meats, soy products, processed seafood, dried eggs, canned eggs and egg desserts may also contain this additive.

Vegetables and fruits generally do not contain glycerin unless they are processed. Some examples of products that may contain E422 include:

• dried vegetables;
• canned vegetables;
• processed fruits;
• pre-cooked vegetables;
• sauces containing vegetables.

• alcoholic drinks;
• sauces, vinegar, mustard, seasonings;
• peanut butter;
• candies.

Benefits and harms

Glycerin components penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis, nourish it, moisturize it and reduce sensitivity. Due to these properties, it is often added to cosmetics as an auxiliary component to deliver nutrients, moisturize and reduce sensitivity.

Glycerin can bring other benefits: rejuvenate the skin, smooth out wrinkles, make the face radiant and toned.

Main beneficial properties:

• acts as a stabilizing substance in cosmetics;
• helps accelerate metabolism in the upper layers of the epidermis, cleansing pores of fat, toxins and dirt;
• eliminates blackheads, acne;
• has a pronounced moisturizing effect;
• Helps fight cracks in hands and feet.

Glycerin is a fairly active chemical. If the dosage is incorrect, it can cause various skin diseases.

It has the following harmful effects:

• dries the skin due to hygroscopicity;
• with some chemicals (silicone) it can create toxic compounds;
• in the presence of an inflammatory reaction, in the active phase of dermatological diseases, with oily skin, rashes, the condition may worsen;
• can irritate the skin;
• may cause allergic reactions.

In this regard, there are contraindications for use:

• It is prohibited to use the substance in its pure form;
• when making home cosmetics, the proportions must be strictly observed;
• you should not use it before going outside in winter;
• It is not recommended to use the substance for a long time and regularly.

People with very fair skin should not use glycerin: the substance removes melanin, which changes the tone of the dermis. Before application, you need to test the component on a small area of ​​your hand.

Provided there are no contraindications and recommendations for using cosmetics with glycerin are followed, the effect will only be positive.

Natural glycerin

Whatever the origin of glycerol, its simple chemical composition remains unchanged. Natural or vegetable glycerin is obtained from refined and chemically treated oils (coconut, palm and others). This process requires significant financial costs, so products labeled “vegetable glycerin” are significantly more expensive than regular ones.

Cosmetics brands with natural glycerol:

• Andalou Naturals;
• NutriBiotic;
• Levrana;
• Agor;
• mi&ko;
• Nubian Heritage;
• Caudalie;
• Guam;
• Heliabrine and others.

1. Soap-free skin cleanser NutriBiotic, Skin Cleanser, Fragrance Free, Non-Soap 2. Hand cream Lavender Andalou Naturals 3. Anti-aging face cream Guam

Features of application and recipes

This product is used:

• as part of care cosmetics;
• to moisturize the skin;
• for preparing homemade masks, scrubs and creams.

Regardless of the method of use, you need to remember a few rules:

• You should not mix glycerin with oils when making homemade cosmetics, as it does not dissolve in them.
• Vitamin E is considered the optimal supplement: it enhances the activity of substances and provides complete skin care.
• The product should be used in the evening, since after application a film is formed on the skin that prevents makeup from being applied.
• The optimal time to use glycerin is autumn-spring. In summer it will be too heavy, and in winter there is low humidity in apartments, which prevents the skin from moisturizing - water molecules are absorbed from it, which are not enough in the atmosphere.

It is optimal to use the products in courses, allowing the skin to rest. One cycle consists of about 15-20 procedures, which are carried out with short breaks (two to three days). It is recommended to repeat the course twice a year.

Cosmetics with glycerin should not be left overnight: swelling may form by morning. This is due to the high fat content of the drug and its ability to attract moisture. An exception is a mask with vitamin E: it can be left overnight without rinsing, provided that after 30 minutes the remaining product is removed with a napkin.

Features of use depending on the type:

For dry skin

The following formulations are considered the most effective for this skin type:

For normal and combination skin

The optimal means are listed in the table:

For oily skin

The most effective masks for oily skin in cosmetology:

Anti-wrinkle masks

Popular masks with a tightening effect:

Scrubs

For a caring effect, it is necessary, in addition to nutrition and hydration, to actively cleanse the skin of dead cells. The following recipes are used for this:

• With sugar . Mix cane sugar (25 g), acetylsalicylic acid powder (15 g), 5 drops of glycerin and jojoba oil. Apply for 15 minutes, massage the skin, then rinse.
• With almond seeds. Soak 2-3 almonds in water overnight, grind in a coffee grinder the next morning, mix with 10 drops of glycerin. Apply to face with massage movements, after drying, rinse with warm water.
• With lemon juice . Mix 25 g of lemon and castor oil juice with 10 drops of glycerin and apply to the skin. Leave for 30 minutes, remove any remaining residue with a napkin.

Lotions

The lotion, unlike masks, has a lower viscosity; there is no need to wash it off. Most often it is an aqueous or aqueous-alcohol solution. The most effective lotions:

• Citric. Take glycerin and lemon juice in equal quantities and dilute with water. Daily use helps get rid of blackheads and brighten your face.
• Mint. 0.5 tbsp. dried mint is brewed and wrapped in a warm scarf. After 24 hours of infusion, add 20 g of glycerin. Wipe the skin in the mornings and evenings.
• Chamomile. 25 g of chamomile are brewed with a glass of boiling water, left for 8-10 hours, mixed with 70 g of alcohol and 25 g of glycerin. The lotion is optimal for oily skin.
• With rose water. Has a moisturizing and rejuvenating effect. Mix 1 tbsp. l. olive and coconut oil, rose water, honey, 2 tbsp. l. glycerin, 3 tbsp. l. rose petals, 2 tbsp. water, 2 capsules of vitamin E. Stir and cool before use.

Western expansion

Despite significant consumption - more than 100 thousand tons, glycerin is produced in very small quantities in Russia.

The output volume decreased by almost 2% compared to last year.

Negative dynamics have been observed for a long time - since 2022, on average, production volume has fallen by more than 17%, and there are fewer and fewer players in the market. Now the main manufacturers remain Nefis Cosmetics OJSC, Svoboda Cosmetic Association and Glycerin Solution.

More than 90% of the needs of the Russian market are covered by imports. One of the key reasons for this situation is the insufficiently high quality of the domestic product, the purity of which should strive for 100%, and in Russia it often does not exceed 98%.

It is difficult for domestic producers to compete in terms of economic efficiency with Western suppliers, for whom crude glycerin is a by-product of the production of biodiesel, a fuel based on plant components.

Glycerin can only be distilled to the required purity with a content of the main substance of at least 99.5%. The main importers of glycerin into the country are Germany, Brazil, Germany and Ukraine.

Asia remains the largest producer of fatty acid-based glycerol, accounting for about 80% of production by this method. However, the product made using the traditional method has accounted for less than 10% of global production in recent years, along with synthetic glycerin.

Cream for very dry skin

It is necessary to add more nutrients, oils, and fat to the cream to moisturize the epidermis.

Prepare for the cream:

• Margarine – 50 g.

• Glycerin – 1 tsp.
• Castor oil – 2 tsp.

• Vegetable oil – 3 tsp.
• Honey product - 2 tsp.
• Chicken yolk – 2 pcs.
• Decoction of wild chamomile flowers – 100 ml.
• Camphor – 30 g.

Prepare margarine (the desired liquid consistency), pour into the mixture of oils, add glycerin, stir thoroughly. In a separate bowl, beat the yolk and add to the general mixture being prepared, pour chamomile infusion and camphor alcohol into the mixture.

Mix the prepared mass, use the cream 2 times a day, morning and evening, after cleansing the facial skin of dirt, dust and decorative cosmetics.

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.