Beta-glucan is a sugar molecule that is making a name for itself in cosmetics. With outstanding antioxidant, moisturizing, and healing properties, beta-glucan has the potential to become as popular as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
This article lays out nine beta-glucan benefits for the skin, explaining why skin care manufacturers are increasingly including this ingredient in their products.
9 Beta Glucan Benefits for Skin
Beta-glucans are a group of polysaccharides (sugars) made up of glucose units linked by beta-glycosidic bonds. They have been extensively researched for their immunomodulating effects and are used in medicine as part of various treatments, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapies.
Studies on these molecules' effects on skin health are limited and inconclusive. However, early research suggests it can significantly improve skin conditions thanks to the following properties.
1. Antioxidant Properties
Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of skin aging, degrading collagen fibers and skin cell functions. Beta-glucan works as an antioxidant and immunomodulator, helping to protect the skin and body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It scavenges free radicals, helps remove toxins, and reduces inflammation resulting from oxidative damage. Beta-glucan’s antioxidant activity helps to alleviate inflammatory conditions and rejuvenate the skin.
Note: Learn why antioxidants in skin care are important and which nutrients are the most potent antioxidants.
2. Fights Inflammation
Chronic inflammation results from a prolonged immune response to health-damaging factors, such as pollution, allergens, bacterial infections, and stress. In the skin, inflammation manifests as redness, itchiness, swelling, and dryness, which lead to premature aging.
Studies show beta-glucan inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, helping to reduce inflammation and its impact on the skin. As a prebiotic, beta-glucan may support the growth of beneficial bacteria that also have anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Modulates the Immune Response
Beta-glucan interacts with various immune cells, including macrophages, monocytes, and NK cells, which kill germs, fight infections, and clear dead or damaged cells. It also stimulates the production of growth factors and cytokines, essential for tissue repair and skin cell proliferation. These immunomodulating activities help the skin heal and regenerate faster and may help alleviate conditions like acne, atopic dermatitis, and allergic reactions.
4. Improves Hydration
Beta-glucan exhibits powerful humectant and moisturizing properties. It can bind water molecules to increase skin hydration and form a thin layer on the skin’s surface to prevent water loss. Moisturizing ingredients like beta-glucan are very effective at combatting skin conditions related to compromised skin barrier and are in important part of anti-aging skin care.
Our skin experts at Vibrant Skin recommend Desert Vibe, an innovative moisture-boosting formula with beta-glucan and other powerful anti-aging ingredients, including Lactobacillus ferment, wild indigo, and monk fruit.
5. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is part of the skin’s surface layer that retains moisture and protects the skin from external factors like UV radiation, chemical toxins, and pathogens. A compromised skin barrier and dehydration leads to various skin concerns, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne.
With potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoprotective properties, beta-glucan promotes natural barrier function and strengthens the skin’s defenses against physical damage and aging factors. It is found in many skincare products for conditions related to dry skin and is FDA-approved for treating psoriasis.
6. Microbiome-Friendly
In recent years, beta-glucans have been studied as potential prebiotics – foods that feed health-promoting gut and skin microbiota, inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Evidence suggests they can increase the amount of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and other health-promoting bacteria. Together, prebiotics and probiotics improve skin hydration, build more collagen, and strengthen the skin barrier, creating a firmer, plumper complexion.
7. Anti-UV Effects
Excessive sun exposure is detrimental to skin health. It degrades structural skin proteins and skin cells’ DNA, leading to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other aging signs. By exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, beta-glucan can protect the skin from UV radiation and help repair sun damage.
8. Anti-Aging
Beta-glucan is used in skin care as a potent anti-aging ingredient. It can deeply penetrate the skin and stimulate fibroblasts (cells that help form connective tissue) to increase collagen production. Its collagen-promoting, humectant, and anti-UV effects significantly reduce wrinkles, pigmentation, rough texture, and other aging signs.
9. May Improve Scar Tissue
Beta-glucan can potentially help with scar tissue by stimulating the skin's natural remodeling process. It encourages healthy tissue regeneration and improves the appearance and texture of scars by stimulating growth factors essential for wound healing and modulating the inflammatory response at the wound site.
How Quickly Does Beta Glucan Work?
According to research, when applied topically, beta-glucan shows noticeable results on the skin within as little as ten days, with visible reductions in wrinkles and improved skin texture. Skin experts generally recommend consistent use over several weeks for optimal results. Studies have shown significant improvements in wrinkle depth after eight weeks of treatment.
Here are some key points about beta-glucan and its topical effects:
- Quick, visible changes - Some users may see initial improvements in skin hydration and appearance within the first few days of using beta-glucan products.
- Wound healing benefits - Beta-glucan is particularly effective for wound healing, with studies showing a noticeable reduction in wound size within a couple of weeks of application.
- Skin barrier function - Beta-glucan's main benefit is its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, leading to improved skin texture and reduced irritation over time.
- Anti-aging benefits - It takes longer to reduce more prominent aging signs like wrinkles. Consistent use is essential in achieving satisfactory results.
Conclusion
Beta-glucan is a multi-functional ingredient that brings your skin health to a new level. It is gaining popularity in skin care because of its exceptional ability to retain moisture, hydrate, soothe the skin, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is ideal for sensitive and aging skin, helping reduce redness, inflammation, and visible wrinkles.
Look for products in Vibrant Skin’s new skincare line featuring beta-glucan, such as Vibrant Defense serum, Vibrant Spot On blemish treatment serum, and Vibrant Desert Vibe moisture-boosting serum. They will nourish your skin and enhance its natural repair mechanisms, resulting in a rejuvenated, vibrant look.
