Body Care, Lifestyle, Skincare

Understanding Lanolin and Its Benefits

Lanolin is a type of greasy yellow wax secreted by the skin glands of sheep. Also known as Wool Grease, Lanolin protects the sheep’s wool from harsh weather and environment, and it has been used for thousands of years to relieve dry and cracked skin. Some of Lanolin’s benefits include:

  1. Works as a moisturizing lip balm for cracked and dry lips.
  2. Helps soften your hands and feet including cuticles, toe nails, and finger nails.
  3. Works as a moisturizing hair conditioner.
  4. Helps cracked and sore nipples with its moisturizing nature.
  5. Helps moisturize skin of patients with diabetic conditions.

Although Lanolin has many healing properties and is a common ingredient used in skin care and cosmetic products, it has a bad red for its ability to cause skin allergies. According to studies, pesticide residues can be found in Lanolin.

Some of the allergic responses occur either due to an overexposure of Lanolin (as some people get sensitised to a substance), or from the pesticide impurities found in Lanolin itself. There are also people who are allergic to wool and sheep wax, and may get allergic reactions such as hives (skin rash), nasal congestion, swelling of lips, itching and redness in various parts of the body.

These days, experts extract refined Lanolin making them into non-toxic and biodegradable substance with less than three parts per million of all impurities. If you have concerns on applying Lanolin, always check the product label, or check if you have sensitive skin issues when applying various topical products that contain Lanolin.