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Lanolin Oil, the Secrets Explained.
Lanolin oil is a secretion from sheep’s skin. It’s similar to human sebum, an oil secreted by the sebaceous glands that you may notice particularly on your nose.
The purpose of lanolin is to condition and protect sheep’s wool. This conditioning property is why the substance is now widely used in human cosmetics, skin care, and hair products.
Lanolin oil is extracted by putting sheep’s wool through a centrifuge machine that separates the oil from other chemicals and debris. The process is performed after the sheep is sheared so the extraction of lanolin oil causes no harm to the sheep.
Benefits of Lanolin for Skin
Every dry skin which can go from tight, cracked skin, to rough, scaly patches—benefits from Lanolin.
- Lanolin has a Lightweight feel:Lanolin forms a non-occlusive barrier, which means it doesn't smother the skin or feel too heavy. It can even be used as a makeup remover.
- Lanolin is Incredibly healing: Its emollient properties soften and heal aggravated areas by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin. Those with dry, scaly patches are likely to find relief.
- Retains moisture: Lanolin is fantastic at keeping moisture trapped within the skin. Its emollient nature makes it a key ingredient in many face creams, as it amps up the moisturizing properties of other ingredients: "It is widely prevalent in skincare for its emollient and film-forming properties as it has a waxy feel to it," says Jain. "It has been used for its moisturizing, soothing, humectant, and emulsifying properties in thick creams for face and body."
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Lanolin doesn't retain so much moisture, it may plump the skin and fill in fine lines and face wrinkles, which makes it successful when formulating anti-aging products.
- Heals chapped lips:Lanolin can penetrate the moisture barrier of the lips, as opposed to just sitting right on top. This makes it an excellent option for healing dry, chapped lips. Lanolin is also featured in many overnight lip masks—giving you plump, hydrated lips while you sleep.
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