Underrated skincare heroes, especially the ones whose names sound more or less like a chemistry lesson rarely get credits. One such gem is "Panthenol". It is derived from Pantothenic Acid. It is a chemical substance found in food items, makeup, skin, and everyday products. But why in skincare? Let us dig deeper and find out! 

First Things First! What is Panthenol?

Panthenol is a water-soluble vitamin which when applied topically, transforms into pantothenic acid, a paramount crucial in maintaining skin health. It is a precursor that the body can convert into vitamin B5. It binds to and holds water ensuring a healthy skin barrier.

Benefits of Panthenol for Skin:

Panthenol is used in skin care essentials because it offers multi-benefits. 

1. Heals Dry & Dehydrated Skin:

Panthenol is both a humectant and an emollient, implying it draws and retains moisture from the surroundings. It prevents transepidermal water loss by forming a barrier on the skin's surface, making it an indispensable ingredient for dry skin.

2. Soothes Sensitive Skin: 

Its anti-inflammatory properties help individuals with delicate or irritated skin. It aids in soothing redness, itching, and inflammation, making it an extraordinary choice for those with eczema or sunburn.

3. Enhances Skin Barrier:

The skin barrier acts as the body's defense against environmental aggressors, preventing moisture loss and protecting against harmful substances. Panthenol aids in reinforcing this barrier, helping the skin retain its natural moisture and shielding it from potential damage.

4. Rescue:

Panthenol comes to the rescue when the skin undergoes damage due to factors like UV radiation, pollution, or aging. It encourages skin cell regeneration and collagen production, leading to faster recovery and a more youthful complexion.

5. Suitable for All Ages:

Panthenol's versatility makes it suitable for all ages. Whether you're in your twenties dealing with acne-prone skin or in your fifties seeking anti-aging, panthenol caters to a wide range of skin concerns and ages.

Panthenol for Lips

Daily exposure to environmental factors can leave our lips dry and chapped. Enter panthenol, the skin superhero we've come to know and love for its remarkable benefits.

Benefits of Panthenol for Lips 

• Dry and Cracked lips are no match for Panthenol's hydrating powers. It nourishes the delicate skin on your lips, replenishes lost moisture, and leaves lips soft and supple.

• Panthenol's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritation and redness. It also strengthens the lip barrier.

• If you're prone to lip irritation, panthenol can accelerate the healing process, allowing your lips to recover faster from environmental damage and everyday wear.

• Smooth, well-hydrated lips provide the perfect canvas for lipstick and lip gloss. By incorporating panthenol into your lip care routine, you'll create an ideal base for flawless lip makeup application.

Additional Lip Care Tips:

• Incorporate Panthenol into Your Lip Care Routine: Look for lip balms or ointments that contain Panthenol as one of the key ingredients. Apply them throughout the day, especially before bedtime, to keep your lips moisturized and protected.

• Exfoliate Regularly: To maintain healthy lips, exfoliate them gently once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote better product absorption.

• Keep Your Hydration Game Strong: Drinking an adequate amount of water daily not only benefits your overall health but also keeps your lips hydrated from within.

• Protect from Sun Exposure: Lips are prone to sunburn, so don't forget to apply a lip balm with SPF when you're exposed to the sun.

• Avoid Licking Your Lips: Saliva can dry out your lips further, leading to more chapping. Instead, reach for a hydrating lip balm whenever your lips feel dry.

Things to Remember

When incorporating panthenol into your skincare routine, it's essential to consider how it interacts with other active ingredients. Layering skincare actives correctly ensures they work synergistically and maximizes their benefits. Here are some tips for layering panthenol with other skincare actives:

• Patch Play: Before using any new combination of skincare actives, always perform a patch test to ensure your skin can tolerate the products together without causing irritation or adverse reactions.

• Start Slow: Introduce one activity at a time to your skincare routine and observe how your skin responds before adding another. This allows you to identify any potential issues and adjust accordingly.

• Alternate Actives: Some active ingredients may have conflicting pH levels or usage instructions that make them less effective when used simultaneously. In such cases, consider using them on alternate days or during different parts of your skincare routine.

• Avoid Mixing Directly: While some people enjoy creating DIY skincare concoctions, it's generally best to avoid mixing active ingredients directly unless recommended by a skincare professional. Mixing products might alter their efficacy or cause unintended reactions.

• Check for Compatibility: Panthenol generally plays well with almost every active but here are some combinations that could work wonders on your skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Panthenol's hydrating properties complement the moisture-attracting abilities of hyaluronic acid, resulting in deeply nourished skin.

• Niacinamide: When combined with panthenol, niacinamide can enhance the skin's barrier function, improve elasticity, and reduce redness and inflammation.

• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid): Panthenol's ability to support skin repair pairs well with antioxidants, as they protect the skin from free radicals and aid in the repair of oxidative damage.

ORDER ORDER! 

It is extremely important to layer your skin and lip care products in the right order. Here is the suggested hierarchy of application: 

• Cleanser: Start cleansing your face with a gentle wash to remove any impurities, dirt, dust, and makeup residue. You can opt for a lip wash in case of lips.

• Toner: Apply toner to balance the skin's pH and prep it for the active ingredients.

• Actives: Apply your active ingredients one by one, starting with the thinnest consistency and ending with the thickest.

• Panthenol: Use your panthenol-infused product after other water-based serums or before your moisturizer.

• Moisturizer: Follow with a moisturizer to seal in the actives and provide additional hydration. Your moisturizer might as well be infused with panthenol. Use a lip buttermask for your lip skin.

• Sunscreen: Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. It is crucial to protect your lips against the sun as well. Apply a lip balm with SPF to ensure protection against lip pigmentation. 

The Last Words

Offering an array of advantages, Panthenol is undoubtedly a skin savior. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, making it a must-have in your skincare arsenal. As with any skincare product, consistency and patience are the key to reaping the full benefits of Panthenol.