What is Squalene? And what are its benefits for skin care?
If you look up the ingredients of a skin care product, you may find that it contains both squalane and squalene. Yes, they may sound like the same ingredient, and technically they are, but believe it or not, one letter can make a big difference in where you find it and how you use it.
Trust me, things are going to get a lot more complicated before it all makes sense! But don’t panic, let’s learn more about this wonderful hydrating molecule. What is the difference between squalene and squalane? Squalene is a naturally occurring substance that helps keep your skin younger, softer, and more hydrated.
Like everything else produced in the body, it starts to break down as you age, and the body can no longer maintain the proper moisture levels of the skin barrier, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and other issues. Applying squalene
to the skin should do the trick.
However, as effective as squalene is, it is not very stable and cannot be incorporated into skin care formulas unless it is hydrogenated and processed into squalane, the stable form of the squalane molecule. Because
sebum is a word that many people with oily skin hear a lot. Some people find it annoying and a cause of annoying breakouts, while others, like those with dry skin, dream of having enough sebum on their face to make it more manageable and comfortable.
But do you know what shea butter is exactly? What does it do to the skin? Why does excess sebum production cause problems? Let’s learn more about it…
What is shea butter and what is it made of? Sebum is a mixture of fatty acids, sugars, waxes and other chemicals that occurs naturally on the skin and is essential for skin health. The sebaceous glands control the amount of sebum released onto the skin.
Sebum has the function of moisturizing the skin and retaining it in the skin, keeping the skin waterproof and maintaining a healthy skin flora. By flora we mean the skin’s microbiome, which plays an important role in skin health.
For more information, see our blog post What is the skin microbiome and why is it important? For more information on skin flora, visit. What causes increased sebum production?
If you notice that your skin has become too oily, it could be due to an imbalance in your skin for several reasons: Excessive sebum production can be caused by pregnancy. Excessive sebum production can occur during puberty. Excessive sebum can be a result of hormonal changes. Excessive sebum can be a sign of misusing skincare products like scrubs.
There are a number of reasons why you may notice your skin is producing too much sebum. You may notice that your skin’s oiliness levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. This can also happen due to the effects of heat and exercise.
If you have an acne-prone skin type, you probably know that sebum can affect the severity of your breakouts. While it may seem tempting to opt for a strong exfoliant and constantly slather it into your skin for that “squeaky clean” feeling, you may find that these harsh chemicals and exfoliating ingredients actually remove every trace of your skin.
A drop of shea butter. As a result, you’ll notice that your skin’s defenses become compromised and your skin becomes unbalanced, causing sebum production to accelerate. This can make your face feel and look greasier than before, making spots and blemishes even more severe.
You should always remember that your skin needs sebum to function at its best. Yes, it can be frustrating to assume that sebum has many benefits for your skin (especially if you have an acne-prone skin type). There are ways to control sebum production and reduce excess oil. We share these with you now.
How to get rid of excess sebum? Here are some simple ways to reduce the amount of excess sebum on your skin: Make sure you use the right cleansing products.
If you are looking for a cleanser to help you control your sebum levels, consider some skin-friendly ingredients. First, salicylic acid is the only type of salicylic acid that can penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. It can penetrate to clear out clogged pores that can cause blackheads and acne.
Regular use of a cleanser with salicylic acid can keep your skin clean without interfering with important sebum production. For more information on this effective BHA, check out our blog post on the benefits of salicylic acid in skin care.
Other key ingredients to look out for include glycolic acid and lactic acid, as these fruit acids work well to chemically exfoliate the skin without causing dryness.
When you find the best skin care products and ingredients for your skin, you will find that your complexion and overall appearance remain healthy and balanced. If you find that the products you are trying cause skin irritation, you must stop using them immediately. Tailor your skin care routine to your skin type. Sebum production varies with the seasons and hormonal changes. If you notice your skin and body becoming oilier than usual, it might be a good idea to adjust your routine.
If this happens, choose an oil-free cleanser, chemical-free toner, and a lightweight gel moisturizer with active ingredients to nourish the skin. Adding a clay mask to your daily regimen as part of a bi-weekly care routine can also help
Restore balance and clarity to the skin.
Avoid harsh scrubs and tools As mentioned above, we know how difficult it is to avoid using scrubs filled with nut and seed particles that penetrate intensely into the skin. Your skin may actually feel beautiful for five minutes, but you
You don’t notice that your skin is panicking. Try to counteract the skin trauma caused by excess sebum production to get back on track. Consult your doctor If you seek advice from your GP, you have other options.
There are various oral recipes that can help reduce excess sebum, such as: B. Retinoids, which can be taken orally or applied topically. These are very effective and should not be attempted without the advice of a doctor or dermatologist.
Now you know a little more about tallow and why it is not the big bad we have long believed. Without sebum, our skin cannot function and its key role in maintaining a healthy skin flora really deserves our respect.
At the very least, don’t use harsh chemicals to cleanse your skin and don’t overreact if it affects our mood and skin at this time of the month. Just remember to follow a good skin care routine, use products suitable for your skin type, and
you won’t have to worry anymore!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
