1,3 Beta Glucan is a new tool used in some skincare ranges. It’s a very powerful natural antioxidant that helps to strengthen the skin’s ability to protect itself on an ongoing basis from environmental damage and the ageing process. This remarkable antioxidant helps to improve the skin’s balance, assisting in its maintenance, thereby helping to minimise the appearance of fine lines and visible signs of ageing.
1,3 Beta Glucan has been extracted from the cell walls of baker’s or brewer’s yeast and research has shown it’s a very powerful stimulator of the immune system. 1,3 Beta Glucan activates the body’s immune system and so has important medical applications such as wound healing and other dermatological indications as well as support of the bone marrow, reduction of LDL and cholesterol, anti-infectious disease, and anti-cancer activity.
Research has shown that 1,3 Beta Glucan acts as a defence against infection and is a wound healer using factors such as Epidermal Growth Factor and Angiogenesis Factor — which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels — with immune cells also aiding in the decontamination by removing bacteria and dead tissue, and recruiting other cells of the white blood series which are active in the resolution of infection.
Beta Glucan also shows some sun-screening properties and reduces the burn of sun exposure while allowing tanning to take place without peeling. Beta Glucan has been shown to assist aged or wrinkled skins by increasing the production of the Epidermal Growth Factor. This increases the production of collagen and elastin thus improving the skin’s appearance and visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Beta Glucan is also beneficial for problem skins.
Beta Glucan in skincare has shown to:
- Increase cell renewal.
- Decrease the incidence blemishes.
- Increase collagen and elastin production.
- Improve thickness and elasticity of the skin.
- Reduce the number, depth and length of wrinkles.
- Reduce redness, irritation and roughness of the skin.
- Reduce the number and size of skin lesions.
- Reduce skin flakiness.
- Even out skin colour
Lydia Jordane is the founder of Lydia Jordane Skin Care and Lycon Cosmetics. She is a corrective skin care specialist and a beauty therapist. T: 1800 424 167, www.lydiajordane.com.au
