Increasingly, you can hear advice from experts to use face products with squalane in the composition – they say, it is good in anti-aging care, and for sensitive skin, and after a sunburn. We tell you what the strength of this ingredient is and where to look for it.
In many living beings, including humans, as well as in plants, squalene “lives” – a lipid that is actively involved in the general metabolism, and at the same time helps the skin maintain the integrity of the protective hydrolipid mantle, which does not allow moisture to evaporate and does not allow pathogenic bacteria to enter.
It was first isolated in 1916 from shark liver, but for cosmetic purposes, squalene is extracted from vegetable oils – most often from olive, linseed, cottonseed and amaranth. Related to this is the growing popularity of this substance – both manufacturers and consumers are actively refusing to use ingredients of animal origin.
Squalane is the rich form of squalene. Between themselves, these substances differ not only in one letter, but also in an additional hydrogen molecule, which makes the first much more stable. Thanks to this, squalane is perfectly stored and is not afraid of light, high temperatures and oxygen. It is a light, quickly absorbed oil that does not cause irritation and inflammation, does not clog pores, and does not leave a film. It perfectly moisturizes, soothes and restores the skin and is suitable for any type of skin, including very sensitive ones.
Moreover, squalane has an antibacterial effect and “antioxidant power”, so it will be very useful after sunburn, and in general in not too good urban ecology. It is even added to cosmetics for children and for owners of atopic skin.
Despite the fact that squalane is an oil, it is great for oily and even problematic skin.
Today, brands produce not only products with this ingredient in the composition, but also pure squalane, which can be used on its own or added to basic care, as well as mixtures of squalane with retinol. The latter help to get the maximum benefit from the use of retinoids, but to avoid possible side troubles such as dryness, flaking and increased skin sensitivity.
With age, the natural amount of squalene in the skin can decrease – this depends on a number of factors, including belonging to a particular ethnic group. However, in anti-aging care, its stable form will come in handy in any case, because it not only helps to retain moisture in the skin, but also fights free radicals, which make a huge contribution to cell aging.
Despite the fact that squalane is an oil, it is great for oily and even problematic skin. It is absolutely non-comedogenic, but it is crushing for bacteria that cause inflammation. In addition, by strengthening the protective barrier of the skin, it can indirectly affect its fat content.
Often, the active production of fat is due precisely to the fact that the hydrolipid layer is damaged and does not cope with its task well enough. Losing moisture, the skin tries to retain it with the help of lipids, and we get an unpleasant oily sheen and clogged pores. Squalane, being a “relative” of skin lipids, helps to break the vicious circle and reduce excessive activity of the sebaceous glands.