Lanolin - the wax which is a part of many cosmetic medicines and medicines. The most quality lanolin is produced in South America and New Zealand, using at the same time centrifugal separators.
Origin and composition of lanolin
Lanolin - wax which has animal origin. It is taken from fat of sheep wool, subjecting to special processing with use of aggressive alkali or other substances. The crude lanolin differs in the increased density and a pungent smell. Such product was used still by ancient Greeks and Romans. But it contained dirt, harmful impurity and had a little general with modern wax which can be bought in pharmacies or specialized shops.
There are 3 ways of receiving lanolin:
- acid;
- extraction;
Application of any given reactants for extraction is the cornerstone of such division. But the scheme of production in all cases same. Sheep wool is boiled down and further banished via separators, processed chemicals. The crude lanolin is subjected to cleaning, bleaching, disinfection. The ready-made product can be used in many areas of life. In medicine it began to be applied in 1882. In the 19th century the scientists made discovery that lanolin ointments act quicker, than means on the basis of vaseline or paraffin.
Several types of lanolin release modern producers. Its cost depends on the production technology, extent of the carried-out processing. Pharmaceutical lanolin is considered the most expensive. Wax can have a shade from light yellow to dark brown. It is impossible to call its smell pleasant. It is specific. Lanolin melting temperature - 36-42 °C.
Allocate the following types of lanolin:
- waterless (does not contain water, but has more complex structure);
- hydrate;
- acetylated (receive by anhydrite processing);
- hydrogenated;
In cosmetology and medicine most often use waterless lanolin. It contains less foreign impurity, does not contain water and has more dense consistence.
In the sixties last century it was stated harm of lanolin. But the conducted researches did not confirm this information. Lanolin may contain harmful impurity at a term of use of certain substances for processing of hair of cows. But now such strong substances are not applied.
The product differs from other vosk of animal origin in the high content of sterols which also cholesterol is among. Also are a part of lanolin:
- ergosterin (has antifungal properties);
- acids stearin, palmitic (have the connecting properties, give to wax density);
- acids montanovy, tserotinovy (give to a product viscous properties);
- alcohols cetyl, tserilovy, karnaubovy (well influence skin, have antiseptic properties).
Lanolin for 96% consists of neutral esters, for 3% from free fatty alcohols, for 1% from free fatty acids, hydrocarbons. The composition of lanolin depends on breed of sheep, properties of natural raw materials and a way of receiving wax.
Good fat has to support not less than 50% of not saponifiable fraction and the content of cholesterol in it should not be lower than 30%.
Properties of lanolin
Physical experts compare properties of lanolin to properties of skin fat of the person. Substance has the excellent emulsifying ability. Lanolin holds an amount of water twice exceeding its body weight. Wax well mixes up with alcohols and is excellent emulsifier.
Advantage of lanolin
Lanolin is very useful to skin of the person and is a part of effective creams, ointments. Emulsions, creams with addition of lanolin have the following properties:
- moisten epidermis and more deep skin layers;
- recover the injured hair, nails;
- soften skin, eliminate wrinkles;
- eliminate traces from an acne.
At distribution of lanolin on the surface of skin it forms on it a protective film thanks to what moisture does not evaporate, deep layers terms remain humidified. Wax does skin less permeable for evaporation of moisture of its deeper layers. It promotes absorption of molecules of water from the environment also a little therefore recommend to use creams with lanolin in rooms with the increased humidity.
Lanolin very easily gets into skin and provides delivery of other nutritious, moisturizing substances. Natural fat of animal origin increases viscosity of cosmetic creams and improves their consistence.
Use of lanolin
In cosmetology lanolin is applied very widely. This substance is a part of creams for the dry, angry and mature skin. It is present at the list of ingredients of expensive means about lifting effect. Lanolin smoothes skin, visually levels its relief.
Natural fat is added to hair care products. Hair after such leaving become soft, obedient and brilliant, but such additive slightly makes heavier them.
The purified lanolin can be bought in pharmacy and to use it for production of cosmetics in house conditions. It is added to ready cosmetic application creams of industrial production in winter season when skin is weather-beaten and requires more thorough care. Lanolin is a part of hygienic and decorative lipsticks for improvement of fixing on skin. The decorative cosmetics containing lanolin differs in the increased firmness.
The lanolin purified and special creams on its basis apply to breast care in the period of a lactation. Fat of animal origin does not cause allergies and effectively eliminates cracks on nipples. It is safe even for babies.
In medicine lanolin is used as a basis for creation of wound healing ointments, medical plasters. Substance is added to hydrophilic ointments. Fat of animal origin is actively applied also in other fields of the industry. It is added to some lubricants and means intended for protection of footwear, clothes, fabrics against dirt and water. Substance is added as perezhirivayushchy additive to soap and other means of household chemicals. It softens aggressive action of some chemical components.
Contraindications to application
Lanolin is recommended to apply with care as a cosmetic product at high sensitivity of skin and tendency to emergence of allergic reactions. In spite of the fact that the product in most cases does not cause allergies, sometimes it is necessary to face individual intolerance. If there are doubts concerning that how suitable will be this substance, it is possible to apply its small amount on the back of an elbow and in 10 minutes to estimate result. In the absence of reddening on skin it is possible to use safely substance in pure form or as a part of cream.
Lanolin is a kamedogenny product. It has property to clog up pores, provoking thereby emergence of ""black dots"". If face skin fat, problem, with addition of lanolin is better to refuse cosmetic medicines. Beauticians do not advise to be fond of creams with animal fat as their frequent application not only clogs up pores, but also breaks skin breath. The complexion for this reason can become dim.
Lanolin is intended only for external application. Its use inside can cause side effects and even poisoning.