Who does not want to have spotless skin? Everyone is looking for measures to eliminate discolouration, unwanted birthmarks, spots, and other scars. Though there are a lot of skin whiteners and skin lighteners out there, the majority prefer to seek out milder and natural options such as Glycerin.
However, the question is: can Glycerin effectively lighten the skin? Before we jump into what Glycerin can and cannot do, let us have a crash course on what Glycerin is.
Source: Dr Dray
Have you noticed that Glycerin is an ingredient in most skin and hair products? Whether it is a cream or soap, Glycerin is included because it moisturizes and smooths. Though it works very well with other ingredients, Glycerin can work just as well in its pure form.
Glycerin, in its pure form, is a gel-like liquid derived from animal or vegetable fat. It is mostly used as a humectant and an emollient in the beauty industry.
What does Glycerin do for the skin?
Glycerin is a humectant which allows the skin to trap or retain moisture. This means that with Glycerin, your skin is hydrated, smooth, and refreshed. As an emollient, it helps to soften the surface of your skin.
Can Glycerin lighten the skin?
To this day, no scientific evidence supports Glycerin as a skin lightener. Glycerin is scientifically proven to be a humectant and emollient and possesses anti-microbial and exfoliating properties.
However, there is no proof that it is a skin-lightening agent. Some people might mistake its ability to exfoliate the skin as lightening. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface to reveal newer, brighter-looking skin. Your skin might look brighter, and it may have a glow, but it does not become lighter.
How to use Glycerin to lighten the skin
Because Glycerin is not documented as a skin-lightening agent, you cannot use it solely to lighten your skin.
Pairing Glycerin with active skin lighteners will lighten your skin and smoothen, brighten, and soften. You could make a lightening serum by infusing some lemon juice into your Glycerin. Lemon juice brightens, lightens and exfoliates your skin.
Mix five drops of pure Glycerin with the juice from one lemon fruit and add a little rose water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it consistently (every day). Ensure you store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Better alternatives for skin lightening
If you aim to lighten your skin, here are effective alternatives to try out;
– Vitamin C
– Alpha arbutin
– Glycolic acid
– Kojic acid
– Lemon juice
– Carrot oil
– Prescribed and safe percentages of hydroquinone
– Retinoids
– Azelaic acid
Glycerin is used in the beauty industry as an emollient and humectant. Although there is no scientific evidence supporting its ability to lighten the skin, due to its exfoliating properties, it can brighten the skin.
