Skin care has become essential today, and moisturizing is the most important component in any skin care routine. This is where squalane oil for skin care comes into play. You see, not all moisturizers are equal, and while there are various options on the market, not all ingredients appear to be promising.
Squalane is a natural substance that closely resembles human sebum and provides significant skin advantages. Read on to learn more about squalane oil and how to use it to improve your skin’s health. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
What Is Squalane Oil?
Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene. Squalene is a lipid present naturally on our skin. Our skin cells produce this chemical to moisturize the skin.
The skin cells are most efficient in producing squalene in the teenage years. But this production reduces with age. Lack of this natural moisturizer is one reason mature skin becomes dry and rough.
Other sources of squalene include rice bran, olives, sugarcane, and shark liver. However, these sources are unstable and become rancid when exposed to air.
The cosmetic industry found a solution by hydrogenating squalene into the stable squalane oil before using it in skin care products (1). This hydrogenation process makes the oil easy to use on the skin and extends the product’s shelf life.
StyleCraze Says Squalane has a shelf life of two years. You can store it at room temperature as it does not get oxidized easily.
Squalane oil offers several benefits for your skin. Let us discuss them in detail.
What Are The Benefits Of Squalane Oil For Your Skin?
1. Has A Natural Origin
While shark liver was the primary source for manufacturing squalane oil, many plant-based sources are available now. These include wheat bran, olives, sugarcane, rice bran, etc.
Most ingredients in skin care products include mineral oil or petrolatum. But squalane oil is natural. It can also be a vegan ingredient, and is a popular alternative if you wish to avoid petrochemicals.
2. Is Suitable For All Skin Types
Squalane is a derivative of a naturally occurring component of sebum. Hence, your skin recognizes it. Squalane is also non-greasy and lightweight, and is suitable even for oily skin (2). Squalane can easily moisturize your skin and leave it soft and supple.
3. Moisturizes The Skin
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Squalane is a modified form of squalene – an essential part of our sebum. However, the production of squalene slows down with age and causes the skin to go dry (2).
Since it is similar to the natural oils on your skin, squalane works as an effective emollient and helps seal skin moisture.
4. Reduces The Appearance Of Fine Lines
Squalane oil hydrates and makes your skin supple. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may also help prevent new fine lines from appearing on your skin. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
5. May Smoothen Out Your Skin
The hydrating and anti-aging properties of squalane oil may improve your skin texture. Squalane oil is an excellent emollient and using it regularly can leave your skin feeling smooth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can also reduce your skin pore size, age spots, and pigmentation.
6. May Help Treat Skin Irritation
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Squalane oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may soothe skin irritation. It offers a calming and pleasant feeling. It helps hydrate skin, soothes flare-ups, and may help ease symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis (2). However, more research is warranted in this regard.
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7. May Help Treat Acne-prone Skin
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Squalane oil is non-comedogenic and does not clog your skin pores. It is a popular choice of moisturizer for all skin types.
Furthermore, squalene mimics the natural skin sebum. Hence, your skin tends to reduce its sebum production as it recognizes squalane oil. This unique property of squalane may help reduce acne as a consequence.
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8. May Reduce Dark Spots
Squalane oil has antioxidant properties. It improves your skin appearance by reducing damage due to sun exposure. It also may reduce dark spots and visibly brighten your skin. It could also even out your skin complexion. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
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How Can You Use Squalane Oil In Your Skin Care Routine?
Choose a pure form of squalane oil free of additives or chemicals.
Be careful if you want a vegan version, as shark oil could often be a key ingredient in the manufacturing process. Always read the label carefully before making a purchase.
Here’s how you can use squalane oil for your skin:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly with a natural face wash appropriate for your skin type.
- You can use a toner after cleansing.
- You can apply any skin treatment or serum if you choose to.
- Gently massage a few drops of squalane oil into the skin using your fingertips.
- Alternately, you can use a skin care product (such as a moisturizer or an eye cream) with squalane oil.
- Finish your skin care routine with a coat of sunscreen for the morning prep.
StyleCraze Says Wait for at least 2 to 3 minutes after applying squalane oil and before applying sunscreen so that your skin absorbs the oil completely.
Squalane oil is non-greasy and light, and is fast to get absorbed. Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that you can blend squalane with other products to gain multiple benefits.
- With Retinol: The combination may nourish and replenish your skin’s moisture content. Squalane keeps the retinol from oxidizing and prolongs its effects.
- With Vitamin C: These ingredients can brighten and lighten your skin tone when used together. This strong antioxidant combo can strengthen your skin barrier against external pollutants.
- With Body Butter: Using squalane oil with other emollients like shea butter and jojoba oil can better hydrate your skin and prevent moisture loss.
Squalane oil is effective in moisturizing your skin. But how does it respond to various skin types? Read on to find out.
Who Can Use Squalane Oil?
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1. Those With Oily Skin
Squalane oil is similar to a naturally available component of your sebum. Hence, it helps maintain the oil balance of your skin. In a way, it ‘tricks’ your skin into producing less oil. It is non-comedogenic and helps treat the excess oil on the skin.
2. Those With Dry Skin
Squalane oil naturally hydrates and replenishes moisture in dry skin.
3. Those With Sensitive Skin
Squalane oil is non-greasy and anti-inflammatory. It can soothe sensitive skin with its gentle nature and reduce any irritation. It also may protect your skin from environmental damage. The oil may even help soothe skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema (2).
4. Those With Combination Skin
Moisturizing combination skin could be tricky as it is both dry and oily. It needs a delicate oil balance while retaining its moisture levels. Squalane oil is an excellent moisturizer for such skin types as it can help maintain the oil balance while being non-greasy.
Though squalane oil has important benefits, it also may cause adverse effects in some. Read to know more.
What Are The Side Effects Of Using Squalane Oil On Your Skin?
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Squalane oil is generally safe for use for most people. However, as with any other skin care ingredient, it always poses a risk of skin irritation or allergies.
Always do a patch test before you use squalane oil on your skin. Apply it to a small area on your skin, such as the inner arm, to test for any reactions. Discontinue use if you develop signs such as itchiness, swelling, redness, or irritation.
Another aspect of squalane is its process of harvesting. Squalane from sharks is neither eco-friendly nor sustainable. Beware of the product you use. Always opt for pure squalane derived from plants instead.
Squalane resembles human sebum and helps moisturize your skin. It is a natural substance formed after hydrogenating squalene. This makes it easy to use on the skin and offers long shelf life. Using squalane for skin may help nourish the skin, smoothen the skin, reduce the appearance of aging signs, and help treat skin conditions. You may use squalane directly or combine it with other ingredients to reap maximum benefits. Though considered safe for use, it might cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to it. Always do a patch test before you apply.
