Why is beta-glucan so valuable for the skin?

What is beta-glucan?

Beta-glucan is a powerful natural plant ingredient derived from the germ layer of oat grains. Yeast and certain mushrooms such as shiitake or reishi are also rich in beta-glucan. Chemically, it is a polysaccharide (complex sugar). Beta-glucan has been intensively studied in scientific studies for years, demonstrating its versatile effectiveness. It is extremely well tolerated, has no unwanted side effects, and is therefore particularly recommended for very sensitive skin. This powerful bioactive ingredient is an essential ingredient in myrto day creams, face masks, night creams, and facial serums. Beta-glucan is particularly valuable for the skin for several reasons.

Benefits of beta-glucan in facial care

In facial care, people with a weakened skin barrier, problematic skin, or highly sensitive skin particularly benefit from this potent active ingredient. These are the key benefits of beta-glucan in skin care:

• Strengthening the skin barrier: Beta-glucan supports the production of ceramides and other lipids (fats) in the skin. A strong skin barrier is important for locking in moisture and protecting the skin from damaging external influences.
• Deep hydration: Beta-glucan moisturizes and sustainably improves skin's moisture levels. Beta-glucan has the ability to bind moisture in the upper layers of the skin and minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

• Anti-inflammatory & soothing properties: Beta-glucan inhibits inflammation and soothes the skin. It reduces redness, itching, and irritation. Beta-glucan helps relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or rosacea and restores balance to stressed skin.
• Improved wound healing: Beta-glucan promotes the formation of new skin cells and supports the healing process of pimples, acne scars, and other skin injuries.
• Repairs cell damage: Beta-glucan has the ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage and accelerate skin aging. Due to its powerful antioxidant effect, beta-glucan is able to repair cell damage and slow down skin aging.
• Booster for the skin's immune system: Beta-glucan can activate certain immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which fight off pathogens and infections on the skin.
• Preventive skin protection against UV damage: With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, beta-glucan helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage. This doesn't mean the skin doesn't need additional sun protection.
• Activation of collagen production: Collagen is a protein that improves skin firmness and elasticity. By stimulating collagen production, beta-glucan slows down skin aging (slow aging). Fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed, and the skin appears firmer and more youthful.

Benefits of beta-glucan in scalp and hair care

Beta-glucan also offers important benefits in scalp and hair care and is an essential ingredient in myrto organic scalp serums, organic conditioners and organic hair masks:

• Antimicrobial properties: Beta-glucan protects the scalp from harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Beta-glucan thus promotes a healthy microbiome and restores the scalp's natural balance.
• Stimulation of keratin production: Beta-glucan stimulates the Langerhans cells, which produce keratin. Hair is approximately 90% keratin.
• Heat protection: Beta-glucan coats the hair shaft with an elastic film, providing immediately effective heat protection. Beta-glucan protects hair from heat-induced damage caused by styling tools such as curling irons, flat irons, or hair dryers.
• Improved hair structure: Beta-glucan moisturizes damaged hair, keeping it elastic and resilient, and thus preventing breakage.

Conclusion

Beta-glucan is one of the most effective active ingredients in skincare. With its ability to soothe stressed and problematic skin, deeply moisturize, protect against environmental damage, and strengthen the skin barrier, beta-glucan is ideal for hypoallergenic care and highly sensitive skin.