If you’re on the hunt for skincare ingredients with science-backed benefits, look no further than beta-glucan. This mega hydrating, skin-loving ingredient helps to promote plump, healthy-looking skin and can be found in numerous cosmetic formulas, from serums and toners to creams. Keep reading to learn all about the top skin benefits of using beta-glucan and why you should incorporate this stellar ingredient into your skincare routine.
What Is Beta-Glucan In Skincare?
Beta-glucan is a multi-functional cosmetic ingredient derived from natural sources such as fungi, yeast and seaweed. It’s a polysaccharide (complex sugar) with antioxidant, hydrating, and reparative benefits. Research shows that beta-glucan can outperform hyaluronic acid in hydrating the skin by more that 20%.
Beta-Glucan Skin Benefits
When it comes to supporting the skin barrier, incorporating products that contain humectants – ingredients that attract water to the skin – is essential. Not only is beta-glucan renowned for hydrating skin, it’s also included in skincare formulas for its exceptional soothing benefits, helping to minimizing the appearance of redness and other signs of sensitivity.
It’s a known fact that prolonged exposure to environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays has a negative effect on skin health. This is why it’s so important to use skincare products rich in antioxidants. In addition to hydrating and soothing skin, beta-glucan contains antioxidant properties that help to ward of damaging free radicals responsible for sun spots, wrinkles and fine lines.
Studies suggest that it may even be helpful in accelerating the wound healing process*, making it a great option for sensitized skin.
Top Skin Benefits Of Beta-Glucan
1. Restores Hydration
Beta-glucan acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin, keeping it soft, plump and healthy.
2. Reduces The Appearance Of Irritation
Clinical research demonstrates wound healing properties* that help to diminish visible signs of irritation such as redness and irritation.
3. Provides Antioxidant Protection
Studies show that beta-glucan possesses significant antioxidant activity – neutralizing damaging free-radicals – helping to keep skin looking and feeling its best.
4. Helps To Visibly Reduce Signs Of Aging
Studies show that beta-glucan can help to improve firmness, reducing the look of wrinkles along with other signs of aging.
Beta-Glucan Frequently Asked Questions
What Types Of Skin Should Use Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan is suitable for all skin types as it’s a gentle ingredient with numerous skin benefits.
Is Beta-Glucan Better Than Hyaluronic Acid?
When comparing beta-glucan to hyaluronic acid, it’s been shown to be more effective at hydrating the skin. In addition, it possesses multiple benefits to the skin, without negative side-effects.
Is Beta-Glucan Good For Acne?
Due its gentle nature and numerous skin benefits, it can be assumed that beta-glucan would be beneficial for acne-prone skin. However, as all skin is unique in the way it responds to ingredients and formulas, patch testing is always best.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating beta-glucan into your skincare routine will have multiple benefits, from reducing the look of irritation and redness to visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. You really can’t go wrong with this multi-correctional ingredient, which is why we recommend finding a skincare formula that you can use day and night, to reap all of the skin-loving goodness it has to offer around the clock.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Root Science nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any skincare, nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program. The views and products expressed are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Sources:
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017669/
Image Sources: White Globs via Milad Fakurian
