Polysaccharide

Those seeking to improve their skin's health and appearance have likely come across the term 'polysaccharides'. With an ever-growing demand for natural skincare products, polysaccharides continue to stand out due to their numerous skin-boosting benefits.

What are Polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are essentially long chains of monosaccharide units or simple sugars like glucose and fructose. They are categorized as complex carbohydrates and exist abundantly in nature, including foods such as legumes, grains, and potatoes. Aside from energy storage and structure functions in plants and animals, polysaccharides hold significant value within the aesthetic skincare realm.

Polysaccharides' Role in Skin Care

Polysaccharides perform multiple roles when incorporated into skincare formulations. Their most notable property is their ability to function as a humectant - attracting water molecules towards the skin surface. This greatly assists with hydration retention, leading to softer, more supple skin.

More interestingly, certain types of polysaccharides can form a thin protective layer on the skin surface acting as an effective barrier against environmental stressors like pollution. One notable example is hyaluronic acid (link), a naturally occurring polysaccharide that can hold up 1000 times its weight in water.

Moreover, they also exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties which can alleviate conditions such as acne or rosacea. For instance, aloe vera, rich in polysaccharides like acemannan, is frequently used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Natural Sources of Polysaccharides

Various plant extracts rich in polysaccharides are utilized within skincare formulations. Examples include mushrooms like tremella (link) known for their hydration abilities surpassing even that of hyaluronic acid. Seaweeds too are condensed sources of polysaccharides and have been used in skincare for their antioxidant and skin brightening properties.

In conclusion, polysaccharides play an essential role in aesthetic skincare. They contribute towards skin hydration, protection and health promotion, making them a worthy ingredient in any skin-care routine.