Before we dive into this super simple and very healing face mask/ moisture, I wanted to share some info on vegetable glycerin with you. I’ve discovered it is very beneficial for the skin and can be used in many different formulations for both internal and external use.
Vegetable glycerin is a clear, colorless and odorless liquid that is very sweet and has the consistency of syrup. It is obtained from plants (soy, palm or coconut) where it occurs as triglycerides. The hydrolysis or saponification of these triglycerides produces glycerin as well as fatty acid derivative.
Vegetable glycerin is has excellent moisturizing properties since it is both and emollient (keeps the skin smooth and moist by reducing evaporation from the skin's surface), and a humectant (attracts moisture from the air and condensing it onto the surface of the skin. Using vegetable glycerin is considered very safe as it has not known to cause allergies or irritation.
Vegetable glycerin has been shown to have many topical benefits, in addition to moisturizing. It has been shown to improve skin hydration, improve skin barrier functions, protect the skin from irritation, accelerate wound healing processes and it simply leaves the skin very feeling very smooth. It also has good properties that allow us to use it to extract plants.
I use vegetable glycerin in masks, lotions, spray deodorant, face toner, liquid soap, and kid-friendly tinctures. Since alcohol-based tinctures are not recommended to give to children, we use glycerin to extract plant goodness. This medicine is will likely be taken religiously, as it is so sweet.
Thanks to the rain the aloe leaves in our garden are just getting thicker and thicker, filling up with all that aloe goodness. I feel like they are begging to be harvested and used in different formulations. Fresh aloe gel has no preservatives so it oxidizes very quickly. I make up a batch and freeze it in ice cube trays and defrost as needed. For this mask I combine both aloe and glycerin for a boost of healing nourishment. This can also be a moisturizer for oily skin.
Harvest a thick aloe leaf and extract the inner gel: Cut the prickly sides off and then cut off the outer green layer to expose the gel. Blend the gel with a blend stick. Mix with an equal amount of vegetable glycerin. Add a lavender and geranium essential oil synergy. Apply a thin layer on clean skin. This mask can be left on as a moisturizer or can be washed off, as it has a sticky feeling.
What do you use glycerin for? Pls share in the comments.
