Squalene: Vitamin E Twin
Squalene an unsung skincare ingredients under your skin and why its essential as you hit your 30s.
SKINCARE INGREDIENTS
WHAT IS SQUALENE?
DEFINITION
It is a poly-saturated fatty acid found naturally in your skin. Pure squalene is colorless oil but sometimes it can be yellow due to impurities. It can be extracted from wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, olive oil or shark liver oil. Squalene has found a place in cosmetics, skincare products and as adjuvant in vaccines. Though conservationists and people with environmental concerns have addressed the issue of endangering sharks for their oil.
SQULENE VS SQUALANE
The difference between the two is very small, squalene is a naturally occuring substance in humans, animals and even plants while squalane is a product which we get when squalene is converted to squalane through hydrogenation, an industrial process which involves adding hydrogen in a liquid. In case of squalene, it is hydrogenated which breaks carbon double bonds to single bonds in squalene. Many cosmetics and skincare companies prefer squalane over squalene because of its long shelf life than squalene and lightweight which does not clog pores.
BENEFITS
Squalene has many benefits that we are going to explore how its good for you
It is non comedogenic; it means that it does not clog pores and balance oil production.
It replenishes and restore skin softness and plumper
It reverses aging due to its anti-aging properties
It hydrates and moisturizes the skin
Reduces skin irritation or itching
Help to prevent the skin from photo aging by UVA and UVB sun rays
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Percentage: 0.5 to 100%
Viscosity: light, non-greasy texture
Form: oil
Color: clear, yellowish for impure ones
Application order: after serum stage; as moisturizing body oil
Skin type: oily skin, acne-prone; all skin type
Timing: AM (Daytime) and PM (Nighttime)
RISKS
Squalene is considered generally safe to use though like any other skincare product you should do a patch test on your hand and wait for 24 hours to see if you get any allergic reactions if so discontinue use.
FINAL TAKE
You can incorporate squalene with other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E and ceramides.
As we get older we lose our natural squalene in our skin barrier at around age 30. So, it will be good to add this ingredient in your routine.