Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucans were first described in 1941 and belong to a class of compounds known as biological response modifiers. Although isolated from different sources, including oat, barley, and reishi mushrooms, the most biologically active are isolated from cell membranes of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) [59]. The ability of Beta-glucans to stimulate and activate macrophages has resulted in multiple applications, including wound healing, infectious disease, oncology, and dermatology [60].

In the epidermis, where macrophage-derived cells include both keratinocytes and Langerhans cells, beta-glucans act to stimulate the protective qualities of these cells as our first line of defense. Topical beta-glucans can accelerate wound healing and increase resistance to infection by enhancing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis [61]. Studies have also demonstrated that beta-glucans have photoprotective properties similar to those of vitamin E by their ability to sustain levels of reduced glutathione in the skin following UV radiation [62]. Betaglucans are extremely soothing and calming to the skin through their reinforcement of skin macrophages,which have implications in minimizing irritancy potential of products.

The potential uses of beta-glucans in dermatology are numerous. In personal-care products for shaving,where nicks and cuts, razor burn, irritation and folliculitis are problematic, the protective, wound-healing, anti-irritating effects of beta-glucans can be quite helpful. The photoprotective effects of beta-glucans as well as their ability to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin from potential irritation that can occur with other treatment products, makes them quite useful in anti-aging skin regimens [63].