Squalane: what it is, benefits and how to include it in skin care
What is squalene?
Squalane is a natural oil extracted from plant sources and is a stable form of squalene , an active ingredient obtained from the liver oil of a particular breed of shark, called Squalidae. Initially, it emerged as an alternative to cancer preventive therapy.
Squalene is a substance naturally produced by human skin from birth, and has the function of moisturizing and maintaining the skin’s protective barrier, preventing the appearance of signs of premature aging and other factors that favor the appearance of spots and dermatitis. However, after the age of 30, squalene production slows down dramatically, as well as other structural elements such as collagen and elastin.
However, squalene is an unstable asset in its natural state – and it oxidizes on contact with air, losing its benefits. This is where squalene which, by undergoing a biotech hydrogenation process, becomes a more stable and effective version of the oil.
For many years, cosmetic laboratories have sought to recreate a structure similar to squalene from plant sources. Not only for a robust and manageable version of the substance, but also to reduce the environmental impact due to shark overfishing. Since 2009, the production of squalene from animal sources has been banned.
Today, many cosmetic brands use the active ingredient from plants, such as olive and rice bran, as well as vegetable oils, including amaranth seed, wheat germ and sugarcane.
Why this?
Squalane is known as the most powerful moisturizer in biology. Being a biocompatible product , it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy and sticky feel. As a result, it is suitable for all skin types.
“Oils ideal for applying to oily skin have a lighter texture, are easily spreadable and absorbed. Because they have such a good yield, they are long-lasting,” says Heluisa Olivian, esthetician at the Olivian Institute.
According to the specialist, squalene can be combined with other cosmetic ingredients, and it can also be used in various types of formulations in addition to skin care, such as body care, hair care and makeup products.
Benefits of squalene for the skin
Moisturized skin is also skin that acts as a protective barrier against allergens, microorganisms, and pollutants in the air, emphasizes Dr. Olivan.
In addition to being one of the most effective moisturizers on the market today, squalene also has a pleasant sensory feel and excellent biocompatibility with the skin. Including it in your skincare routine can provide many benefits for skin health. According to Heloisa Olivan, they are:
- It moisturizes the skin and contributes to maintaining the protective barrier of the skin
- Restores skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines
- Soothes dermatitis and sensitive skin
- It can be combined with essential oils, which greatly increases its benefits in various types of treatments.
- It’s a clean and gentle alternative to aggressive products
- It improves skin texture, reduces the amount and appearance of fine skin.
Can oily skin use squalene in skin care?
Due to its great absorbency, squalene is considered a free active for all skin types, including oily ones.
“There’s a misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizing, but this one needs to be demystified. Some oils, like the botanical jojoba oil and squalene itself, are prescribed even to acne sufferers,” explains Heluisa Olivan.
Moisturizing is an essential step in a skincare routine, helping to maintain the functional integrity of the skin, preventing wrinkles, expression lines and stretch marks – as well as contributing to healthy, glowing, infection-free skin.
Contrary to popular belief, hydrating oily skin is essential to avoid a celebrity recovery effect , as the sebaceous glands begin to produce more oil than necessary to compensate for the dryness caused by scrubbing.
“Dehydrated skin ages much faster due to a failure in the production of collagen and elastin (the molecule responsible for elasticity), caused by decreased production of these molecules at the cellular level,” explains Franklin Verissimo, who specializes in aesthetic medicine. Previous interview with my life.
Are there restrictions on use?
Squalane is free from impurities so it is not toxic or irritating to the skin. However, since skin sensitivity varies from person to person, it is necessary to do a small patch test before applying to larger areas.
Cosmetologist Heloisa Olivan also warns of the importance of evaluating the origin of the product, always giving priority to brands recognized and registered with the National Agency for Health Surveillance (ANVISA).
Cosmetologist Heloisa Olivan also warns of the importance of evaluating the origin of the product, always giving priority to brands recognized and registered with the National Agency for Health Surveillance (ANVISA).
“Natural products can be more or less toxic than synthetic products, depending on the seriousness of the company and its suitability in sourcing and controlling the quality of raw materials,” the specialist explains.
How to include it in your skincare routine
One of the biggest benefits of Squalane is that because it is so versatile, it can be found in many skin cosmetics and is compatible with other active ingredients, such as vitamin C, E, retinol and salicylic acid. According to Olivan, it can be added to skin care products from:
- منظف للوجه ومزيل للمكياج بزيت منظف: يعمل زيت السكوالين ، عند وجوده في زيوت التطهير ، على تطهير البشرة وإزالة الشوائب وبقايا المكياج وغيرها من المنتجات دون الإضرار بالجلد. يمكن استخدامها من مرة أو مرتين في الأسبوع أو كلما احتجت إلى تنظيف أعمق. يزيل استخدام زيت التنظيف الصبغات والبقايا الأخرى بسهولة بلطف شديد ، متجنبًا تهيج الجلد وحساسيته.
- Moisturizer : It can be used as a powerful and effective moisturizer for the skin of the face, neck, chest and other areas of the body. Just apply a few drops of the oil to the desired area with your fingertips, in upward and circular motions. In the morning, it should be used before sunscreen. It can also be used as a nighttime moisturizer, ensuring smooth and glowing skin in the morning. Squalene can also be used to moisturize elbows, knees, feet and backs of hands , usually neglected and lacking moisture areas.
