Which is more beneficial to use as a substitute for Squalene or Squalane?
We’ve previously discussed the skincare industry’s overwhelming nature, specifically in regards to today’s two ingredients that are remarkably similar. Don’t worry, though, because I’m here today to explain things to you and determine which is superior, squalene or squalane? With this said, we should begin!
Is squalane identical to squalene?
Here is a concise description of the difference between squalene and squalane:
Squalene
Naturally present in the body and involved in the production of sebum (the natural oil present in the skin).
Is a supplement with a natural anti-inflammatory and can preserve the skin’s barrier.
Reduces the visibility of fine lines and sun-related damage.
Famous for having a short lifespan and being unstable.
Squalane
Originally derived from shark’s livers, but now it’s produced using vegetable oils.
Also possible via the process of hydrogenation, this is the process that results in the production of squalene.
It’s more constant than squalene and has a longer lifespan.
Facilitates the reduction of aging signs and patches of dry skin.
Squalene is actually produced by the body in the sebaceous glands of the skin. This substance is called an ‘e’. This is the area where sebum, the oil found in the body, is released onto the skin’s surface. This will, depending on the type of skin, determine the amount of sebum present. By this is meant that oily skin types have more sebum than others, but generally, for the skin to remain healthy and functioning as intended, it needs to have a certain amount of sebum to remain hydrated. With squalene being a lipid, it can maintain the health of the skin by repairing any damage while combating free radicals, such as the exposure of UV rays and pollution.
Squalene has a negative side effect: its production begins to slow down as we age past 30, this results in the skin having signs of premature aging and possibly becoming dry. To mitigate this intrinsic process, you can augment the hydrating effects of the skin with ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Also, there is an interesting aspect to remember regarding both of these ingredients: the instability of squalene is noted, this is why numerous formulations have been developed to convert squalane into squalene. To create the squalane with an “a”, it must first pass through a hydrogenated state, this results in a longer shelf life and the potential to be exposed to air without the fear of becoming oxidized and losing its potency.
For years, squalane was employed in products after it was gathered from the shark’s liver. For obvious reasons, the majority of the shift occurred toward a more ethical source, this led to squalane being derived from plants, such as olives and rice Bran, as well as other plant oils, such as, amaranth seed, wheat germ and sugar cane.
What is the purpose of squalane for your face?
Squalene is thought to have a production of up to 12% of the skin’s natural油脂, this is important for the health of the skin’s barrier. With its powerful hydrating capabilities, it can maintain the skin’s appearance and feel of moisture. Ageing signs and dry areas are reduced significantly by the squalane’s ability to maintain the overall health of the skin’s protective barrier, this prevents the skin from being exposed to the free radical damage caused by sunlight. This damage is inflicted by pollution, sunlight’s rays, central heating and other environmental adversaries that come in contact with the skin on a daily basis. With the assistance of squalane, your skin will appear fuller, healthier with a uniform texture, tone and consistency, all of which are associated with youth.
Is squalane more effective than hyaluronic acid?
Similar to squalene, hyaluronic acid is also produced naturally by the body, however, its production is also decreasing as we age. When considered as a whole, these plants seem to have a similar effect on the skin, both of them provide a significant amount of moisture to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is considered a humectant, which means it can enter the skin and attach to the water in the skin cells. This causes the skin to acquire water from the atmosphere and products around the face, this will also keep the surface barrier fully hydrated and in good condition.
For squalane, the results are similar but you may find that those with a dehydrated and dry skin type have a primarily benefactor’s effect, because of its ability to promote the production of sebum as well as maintain the protective barrier in a healthy state. For those with a hyaluronic acid-based skin type, this ingredient will be more beneficial. Any signs of uneven skin tone or the presence of acne scarring will be reduced significantly.
Can I incorporate squalane into my diet and take vitamin C with it?
You can actually say that there are certain serums and components that are successful together, along with vitamin C and squalane, these two components are among them. When compared to serums, their consistency is typically lightweight, which makes it easy to apply and have a greater reach into the lower layers of the skin. This enables the application of treatments that require hydration, or other properties, to the areas of the skin that have concerns, including the aging process itself, as well as uneven skin tone. When combining vitamin C with squalane, it’s best to apply the vitamin C first to the target dark spots and lackluster skin, followed by squalane to increase the hydration of the skin.
Does squalane occur prior to or following the moisturizer?
This is contingent on the product’s composition of squalane, which I am referring to is if it is in a face wash, serum or toner, it should be applied prior to a moisturizer. For the greatest effect, I would advise you to cleans your skin, Remove the buildup of dead skin cells using a toner that contains an AHA such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. Once the barrier is gone, you can use a serum that is rich in squalane to promote health and moisture to your cleaned skin. You can combine this with a moisturizer, eye cream, and SPF if you’re using this routine during the day in order to avoid the sun’s harmful radiation.
Today’s hope has helped you understand which is better and how to choose the ingredient that will best benefit you and your skin type. If you wish to learn more about squalane and squalene, you can explore our blog’s content. Remember to come back and join us on Instagram for daily updates, product launches and promotions!
