For most people who have skin that lacks moisture, Squalane can be a great way to ensure that the moisture levels are up and maintained.
While the lack of moisture may sometimes affect people of all skin types, it is particularly common in people that have dry skin. Why am I saying this?
Dry skin is just what the name implies. As such, the skin naturally contains less moisture. Any depletion of the moisture on such skin (for instance, due to excessive sun exposure) can lead to dryness of the skin, and this can make you prone to a lot of skin diseases- psoriasis is a common skin disease caused by extremely dry skin.
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One chemical in our bodies that has the purpose of ensuring that our skin is moisturized is none other than Squalane. Today, we want to look at Squalane as a whole, covering how it is produced in your body as well as the various benefits that come with it.
Here are relevant skincare guides that contain vital and important information about skincare products to help you achieve healthy skin.
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What is the difference between CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Lotion?
What is the difference between BB and CC Cream and Tinted Moisturizer?
Before we get into the whole Squalane, I want to first give you an understanding of the skin layers with their various purposes- that should be a good start.
Understanding the Skin- what is it really made of?
There are a couple of layers of components as well as minerals that all work to keep your skin intact, in order to protect your internal organs. In detail, the overall skin is made up of the following layers:
- Epidermis:
This is the outermost layer of your skin, whose purpose is to protect you from the tough environment. It consists of other layers, which are the stratum Lucidum, stratum Germinativum, Stratum spinosum and finally, the stratum granulosum- but of course, I won’t go further to talk about these one by one.
To keep things short, the epidermis is responsible for hosting a couple of skin cells, such as keratinocytes (which produce keratin), melanocytes (which produce melanin) and Langerhans (which protect your skin from external substances)
- Dermis
The Dermis is the largest layer of your skin, consisting of blood vessels, hair follicles and oil glands (which are also called sebaceous glands).
Because of the availability of collagen and elastin in this layer, these proteins allow the skin to be intact as well as elastic. That being said, this is the layer that is responsible for the wrinkles and fine lines that develop as we get older.
This is the layer where a lipid known as Squalene is produced and it controls things like the elasticity of the skin by rapidly supplying moisture to the skin. Also, the dermis consists of nerves that facilitate senses such as pain, touch and temperature.
Note: There is a difference between Squalene and Squalane- Besides the spellings, of course. I will talk about that in a moment.
3. Subcutis
Known as the skin’s fatty layer, the Subcutis is the layer that is responsible for conserving your body’s heat as well as protecting your internal organs- consider this as the cushiony part of your skin.
This layer hosts sweat glands, tissue and of course, high amounts of fat. As a result, the depletion of the fat in this layer can lead to sagging of the skin associated with wrinkles.
Squalane vs Squalene
Let me first make things clear. As I said before, Squalene and Squalane are very different. While they might be different, they pretty much work towards the same main purpose.
What generally makes them different is that Squalene occurs naturally while Squalane comes
Squalene is a natural lipid that is produced in human skin, exclusively in the part of the skin called the dermis.
Your skin may sometimes experience dehydration, causing it to become very dry. Thanks to your naturally produced Squalene, your skin will be kept plump and well-hydrated
In the long run, your skin can really be kept safe from wrinkles as well as fine lines that tend to take the best of us when we are getting older- because when you are ageing, the amount of squalene that is produced by your body starts to decline.
Besides human skin, Squalene is also found in plants such as olives, rice bran and also sugarcane. On top of that, Squalene occurs naturally in various animals as well.
However, Squalene can’t be directly included in skincare products just like that. This is mainly because it is said to be too unstable.
When exposed to oxygen, the Squalene can get spoiled very quickly. In order for the Squalene to be used in skincare products, it must first be hydrogenated.
What is Hydrogenation?
In simple terms, hydrogenation is the process of converting Squalene from its unsaturated oil state to a saturated oil, which is then known as Squalane.
The importance of hydrogenation here is that it will make the product more skin-friendly. Also, the formula won’t go bad quickly, which means the shelf life of the squalane product will also be longer. If you want to know about a product made from squalane, check out the Squalane serum.
Now that we have looked at how squalene is different from Squalane, let’s get back to the question at hand
What does Squalane do for your skin?
As I mentioned before, Squalane comes with a lot of benefits, which are enough of a reason that you should start using a squalane product- that’s… if you haven’t started already.
Thanks to science and the hydrogenation process, Squalane has the following benefits on your skin:
- Hydration
This is the main benefit that comes with squalane. After all, the main purpose of squalane on your skin is to keep it hydrated- because hydrated skin is healthy skin.
Speaking of hydration, if you want to get the maximum benefits from the squalane product, you have to ensure that you apply it to your face periodically.
- Fight skin damage
Squalane can be found in many creams, oils as well as facial cleansers. The antioxidants in these oils and creams go a long way to fight skin damage and free radicals.
Once the antioxidants work on your skin, you will have clear and more radiant skin, thereby promoting anti-ageing properties that will keep you looking younger in the long run.
- Boost Collagen production
A regular and consistent application of squalane on your skin will give you a boost in your collagen production, which will result in a skin texture that is firmer.
- Fight Acne and post-acne effects
When you have acne, it can be very hard for you to find the right products. If you aren’t careful with the products, you might end up with a lotion that can accelerate the acne instead of healing it.
The good thing about Squalane and all the products that contain it is that the chemical is safe for people of all skin types. If you go for products that have squalane and hyaluronic acid, you will keep your skin hydrated as well as acne-free.
Besides the Squalane, how do I keep my skin healthy?
Introducing Squalane into your skincare regimen is one thing, but keeping your overall skin healthy can include a lot of other things. Generally, skin health is all summed up into 5 key steps.
- Cleansing: Washing your skin regularly, particularly twice a day- in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before you go to sleep. You can simply use a soap or a body washing liquid product.
Note: when picking a soap to use, choose the one that doesn’t have fragrances
- Moisturizing: For people that have dry skin, it is important to have a moisturizer by your side. Pick one that has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which works to lock in moisture on your skin, thereby keeping your skin hydrated.
- Using a serum: Serums can be a good way to ensure that your skin stays plump and hydrated when you sleep. Some serums even come with great anti-ageing benefits that target the fine lines and wrinkles on your face to give you a younger look
- Using a Skin toner: Introducing a skin toner in your skincare routine comes with a lot of benefits. These products tend to have good antioxidant properties that keep your skin plump by getting rid if your acne. Skin toners and serums tend to have similar properties and ingredients, but you should never apply them at the same time. Instead, use a skin toner in the morning and serum in the evening
- Sunscreen: Despite what skin tone you have, sun damage is something that can occur to all skin types if they have been exposed to the sun for a long time- some longer than others. Apply sunscreen every time you plan to leave the house, even when it is cloudy outside (overcast)
Use these techniques every day to maintain your skin’s health by keeping it clean and enriching it with great nutrients. Develop these methods into a skincare routine. To know more about how to develop a skincare routine, read the Introduction to the skincare guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Squalane be used every day?
Squalane is lightweight that allows it to be applied to the skin every day. When applied every day, Squalane has major benefits because it is lightweight, which allows it to be absorbed by the skin without any major issues, it increases the elasticity of the skin and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It contains anti-inflammatory properties and does not clog the pores on the skin which allows it to be used every day.
Is Squalane better than Hyaluronic Acid?
Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid are both naturally occurring in the body allowing them to be compatible with most skin types. They are both lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin but to say which one is better depends on what results you are looking for when applying both of them.
If you suffer from dry skin and would like the water content on your skin to be increased then you would find Hyaluronic Acid to be the best fit for you. If you would like to prevent moisture from escaping, then Squalane would be most beneficial. It is dependent upon what you would like them to do.
Can I use Niacinamide with Squalane?
Niacinamide is a Vitamin that helps balance oil production and helps deal with blemishes and pimples. Niacinamide is lightweight like Squalane which allows it to be absorbed quickly and easily by the skin. When used together, they help benefit the skin by controlling sebum production and increasing moisture levels.
You can apply Squalane first or Niacinamide first or mix them together. They both can be applied to the skin in the form of serums, toners, moisturizers or oils.
Conclusion
Squalane is a natural skin enhancer in the way that it makes the skin healthy by boosting its hydration, boosting collagen production and fighting acne marks. It is naturally occurring in the body but it can also be found in plants.
You do not need to worry if whether it will be compatible with your skin or not as Squalane is compatible with all skin types. If you suffer from skin issues and want a quick and easy fix, then Squalane can help but remember to remain consistent as inconsistency will delay the results.
Also Read:
Which is better Eucerin or CeraVe?
What is the difference between CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Lotion?
What is the difference between BB and CC Cream and Tinted Moisturizer?
Treeactiv Crepey Skin Body Lotion Review
What is Squalane Serum?
