When it comes to achieving soft, supple, radiant skin, one highly essential step of the CTM routine often stands out among the rest, i.e., Moisturisation. Nourishing and moisturising your skin is far from a mere luxurious indulgence but rather a crucial part of maintaining the health and vitality of the skin. And on that note, meet Squalane, a natural elixir with incredible moisturising properties, that has captured the attention of skincare enthusiasts and experts alike. With its lightweight texture, deep hydration, and incredible nourishing qualities, this magical elixir has become a staple in skincare routines worldwide that can instantly transform your skincare routine and leave you with a luminous complexion.
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What is Squalane?
Squalane is a natural hydrocarbon derived from Squalene, which is a lipid that is naturally found in the human skin and secreted by the sebaceous (oil) glands. Apart from skin, it can also be derived from various plant and animal sources, including olives, rice bran, sugarcane, and shark liver. But, in recent years, the beauty industry has shifted towards plant-derived Squalane, making it a cruelty-free and sustainable option.
Squalane acts as a nourishing barrier, protecting your skin against dryness, environmental stressors, skin infections and various signs of premature ageing. Its potential quality to act like the skin's natural lipids makes it easily absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, promoting a healthy and luminous complexion.
Also Read: Succinic Acid: Discover The Uses, Health Benefits Of This Amazing Skincare Ingredient
What Is The Difference Between Squalane And Squalene?
The difference between squalane and squalene is that squalene tends to oxidise quickly and can become unstable, whereas squalane is the hydrogenated, more stable and highly refined version of squalene, making it safe and ideal for cosmetic use.
Extraordinary Benefits Of Squalane For Skin
Intense Moisturization
One of the remarkable benefits of squalane is its ability to deeply hydrate and moisturise the skin. It acts as an emollient, forming a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, thereby keeping the skin soft, non-greasy and well-nourished. Squalane's lightweight and fast-absorbing formula makes it an excellent moisturiser for all skin types. It is easily absorbed, allowing it to deliver moisture to the deeper layers of the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without clogging the skin pores, leaving it plump, and supple.
Also Read: Ferulic Acid: Uses, Benefits And Side Effects Of This Amazing Skin Healing Ingredient
Reverses Age Clock
Squalane possesses powerful antioxidant properties that can easily combat free radicals and oxidative stress and help alleviate the signs of premature ageing to furnish a youthful complexion. It aids in improving skin elasticity, promoting collagen production and diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, saggy skin, sun and age spots. By incorporating squalane into your skincare routine, you can enhance the skin's overall texture, firmness, and radiance.
Forms A Protective Barrier
Squalane acts as a natural shield for the skin, safeguarding it from external aggressors. It forms a protective barrier that helps to minimise the impact of environmental stressors, such as dust, dirt, pollution, UV radiation, and harsh skincare products which can cause potential damage and accelerate skin ageing. By using squalane, you reinforce the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss, and helping to maintain a healthy and resilient complexion.
Non-Comedogenic
One of the prized characteristics of squalane is its non-comedogenic nature, meaning it does not clog pores or contribute to sudden acne breakouts. It has a lightweight, gentle formula that helps regulate sebum production, making it highly suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin. Whether you are blessed with dry, oily, or combination sheath, this magic elixir can provide much-needed hydration and nourishment to your skin without causing irritation or congestion.
Treats Skin Conditions
Squalane boasts soothing and calming properties, making it an ideal choice for individuals with irritated or reactive skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of Squalane help to reduce redness, inflammation, and skin sensitivity, providing relief and comfort to compromised skin. It also helps in diminishing redness and discomfort, soothes flare-ups and remedies skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea.
How To Incorporate Squalane In The Skincare Routine?
Squalane can be easily incorporated into various skincare products, making it a versatile beauty ingredient. You can easily add it to your moisturisers, serums, facial oils, cleansers, under eyes creams and even makeup products. Its compatibility with other skincare essentials makes it an excellent addition to your skincare regimen enhancing the efficacy of other active compounds. Here's how you can introduce squalane in your routine beauty ritual:
- Wash and cleanse your face
- Apply toner of choice
- Blend a mild moisturiser or serum over the toned face
- Now massage 2-3 drops of squalane oil all over the face
You can even pair Squalane with other skincare products like:
Retinol: Applying 2 drops of both retinol and squalane on your skin at night helps to nourish and replenish the skin’s moisture content and prevents oxidising of retinol and prolonging its benefits throughout the night.
Vitamin C: Using the dynamic combination of squalane and vitamin C helps to brighten and lighten the skin tone, while also fortifying the natural skin barrier against external aggressors.
Body Butter: Combining and applying squalane oil with other emollients like shea butter, mango or kokum butter or concentrated oils like jojoba oil can better hydrate and nourish dry and parched skin and prevent moisture loss.
Foundation: Mix a drop of squalane with the foundation to enhance the makeup process and achieve a natural, smooth, dewy finish. It also increases the longevity of the makeup, giving your skin a radiant and hydrated glow.
Are There Any Side-Effects Of Squalane?
Squalane is usually considered safe and well-tolerated for most individuals, including those with sensitive skin. However, as with any other skincare ingredient, there is always a risk of individual skin irritation, allergies and incompatibility with other skincare or beauty products.
Hence, it is necessary to always do a patch test before using squalane oil on your skin. Apply a drop of squalane oil to a small area on your skin, such as the inner arm, under the ear or back of the neck to test for any allergic reactions. Stop using it immediately if you notice or develop signs such as redness, itching, swelling, rash, or irritation.
