In a seemingly endless world of top-tier skincare products, we introduce you to squalane, an all-star skincare ingredient with excellent moisturizing capabilities. So, what is so special about this flagship ingredient?
Let’s explore what squalane is, how to effectively use it, and its beauty benefits as a face moisturizer.
What Is Squalane?
Squalane is a saturated oil derived from squalane, a naturally-occurring lipid found in the human skin and secreted in large quantities by the sebaceous glands. This organic compound is the primary component of the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making up about 13% of human sebum.
It’s a great moisturizer that slows down signs of aging and helps you achieve glowing, radiant skin. Unfortunately, the body’s production of squalane decreases as we grow older.
Several types of squalane can also be derived from plant and animal sources such as shark liver, rice bran, sugarcane, amaranth and olives. However, most skin care companies nowadays sell plant-derived squalane because it’s more sustainable and cruelty-free.
As animal and plant-derived squalane is too unstable to be used in skin care products, it has to be converted to squalane through a hydrogenation process. This makes it stable and safe for cosmetic use with a longer shelf-life.
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Benefits of Squalane for Your Skin
The following are some of the beauty benefits of squalane to your skin:
Moisturizes Skin
Your skin is made up of three layers, namely the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous. Without proper skin care, the epidermis (outermost layer) can easily dry up, causing your skin to feel rough and lose its elasticity. The best way to prevent this is by applying an external moisturizer like squalane. Squalane is a modified form of squalane, a natural substance that makes up a big part of the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Applying squalane to your skin helps keep it hydrated and moisturized. Since squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, it is a great emollient that can form a protective layer on your skin and prevent moisture loss. This helps keep your skin well-nourished, soft and non-greasy. Additionally, squalane has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the skin cells and contribute to premature aging.
Using squalane as a moisturizer can also help improve the overall appearance of your skin. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin tone and texture. By keeping your skin hydrated and nourished, squalane can give your skin a healthy and radiant glow.
It is important to note that while squalane can provide many benefits for the skin, it should be used in moderation. Too much squalane can potentially clog pores and cause breakouts, especially for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. It is best to do a patch test before using squalane to ensure that it is suitable for your skin type.
Overall, incorporating squalane into your skincare routine can help keep your skin hydrated, moisturized, and healthy. Remember to always use high-quality, organic squalane products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or specific skin conditions.
Excellent face moisturizer for all skin types
Squalane’s lightweight, and fast-absorbing nature makes it a great moisturizer for all skin types. Whether you have normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, squalane will provide moisture to the deep layers of your skin without clogging the pores, leaving it looking plump, radiant and youthful.
Softens Texture
Thanks to squalane’s moisturizing and antioxidant properties, squalane can keep your skin looking smooth and soft. Regularly using squalane moisturizers can minimize the appearance of large pores, spots and redness on your skin. In the long run, this saturated oil will improve your skin’s overall tone and texture, leaving it looking smoother than ever.
Prevents Irritation for Sensitive Skin
One of the best things about squalane is that it is non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin. This skincare ingredient is also widely considered hypoallergenic, meaning that it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Plus, squalane is a great source of fatty acids that help nourish the skin and alleviate irritation. This makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Slows Signs of Aging
Thinking about getting botox injections or fillers? You may want to first incorporate squalane in your daily skincare routine. Thanks to its powerful moisturizing and antioxidant capabilities, squalane can help fight free radicals and oxidative stress—the major causes of skin aging. Squalane is also known to boost collagen production, essential for keeping your skin firm and improving its elasticity.
Say goodbye to wrinkles, saggy skin, fine lines, age spots and blemishes and enjoy radiant skin with squalane products.
Non-Comedogenic
Comedogenic refers to a skincare ingredient’s ability to cause blackheads by blocking the pores. Fortunately, squalane is non-comedogenic making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Regardless of your skin type, applying this lightweight oil will provide you with just the right amount of moisture without causing unnecessary irritation or congestion.
Controls Oil Production
Although squalane is an excellent moisturizing ingredient, you may wonder whether it’s suitable for oily skin. The good news is that it is a great face moisturizer for oily skin. Since squalane mimics how natural oils function in your skin, it can control and balance oil production. The skin recognizes squalane as a naturally-occurring oil and so it produces less of its own.
Applying squalane will keep your skin hydrated but won’t cause the formation of blackheads and acne. This makes it a great moisturizer for people with oily skin.
Treats Skin Conditions
Squalane has excellent moisturizing and antioxidant properties that may help treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and rosacea. It also helps reduce redness, inflammatory acne, skin sensitivity and provides much-needed relief to damaged skin.
How to Use Squalane in Your Daily Skin Care Routine
Most experts recommend using squalane on your face as part of your daily skincare routine. You can add it to your moisturizers, cleansers, serums, under-eye creams, facial oils and even makeup products.
Squalane oil can also be used alone at the end of your skincare routine to help lock in the moisture of your serums and moisturizers. Only purchase 100% pure squalane without any additives or chemicals.
Here are steps to follow when applying squalane:
Clean your face using natural face wash to remove any impurities, makeup, dirt and germs that can irritate your skin
Apply a toner of your choice
Apply a mild moisturizer, serum, or treatment on toned face
Put 2-3 drops of squalane on your fingertips and apply all over your face and neck
Apply sunscreen if you’re going out in the sun
Elevate Your Skincare Routine
If you plan to incorporate squalane in your daily skin care routine, look for serums, moisturizers, facial oils and even makeup products that contain this ingredient. You can apply these products in your morning and evening skincare routine after other water-based skincare products. Remember to consult your dermatologist first, especially if you have any allergies or sensitive skin.
Photo Credits: ©Drazen/AdobeStock; Unsplash; Daily Mom
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