What is Dexpanthenol and why is it essential for skin and hair?
Dexpanthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a dermatological active recognized for its moisturizing, repairing and soothing properties. It is widely used in skin, hair and mucous membrane care for its healing effect and ability to strengthen the skin barrier.
Derived from pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), Dexpanthenol penetrates deep into the epidermis and scalp to improve hydration, elasticity and cell regeneration. Its soothing action makes it a key ingredient in many products for dry, sensitive or irritated skin.
What are the benefits of Dexpanthenol for the skin?
Dexpanthenol is a versatile ingredient that works on several levels to improve skin health and appearance:
Intense, long-lasting hydration: It captures and retains water in the epidermis, providing deep hydration and preventing the skin from drying out.
Repair and healing: Its regenerating effect helps repair damaged, chapped or cracked skin, promoting the healing of superficial wounds.
Soothing irritation and redness: Reduces feelings of discomfort, tightness and itching, ideal for sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin.
Reinforces the cutaneous barrier: By improving the skin's protective function, it prevents external aggression and protects against dehydration.
Anti-inflammatory action: It is particularly effective in soothing sunburn, post-waxing or post-shaving redness, and irritation caused by climatic aggression.
What are the effects of Dexpanthenol on hair and scalp?
Dexpanthenol is also an ally of choice for healthy hair. It works deep down to strengthen hair fiber and improve scalp condition.
Scalp hydration: relieves itching, irritation and dry dandruff by restoring natural moisture.
Strengthens hair fiber: coats hair, making it stronger, more supple and shinier.
Repairs damaged ends: repairs dry, brittle hair, preventing split ends and breakage.
Growth stimulation: by improving blood circulation to the scalp, it promotes faster, stronger hair growth.
What products contains Dexpanthenol?
Dexpanthenol is found in a wide range of dermatological and hair care products:
Moisturizing creams and balms: Soothe and repair dry, sensitive skin.
After-sun milks and lotions: to calm redness and restore hydration.
Shampoos and conditioners: To strengthen and moisturize dry, damaged hair.
Hair serums: Intensely nourish lengths and protect hair fiber.
Healing ointments: Used to treat chapped skin, light burns and skin irritations.
Hand and foot creams: to repair areas most exposed to dryness.
Is Dexpanthenol suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, Dexpanthenol is particularly recommended for sensitive, atopic or reddened skin. Its soothing and repairing action reduces discomfort and improves skin tolerance to external aggressions.
It is also used to relieve skin irritation in babies, notably in creams for diaper rash.
How do I use Dexpanthenol?
Application of Dexpanthenol depends on the type of product used:
Creams and balms: Apply a thin layer to dry or irritated areas once or twice a day.
Hair care products: Incorporate a Dexpanthenol shampoo or serum into your routine for softer, more hydrated hair.
After-sun care: Apply generously after sun exposure to calm redness.
Healing cream: Apply to small wounds, cracks or abrasions to accelerate healing.
Does Dexpanthenol have any side effects?
Dexpanthenol is well tolerated by the skin and generally has no adverse effects. However, certain precautions should be taken:
Avoid application to deep open wounds without medical advice.
Do a skin test if your skin is highly reactive or allergic to certain cosmetic active ingredients.
Do not overdose: Excessive application may result in an oily skin sensation or an occlusive effect.
Is Dexpanthenol compatible with other cosmetic ingredients?
Yes, Dexpanthenol can be combined with other active ingredients for enhanced effectiveness:
Aloe vera: For deep moisturizing and soothing.
Shea butter: For intensive nourishment and repair.
Hyaluronic acid: For prolonged hydration and anti-aging action.
Allantoin: To reinforce the healing and protective effect on irritated skin.
Is Dexpanthenol suitable for pregnant women?
Yes, Dexpanthenol is safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women. In fact, it is commonly used in anti-stretch mark creams and care products for irritated nipples during breastfeeding.
However, it is always advisable to check product composition to avoid ingredients that are incompatible with pregnancy.
