One of the most difficult parts of creating a skin-care routine that works for you is finding out what ingredients do and don’t work for your unique skin needs. Unlocking your superstar skin-care routine can take a lot of trial and error. Sometimes, it requires exploring beyond just what’s popular. That’s why we’re always looking for the next best thing to help diversify our portfolio of skin-saving products for all skin types.
When we think of superhero skin-care ingredients, a few key players come to mind: hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, you know the ones. But skin care is not one size fits all, and these key contributors are sometimes not what our skin needs. Enter beta-glucan: an ingredient I’ve heard murmurings about as the next best thing in the world of skin care. To find out more, we tapped the experts to find out exactly why it should be on your ingredient radar.
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What is beta-glucan?
While beta-glucan may sound like a high-tech ingredient, it actually comes from humble beginnings. “Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from oats, yeast or mushrooms,” Dr. Garshick begins. “It works by deeply hydrating the skin by serving as a humectant to draw moisture in, soothe irritation and support the skin barrier by locking in moisture. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Peterson echoes Dr. Garshick’s sentiments about the ultra-soothing and hydrating benefits and emphasizes the ingredient’s role as an antioxidant and collagen stimulator. “Beta-glucan plays a vital role in stimulating collagen production, thereby supporting skin elasticity and firmness,” she explains. “Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are invaluable, as they help to calm redness and shield the skin from environmental stressors.”
What does beta-glucan treat?
While most skin-care ingredients can serve many purposes, each tends to have its most popular benefit. Beta-glucan soothes and hydrates. “Beta-glucan is great for dry, sensitive and irritated skin,” Dr. Garshick says. “It helps with redness, dehydration and barrier repair, making it ideal for post-procedure care or compromised skin.” Peterson agrees, adding, “As a skin-care expert, I can tell you beta-glucan’s soothing properties make it particularly beneficial for sensitive or compromised skin. It functions by effectively locking in moisture and significantly boosting hydration levels, which is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.“
5 Expert Recommended Beta-Glucan Skin-Care Products to Try Now
Whether you have extra dry skin and irritation from the taxing winter months or you’re looking for a sensitive skin savior to add to your routine year-round, here are some of Dr. Garshick and Peterson’s favorite beta-glucan skin-care products.
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