Squalane Oil Benefits

This lightweight oil is not only great for skin, but it can also be used for hair and nails.

 

1. Moisturizes

Using squalane oil for skin can help to keep it from feeling and looking dry, rough and tight. It’s so effective that it’s actually one of the most common moisturizing agents used in cosmetic products because of its desirable characteristics including:

 

Excellent skin-penetration

Emollient (skin softening)

Antioxidant

High affinity with the skin and its natural lipids

Non-irritating

Non-allergenic

Non-comedogenic

A clinical study demonstrates how along with other helpful ingredients, squalane can really help to improve dry skin issues. This study, published in 2004 in Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis, had 20 subjects dealing with mild uremic pruritis (a chronic itching condition related to kidney disease) use either a gel containing 80 percent water as well as aloe vera extract, vitamin E and squalane twice a day for two weeks or use nothing. After two weeks of using the topical gel containing squalane along with two additional weeks of no treatment, this treatment group had less dryness and itching compared to the control group.

 

2. Fights Wrinkles

Is squalane oil good for wrinkles? Using a squalane face oil just may have you looking a little more youthful. Since our own squalene production decreases as we age, using squalane oil on our skin can help to add back moisture. Drier skin is more prone to wrinkles, so using squalane oil can help to moisturize the skin and ward off fine lines — and also may make current signs of aging less noticeable.

 

According to Dr. Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, “It works as an antioxidant and emollient to pack an anti-aging and moisture-boosting punch.” It also helps other anti-aging ingredients, especially topical hyaluronic acid, to work better.

 

3. Reduces Pimples

Does squalane oil cause breakouts? No, in fact, it may help them, which is why some experts even recommend squalane oil for acne. If you read a squalane oil review, you’ll likely see people that have struggled with breakouts claim squalane has been helpful. Also, don’t be too shocked if you see squalane landing on lists of best facial oils for acne-prone skin.

 

The benefits of using squalane oil for acne may surprise you, but if you haven’t heard this before — not adding moisture to breakout-prone skin is actually one of the worst things you can do. It seems like acne needs a dry environment to make it go away, but when you deny your skin moisture, it actually signals the skin to produce more oil. So, by using a non-comedogenic oil like squalene, you can actually help to calm down that oil production and make breakouts less likely and less intense. In addition to being non-comedogenic, squalane oil is also antibacterial.

 

4. Helps Fight Eczema

Due to its excellent moisturizing and emollient abilities, squalane is considered to be a helpful ingredient for skin conditions including eczema (atopic dermatitis) and contact dermatitis. As pointed out in one scientific review, “An added quality of squalane is that even though it is technically oil, it is less greasy, odorless, non-comedogenic, antibacterial and safe for sensitive skin. Moreover, it is also effective for treating skin disorders such as contact, seborrheic or atopic dermatitis.”

 

5. Boosts Hair Health

Squalene is truly a multitasker when it comes to your beauty routine. Similar to using it on your skin, adding squalane to your hair mimics the natural sebum produced on your scalp. Using squalane oil on your hair can definitely make it look more vibrant. In addition to adding shine, it can help to tame frizz, flyaways and split ends. You can also apply it to hair for added heat protection before using a blow dryer or other hair tools.

 

How to Use Squalane Oil

The best squalane oil is certainly plant-derived (like olive squalane oil) and not animal-derived. It’s easy to use squalane oil for skin, and you can do it anytime of day! Many people like to make it a part of their nighttime and/or morning routine.

 

To use squalane oil for your face, first make sure your face is freshly cleansed. Next, simply put one to three drops of oil in your hands and rub them together to warm the oil. Then gently pat it into your skin. It only takes a small amount to cover the entire face. You can also apply a few drops on your neck and décolletage. This can be done day and/or night.

 

If your face is on the dry side, the upper amount of drops (three) is likely necessary. If you’re on the oilier side, it’s recommended to slightly dampen your skin first with water and then apply the oil. You can also mix a couple of drops squalane into your usual moisturizer and apply it that way.

 

You can use squalane oil under the eyes, which is why you’ll often find it in many eye treatments. When you’re applying it to your face, you can include the eye area (of course, being careful not to get it too close to your eyes as with any product). Some squalane oil reviews even mention how it’s particularly helpful for crepey, dry patches around the eyes.

 

Now are you wondering how to use squalane oil on hair? It’s also very easy! To use squalane for hair, rub a few drops of oil between your hands and smooth it over wet or dry hair. If you have certain concerns, such as flyaways up on top or split ends on the bottom, concentrate on those areas of your hair with the oil.

 

You can also use a couple drops of squalane to moisturize your nails and cuticles, and any other area of the body that feels dry.

 

Who Should Use It?

Pure squalane oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, normal, sensitive, mature and even acne-prone.

 

Are you surprised that people with sensitive skin make the list of potential users? Research suggests that squalane is very unlikely to be an irritant or a skincare ingredient that makes skin more sensitive. Of course, if you have a negative reaction to squalane oil, you should discontinue use.

 

You can find pure, organic squalene oil, which is a great general option for all skin types. You can also find variations combined with other oils.

 

If you’re comparing rosehip oil versus squalane or marula oil versus squalane, all three are touted for their high antioxidant and fatty acid contents, which enable them to provide moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. So which one is best? It’s really a matter of personal preference and seeing which one benefits your skin the most. You may love all three, but squalene is the least comedogenic of them.