Uses of Glycerin for Hair and Skin

Glycerin is a natural emollient and has a cooling effect on skin. Being a humectant (which means that it attracts water, i.e. moisture), it draws oxygen into the skin thus helping it retain moisture. It can be used on hair too.

Benefits for hair:

While curly hair is beautiful to look at, it is in no way low-maintenance. If there is one word that fills every curly-haired girl with dread, it has to be frizz. Glycerin draws moisture from the air into the hair shaft. It works well as a conditioner since curly hair tends to get drier than other hair types because of the shape of the hair shaft.

Make a hydrating glycerin hair spray by mixing equal quantities of vegetable glycerin and water. You can add few drops of an essential oil of your choice. Shake well and spray on damp hair like a leave in treatment to get soft and manageable hair.

Benefits for skin:

Glycerin moisturises and helps skin cells mature. This does not mean it helps you age, rather it means healthy and mature cells are important for people with conditions like psoriasis. Glycerin accelerates the healing process, reduces bruising and promotes tissues and cells to repair themselves.

Mix one part glycerin with one part honey and two parts water or milk. Apply it on your face using a cotton ball. Rinse off after 20 minutes. You can add oatmeal in this mixture to get a thicker texture that is easier to apply on the face. Let it stay for about 20 minutes and then gently scrub it off from your face. Wash off with cold water. Tone and moisturize your skin as usual.

Take the equal quantities of glycerin and rose water and store it in a clean bottle. Use this mixture as your night time moisturizer for your face, hand and feet. If you have oily or combination skin then add the equal quantity of lemon juice as well.