Benefits Of Lanolin In Skincare
Lanolin is a waxy substance that sheep naturally produce to protect their wool. Because lanolin's properties are similar to those of the sebum (oil) secreted by human skin, it is a popular ingredient in moisturizers, hair care products, and soaps.
It has quite a few benefits on your skin and can show great moisturizing ability. In this article, we will discuss how it is beneficial to your skin.
1. Helps in reducing water loss from the skin
Lanolin can hold up to 400% of its weight in moisture, so it helps quench your skin’s thirst. It also assists in improving and healing broken skin, leaving your skin rejuvenated.
2. Keeps your skin moisturized
Lanolin is widely used in skin medications to treat rough, dry, and scaly skin. It can also heal skin burns, rashes, and minor itches. This is because lanolin is an excellent emollient and reduces water loss.
When you apply lanolin over your daily moisturizer, it forms a layer on your skin to trap water and enhance the product’s efficacy.
3. Mimics an anti-aging Agent
Lanolin oil or lanolin alcohol themselves do not have any anti-aging property. The moisturizing properties of lanolin keep the skin hydrated and plump. This may help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Helps in treating chapped lips
Lanolin oil has a similar effect on your lip as it has on your skin. It is widely used in lip balms. Unlike other moisturizing ingredients that only affect the superficial layers of the skin, lanolin penetrates beyond these layers and helps hydrate the deeper layers.
5. Helps in conditioning your hair
Thanks to the moisture-retaining property of lanolin oil, it is also an active ingredient that helps fight dry and frizzy hair. However, it only works on wet or damp hair as lanolin can only trap moisture but cannot hydrate your hair by itself. Using lanolin oil in your hair care regimen gives you soft, silky and smooth hair.
6. Helps in treating sore and cracked nipples
Lanolin is traditionally used to improve cracked and sore nipples during breastfeeding. However, avoid it if you are allergic to wool. Consult a doctor before using lanolin to avoid any harmful reactions.
7. Is an active ingredient in your manicure-pedicure regime
Lanolin oil also helps to moisturize your finger and toenails. This helps to prevent cracking and chipping of nails. It also strengthens brittle cuticles and makes your nails smooth and brings a healthy shine to them.
8. May Heal Sunburns
Lanolin has moisturizing properties. It prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin hydrated to reduce the burning sensation, minimize peeling, and soothe sunburned skin.
Takeaway
Lanolin oil is a waxy substance secreted by sheep that’s hydrating and conditioning. These moisturizing properties make it a popular ingredient in many skin and hair care products. Lanolin is a great, natural way to add some more moisture to your skincare or beauty routine.
Always do a patch test before applying lanolin to see how your body will react.
