With constant scientific developments being made, the beauty industry is ever-changing in what it determines to be the most effective ingredients to invest in for smoother, more youthful skin. Retinol is a timeless, tried and true staple within most anti-aging skincare routines, but more ingredients continue to reveal themselves as effective for improving the skin’s barrier and treating any concerns you may have within your complexion. One such ingredient is squalane.
While squalene is an oil within the skin’s lipid barrier, squalane with an “a” is a more stable variation that is easily absorbed into the skin to help preserve your complexion from potential aging factors while adding hydration, explains Chief Dermatologist and co-founder of BalmLabs, Dr. Robin Schaffran. “This plant-derived, lightweight oil protects your skin from environmental aggressors, provides moisture, and regulates the skin’s sebum production,” she notes.
Unlike retinol, which works to stimulate collagen production, squalane targets dry patches on the skin that may lead you to appear older as dry skin can draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles. “As a light, ultra-moisturizing emollient that is well-tolerated by most skin types, squalane is one of the hardest working hydrators out there since it forms a protective barrier, preventing your skin from losing its water content,” adds Schaffran.
As you grow older your skin begins to lose some of its natural moisture and is more likely to look dull and patchy. Focusing on hydrating your skin can double as an anti-aging solution by adding some glow back into your appearance and plumping skin that may seem lackluster. “Squalane can help your skin regain some of that young, plump, bouncy appearance we’re all after by hydrating and strengthening its moisture barrier,” notes Schaffran.
“Squalane is also a natural antioxidant which makes it helpful in preventing and treating signs of free radical damage which contribute to aging skin,” she adds. Free radical damage is one of the top causes for aging skin, so prioritizing ingredients that can protect your complexion from such factors can also be beneficial in keeping your appearance ageless.
Although some new ingredients take a while for your skin to adjust to and should be slowly integrated into your routine, Schaffran says that you can begin to use squalane daily immediately without any adverse effects to your complexion. “Squalane can be used daily as part of your skincare routine in the morning and the evening. It works best after first using a cleanser to remove dirt and makeup and next, using a gentle exfoliant to turn over dead skin cells,” she says. “There are no known side effects, but that said, with any skincare ingredient there is always a potential for an allergic reaction, although this is exceptionally rare with squalane.”
Unsure which squalane-based products you should be integrating into your skincare routine to experience the best results? The BalmLabs Serum Hydrator was created by Schaffran with squalane as a primary ingredient to help gently smooth and hydrate the skin for an anti-aging effect. “ClearBalm’s Serum Hydrator, which is packed with squalane, delivers hydration in the form of a lightweight serum. It is best used when your skin is clean and fresh, locking in moisture during the day or overnight,” she suggests.
That said, expecting instant results from your skincare routine is an unrealistic goal, and Schaffran says to wait at least 30 days before you can hope to see any changes taking place on the surface of your skin. “Too many people give up too early and don’t give the solution time to effectively work and generate results,” she adds.
There are any number of ingredients that you could include in your skincare regimen to help achieve an anti-aging effect, but squalane is a rising star in promoting hydration which is perfect for the cold winter months when your skin can appear sallow and dull from the weather. With squalane, retinol, and SPF at your fingertips, within several weeks your skin will reflect the nourishing ingredients in your beauty routine for an ageless complexion for years to come.
