Mode d'utilisation squalane.

How to Use Squalane For Skin and Hair?

Because of its moisturizing and emollient properties, squalane is used in many skin and hair care products. How can you incorporate this plant-derived active ingredient into your skincare routine in order to take advantage of its benefits, and how do you apply it?

What Is Squalane?

Squalane is the hydrogenated form of squalene, a lipid naturally present in the skin and secreted by the sebaceous glands. Squalene is not stable to oxidation because of its double bonds on its carbon chain. Squalane is preferred in cosmetic formulas because of its longer shelf life.

The use of this active emollient in the beauty industry has long been controversial because of its origin: squalene can be extracted in large quantities from shark liver oil. However, with the fishing of these endangered species becoming increasingly regulated, most companies now use squalane of plant origin, most often from olives or sugar cane.

At Typology, we only use 100% plant-derived squalane in our products.

Squalane for Skin: How to Use It?

Squalane is often called an active emollient. Squalane skin benefits do not only include the softening action, it also prevents the epidermis from dehydration. Its biomimetic structure with sebum allows repairing the hydrolipidic film, thus reinforcing the barrier function of the skin and preventing the water present in the body from evaporating. The skin remains hydrated longer and the feelings of tightness specific to dry skin are reduced. 

Moreover, squalene is a major component of sebum, which contains about 15%. Nevertheless, its natural production by skin cells tends to decrease around the age of 30. This drop contributes to accentuate the dehydration and the skin "marks" more. Thus, a daily intake of squalane helps to fight against this inevitable loss and slows down the phenomenon of skin dehydration which increases over the years.

Because of its moisturizing and softening properties, squalane is suitable for all skin types but is particularly recommended for dry skin. It is applied directly with the fingers at the end of the routine, on a clean and dry skin, by carrying out circular motions to perfect its penetration. Squalane can be used every day, in the evening as well as in the morning. Indeed, even if it is an oil, its touch is dry, and it penetrates the skin quickly, not leaving greasy residues. It is thus possible to apply its make-up products while following as well as its solar protection.

How to Use Squalane for Hair?

Plant-derived squalane is a versatile active ingredient, as it also offers benefits in hair application. First, it forms a protective film on the surface of the hair to protect it from dehydration. It also has smoothing and sheathing properties, and helps repair the hair fiber. Hair is shinier and smoother. Moreover, squalane has an excellent affinity with the scalp, it restores its hydrolipidic film and brings comfort while preserving its hydration, without greasing it.

Pure squalane can be used directly on the lengths to restore vitality to dry, brittle hair and improve its shine. To achieve this, it is recommended to apply the squalane to the lengths and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing.

Typology Squalane Serum.

This nourishing serum contains 100% vegan, cruelty-free squalane, derived from the unsaponifiable fraction of olive oil. It is particularly suitable for dry skin. We recommend applying 3 to 4 drops morning and evening to a cleansed and dried face, then gently massaging the face and neck with circular movements. The skin will be instantly nourished. It is then possible to apply its usual moisturizing cream.

Sources

  • KARADENIZ F. & al. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research (2012).

  • SETHI A. & al. Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2016).

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