There are always new products and ingredients in the skin care industry, each claiming to be wrinkle-easing, protecting the fountain of youth and skin-saving. While it is challenging to confirm there is a product like that, there is one that caught the attention of many: Squalane. If you’ve been wondering why squalane is everywhere? Or what is it? Or how it benefit the user? Here is a deep discussion for you.
Don’t Stress your Skin when there is A Simple Solution
The human body has a system designed to moisturise the skin. However, the level of moisture the skin produces declines, as you get older. That is why many people turn to artificial or external moisturisers. The body’s in-built system produces Squalene. When the level drops or when you get older, you will need the help of an external moisturiser and squalane is among the most famous in the market. Squalene is available in animals and plants. Sugarcane, rice bran, shark liver and olive oil are the common sources.
Many skincare products, including creams, anti-aging, dry skin lotions, and facial serums, have squalane oil as a staple ingredient. Among them, natural olive squalane stands out for its quick absorption and alignment with the growing trend of natural products. The versatile benefits of this natural oil make it an important ingredient for all products and skin types. Squalane is gaining popularity in the skincare market despite being new. This can be attributed to a few brands in the market that extract and emphasise the benefits of the oil. A good example of such a brand is Sophim, which incorporates natural olive squalane in almost every skincare product.
What is Squalane?
Squalene is a lipid that occurs naturally in many plants, animals and human sebum. For instance, this oil can be extracted from plants like wheat germ, sugarcane and olives. However, it needs to undergo a process called hydrogenation to transform it into a skin-friendlier version called squalane. Hydrogenation makes the oil saturated hence more biocompatible with human skin. In other words, squalane is a natural hydrator that resembles natural oils found in your skin.
At face value and feel, it is like an oil. However, natural plant squalane is oil-free and lightweight, making it easy to be absorbed by the skin without lingering feeling. The fact that squalane oil does not result in blocked pores makes it suitable for all skin types, including those with congested and oily skin.
Why Use Squalane-Based Products
Squalane oil has more than one benefit, helping many to achieve their skincare goals.
No Skin Clogging
Squalane being an oil can leave many wondering whether it can cause acne breakouts. Moreover, being non-comedogenic makes it suitable for all skin types, eliminating the possibility of clogging your skin or leading to acne breakouts. Most skincare products incorporated with squalane oil are lightweight and non-greasy. This is the right product for people with delicate skin including those with acne-prone and oily skin.
Effective in Skin Hydration
You need maximum hydration for the skin to feel and look its best. Squalane is known to improve skin hydration, especially when applied topically. Additionally, it prevents skin drying out and minimises moisture loss. Therefore, constant use of products with this natural oil can result in radiant, youthful-looking skin.
Skin Softer and Smoother
Squalane has skin-softening and smoothing abilities because it is a powerful emollient. It has a fast and easy absorption, leaving no oily residue on the skin. For people suffering from uneven or rough skin, squalane-based products can be a suitable substitute for their skincare products. Remember, no oily residue, no acne. The good thing about this oil is that it can be used by anyone because it mimics skin‘s natural oils. Squalane is a perfect skincare ingredient, especially for eczema-prone skin, dry skin and sensitive skin, in terms of irritation.
Visible Signs of Aging Won’t be a Problem
Your skin can suffer from oxidative elements and free-radicle damage as a result of constant exposure to environmental stressors. With time, you can start to notice visible skin aging signs like rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Squalane-infused skincare products can enhance the looks of these signs. Because of that, brands like Sophim use squalane oil as the main ingredient in anti-aging formulas to promote more supple-looking skin.
Finally, as you age and your body produces less moisturising effects, cracking and dry skin can become the new norm. However, natural moisturising oil that mimics your body‘s natural oil can increase moisture levels and boost hydration. Look for squalane-based products to get healthier-looking skin regardless of your skin type.
Images from Meika Beauty by Marcelina Sowa for DSCENE Beauty – see full article here.
