Lanolin: Uses And Recommendations

The sebaceous glands of wool-producing mammals, especially sheep, secrete a wax that waterproofs the skin and protects it from moisture. We call this lanolin or wool grease and it is obtained during the cutting of wool. In addition, it prevents the animal from getting hurt while shaving.

Often considered an animal fat, lanolin is an odorless, yellowish substance whose texture resembles petroleum jelly. Despite having several uses, it is known as a moisturizer that can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. Here we tell you everything you need to know about it.

Use of lanolin

Lanolin is known for its moisturizing effect, is hypoallergenic and has a bacteriostatic effect. In other words, while it cannot kill bacteria, it prevents them from reproducing. In this way, bacteria die without multiplying.

It also acts as an emollient, a substance that reduces calluses, softens and protects the skin and fights eczema.

Therefore, it is common for lanolin to be used in various sectors such as the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In general you can find it in:

• Creams for medical and cosmetic use (moisturizers, make-up removers, razor bumps, anti-aging, diaper rash and more).

• Make-up products such as lipstick, face powder, among others.
• Products and remedies to reduce dry scalp.
• Soaps and detergents.
• Products for polishing leather or shoe creams.
• Vitamin D preparations.

Benefits for our skin

As you can see, lanolin is a well-known emollient that can treat dry and dehydrated skin. A study published in Clinical Medicine & Research showed that it can reduce water loss from the skin by 20 to 30%. It can moisturize, soften and improve the appearance of rough and flaky areas.

These are not the only benefits that this natural wax can give your skin. We’ll show you some other ways it can help you.

Reduce wrinkles

Both lanolin oil and alcohol are common ingredients in anti-aging creams. Many people believe that it can be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Although there is little scientific evidence, these effects are related to the fact that lanolin can hold twice its weight in water. This then adds volume to your skin and fights signs of aging.

Reduces dry hair

Due to its emollient effect that prevents hair loss, lanolin oil can help treat dry hair. You should always apply it when it is damp or wet, because when it is dry, no moisture is left behind.

In addition, you should wash your hair with a deep cleansing shampoo or apple cider vinegar because of the waxy texture of this oil. This way, no trace of the product is left behind.

Dry Lips Treatment

Similar to dry skin and hair, lanolin oil treats chapped and dry lips. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Oral Science, lanolin cream successfully reduced the dry lips experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy.

This wax can also penetrate the layers of your lips better than other substances, which only reach the outer barrier. It is even safe to give to newborns with dry lips. However, it is best to consult your pediatrician before doing this.

Healing 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.

Specialists believe that this wax can restore moisture in the nipples. For example, breastfeeding women can buy 100% pure and refined lanolin. Be careful, because lanolin that is not pure can cause allergic reactions in infants.

Other benefits of lanolin for the skin

There are other ways that lanolin can contribute to home care. Here are some great ones we want to share:

• Soothe roughness on your elbows and heels: Dry skin causes roughness in areas such as heels and elbows. In addition, dead skin cells can accumulate. You can use lanolin to soften them and remove dead skin cells.
• Treats diaper rash: Moisture from diapers can cause irritation and inflammation of the baby’s skin. Fortunately, lanolin acts as a buffer between moisture and baby’s skin.
• Heals minor burns: Lanolin is associated with relief and care of injuries caused by fire and heat.
• Improving Wound Healing : Lanolin has healing properties, which can accelerate the healing of wounds and injuries.

Where can you find it?

Thanks to its properties and health benefits, you can find lanolin in various commercial presentations. For example, think of:

• Pure lanolin (quality wax contains no more than 0.25% water).
• Lanolin oil.
• Lanolin alcohol.
• Creams for medical and cosmetic use (anti-aging, moisturizers, including for diaper rash, for chapped nipples).
• Beauty products (including lip balms, masks, make-up removers).
• Soaps, shampoo, conditioners and shower gels.

Prevention and Contraindications

For those without allergies, lanolin is safe to use topically. However, ingesting large amounts of this wax, which is used to make vitamin D, is harmful. It can be poisonous and tends to accumulate in the gut. In general, lanolin can cause allergic reactions and food poisoning. Below we will show some of these scenarios.

Allergy to lanolin

Since lanolin is the main cause of wool allergies, people with this condition should avoid it. This wax is a skin sensitizer. In other words, it is a substance that causes an allergic reaction when it touches the skin.

However, allergies to lanolin are very rare. According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology , only 1.7% of the 25,000 people prone to allergies had signs of this particular condition. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction are swelling of the eyes, lips and throat, skin rash and difficulty breathing.

Lanolin Poisoning

Lanolin poisoning can happen in several ways. For example, it can happen by accidentally swallowing the oil, or by using too much lip balm and swallowing it by licking your lips. The symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, rash, inflammation and redness of the skin.

What should you remember about lanolin?

Lanolin is a natural wax that you get from animals that produce wool. These mammals produce it in their sebaceous glands and it protects wool from moisture and prevents injuries while shearing the wool.

In general, it is common in products for medical and cosmetic use, such as creams, shampoos, soaps and detergents. It also serves as an ingredient in leather polishing products and in shoe creams.

It has many health and skin care benefits. Some believe it can reduce wrinkles, treat dry lips, heal chapped nipples, and reduce dryness of the hair and scalp.

On the other hand, people with wool allergies should not use it as it can cause a range of symptoms. Also, you should not ingest it, as too much of it can cause lanolin poisoning.