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In the world of skincare, there are ingredients that are best suited for specific skin types. However, there are also ingredients that can be used for a variety of skin conditions, from dry, to oily to everywhere in between.
If you’re looking for an all-around great ingredient to add to your skincare lineup, look no further than squalane. This natural ingredient is packed with benefits, which is why you’ll see it included in some of the most popular skincare products out there today.
So what exactly is squalane, and what can it do for the skin? Keep reading to learn all about this ingredient and 7 reasons to start incorporating it into your routine ASAP.
Before we get into the benefits of squalane, let’s break down exactly what it is.
Squalane is an emollient that mimics your skin’s natural oils. In fact, a version of squalane is produced by your body naturally, which is known as squalene (with an “e”). This lipid is produced by your skin cells, however, its production slows as you age—which can lead to dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and a rough skin texture.
In order to combat this process, you can use squalane, which is converted from squalene through the process of hydrogenation. Essentially, this means squalene is changed from an unsaturated oil to a saturated oil in order to make it safe for the skin and have a longer shelf life.
Now, you might be wondering, “Where does squalane come from?” The moisturizer naturally occurs in rice bran, olives, and sugarcane. Surprisingly, it’s also found in animal sources—but due to ethical concerns, many companies prefer to source it from plants and olives.
When it comes to incorporating squalane into your skincare routine, there are many different ways to do so. Squalane is found in all types of skincare products today, including:
The type of product you use all comes down to your individual preference. For example, if you’re someone with dry skin, using a pure squalane oil as the last step in your routine can really help to lock in moisture. If you prefer something lighter, consider a squalane-infused moisturizer.
Now, let’s get into the specific benefits of using squalane in your skincare routine.
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to keep it hydrated.
Your skin is made up of three layers: the outermost layer (epidermis), the layer underneath (dermis), and subcutaneous tissue. Without proper care, the epidermis can easily become dry, which will cause your skin to become rough in texture and eventually lose elasticity, which can lead to sagging and wrinkles.
To prevent this, it’s important to use an external moisturizer. Squalane is an excellent choice, because it mimics your skin’s natural oils—meaning it will provide just the right amount of moisture to keep your skin balanced. Not only will this provide a protective layer for the skin, but it will keep it looking plump, radiant, and youthful.
As mentioned, when skin becomes dry, it can become rough in texture. Due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, squalane can help to keep skin smooth and soft. With consistent use, it can also help to target large pores and spots on your skin.
Whether you’re someone who tends to have an uneven skin texture naturally or find that it occurs seasonally, squalane is a great ingredient to keep in your skincare lineup.
Before you turn to Botox and fillers, make sure you’re using an ingredient like squalane in your routine. Squalane helps to prevent aging due to its moisturizing properties, but it also has antioxidants to help protect the skin from free radicals—which are unstable atoms that can damage skin cells.
Squalane has also been shown to boost collagen, which is essential for keeping skin firm. Like squalane, the amount of collagen produced by our bodies naturally decreases as we age, so regularly applying squalane can help to slow the aging process.
One of the many benefits of squalane is that it’s safe for most skin types—even those who are prone to redness and irritation. In general, this ingredient is very gentle on the skin, so you don’t have to worry about it having negative interactions with medications or other ingredients.
Additionally, squalane has actually been shown to help both soothe and prevent irritation. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Since squalane is a very hydrating ingredient, you might be questioning if it’s a good choice for those with oily skin.
While it might seem counterintuitive, squalane can actually aid in controlling the natural oils and sebum produced by your skin. Since squalane mimics the way natural oils function in your skin, it can help to regulate and balance oil production.
As a result, this will keep your skin’s hydration levels in check and help to prevent blackheads and acne from forming. These types of flare ups commonly develop due to excess sebum production.
Because of its antioxidant properties, squalane can help to fade pesky dark spots, especially when used in conjunction with an ingredient like vitamin C. This is why you’ll commonly find squalane in skincare products designed to brighten and even skin tone.
While some oils can feel thick and heavy on the skin, squalane is very lightweight in texture. This allows it to be easily absorbed and won’t leave behind a greasy residue—which makes it great for both day and nighttime use.
Additionally, squalane is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. This is another reason why it’s favored among those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Aside from being an incredible ingredient for the skin, squalane can offer amazing benefits for your hair. Because of its moisturizing properties, it can help to increase shine and prevent breakage that occurs from styling.
Depending on your hair type, there are several ways you can apply squalane. It can be applied to the scalp as a treatment before you shower, or you can apply a few drops to the ends of your hair to boost moisture and shine. There are also different types of shampoos and styling products that are formulated with squalane for your haircare routine.
Finally, squalane can also be a great moisturizer to use on the rest of your body. Depending on your preference, you can use pure squalane oil or a product like Herbal Dynamics Beauty’s Shea & Squalane Rich Body Butter. This product is designed to nourish, plump, and soothe the skin. It also contains other ingredients like mango butter, shea butter, and pistachio oil to firm and promote healthy skin over time.
As you can see, squalane provides an impressive lineup of benefits for your face, body, and hair. Whether you’re new to skincare or are a product junkie, this is a great ingredient to keep on hand at all times. Once you start using it and experiencing the benefits, we guarantee you won’t ever want to be without it!
