Believe it or not, our bodies have these incredible systems that protect us and shield us from pollution, chronic sun exposure, and even cancer. One of these systems is the complexity of our skin.
Our skin contains an oil called squalene, which acts as a natural buffer between our skin and the environment.
Products containing processed squalane, known as squalane, have quickly risen to the top of must-have lists and are being praised by dermatologists and influencers alike, with the search for “squalane” on TikTok reaching 1,000
millions of views.
A once-unknown oil is revolutionizing the beauty industry: it’s an all-in-one natural moisturizer, powerful antioxidant, and anti-aging must-have. What is squalene? Squalene is a naturally occurring oil compound found in plants, animals
and lipids produced by our skin.
Squalene occurs organically in our skin and acts as a natural lubricant, protecting our skin from damage and keeping it smooth. As we age, the production of this oil slows, making us more susceptible to wrinkles and dry skin.
Where does squalene come from? Squalene is found in shark livers and plants like olives and palm trees. Don’t worry; most squalene products are derived from plants, not shark livers.
I think it’s always a good idea to do thorough research before purchasing skincare products to make sure they are ethically and safely sourced. Squalane vs. Squalene: What’s the Difference? Squalane is essentially just a hydrogenated version of squalene.
Squalene (replace the “e” with the “a”) is the name of the oil itself, which is found in natural sources. Squalane is the name of squalene that has been processed to be shelf stable.
Squalene quickly oxidizes and goes rancid when exposed to air. To prevent this from happening, squalene is processed into a less reactive oil that can be used in beauty products.
This helpful oil has been renamed squalane, but still has all the benefits of natural squalene. 6 Benefits of Squalene for Skin. Prevents premature aging of the skin.
Squalane is considered an excellent anti-aging emollient, helping to reverse the effects of time and improve overall appearance. Since squalane products are similar to the oils in our skin, they can help restore a youthful glow.
Hydrated skin prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking younger and healthier. Fans of beauty creams containing squalene swear by them and their regenerative effects on the skin.
The best way to prevent wrinkles from forming on your skin? Opt for nighttime products that contain squalane. Our top pick is the Renew Night Cream, which is enriched with vegan squalane and hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration.
It gives you the soft, springy feel you’ve always dreamed of. Even better, it’s enriched with glacial glycoproteins to speed up skin regeneration and repair, so you wake up with a fresh-faced look every morning.
Mimics our skin’s natural oils. Since squalane is naturally present in lipids produced by our bodies, it’s safe and effective for just about everyone. Squalane is also a component of our skin barrier, which is the part that protects the skin from environmental influences and UV radiation.
Yes, this oil can help form an extra barrier to protect against carcinogens and improve the performance of sunscreens. It helps improve our appearance and protects our skin from further damage. It really is a win-win situation.
Moisturizes Skin Since our bodies slow down their production of squalene as we age, using a moisturizer with squalane oil can make our skin miraculously soft. Using squalane products can help restore the natural moisture that our skin needs. Add a squalane oil serum to your daily skincare routine for soft, hydrated skin – our favorite is Dreamy Glow Drops. Nourish Your Hair for Shiny Hair The benefits of squalane oil are not just for the skin:
It moisturizes your hair.
Using squalane oil on your hair can help protect your hair from damage caused by environmental factors, a poor diet, or heat styling. Simply apply a small amount of oil to your hair and rinse in the shower to heal split ends
and improve shine restoration. It’s lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about excess oil at the roots of your hair. It’s non-comedogenic, i.e. it won’t clog your pores. Squalane not only has incredible moisturizing properties, but it’s also non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog your pores).
Because it’s so similar to our naturally occurring skin oils, products containing squalane feel light on the skin. Even better, people with acne-prone skin can enjoy the benefits of squalane oil without having to worry about breakouts. We love adding this nourishing oil to our pore-cleansing routine with our Deep Pore Cleanser, a four-in-one product that removes impurities, exfoliates, unclogs pores, and moisturizes. It improves the overall appearance of the skin. Products containing squalane oil are designed to even out skin tone and eliminate imperfections. Like dark spots or scars. This oil can also help reduce redness and soothe inflammation
for eczema flare-ups.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
