Whether you're a seasoned skincare fan or just beginning to build out your daily skin regimen, you've likely heard of the two popular ingredients squalane and hyaluronic acid. Squalane and hyaluronic acid are widely used in cosmetics to hydrate and plump your skin. And, because they're both naturally occurring oils that the body makes on its own, they work well alongside your skin's natural protective barrier. And while these two ingredients share similarities, they both work in slightly different ways. Keep reading to discover the benefits that are unique to each ingredient.
Hyaluronic acid works to boost your skin's moisture by increasing its water content. In contrast, squalene acts as a barrier, locking in the moisture it already contains and hydrating it at a cellular level. In addition, squalene is filled with fatty acids, which can help minimize signs of aging and calm inflammation when applied to the skin. This makes squalane an excellent choice for individuals with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory acne, and rosacea.{1}
Benefits of Squalane
What does squalene do for your skin? Squalene makes about 10 to 12 percent of your skin's oil and is an essential part of achieving glowing, healthy-looking skin. When added to products, it comes in two forms: squalene and squalane. Both forms are equally effective. However, squalane has a longer shelf life because it's more stable. Full of natural antioxidant properties, squalane is a highly-effective emollient (type of moisturizer), often used in skincare to help minimize wrinkles, fade scars, even skin tone, and limit UV damage. An excellent moisturizer, squalane works by locking moisture into your skin and helps keep future wrinkles from forming.1
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
While most people wouldn't think to put acid on their face, hyaluronic acid is the largest naturally occurring substance in the skin. Its gel-like and humectant nature allows it to attract and retain the moisture in the air and other skincare products and draw it to the skin. This skincare ingredient’s unique ability to bind to water makes it an essential ingredient for people hoping to diminish signs of aging. In addition, it works to restore skin's natural elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.2 Hyaluronic acids also boast antioxidant properties, which work to protect your skin from environmental stressors like sun exposure and harsh weather conditions.
Pairing Hyaluronic Acid with Squalane
Wondering if you can mix and match these skincare ingredients? The answer is yes! Hyaluronic Acid and Squalene work together to draw moisture to the skin and keep it there. For best results when using these two ingredients together, start with hyaluronic acid. It will pull in water and hydrate the cells. Next, layer squalane on top to build the natural moisture barrier and lock the hydration in.
Which Skin Types do Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid Work Best With?
Everyone's skin could use a bit of extra moisture, meaning that these two ingredients will work for every skin type—even individuals with naturally oily skin. Contrary to what you may think, when skin is very oily, it's usually due to a lack of moisture. Dry and dull skin cells will often try to compensate for the dehydration by producing extra oils. Sometimes causing more harm than good, this overproduction of oil and sebum and dead skin cells can make skin appear oily, clog pores, and eventually lead to breakouts.
Using products like hyaluronic acid and squalene together can help balance the natural moisture of the skin barrier and replenish these ingredients that we naturally lose with age. When looking at different types of moisturizers, keep an eye out for a hydrating ingredient like squalane or hyaluronic acid for hydrated and healthy-looking skin.
Where to Begin
Wondering where to start? There are many ways that you can begin incorporating these two skincare stars into your regimen. While you can purchase hyaluronic acid and squalene on their own, many creams, lotions, and moisturizers incorporate them into the same skincare product. Purchasing products that combine these powerhouse ingredients in the right amounts will ensure that you receive all of the benefits while keeping your skincare routine simple.
Our KX Concentrates Squalane + Hyaluronic Serum is the perfect way to begin using each of these products today. It is proven to visibly restore and replenish dehydrated skin and combines squalane and hyaluronic acid to deliver instant and lasting hydration. Ideal when used in your AM and PM skincare regimen, just 1-2 drops are needed to see results.
No matter which products you choose to use, remember that everyone's skin is unique. Knowing what products work best with your skin type and paying close attention to your skin needs will help you develop a unique skincare regimen.
And as always, when applying new skincare, be sure to use the products slowly at first to determine how they will react with your skin. After a few weeks of consistent application, you’ll be able to judge the effectiveness of the product and decide if your skincare routine is better with or without it. For more skincare questions and products, visit us at Kate Somerville today.
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/squalane#skin-benefits
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6253993/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
