Glycerin is not bad for your acne-riddled skin. In fact, it eliminates acne. However, it can be bad for you when used incorrectly. The correct way of using it is by diluting it with rose water.
Undiluted glycerin absorbs substances like dust and moisture. These substances irritate the skin and cause the person to scratch their acne-riddled skin. Scratching ends up spreading bacteria which further multiples your acne.
Afterward, it would be best not to let the mixture stay for too long on your skin. It will cause skin dehydration, and it will also cause your acne to multiply.
To further understand it, you will learn its forms and pros and cons. Through understanding the concepts, you will appreciate what glycerin does for your skin.
Types of Glycerin
There are two main types of glycerin; plant-based and animal-based glycerin. Regardless of what the glycerin is made from, its appearance is still the same: colorless, odorless, and sweet taste.
Plant-based glycerin is made from oils and fats from coconuts. The plant oils are subjected to a certain pressure and temperature levels to form them. As a result, plant-based glycerin tends to be syrupy.
On the other hand, animal-based glycerin is derived from beef or mutton fat. First, the fat is mixed with water and boiled at a low temperature. Next, the mixture is refrigerated.
Some users are particular about the kind of glycerin to use. For instance, vegans may insist on plant-based ones. On the other hand, they may feel that animal-based ones may be unfriendly for their acne.
However, it does not matter which type you use. Nonetheless, if you still prefer plant-based ones, then be sure to check the label. Fortunately, most manufacturers prefer to make plant-based glycerin. It is because plants are affordable and readily available.
Pros
It is a good agent for eliminating dead skin cells. The cells are responsible for worsening your acne if not eliminated. They multiply when you do not wash your face properly. When the glycerin eliminates the cells that contribute to acne, you will have clean and clear skin.
Acne tends to make your skin feel rough in appearance and texture. Since glycerin is a natural moisturizer, it keeps your skin soft. It functions by slowing down the evaporation of water from the skin.
Water is useful since it flushes some bacteria or toxins that typically clog pores. If not flushed out, they make your acne multiply more. Also, if water from your skin evaporates, your skin will appear rough, resulting in you appearing older.
Glycerin protects your skin from extreme weather, for instance, winter. Winter dries your skin by causing water from it to evaporate. As a result, more bacteria can accumulate on your pores and further spread your acne with less water.
Glycerin thus works by retaining moisture in your skin. Winter also causes your skin to release sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that triggers acne in your pores. Glycerin thus slows down its production.
It protects your skin against UV rays from the Sun. The rays cause you to lose more moisture from the skin. With more moisture loss, bacteria accumulate and further cause acne. Glycerin thus prevents dehydration by reducing the penetration of the rays.
Cons
Glycerin is easily affected by heat. When exposed to heat, it dehydrates and forms acrolein. Acrolein causes skin irritation. If you have acne and use it, you will experience further irritation on your acne. Not only is it an irritant, but it is also carcinogenic.
As earlier established, glycerin needs to be diluted before use. If you do not, the undiluted glycerin will dehydrate your skin. With less water in your skin, more bacteria will accumulate on your skin pores and further multiply your acne.
Additionally, undiluted glycerin is viscous. It attracts agents like dust and pollination on your skin in its dense state. The agents block your pores and this will contribute to your acne multiplying.
Though rare, glycerin can cause allergic reactions. Some allergy symptoms include rashes, skin irritation, wheezing, et cetera. With skin irritation, you will likely scratch your acne-affected skin. By scratching, you can burst them and release more bacteria, multiplying your acne.
Conclusion
Glycerin remains a valuable item for your acne-prone skin. You only need to know how to use it and store it properly. Whether or not you have acne, you can make glycerin your regular home item.
Curing acne has been a headache for many people. Some visit dermatologists who give them products that do not eliminate their acne.
In other instances, the products cause further irritation to their acne. Luckily with glycerin, you can get rid of your acne. If you are unsure how to use it, you can be sure that a specialist will guide you.
