Beta-Glucans for Skin: Why They are a Must-Have for Your Skin

  • What Are Beta-Glucans?
  • What Do Beta-Glucans Do For The Skin?
  • How To Use Beta Glucans For Skin
  • Who Should Use Them?

What Are Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans or ß-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of yeast, bacteria, fungi, cereals, and oats. They are dietary fibers and can control chronic metabolic diseases by lowering cholesterol levels, improving immunity, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and inhibiting cancer cells. They also help maintain skin health when consumed or applied topically (1).

In dermatology, beta-glucans are used in personal care products. They promote wound healing, moisturize the skin, and have anti-aging effects. They improve the skin’s resilience to infections (1). They are especially beneficial for sensitive skin, may help soothe symptoms of eczema and dermatitis, and protect the skin.

What Do Beta-Glucans Do For The Skin?

1. Hydrate The Skin

Beta-glucan extracted from oats can hydrate and moisturize your skin. It can penetrate deep into the dermis (second layer) and improve skin roughness (2). It also increases the efficacy of the product.

2. Reduce Signs Of Aging

Oat-derived beta-glucan can rejuvenate the skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates the fibroblast cells to promote collagen production and cell renewal process to tighten the skin and minimize crow’s feet in eight weeks to give you a youthful appearance (2).

3. Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Beta-glucan derived from mushrooms has antioxidant and 4614/ ' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >anti-inflammatory properties (3). This might help alleviate inflammation caused by skin conditions like eczema, burns, wounds, and dermatitis. Beta-glucans play an important role in treating and preventing allergic reactions triggered by the immune system (4). These properties make them effective agents for soothing allergy symptoms like skin rashes, redness, and swelling.

4. Prevent UV Damage

Excessive UV exposure produces harmful free radicals in your body, one of the main factors that cause photodamage and photoaging. The antioxidative properties of beta-glucans protect the skin against 150296' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >free radical damages and prevent signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and cell damage (1).

You can use beta-glucans orally and topically to reap their skin benefits (5). Here is how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.

How To Use Beta Glucans For Skin

You can use serums, moisturizers, creams, and other skin care products with beta-glucans. You can also consume foods rich in beta-glucans to maintain your skin and overall health. You can eat:

    Oats
  • Whole grains
  • Seaweed
  • Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms
  • Barley

Beta-glucans are considered safe (both orally and topically)(5). They do not have any serious side effects unless you are allergic to them or any of the foods listed above. Let’s understand who can use or consume beta-glucans.

Who Should Use Them?

You can use topical (or oral) beta-glucans if you have:

  • Dry and sensitive skin
  • Mature skin
  • Wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging signs

You can consume beta-glucans if you want to boost:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Immune function

However, avoid consuming beta-glucans (through supplements or foods) if you have certain medical conditions like:

  • Asthma
  • Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis

This is because beta-glucans can further trigger the already overactive immune system in people with these conditions.

To Conclude

Beta-glucans work as humectants that hydrate your skin and prevent environmental damage. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are especially beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. You can consume foods rich in beta-glucans or use products containing them to obtain all the benefits. However, before consuming them or taking supplements, consult a doctor to avoid any adverse effects.

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