What Is Squalane and Why You Should Use It for Your Skin?

If you are looking for a natural and effective moisturizer for your skin, you might want to try squalane. Squalane is a saturated oil that is derived from squalene, a natural substance that is produced by your own skin cells. Squalane has many benefits for your skin, such as hydrating, soothing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this blog post, we will explain what squalane is, how it works, and how to use it for your skin.

What is squalane and where does it come from?

Squalane is a stable and skin-friendly form of squalene, which is a key component of your skin’s natural oils or sebum. Squalene makes up about 10 to 12% of your sebum and helps to keep your skin moisturized, supple, and healthy. However, as you age, your squalene production declines, leading to dryness, dullness, and wrinkles.

Squalene can also be found in some plants and animals, such as olives, rice bran, sugarcane, and sharks. However, squalene is not suitable for skin care products, as it is unstable and can oxidize easily when exposed to air or light. This can cause squalene to become rancid and spoil quickly, as well as lose its effectiveness and potentially harm your skin.

To solve this problem, squalene is hydrogenated into squalane, which is a more stable and skin-friendly form of the molecule. Hydrogenation is a process that converts squalene from an unsaturated oil to a saturated oil, making it more resistant to oxidation and degradation. Squalane can also penetrate the skin better than squalene, as it has a smaller molecular size and weight.

When choosing squalane products, it is important to look for plant-derived squalane, as animal-derived squalane can have ethical and environmental issues. For example, shark-derived squalane involves the killing of millions of sharks every year, which can endanger their populations and ecosystems. Plant-derived squalane, on the other hand, is cruelty-free, sustainable, and renewable, as it can be extracted from plants such as olives, rice bran, and sugarcane.

What are the benefits of squalane for your skin?

Squalane has many benefits for your skin, as it mimics your skin’s natural oils and helps to replenish and balance your skin’s moisture levels. Some of the benefits of squalane are:

Hydrating: Squalane is an excellent emollient, which means it can soften and smooth your skin by filling in the gaps between your skin cells and preventing water loss. Squalane can also attract and retain moisture from the air, keeping your skin hydrated and plump.

Soothing: Squalane has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can calm and reduce redness, irritation, and swelling in your skin. Squalane can also help to heal and repair your skin’s barrier function, which is the outer layer of your skin that protects it from external aggressors, such as bacteria, allergens, and pollutants.

Anti-aging: Squalane is a natural antioxidant, which means it can fight and neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells and cause premature aging. Squalane can also stimulate collagen production, which is the protein that gives your skin its structure, elasticity, and firmness. By boosting collagen, squalane can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging in your skin.

Anti-acne: Squalane is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog your pores or cause breakouts. Squalane can also help to regulate your skin’s oil production, as it can signal your skin to produce less sebum when it is sufficiently moisturized. Squalane can also have antibacterial and antifungal effects, which can prevent and treat acne-causing infections.

How to use squalane for your skin?

Squalane is a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient that can be incorporated into your skin care routine. You can use squalane as a standalone product or as an ingredient in other products, such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and masks. Here are some tips on how to use squalane for your skin:

1. Choose a pure and plant-derived squalane oil that is suitable for your skin type and needs. You can find squalane products online or in your local beauty store. Make sure to check the label and ingredients list to verify the source and quality of the squalane.

2. Apply squalane after cleansing and toning your skin, and before applying other products. You can use squalane in the morning and/or at night, depending on your preference and skin condition. You can also mix squalane with other products, such as serums, moisturizers, or sunscreens, to enhance their effects and texture.

3. Use a few drops of squalane and massage it gently into your skin, using your fingertips or a facial roller. You can also apply squalane to other areas of your body that need extra hydration, such as your lips, hands, elbows, knees, and feet.

4. Enjoy the benefits of squalane and notice how your skin becomes softer, smoother, and more radiant.

Conclusion

Squalane is a natural and effective moisturizer that can benefit your skin in many ways. Squalane can hydrate, soothe, anti-age, and anti-acne your skin, as well as improve your skin’s health and appearance. Squalane is also plant-derived, cruelty-free, and sustainable, making it a great choice for your skin and the environment. If you are interested in trying squalane, you can find it online or in your local beauty store. Remember to always patch test any new product before using it on your face or body, and consult your dermatologist if you have any skin concerns or allergies. We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about squalane.