If you’re looking to improve your skincare routine, one transformative ingredient that should be on your radar is beta-glucan.
Beta-glucan has recently taken the beauty world by storm. You’ve probably seen this miracle ingredient popping up all over social media and in various beauty products, but what is beta-glucan, and how do you use it? And most importantly, what benefits come from using products with beta-glucan in them?
Today, we’re breaking down all things beta-glucan, including how to use it and why you need it in your skincare routine.
What Is Beta Glucan?
In science terms, beta-glucans (or β-glucans) are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of yeast, bacteria, fungi, cereals, and oats. Beta-glucans have long been used as supplements formedicinal purposes to support the immune system, lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, control hay fever, and more. They also boost skin health when consumed or applied topically.
Beta-glucans are lesser-known ingredients in the skincare world, but they are becoming increasingly popular. Although they’re sometimes referred to as the cousins ofhyaluronic acid, beta-glucans are much more versatile. In skincare, they help speed up healing, soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and help transform the skin.
Breaking Down the Benefits of Beta-Glucan
In addition to its reparative powers, beta-glucan provides numerous benefits that improve the look and feel of all skin types. Here are seven of its top benefits that anyone can reap:
1. Intense Hydration
Dryness is one of the main reasons people look to establish a skincare routine. We’re all just trying to get that beautiful, healthy look. Beta-glucan is a humectant and is one of the only products that can provide intense hydration and prevent moisture loss. Beta-glucans have a similar structure to hyaluronic acid, butresearch shows they’re up to 20 percent more hydrating.
Beta-glucan works by penetrating the epidermis and dermis to provide deep, lasting hydration that plumps up the skin and makes it feel smoother. Beta-glucans also hydrate from the inside out. Beta-glucans make it possible for the skin to hold onto water long after penetrating deeply into the skin. If your face feels dull and dry, beta-glucans can help bring it back to life.
2. Versatility
Beta-glucan is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, and acne-prone skin, and it’s also a favorite among both men and women. This color, fragrance, and oil-free serum is incredibly versatile in the beauty industry. Anyone who wants to improve the look and feel of their skin should give beta-glucans a try.
3.Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Since beta-glucans come from mushrooms, they have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, burns, wounds, or dermatitis, beta-glucan can help alleviate any associated inflammation. This ingredient plays a crucial role in treating and preventing allergic reactions triggered by the immune system. If redness, rashes, or swelling brings you down, beta-glucans can help soothe these allergy symptoms.
4. Reduces Signs of Aging
When your skin is adequately hydrated, you can naturally fight off fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, as a sugar molecule, beta-glucan can bind to the various receptors in your body and boost collagen production. This powerful serum firms the skin and promotes collagen synthesis to rejuvenate and tighten. Your skin will appear firmer and more even through the application of beta-glucans.
5. Prevents UV damage
Excessive UV exposure produces harmful free radicals in your body, leading to premature aging and impaired skin immunity. Beta-glucans have antioxidative properties that protect the skin against free radicals and prevent the symptoms of sun damage, aging, hyperpigmentation, and cell damage. Beta-glucans strengthen the skin’s natural defenses and keep it on standby. That way, your skin can make up for the damage caused by sun aggressions and natural aging.
6. Plumps skin
When your skin is adequately hydrated, it will plump up and feel smoother. Beta-glucan can hold up to1,000 times its weight in water, which is why it’s so efficient at deeply penetrating skin. Its ability to hold so much water weight makes glucan more supple while plumping fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Creates a Skin Barrier
From sun radiation to air pollution, the world is full of environmental stressors that take a toll on your skin. Over time, smoke, smog, and the sun penetrate your skin’s natural barrier, causing problems with your skin. One of the best ways to combat these stressors is a topical application designed to strengthen your skin’s barrier.
Beta-glucan skincare products can help achieve this by keeping moisture in and nasty substances out. These products help you build up a barrier to keep your skin looking fresh no matter where you are.
How To Use Beta-Glucans
Beauty companies incorporate beta-glucans into various skincare products such asserums, moisturizers,masks, and creams. You can apply these products topically. In addition, you can take beta-glucan supplements to boost your skin’s health.
Another way to incorporate beta-glucans is through food consumption. Here are a few foods rich in beta-glucans:
- Oats.
- Whole grains.
- Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms.
- Barley.
- Seaweed.
As long as you’re not allergic to them or any of the foods listed above, beta-glucans are considered safe. You should use topical or oral beta-glucans if you face any of the following:
- Dry skin.
- Sensitive skin.
- Mature skin.
- Wrinkles or other signs of skin aging.
Enrich Your Skin With GetGlowing Skincare
If you’re ready to add beta-glucan into your skincare routine, GetGlowing Skincare has everything you need to get started. We offer an extensive line of Korean skincare products that won’t break the bank, including serums, facial moisturizers, masks and peels, sun protection, acne repair systems, and more. Our products are specially designed to clear your skin and make it glow from the inside out.
Check out our online store today to find new facial care products you’re sure to love! And if you need assistance,don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and recommend products that will perfectly fit your unique skin.