Squalane is a lipid produced by our skin cells that protects against moisture loss and environmental toxins. Approximately 13% of human sebum is made up of squalane, but levels decline rapidly in our thirties and forties. We can make up for this reduction with daily application of squalane. Add it to your anti-aging arsenal as a skin cream…or supplement with it as a nutrient for a quick and easy health boost!
Squalane Versus Squalene
When adding to your beauty regimen, look for squalane, which is a more stable version of squalene. Squalane is less apt to oxidize when exposed to air. It has a longer shelf life (approximately two years), making it a popular ingredient in beauty products like lotions, night creams, deodorants, sunscreens, lipsticks, and balms. With a neutral smell and color, skincare manufacturers add it to increase spreadability and the absorption of active ingredients.
Beauty Benefits
Coveting a smoother complexion, softer skin, and fewer fine lines? Squalane delivers all that and more, without leaving behind oily residue. Squalane is praised for its speedy rate of absorption. Test it out by putting a drop of olive oil (rich in squalane) on your skin, and watch it sink in at the rate of 2 mm per second!
Squalane is also a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and shields the skin from harmful UV rays. It protects against sunspots, fades wrinkles and scars, and evens out skin tone. Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties naturally treat the symptoms of eczema and acne. Because it is similar in composition to human sebum, squalane reduces excess oil production that can lead to spots.
If squalene isn’t already an ingredient in your favorite night cream, just add a dollop to your lotion or facial oil, mix, and apply. The added squalene will carry the active ingredients into the deepest layers of your skin. You can even use it on your hair to lock in moisture and shine!
Health Help
Supplementing with squalane tablets can help prevent and treat arthritis, cancer, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, psoriasis, and shingles. Squalene is found in high concentrations in shark liver oil, which is also a rich source of immune-boosting alkylgylcerols. Alkylgylcerols trigger the production of red and white blood cells that help ward off infection and disease. Animal and in vitro studies have shown that squalene and alkylgylcerols work synergistically to exhibit cancer-fighting properties. Human clinical trials on the anti-tumor effects of shark liver oil still need to be conducted, but these preliminary studies are promising.
Fish-friendly Squalane Oil
In 2012 BLOOM, the marine conservation nonprofit, reported that certain species of sharks have neared extinction over the course of just a few years due to consumer demand for squalene oil. There is no need to poach sharks from the oceans when there is a readily available supply of squalene oil in amaranth seed, olives, palm, rice bran, and wheat germ. To make sure you are purchasing your squalane oil from a fish-friendly source look for the labels “100% plant-derived,” “vegetable based,” or “vegetable origins.”
Nutritive benefits of squalene are just as potent in olive oil. Mediterranean countries with populations that consume large amounts of olive oil have significantly decreased mortality rates and cardiovascular risks. Studies have shown that the incidences of cancers of the breast, pancreas, and colon decrease exponentially with an increased intake of olive oil…all due to olive oil’s plentiful concentration of squalene! For maximum benefit purchase “first cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil,” which maintains the oil’s integrity and health benefits.
