DIY ingredients: β-glucan for skin renewal

I’m currently hooked on adding ingredients directly into my serum or using the ingredients directly on my skin. Current love includes capsules containing L-Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine and Niacinamide from the Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin C Supplement. Although I don’t like the powdery residue left on my skin, but I have to say it is really performing. I’m almost done with the 60 capsules now and I see a mark improvement in my skin texture. Today, I’m going to bring your attention to another ingredient that I want to get my hands on – beta-glucan, a component extracted from oats that has multiple skin beneficial properties including moisturizing, wound healing, cell renewal, protection against UVA/UVB damage and reduction in hyperpigmentation.

Benefits of beta-glucan
Based on research from various sources, beta-glucan used in skin care is useful for collagen production and scar care. According to information from the Garden of Wisdom, “beta-glucan is a soluble fibre found in the cell walls of oat kernels. As a natural polymer, beta glucan stimulates the immune system and is used in products designed to help heal wounds faster. As an ingredient in personal care products, beta-glucan features the ability to induce cellular activities which lead to the restructuring of skin, resulting in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles”.

Beta-glucan is a linear polymer consisting of glucose molecules linked together in a particular fashion. It has a long history of safe use in skin care and dermatology as a long-lasting, film-forming moisturizer. It has also been shown to work as anti-irritant and to speed up healing of shallow abrasions and partial thickness burns. Beta-glucan appears to enhance wound healing through several mechanisms including the stimulation of collagen deposition, activation of immune cells and so forth. Beta-glucans are found in various natural sources, such as cereals and yeast; oat beta-glucan being the most active (SmartSkinCare.com).

My experience with beta-glucan
After my first derma rolling demo at the workshop, I’ve had a serum containing beta-glucan applied on my skin afterwards. The result was pretty remarkable and the improvement in my skin texture was noticeable. I didn’t use it every time after I did my own rolling but the difference was apparent when I do not use the serum after some of my rolling sessions. Granted, the serum has crystalized EGF or Epidermal Growth Factor, which is a protein that works to heal and repair the stratum corneum by directly stimulating proliferation of growth factor receptors. It’s actually like a growth hormone and so I don’t want to use it often. Hence, I’m now looking to get the beta-glucan on its own but have no luck for a month now because all stocks are out.

Can’t use the ingredient excessively
Meanwhile, I’ve been reading lots of positive reviews on the ingredient. However, I also noted that some ladies at the EDS forum had mentioned that their skin started to develop a bit of “gross stuff” after using soluble Beta-glucan over time. I tried to recall my experience and yes, I did notice some unusual whiteheads when I applied a lot of the serum one time. So I believe that you can’t overdo the concentration with this ingredient. The product at Garden of Wisdom stated a 1% concentration and so I’m guessing that’s probably about right.

Has anyone had experience using beta-glucan in their skin care formulation or used the product from GOW?

Comments

  1. AtelierGal says:

    you got me checking all my serums for this ingredient ?

    I also have the problem of serums ‘flaking’ when applying on moisturizers. Any reason for this since I tend to use a 5-10 minute interval between products.

  2. sesame says:

    Sounds like the serum is drying and causing the flaking…

  3. zhenling says:

    hi sesame,

    i remember that your derma rolling workshop was done at true beauty. do they offer such services? i cant seem to find info on their site thanks!

  4. Natalja says:

    After reading your post I wanted to buy a derma roller on Amazon. But there are so many, for various prices. Hard to figure out whech one to get. At first glance they look sort of the same. After using yours, are you happy with it, or would try something else? I am confused about which one to buy…

  5. sesame says:

    The website is not updated but yes, they offer. They don’t really promote it cos they only introduce to clients to really need. I understand they sell the kit and provide maybe 5 to 6 times of free rolling along with it. Not sure of the price though…you may like to call and ask.

  6. sesame says:

    Yes, there are many rollers. I read up the reviews at EDS forum and finally settled on the MTS one cos it has the most number of needles on the web that I could find. I have the one that was used at the workshop and that one is 600 but not on sale online.

    I searched and found out that the MTS one is used by one of the dermatologists here so I guess it should be quite good and that’s why I bought it. It’s serving me well. Comes in a nice case and I have no issues with it.

    Maybe you want to read up what the gals at the Essential Day Spa Forum are saying before deciding…just that it is a really long thread.

  7. Natalja says:

    I will, thank you.I don’t mind reading a lot, if fact I would love to. Always curious about something new that keeps the “passage of time” at bay ?

  8. sesame says:

    Yes, it’s good to read cos different pple have different perspective and experience. I read a good part of the thread before deciding to try it and get the roller myself.

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