My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types.

My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types.

      If you've ever faced challenges with acne, you understand how daunting it can be to discover the right ingredients for your skin—particularly if it's very sensitive. To be honest, it took me years and finding the right aesthetician to determine which ingredients suited my sensitive, acne-prone skin. However, once I established the right routine, my life transformed. For a long time, I dealt with issues after tretinoin severely compromised my skin barrier. My skin became highly dehydrated, red, and more susceptible to acne, and it was incredibly frustrating trying to identify ingredients that wouldn't exacerbate the situation. The ingredient that truly made a difference for me was beta-glucan. Although you may have noticed this ingredient in a product or two in your routine, I believe it doesn't receive the recognition it deserves. It is exceptional for dehydrated, damaged, acne-prone, and barrier-compromised skin due to its well-known skin-healing properties. My aesthetician, Sonia Vargas, is a big proponent of it and advised me to include it in my regimen since it promotes wound healing and tissue repair. At that moment, it seemed exactly what I required. My skin has significantly improved since I began using it consistently four months ago. For all the essential information on why this powerful ingredient should be a staple in your skincare collection, read on.

      **What is Beta-Glucan?**

      Vargas described beta-glucan as a polysaccharide (composed of sugar molecules) sourced from oats, yeast, and fungi. "It benefits all skin types," she states. "It's excellent for all skin because it delivers deep hydration, strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. This combination makes it superb for calming irritation and safeguarding the skin from environmental harm." However, if you suffer from fungal acne, beta-glucan may not be the best fit for you. That said, if your breakouts are not fungal, it can be a fantastic aid in helping to clear your skin. While beneficial for breakouts, it is also generally very good for dry or dehydrated skin since it provides moisture without being excessively heavy.

      **Why Should You Incorporate Beta-Glucan into Your Routine?**

      Plastic surgeon and founder of Asian Pacific Plastic Surgery, Shim Ching, MD, confirms that beta-glucan is a superstar when it comes to damaged skin. "Most research regarding beta-glucans has focused on their role in healing compromised skin," he notes. "We suspect they can address other skin concerns by reducing inflammation, hydrating the skin, repairing the skin barrier, and enhancing the skin's immune function." Ching highlights that beta-glucan stimulates Langerhans cells—the immune cells present in the skin's epidermis. This initiates its immune and reparative capabilities. Furthermore, beta-glucan is particularly effective for treating damaged skin (such as tretinoin injuries), abrasions, burns, oxidative stress, premature aging, acne, inflammation, and even alleviating rosacea. Essentially, it covers all bases, and everyone could gain from including it in their regimen. Ching also recommends considering beta-glucan as a dietary supplement for maximum benefits. You can find beta-glucans in oats, barley, wheat, rye, and specific mushrooms like shiitake, maitake, and reishi.

      If you struggle with breakouts, Vargas emphasizes its importance. "Beta-glucan is a crucial ingredient for acne-prone skin because it addresses several factors that lead to breakouts, such as inflammation, a weakened skin barrier, and impaired healing," she explains. "Conventional acne treatments can be harsh—beta-glucan is gentle and non-irritating, making it a safe option for inflamed and damaged skin." Vargas recognized that beta-glucan would be ideal for my skin as I faced all these issues. It was challenging to find ingredients that could clear up my breakouts without causing further irritation and barrier damage. What genuinely helped was halting all retinoids, reducing exfoliation, and allowing my skin the time it needed to reset and heal. Adding DMK's signature Beta Gel formula to my routine was pivotal to my progress. Vargas recommended it to me, and I have not regretted it since.

      **The Best Products with Beta-Glucan**

      Vargas suggested that I try DMK's signature beta gel formula, as it is designed for reactive, chronically irritated, or damaged skin. After I began using it, my skin underwent a remarkable transformation. It became less red, reactive, and sensitive, and my breakouts significantly decreased. I was astounded by the difference in just a few months. It proves that sometimes a skin reset is essential—meaning you need to pause all potent actives temporarily (like exfoliants and retinoids). DMK is an outstanding brand (one of my all-time favorites),

My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types. My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types.

Other articles

Finn Wolfhard: The Contemporary Renaissance Man of Hollywood Finn Wolfhard: The Contemporary Renaissance Man of Hollywood As he wraps up his role as Mike Wheeler, the main high school character in Stranger Things, the actor is venturing out on his own with his first solo album and directorial credits, positioning him as a contemporary renaissance man in Hollywood. Put aside the little black dresses and take a break from the naked dress—this is the party-season trend that the most stylish individuals will opt for instead. Put aside the little black dresses and take a break from the naked dress—this is the party-season trend that the most stylish individuals will opt for instead. Keep this in mind. I'm always amazed by Alexa Chung's makeup—here are 9 products I've noticed her using. I'm always amazed by Alexa Chung's makeup—here are 9 products I've noticed her using. Confidential information. The Shoe Color Trend That Gives Jeans with Blazers a 2025 Vibe Instead of Feeling Outdated The Shoe Color Trend That Gives Jeans with Blazers a 2025 Vibe Instead of Feeling Outdated Spotted on J.Lo This Is Not a Drill—Sephora's Savings Event Is Happening, and I'm Choosing These 15 Items First This Is Not a Drill—Sephora's Savings Event Is Happening, and I'm Choosing These 15 Items First Complete sellout dangers. Gray Malin's holiday collaboration with Janie and Jack is incredibly cute—these items are sure to fly off the shelves. Gray Malin's holiday collaboration with Janie and Jack is incredibly cute—these items are sure to fly off the shelves. Adorable sweaters, coats, dresses, and additional items.

My aesthetician informed me that this is the single ingredient she suggests for all skin types.

It's among the most underrated available.