Why panthenol is the miracle ingredient for dry and flaky skin

Cozy sweaters, hot chocolate and festive cheer—winters are truly magical. But winter can also wreak havoc on your skin and bring an onslaught of dry, flaky, red and inflamed symptoms. Harsher weather conditions can all contribute to this. But how can we deal with these less pleasant side effects of winter? Fortunately, it is possible to maintain a supple and radiant complexion all year long—you just need the right skincare ingredient. Enter: panthenol.

What is panthenol?

Panthenol is a chemical substance made from pantothenic acid, often known as vitamin B-5. It is known as provitamin B5 because, when applied topically, it transforms into pantothenic acid vitamin B5. Due to incredible panthenol skin benefits, it is a staple in many skincare and cosmetic products. Panthenol has received approval for use in cosmetics from both the European Commission on Cosmetic Ingredients and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since panthenol is a humectant, it retains and binds water, thus making it ideal when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated. But what separates it from other humectants like hyaluronic acid? This mega-hydrating ingredient has the added benefit of functioning as both a humectant and an emollient. Emollients fill in the skin's cracks to keep the moisture locked in, while humectants draw and bind water to the skin.

What are some common panthenol skin benefits?

The list of panthenol skin benefits is endless. In addition to its exceptional moisturizing properties, panthenol has a number of outstanding benefits, particularly when it comes to calming the skin and accelerating wound healing. Here are some common panthenol skin benefits you need to know:

• Repairs your natural skin barrier

The emollient properties of panthenol help in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Natural oils and lipids make up your skin's barrier, which shields it from pathogens, allergens, and water loss. A strong, healthy, intact barrier traps moisture inside and prevents it from escaping.

• Enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture

Skin hydration is one of the most popular panthenol skin benefits. Don't be deceived by the fact that panthenol is an alcohol-based derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol hydrates your skin, in contrast to alcohol, which is a skin-drying ingredient. This hydrating skincare ingredient penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and infuses water into the cells, which enables the skin to retain moisture deep inside the tissue. It will hydrate your skin and keep it soft and supple in the colder months.

• Maintains skin elasticity

Panthenol increases the skin's suppleness while also fortifying it, making skin more firm and elastic. It stabilizes the skin by increasing tissue regeneration and rebuilding damaged skin structure. All of this contributes to improving skin elasticity.

• Reduces inflammation

Panthenol is frequently found in ointments used to treat sunburns since research has proven that it has an anti-inflammatory effect on UV-induced redness. Another one of the panthenol skin benefits is that it helps reduce itchiness for people dealing with dermatitis.

How to use panthenol?

If you want to combat dry and flaky skin, you must incorporate panthenol into your skincare routine. Here are some effective products that will help you reap panthenol skin benefits: 

• Hydra Boost Gel

By Biolite’s Hydra Boost Gel gives your skin an instant burst of hydration and restores supple flexibility to dry skin. This product does a great job of moisturizing the deepest layers of skin as it is a combination of seven bioactive humectants we refer to as "Moisture Magnets," including panthenol, and moisture-filled liposomes called Moisture Zomes

Actions

• Instantly delivers moisture that lasts for hours
• Supple flexibility returns within seconds and lasts for several hours
• Boosts the moisturizing effect of any moisturizer

Skin Conditions

Dehydrated | Flaking | Acne-Prone | Exposure to Moisture-Dry Climates | Hormonal | Lacking Surface Flexibility | Dryness Due to Eczema | Skin Treated by Steam, Paraffin Masques or Collagen Blankets

Directions

Before applying moisturizer, massage one to two pumps of Hydra Boost Gel over clean skin, or combine with moisturizer for a one-step application. 

• Hydra Cleanser

It is important to switch to a hydrating cleanser in the colder months as harsh cleansers can strip off your skin of much-needed moisture. The Hydra Cleanser by By Biolite is a soap-free, luxuriously foaming gel cleanser that works to nourish dry, parched skin while also removing dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells. With soothing and hydrating ingredients like allantoin and panthenol, this cleanser makes for a perfect addition to your winter skincare routine.

Actions

• Calms, hydrates, and protects against moisture loss
• Thoroughly cleans pores without depleting the natural moisture
• Rinses thoroughly, leaving no film or residue behind
• Skin feels pleasant and fresh after use

Skin conditions

Slightly Dry | Combination | Normal | Slightly Oily | Dehydrated

Directions

Gently work into damp skin for a few seconds using your fingertips. Use warm water to thoroughly rinse.

• Hydra Toner

This refreshing blend of natural Sugars, hydrating panthenol and a biocompatible Copper complex scented with deliciously fragrant Lavender and Rose essential oils is a winter-must have. Hydra Toner is an excellent option for quenching dry skin and keeping it soft and supple.

Actions

• Instantly hydrates with a nourishing blend of 16 moisture-magnets
• Cools and refreshes on contact
• Saturates skin to maximize the effects of moisturizers and other treatments

Skin Conditions

Slightly Dry | Extremely Dry | Dehydrated

Directions

Apply after cleansing or anytime instant moisture is needed.

Makeup Application: Mist over makeup to set or revive makeup color.