What Panthenol Does Other Than Hydrating Skin

We have all heard about how B5 gel hydrates. As it turns out, the ingredient in these B5 gel products is actually Panthenol, a natural substance known as pro-vitamin B5, which is a precursor to vitamin B5. What does it actually mean? And what other skin benefits does it provide other than hydrate?

____________________________________

What is Panthenol?

When a product claims to contain vitamin B5, it actually means Panthenol, which precisely speaking is a pro-vitamin, or precursor, that when applied topically gets converted into vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is present in all living cells and is an essential nutritional component of coenzyme A, which serves as a cofactor for a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that are important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, gluconeogenesis, sterols, steroid hormones, and porphyrins, and therefore, life in general.

When Panthenol is added to a skincare product, typically at a concentration range of 0.5–5% (usually up to 3% for everyday skin care, and 3-5% for healing purposes), it binds and holds on to water and effectively hydrate the skin, thanks to it being a humectant. What many people do not know is that hydration is only one of its many skin benefits.

____________________________________

Skin Benefits of Panthenol ① Hydrates

As mentioned above, Panthenol is a humectant, which means it attracts water from the atmosphere, pulls it into the skin, and hydrates the stratum corneum. Optimum molecular mass, hydrophilia and low polarity enables its penetration into all layers of the skin, and therefore helps infuse water into cells and retain moisture deep within the tissue.

Moreover, studies have found that Panthenol increases the mobility of lipids and proteins in the stratum corneum, subsequently improving hydration.

Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Ideal Moisture Level Serum  <- Click to shop

Product Recommendation
KLUR
Immersion Serum Concentrate  <- Click to shop

____________________________________

Skin Benefits of Panthenol ② Locks in Moisture & Strengthens Skin Barrier

Different from other humectants like hyaluronic acid, Panthenol is also a emollient by nature. This means it can seal any cracks in the skin to prevent trans-epidermal water loss, and help the skin maintain softness and elasticity.

Although scientists are still learning how exactly it works (potentially because of its role in the enzymatic processes outlined above), Panthenol has also demonstrated the ability in protecting and strengthening the skin barrier, which helps prevent water loss and the growth of bacteria and allergens on the skin, resulting in a reduced chance of clogged pores, acne, and inflammatory issues like redness, itchiness, eczema and dermatitis.

Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Ultra Revitalising Elixir  <- Click to shop

Product Recommendation
EATH LIBRARY
Wise Awakening Advanced Nourishing Toner  <- Click to shop 

____________________________________

Skin Benefits of Panthenol ③ Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

Panthenol has been demonstrated in many in vivo and in vitro studies to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Not only does it reduce UV-induced redness, it also greatly reduces skin roughness, cracking and itchiness, especially for people dealing with skin conditions such as dermatitis, irritations, and eczema.

In a study with 483 participants, of which 41.8% had atopic dermatitis, 19.7% had ichthyosis, 9.3% had psoriasis and 9.3% had contact dermatitis, all symptoms improved by over 80% after being treated with panthenol over a 3 to 4-week period.

Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
The London Mask <- Click to shop

Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Clear Beginning Hand Spray  <- Click to shop

____________________________________

Skin Benefits of Panthenol ④ Speeds Up Wound Healing

For a wound to heal and heal well, the skin needs to start the healing process from the inner layers, and be protected from external stimuli.

Panthenol speeds up cell turnover and stimulates the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. This is crucial for wound healing, as fibroblasts are what help create structural skin proteins like collagen and elastin, both of which play a major role in proper tissue repair and wound closure.

In addition, Panthenol has been shown to decrease erythema, or skin reddening, when applied to wounds in the top layer of the skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It further supports wound recovery by keeping the skin hydrated, which encourages skin regeneration, and strengthening the skin barrier, which blocks out bacteria and irritants.

In fact, clinical trials have shown that wounds that are treated with panthenol is more elastic and with more solid tissue regeneration and less scarring, making it a great ingredient to treat wounds resulted from scratches, acne, sunburns, cuts etc.

Product Recommendation
KLUR
Supreme Seed Delicate Purification Mask <- Click to shop

Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Ideal Rebalancing Level Serum <- Click to shop

____________________________________

Skin Benefits of Panthenol ⑤ Reduces Wrinkles

Wrinkles form from the middle layer of the skin. By stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are what help create structural skin proteins like collagen, elastin and glycans, as well as downregulating inflammations that can lead to and accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, Panthenol can help improve wrinkles and fine lines over time.

Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Rapid Eye Treatment  <- Click to shop

Also in The Journal