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!
