We all just want a cold glass of water when we get home on a hot summer afternoon. This time of year, the intense heat dehydrates not only our bodies but also our skin and hair. And what can you do to safeguard your skin? Well, the best is to use menthol-based products to keep you cool and to keep you hydrated.
What is Menthol?
In cosmetics and skincare products, Menthol, a naturally occurring chemical, is used for its cooling effects and pleasant aroma. According to some research, applying menthol topically to a sore area can also help reduce minor pain. This organic chemical can be obtained with peppermint, corn mint, or other mint oils.
Moreover, the main variety of mint used to produce natural menthol crystals and natural menthol flakes is Mentha arvensis, also known as wild mint. It can also be created synthetically. When talking about appearance, it is a waxy, crystalline substance that melts just above room temperature and is clear or white.
How Does Menthol Work?
So, as mentioned above, Menthol creates a cooling sensation when it is taken, applied topically to the skin, or inhaled. The body or skin temperature is not lowered by menthol. Instead, it has a cooling effect by obstructing the calcium current that travels along the nerves that sense temperature.
How It Can Be Used On the Body?
Menthol is a very helpful component in after-sun creams and lotions, which are intended to be applied to the skin after exposure to the sun since they can provide a cooling sensation on the skin. Menthol reduces the hot, uncomfortable sensation that prolonged exposure to the sun can cause. It is also present in products like cooling patches that can be applied topically to the forehead to relieve headache pain. The chilly effect of menthol is uplifting and energizing to many people. As a result, it is a component of cosmetics and skin care items meant to rehydrate, revive, and enliven the skin.
Is Menthol Good For Skin?
This is something that we all want an answer for and so here’s your answer with proof.
Menthol is one of the compounds that the US Food and Drug Administration considers to be generally safe for use in food. Additionally, it is an authorized direct food additive. The FDA has also found that menthol is safe and effective in OTC anorectal drug products as an analgesic, anesthetic, and antipruritic, as well as in OTC cold medicine products as a topical antitussive (cough cure).
Let’s have a quick look at which body care products we find Menthol.
- Shampoos
- Soaps
- Body Washes
- Skin oil
- Sunscreen
- Lotions
Why should Menthol be there in body care products?
Whenever it is applied, menthol increases blood flow to the skin, revitalizing dull, lifeless complexions. Additionally, it helps to improve red and inflamed skin by lowering the production of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins.
Not only this but menthol also helps the skin absorb a variety of different chemicals, increasing the overall effectiveness and advantages of skincare products. All skin types can benefit from the revitalizing effects of menthol, although it works best to soothe irritated, acne-prone skin.
Hence, one should try to incorporate body care products that have menthol in them. For example, cooling menthol body wash is highly used because it gives a refreshing vibe while showering. The cooling properties of these products on your scalp and the calming sensation they give off both aid in lessening headaches and tension.
Overall, look for products that have menthol if you want soothing clear skin. Hope this post will help you.