Spotlight On: Beta Glucan  

Everyone wants to know more about what they’re putting on their skin and face. In this series, we will do a deep dive of trending skincare ingredients also found in your favorite ATEM products.

Beta Glucan- it’s the main ingredient in ATEM’s up and coming and new serum and dermatologists claim it’s giving hyaluronic acid a real run for its money. Let’s take a closer look.

Beta Glucan Health Benefits  

Beta- glucan is a long chain of carbohydrate sugar molecules (a “polysaccharide”) naturally found in many cereals, oats, grains, yeasts, and mushrooms. Beta glucan has been shown to have multiple positive health impacts, including lowering cholesterol, controlling blood sugar levels, inhibiting cancer cells, and strengthening immunity. Beta glucan pills have been given to individuals with high cholesterol, diabetes, HIV/ AIDS and other infections, and obesity. Although further research is needed to confirm, scientists hypothesize that beta glucan works by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed from food in the stomach and intestines. Beta glucans also stimulate the immune system by activating the number of immune cells known as macrophages that trap harmful attack pathogens. 

Recognizing the powerful health impacts of beta- glucans, skincare developers are extracting this molecule from food and using it to develop beauty products. This has been reflected primarily in lotions, creams and serums making use of how powerful beta glucan is as a hydrating and anti-aging element.

Beta Glucan in Skincare: Hugely Hydrating 

At its root, beta glucan is a humectant, which as we’ve seen here, are ingredients in lotions that attract water molecules like a magnet and help moisturize skin by drawing water from lower cell layers. It has a similar structure to hyaluronic acid, but studies have shown that beta glucan is actually 20% more hydrating than HA at similar concentrations. Beta glucans can penetrate the skin and epidermis to deeply moisturize the skin, reducing trans epidermal water loss and preventing an increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating plumped and well hydrated skin. Dermatologists believe that given its increased efficacy, beta glucans will soon replace hyaluronic acid as the next trending skincare ingredient, if it is not so already. Beta glucan has lower consumer recognition as compared to hyaluronic acid, primarily resulting from its higher cost to manufacture; however, breakthrough manufacturing technology could change that going forward.

Beta Glucan in Skincare: Astounding Anti- Aging 

Beta glucan has also been shown to have repairing properties that reverse aging skin damages. Beta glucan is used by medical professionals to enhance wound repair, and its restorative features helps in the treatment of dermatitis and eczema. The molecule is a film-forming linear polymer, which means that it links together to form a thin, undetectable barrier that enhances the natural protecting properties of the skin layer. This makes it ideal for those struggling with redness, irritation, or sun-damaged skin. Beta glucans are also high in antioxidants, important as we’re frequently exposed to oxidative stress from pollution and sun exposure. Finally, just like beta glucan is used by medical professionals to fight off infections in immune-compromised patients, it can also be used as a skincare ingredient to fight off bacteria and viruses that can disrupt the skin layer. By stimulating macrophages, beta glucans can help those with dry, cracked skin or those struggling with eczema or rosacea whose skin barrier function has been impaired.

            Try out ATEM’s Super-Age Defense Cream formulated with beta glucan to diminish appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and deliver ultimate moisturizing. Let us know what you think in the comments below or by reaching out to our team at hello@atemnyc.com !

Sources:

1.      “Beta-Glucans: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1041/beta-glucans

2.      Diaz, Alexis. “Ingredient Spotlight: How Beta Glucans Soothe and Firm Skin.” The Klog, 13 Apr. 2018, www.theklog.co/beta-glucans-ingredient-spotlight

3.      McLintock, Kaitlyn. “Introducing Beta Glucan, A Little-Known Skincare Ingredient With Big Potential.” Byrdie, Byrdie, 28 May 2020, www.byrdie.com/beta-glucan-skincare.