Beta glucan is a soluble fibre found in the cell walls of oat kernels. As a natural polymer, beta glucan stimulates the immune system and is used in products designed to help heal wounds faster. As an ingredient in personal care products, beta glucan features the ability to induce cellular activities which lead to the restructuring of skin, resulting in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Some of its functional properties include: * Stimulates collagen synthesis * Provides protection against UVA/UVB damage * Acts as a natural moisture barrier and film-forming agent * Promotes cell renewal; anti-ageing * Improves skin viscoelasticity * Decreases hyperpigmentation due to photodamage * Improves tensile hair strength and significantly reduces breakage caused by bleaching * Seals, protects, and moisturizes the skin * improved elasticity
* skin hydration
* decrease in wrinkles
* dermatitis
* eczema
* antioxidant
* free radical scavenger


Notes from (1) of many studies:

"The first part of the study, published in the latest issue of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (vol. 27; issue 5; p 292), involved a single application of 5mg of 0.5 percent beta glucan per cm2 of abdominal skin. The beta-glucan contained a dye, so that its progress through the skin could be measured. The researchers found that it did, indeed penetrate the skin – a process described as being similar to the way water penetrates a brick wall.

“It does not go through the brick, it goes through the concrete binding the bricks together," he said. "As a result of our study, we now know that glucan works through the inter-cellular lipid matrix, or the cells' cement, to enter the lower levels of the skin.”

Next, a clinical study group of 27 subjects applied beta-glucan to fine lines and wrinkles on their faces over an eight-week period. Using digital image analysis of silicone replicas, they determined that there was a significant reduction of wrinkle depth and height, and that the skin was less rough.

Redmond said that consumers may expect to see results in as little as ten days. His conclusion is that there is evidence to support the use of oat beta-glucan in the “care and maintenance of healthy skin and the cosmetic treatment of the signs of aging”.

The findings mean that beta glucan could have a role as a non-invasive alternative to Botox, the popular treatment to smooth out wrinkles by injecting botchulism into the muscle. It is believed that some parties already have R&D underway in this area.

More than being useful solely in cosmetics settings, however, beta glucan gains practical, medical credence from the study, which supports its use to promote wound healing and reduce scaring after surgical procedures."