Hannah Gay spoke with Donna Hodgson, Head of Education at DMK, to better understand how beta-glucans work to ease skin redness.
Hannah Gay: What are beta-glucans?
Donna Hodgson: “Beta-glucans are a natural polysaccharide that occur in plant cell walls. They stimulate a cell in the stratum spinosum layer called the Langerhans cell, boosting the immune system within the skin.”
Can they be found naturally in the human body?
“Beta-glucans do not naturally occur in the human body, however they are naturally found in foods we eat, such as cereal grains (oat, barley, wheat, rye), yeast, seaweed, and various mushrooms (lingzhi, shiitake, chaga, maitake). They provide health benefits such as improved digestive function, cholesterol, glucose metabolism, and immunity.”
What form do beta-glucans take in skincare products?
“DMK’s Beta Gel uses beta-glucan extracted from the cell wall of certain yeasts. There must be a certain percentage of beta-glucan in a skin care product for it to be able to perform the therapeutic effect, i.e. stimulation of the Langerhans cell.”
What can this ingredient do to improve the health of the skin?
“Beta-glucan directly stimulates the Langerhans cells (the skin’s inbuilt immune system). The Langerhans cells are specialised cells that work with the immune system to protect the skin against infections and pathogens making it an essential ingredient for an acne skin. They control the division of epidermal cells and are responsible for all types of cellular growth and repair, making it good for scar revision and wound healing. We recommend DMK’s Beta Gel post operatively to promote healing, prevent infection and reduce scaring.
Beta-glucan is an excellent ingredient for reducing inflammation in the skin making it essential for any reactive, sensitive types of skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, red and inflamed skins. It also strengthens the skin’s barrier function preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Transepidermal water loss is the first thing that goes wrong in every skin condition, so rectifying this is the quickest way to bring the skin back into homeostasis. Beta-glucans act as a humectant in the skin, which means they lock hydration in and prevent moisture loss.
The ingredient also has potent antioxidant properties that protect the skin against free radicals and sun damage. Due to its ability to regulate cell turnover, stimulating the Langerhans cell activates the macrophages (white blood cells that fight invaders) within the dermis. Once activated, the macrophages release a series of compounds that stimulate the fibroblast cells to produce collagen and elastin making it excellent for anti-ageing and age management.
Every skin can benefit from beta-glucan because of its diverse attributes.”
“There must be a certain percentage of beta-glucan in a skin care product for it to be able to perform the therapeutic effect, i.e. stimulation of the Langerhans cell.”
After using DMK’s Beta Gel for several weeks (in conjunction with other DMK products and treatments), I personally noticed a significant reduction in skin redness. What can this product do that others in the market cannot when it comes to reducing skin redness?
“Beta Gel has a unique transepidermal delivery to supply the purest high-grade ingredients into the skin and the reproductive layer to effectively stimulate growth and repair of cells. Transepidermal delivery is the delivery of ingredients in the voids of the skin where they are stored for a period of up to eight hours, allowing the cells to uptake when needed. With a high percentage of active ingredients, Beta Gel combines the power of beta-glucan along with two peptides (palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide) turmeric, witch hazel, vitamin E and vitamin C, which stimulates skin matrix replenishment, enhances collagen production that leading to wrinkle reduction and improved cell communication.”
DMK’s Beta Gel is one of the most versatile skincare products suitable for most skin conditions, including; acne, poor immunity, premature ageing and scarring. It is also designed to address reactive, irritated, or inflamed skin, and is excellent in the treatment of skin disorders. Beta Gel works best in the promotion of wound healing and the reduction in scarring following surgical procedures.”
Here’s 15 redness-reducing skincare solutions we love:
[left to right]
Ultraceuticals Ultra R.E.D. Corrective Serum
Contact Ultraceuticals
organicspa Toning Mist
Contact organicspa
MxSkincare Cosmeceutical Serum Vitamin B3 +
Contact Mx Skincare
DMK Beta Gel
Contact DMK Skin
mesoestetic Melan Recovery
Contact Advanced Cosmeceuticals Skin Group
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream
Contact Advanced Cosmeceuticals Skin Group
Nimue Daily Calm and Restore
Contact Vital Plus
Founder’s Formula CALM
Contact Founder’s Formula
In Practice Skin Boost Serum
Contact In Practice
ELES Calming & Soothing Sheet Mask
Contact Beauty Collective PRO
Dermatonics Gentle Cream Cleanser
Contact Dermatonics
Lycon Skin Multi-Protection Day Cream SPF 15
Contact Lycon Cosmetics Australia
SkinGen B3 Brightening Serum
Contact SkinGen
Sequential Skin Biome Mask Skin Calming
Contact Vital Plus
Dr. Spiller Rinazell Lacteal Active Substance Cream
Contact Omniderm
This photoshoot originally appears in the Summer 2024 print issue of Professional Beauty.
Photography by Brandee Meier. Words & Styling by Hannah Gay
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