All You Need to Know About Beta Glucans
Many of us may have heard of the Beta Glucan ingredient in passing, but never thought too much about it since there are already so many other hyped-up ingredients to love. The truth is, it’s an absolute underdog of an ingredient that is slowly working its way up the ranks.
What’s so special about it, you ask? Well, according to some studies, Beta Glucans have been shown to hold 20% MORE moisture than one of the most popular hydrating ingredients of all time, Hyaluronic Acid! 💦 Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s find out more about Beta Glucans, the ultra-moisturising ingredient that’s giving everyone’s beloved Hyaluronic Acid a serious run for its money 🧐
What are Beta Glucans?
My Health Ways
Beta Glucans (written as β-glucans) are polysaccharide sugars derived from certain foods - most commonly mushrooms, oats and yeast. They are also found in the cell walls of algae, fungi, bacteria and lichens. While they are only just starting to rise in skincare, the effects of Beta Glucan have actually been studied for around 50 years. Their ability to boost the immune system when ingested makes them great for medication and general health. Beta Glucan supplements have been used to treat various issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, HIV/AIDS and cancer.
What are the benefits?
Beta Glucans have quite a number of skin benefits, but first and foremost, they are humectants that attract and retain moisture in your skin. They provide deep moisture and reinforce your skin barrier. Happy and well-hydrated skin promotes skin cell turnover, which in turn, also brings some much-needed anti-aging benefits. The result? Super plump and youthful-looking skin! 👶
Similarly to how it does with boosting the immune system, it also helps to heal and soothe the skin when applied topically. It’s a gentle ingredient that’s safe for all skin types to use, even sensitive or weakened skin.
When to use it?
Theoretically, you can pretty much use the Beta Glucan ingredient anytime you like! Of course, I’d still only recommend that you use it once or twice a day when you do your normal skincare routine. The good news is that, unlike exfoliants, the Beta Glucan ingredient can be layered multiple times with a very low chance of reaction. In fact, having multiple products that contain Beta Glucan in the same routine will only add to the overall effectiveness and have you seeing better, faster results. It’s not a fussy ingredient either, so you don’t have to worry too much about changing or alternating products in your routine for it 👍
Product Recommendations
iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
This serum contains 98% Beta Glucan - a surprisingly high concentration! It goes without saying that this serum will deliver all the full benefits of Beta Glucan mentioned above. Its viscose consistency leaves you feeling deeply moisturising without leaving a sticky residue.
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
This toner has a thicker consistency than typical toners and is, therefore, more hydrating. Its key ingredients, as well as amino acids, boost its soothing and moisturising properties. Despite its consistency, this toner does not feel heavy on the skin at all!
Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion EX
A lightweight lotion formulated with Peony Extract Extract for supple skin and smoother skin texture! Other ingredients include Mango Seed and Licorice Root Extracts to clarify and give nutrition to your skin.
So that’s it! Some speculate that the reason why Beta Glucan is not as popular as Hyaluronic Acid is that it is more expensive to produce. However, there are people working on developing new technology to make manufacturing costs more inexpensive. This means that we may be able to see Beta Glucan having its moment in the skincare community very soon!
Until next time,
Thanks for reading!
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