Lanolin: Nature, Uses, And Recommendations
The benefits of lanolin are related to health and skin care. Among them, it reduces wrinkles and heals dry lips, and split nipples. We show you in detail the other advantages of this wax.
The sebaceous glands of mammals that produce wool, especially sheep, secrete a wax capable of waterproofing and protecting the skin from moisture. This natural wax, called lanolin, is extracted when cutting wool, as it also prevents the animal from being damaged during shearing.
Often thought of as animal fat, lanolin is an odorless yellowish substance that resembles petroleum jelly in texture. Although it has many different uses, it stands out for its moisturizing and emollient action, which can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. Find out everything you need to know about wool wax.
What is lanolin used for?
Known for its moisturizing effect, lanolin is a hypoallergenic wax with bacteriostatic effect, that is, although it is not able to kill bacteria, it inhibits their reproduction, so that they age and die without offspring.
Likewise, it acts as an emollient, a substance that can reduce calluses and corns, soften and protect the skin, as well as fight eczema.
That is why it is common for lanolin to be used in different fields, such as the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. In general, it is used in:
- Creams for medical and cosmetic use (moisturizers, makeup removers, shaving, anti-aging, diaper rash, among others)
- Make-up products such as lipsticks, face powders and others
- Products and remedies to reduce scalp dryness
- Soaps and detergents
- Leather polishes or shoe creams
- Manufacture of vitamin D
The benefits for our skin
As we have seen, lanolin is a well-known emollient that can treat dry and dehydrated skin. A study published in Clinical Medicine & Research has shown that it is able to decrease water loss from the skin by 20 to 30%, which allows it to hydrate, soften and improve the appearance of rough, scaly areas.
However, these are not the only benefits that this natural wax offers to the dermis. Let’s take a closer look at other ways it can help you.
Reduce wrinkles
Lanolin oil and lanolin alcohol are widely used ingredients in anti aging creams, which is why it is believed that they may be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Although there is little scientific evidence, these effects are associated with the fact that lanolin may contain twice its weight in water, which is said to plump the skin and fight these signs of aging.
Reduce hair dryness
Thanks to its emollient action which prevents water loss, lanolin oil can be used in the treatment of dry hair. You should always apply it when your hair is wet or damp because if it is dry there will be no moisture to be retained.
Also, you will need to wash your hair with a deep cleansing shampoo or apple cider vinegar due to the waxy texture of this oil, so that no traces of the product remain.
Treat dry lips
Just like with dry skin and hair, lanolin oil is linked to the treatment of dry, chapped lips. According to a study published in the Journal Applied Oral Science, lanolin cream was successful in reducing the dryness of the lips experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy.
Likewise, it is known that this wax can penetrate the layers of the lips better than other substances which only reach the outer barrier. It is also considered safe to use on newborns with this lip problem. However, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician before doing so.
Heal cracked nipples
Cracked nipples are common during the breastfeeding process. For this reason, some specialists recommend applying lanolin to this area to relieve pain and stop bleeding.
It is believed that this wax can restore hydration to the nipples. Breastfeeding women are therefore advised to purchase 100% pure and refined lanolin. This should be done with extreme caution, as unpurified lanolin can cause allergic reactions in infants.
Other benefits of lanolin for the skin
There are other ways that lanolin can help with skin care. These include the following:
- Smooth out roughness in elbows and heels : dry skin causes roughness in areas like heels and elbows, and promotes the build-up of dead cells. It is therefore recommended to use lanolin to soften these harshness and eliminate dead skin.
- Treat Diaper Rash : Moisture in diapers can cause irritation and inflammation of babies’ skin. Fortunately, lanolin acts as a shield between moisture and the skin of infants.
- Minor Burn Healing : Lanolin is associated with the relief and care of injuries resulting from the action of fire and heat.
- Improve wound healing : Lanolin is credited with healing properties, so it is believed that it may speed up the healing of wounds and injuries.
How to find her?
Thanks to its properties and health benefits, lanolin is found in a variety of sales presentations. These include:
- Pure lanolin (if it is of good quality, it does not have more than 0.25% water)
- Lanolin oil
- Lanolin alcohol
- Creams for medical and cosmetic use (anti-aging, moisturizers, diaper rash, nipple creams, among others)
- Beauty products (lip balms, masks, makeup removers, among others)
- Soaps, shampoos, conditioners and detergents
Prevention and contraindications
For people without allergies, lanolin is safe to consume and use topically. However, ingesting large amounts of this wax, which is used to make vitamin D, is harmful as it can be toxic and tends to accumulate in the intestines. In general, lanolin can cause allergies and poisoning. Find out what each of these scenarios looks like.
Lanolin allergy
Since lanolin is the main cause of wool allergies, people with this condition should avoid it. This wax is a skin sensitizer, that is to say a substance that triggers an allergic reaction on contact with the dermis.
However, lanolin allergies are very rare. According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, only 1.7% of 25,000 people prone to allergies showed signs of this particular condition. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction are swelling of the eyes, lips, and throat, a rash, and difficulty breathing.
Lanolin poisoning
Lanolin poisoning can occur in a number of ways, from the oil being swallowed by mistake or a lip balm being used and excessive amounts being swallowed by passing the tongue over the lips. Its symptoms are: diarrhea, vomiting, rash, swelling and redness of the skin.
What to remember from lanolin?
Lanolin is a natural wax obtained from animals producing wool. It is produced by the sebaceous glands of these mammals and is used to protect the wool from moisture, as well as to prevent injuries during shearing.
In general, it is used in medical and cosmetic products such as creams, shampoos, soaps and detergents. It is also used as an ingredient in leather polishes and shoe creams.
Its benefits are related to health and skin care. It is believed to be able to reduce wrinkles, treat dry lips, heal cracked nipples, and reduce dryness of hair and scalp.
On the other hand, it cannot be used by people with allergies to wool, as it can trigger a number of symptoms. Likewise, its ingestion should be avoided, since in excessive quantities it is capable of causing intoxication.
