Squalane oil is going to be your new favorite facial product. It’s hydrating and offers many benefits such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Smoothing out the texture of your skin, protecting it from free radicals and keeping redness and irritation away. Oh, did we mention that it absorbs quickly and never feels oily?
This clear, odorless oil feels like a gel and provides huge amounts of hydration, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is naturally found in olives, sugar cane, amaranth and is also made by the oil glands in the skin. The skin produces squalane as part of the sebum (natural oils) to protect the skin and keep it moisturized. However, as we age, production levels naturally decrease starting as early as mid-twenties.
This decrease in production is completely normal but it also means that we need to supplement this decreased oil so that the skin remains hydrated, protected and aging is reduced and slowed down altogether.
Sebum, Oil Production, and Acne
Sebum is an oil secreted by the body to nourish, hydrate and lubricate the skin and hair. Squalane makes up 13% of sebum. For people with acne-prone skin, they might overproduce sebum for various underlying reasons. In this instance the overproduction is bad, however, when the skin is balanced it will produce a normal amount. We want the natural balance of sebum to keep skin and hair hydrated and protected from environmental factors.
Usually, people with acne-prone skin are lacking hydration and the skin tries to make up for this by overproducing sebum. It might sound odd but if you have acne you want to add oil to your skincare routine. An oil such as squalane will help your body naturally reduce this overproduction of sebum as it becomes more hydrated from using facial oils.
Antioxidants
Squalane contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and helps reduce the damage they cause. Free radicals come from many places including the sun, smoking, excessive drinking, diets high in fried foods, sugar, and processed meat, pollution, and pesticides. They enter the system as a molecule that is missing an electron. These molecules seek out healthy cells and steal an electron which turns the healthy cell into a free radical seeking another healthy atom to attack.
This cycle keeps continuing but the only thing that interrupts it is antioxidants. They are stored within molecules and when a free radical approaches to steal an electron, the antioxidant supplies one. This prevents the molecule from becoming unstable and turning into a free radical. This is why antioxidants are highly beneficial and should be included from food sources but also applied directly to the skin.
A small amount of free radicals in the system is normal and the body is able to handle them however when there is an abundance of free radicals it can create serious health issues. Some of these include increasing the risk of certain cancers, damage blood vessel linings, increase the risk of heart disease, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, and advanced aging. It is also important to note that as the body naturally ages it looses some of its ability to fight off free radicals. This is why regularly adding products that contain antioxidants is great for everyone but especially anyone with aging skin.
Squalane oil can be used as a way to hydrate hair once or twice a week. Apply a few drops to your hands and gently apply to the hair paying special attention to the ends. There is no need to wash it out afterwards.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of squalane along with its comedogenic rating of 0 make it a good option for people with acne-prone skin, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea. There are many things that cause inflammation such as food allergies, poor diet, chemical reactions, exposure to bacteria, viral infections, or an autoimmune disease. It’s common for a rash to form on the skin as a result of inflammation.
Common skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne are all results of inflammation in the body. When this occurs it is important to treat the area with something to calm the irritation. There are many different home remedies and medications focused on this. However, adding a natural oil such as squalane will offer relief from the irritation, relieve redness and help keep inflammation more controlled. Keep in mind that there is no cure for eczema or acne but rather they are reactions to things going on within the body. It’s always a good idea to ensure that factors such as diet, exercise, and environmental exposures are addressed.
All Skin Types
Squalane oil is an ideal oil for anyone who needs hydration but dislikes the feel of thick creams, butters or heavy oils. It’s best on dry, combination or aging skin since it offers hydration by increasing sebum. It’s suitable for sensitive skin as it will not cause irritation.
Also because squalane is rated 0-1 on the comedogenic scale it means there is hardly any chance it will clog pores and cause breakouts. Always check the comedogenic ratings or ingredients to make sure that they aren’t going to cause breakouts. This is especially true for people with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin. You’ll always want to make sure an ingredient is rated between 0-2. Learn more about comedogenic ratings HERE.
How To Use
Squalane has a gel-like texture and absorbs quickly into the skin. It will never feel greasy or leave a film like most other facial oils. It’s able to penetrate the layers of the skin so that even the deeper layers receive nourishment.
Apply squalane under any moisturizers or eye creams to seal in the hydration. It can be worn under makeup if that is something in your daily routine. Alternatively, you can use it alone or apply it at night after you have washed and tones the skin. Remember that you only need to use a few drops since it spreads easily. Find yours HERE.
Squalane Vs. Squalene
There is a difference between squalane and squalene. The difference is that squalene is highly unstable and oxidizes once it is exposed to the air. So squalene is taken and hydrogenated which makes it stabilized and it is now called squalane. Anything you see on the market whether it’s an added ingredient or alone will be squalane, the stabilized version of squalene.
How To Buy
It’s important to note that most squalane comes from plant-based sources such as olives or sugar cane. However, some companies source squalane from shark liver. Since both sources are equally as good and contain all the same benefits it’s best to make sure you purchase one that is plant-based. It’s better for the environment, reduces unnecessary fishing and a much more ethical choice. It will be clearly written on the label under the ingredient section.
