Does Lanolin Tighten Skin?

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Women are always looking for ways to make their skin appear youthful, supple, and healthier. In this case, most women look for anti-aging skin care creams that can keep their skin tightened enough.

Lanolin is one of the best skin care products out on the market. But my question is when it comes to skin tightening, does it really work?

No, Lanolin does not tighten the skin. Instead, it is an excellent moisturizer that plumps up the skin and reduces water loss. Most buyers believe that lanolin fights wrinkles and fine lines, but that is far from the truth. There is no scientific evidence to prove lanolin’s anti-aging properties.

In this article, I will explore the wonders lanolin can do for the skin. You will find this ingredient listed on most skincare product labels, and for good reason. Let’s discover what this magical substance can do for your skin.

What is Lanolin?

Lanolin is an emollient, a moisturizing substance that can be applied to the skin directly. It hydrates the skin, covering it in a protective film to lock the moisture. ~ WebMD

It softens the skin to reduce itching and flaking. So, lanolin is mainly used for dry, scaly, and irritated skin and can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and even skin burns.

Lanolin For Skin Tightening: Does It Really Work?

When the elastin and collagen production slow down, your skin will turn to loose instead of tightening.  So, the science behind skin tightening is that the product you are using should have the capacity to increase elastin and collagen production.

If lanolin has such an ingredient that can stimulate elastin and collagen production, then yes, you can say that lanolin is good for skin tightening.

But there is no such proof, and I don’t find any evidence to raise my voice by saying – Yes, “Lanolin works for skin tightening”.

Well, I am not here to prove Lanolin is a harmful ingredient; instead, I will say it is a mildly comedogenic component. My point of order is to discover the truth, is Lanolin good for skin tightening or not?

Let’s analyze what Dr. Alyson Wells (medical director, Valley Plastic Surgery and Medi-spa) said over this point. I hope the following quote by Dr. Alyson will clear up the controversy.

He quoted that we should avoid using skincare products with lanolin for skin tightening. Mr.Wells, said it because he found lanolin is highly responsible for increasing the risk of contact dermatitis (allergic skin reaction).

In a word, I agree with his statement and instead of using lanolin, I will suggest you use firming creams.

Note: When researching, I found some studies trying to prove that firming creams can be good for skin tightening that contain Retinoids.

Is Lanolin Good for Wrinkles?

If you check the ingredient labels on most anti-aging skincare products, you will find “lanolin oil” or “lanolin alcohol” mentioned on most of them.

This is purely why most buyers think lanolin can be used to fight signs of aging including wrinkles, fine lines, etc. But that’s just a misconception.

Lanolin does not reduce wrinkles. There is no scientific evidence that suggests that this ingredient has anti-aging effects on the skin.

However, lanolin can hold twice its weight in water. Since it moisturizes and plumps the skin, it may prevent wrinkles from appearing on the skin’s surface.

Note: Lanolin is used to treat dryness since it increases the moisture retention properties of the skin. This property helps keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay.

Also Read: Can I Use Lanolin for Skin Lightening? (Explained)

Can You Use Lanolin Under Your Eyes?

Yes, you can use lanolin under your eyes but keep in mind that it is an allergen and should be avoided if you’re allergic to it.

Lanolin moisturizes the skin, so it’s a good ingredient to use if you have dry or scaly skin.

You can also use this emollient before you apply concealer for a more flawless finish. Since lanolin hides fine lines and wrinkles, applying it before makeup will give you a smoother and younger-looking finish.

Does Lanolin Help with Scars?

Because lanolin is a moisturizing agent, it can help with scars. You can apply it to areas where acne scars are most visible to speed up the healing process and provide ample moisture to skin cells.

A study conducted on wound healing and lanolin cream showed that lanolin is an effective ingredient when it comes to improving dermis thickness, epithelization rate, and boosting cell count. ~ PubMed Central

Related Posts:
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-Does Orgaid Sheet Mask Prevent Wrinkles?

Does Lanolin Clog Pores?

Lanolin is an emollient, so it’s natural to ask whether it will clog pores or not. It protects the skin against harsh weather conditions and soothes dry, or chapped skin.

Despite its hydrating nature, lanolin keeps the skin hydrated on the outside and does not clog pores.

Lanolin forms a coating on the skin’s surface, preventing the moisture from escaping while allowing the skin to breathe, at the same time. ~ Frank Lipman (MD Manhattan-based dermatologist), renowned functional medicine physician.

Tip: Don’t use lanolin too frequently.  If you have oily skin, use small amounts of lanolin to prevent your skin from overproducing sebum. 

Can Lanolin Give You a Rash?

Just like any other skincare ingredient, lanolin also has some side effects. Lanolin can cause an allergic reaction, especially if you’re allergic to wool. It’s also not recommended for people with oil or congested skin because it can worsen inflammation.

Lanolin is occlusive and may irritate sensitive or cracked skin types, leading to allergic reactions and inflammation. It is also slightly comedogenic, increasing the risk of severe allergic reactions. ~ Shilp Jain, MS (endocrinologist in San Francisco)

Note: Don’t forget to do a patch test before you apply lanolin to the skin. This will prevent any unwanted allergic reactions.

Is Lanolin Good for Your Nails?

Yes, lanolin is an excellent ingredient for your nails. When you apply this waxy substance to your cuticles, it forms a protective layer on the delicate areas near your nails.

Lanolin doesn’t just protect your cuticles from damage but also seals moisture in your cuticles which promotes healthy nails.

Doctors often recommend products containing lanolin for people who have severely fraying nails or dry nails. Lanolin oil hydrates the hands and the cuticles, encouraging nail growth. ~ Cynthia Bailey, MD

How Often Should I Use Lanolin?

You can use lanolin daily but it’s best to apply it overnight to reap its benefits. Leaving it on your skin for a long amount of time will ensure it fully penetrates the skin and maximizes water retention.

Lanolin is a common ingredient in many skincare products. So, using it daily is not going to cause any problems for the skin.

However, the correct way to use lanolin mostly depends on the product you’re using. It would be best to carefully go through the instructions given and perform a patch test before you apply any lanolin-based product to your skin.

Does Lanolin Expire?

Lanolin does not have a “best before” date since it doesn’t contain water that would promote bacteria growth. Its shelf life is estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 years. But this varies from product to product.

Most dermatologists recommend using it within 12 months of opening the product. It’s best to store lanolin products in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent bacteria growth and ensure it’s safe to use.

Is Lanolin Vegan and Cruelty-free?

Lanolin is derived from sheep. So, you might never find vegan lanolin oil because it’s a by-product of sheep that are reared for slaughter which means it’s rarely ever cruelty-free.

That being said, it’s important to note that the lanolin extraction process causes no harm to the sheep.

The sheep’s wool is put into a centrifuge machine which extracts the oil from the debris and chemicals. This process is mostly performed when the sheep are sheared.

Final Thought

Although lanolin can’t be a direct solution to skin tightening, but it leaves lots of benefits. After reading this article, I’m sure you have discovered the benefits that lanolin offers to the skin.

From preventing the formation of wrinkles to keeping the skin hydrated, it helps nourish the skin in several ways.

However, just like any other ingredient, the key is to use lanolin in moderation. Applying too much may cause your skin to break out, which is everyone’s least favorite part.