One of the names that is resonating strongly nowadays in the skincare world is squalene. This component is gaining popularity by leaps and bounds, primarily due to two of its most outstanding qualities: its highly hydrating capacity and its abundant content of antioxidants.
So, what is squalene? What benefits does it bring to determine if it is time to adjust our skincare routine? Let’s learn about this incredible ingredient.
What is squalene and what are its benefits?
This component is a refined oil obtained from olive oil, a plant lipid with a molecular structure very similar to that of lipids present in the skin. This affinity facilitates its absorption, making it a prominent trend in skincare.
The benefits of squalene for skin are varied, with its moisturizing capacity being one of the most notable. Unlike other oils, squalene has a light texture that does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin or residues. Additionally, it helps to maintain and retain hydration, strengthening the skin barrier and preserving its health.
Another notable advantage is its anti-aging action, thanks to its potent antioxidant power. This protects the skin from free radicals, the main culprits of premature aging.
What is the usefulness of this component?
Squalene offers benefits for all skin types, from dry to oily. This is due to its remarkable absorption capacity and light texture, which avoids any greasy sensation on the skin and promotes moisture retention. This helps the skin appear softer and more elastic.
Additionally, squalene becomes an ally for acne-prone skin, as it is highly effective against bacteria and does not clog pores.
Squalene vs. squalane: differences and benefits
The growing popularity of these ingredients is not without reason; their properties make them powerful allies against aging.
Squalene is a natural lipid found in both the plant and animal kingdoms, and it is also produced in human skin. Its original molecular composition is unstable, requiring a hydrogenation process to convert it into squalane. During this process, the unsaturated oil of squalene transforms into a saturated oil, making its texture more pleasing to the skin, extending its shelf life (making it stable) and rendering it completely vegan and cruelty-free.
For years, oils have been the subject of debate in the beauty industry due to concerns about their comedogenicity, greasy texture, or difficulty in absorption. However, none of these concerns apply to squalane.
The main difference of this oil lies in its natural production in our bodies, which is recognized by the skin upon contact, helping to balance the production of oil and sebum. It is quickly absorbed; only a few drops are needed to evenly cover the entire face. Squalane oil offers numerous benefits, such as reducing redness and inflammation, and is especially known for its moisturizing and soothing properties, even for the oiliest, most sensitive, and acne-prone skin types.
How to incorporate squalene into your skincare routine?
The first step is to consult your dermatologist for guidance on which product to use, how to apply it, and how often. This will allow you to maximize its benefits and avoid potential adverse effects. However, if your skin is normal, without any special conditions, and you want to try this ingredient, you can gradually introduce its use so that your skin adapts. Start by applying it once a week, then increase to twice a week, and so on until you can use it daily.
Although many products already contain this powerful ingredient, look for those with a higher concentration of it. If you’re looking for deep hydration, opt for serums and lotions; if you prefer a feeling of protection and smoothness, creams are an excellent choice; if you have oily skin and want to avoid shine, consider gels. In any case, make sure to include this ingredient into a skincare routine that starts with cleansing and ends with sunscreen protection.
Squalene: your best companion for flawless makeup
As we all know, no makeup looks radiant without a good skincare routine and healthy skin. That’s why several renowned makeup artists suggest this ingredient as an ideal primer, as it hydrates, minimizes pores, and smooths fine lines. They also use it to prep the lips, preventing them from cracking when applying lipstick. It’s definitely worth trying!
Just like in any routine, to achieve the best results and maintain healthy skin, whether wearing makeup or not, it’s important to be disciplined in its proper application.
Always remember to perform a patch test before incorporating any new product into your skincare routine to ensure that you do not have any allergic reactions. And consult with a dermatologist if you have any specific concerns about your skin or if you are unsure how to incorporate squalene into your skincare routine.
