Squalene and Squalane
Squalene is produced naturally by our skin cells and is also found within, amongst other plants, olives, rice bran and sugarcane. It is also present in the liver of sharks. In the human body, squalene is a lipid produced by the sebaceous glands. It is a component of sebum (oil) and acts as a natural moisturiser for the skin. It is an antioxidant with the power to protect our skin. Unfortunately, production slows as we reach our twenties, leaving the skin drier.
Squalene can be harvested from some of the sources shown, but is quick to oxidise so must be converted from an unsaturated oil to a saturated oil. This is where hydrogenation changes squalene into a stable version – known as squalane.
Antioxidants in squalane
Squalene is an antioxidant which remains after its conversion to squalane. Antioxidants protect against free radicals causing damage to your skin cells, helping deliver a radiant complexion. For information on free-radicals and the damage they cause, please see our blog. They also help to reduce the signs of ageing, so are an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
Squalane in skincare
Check that the squalane found within your face, body and hair products is derived from plants and not sharks. This is for reasons of sustainability, cruelty and environmental impact.
What is its Origin?
Pevonia’s 100% pure and highly refined natural Squalane (olive derived) Oil, is extracted from the pits of the sun-drenched Green Olives grown in Spain. As it has the same lipid structure as sebum and squalene in our skin, it is compatible with human skin lipids.
How can Squalane Oil help my skin?
Squalane Oil contains a unique antioxidant from olives that protects the skin from free-radical damage. Early in life, our bodies produce a small amount of Squalane, however as we age, production begins to decline, and this starts to happen when we are in our 20s. Squalane closely resembles sebum, which is the protective oil secreted by our skin. For our skin to be balanced, hydrated and supple, it is important that the right amount of sebum reaches the skin's surface. Over active sebaceous glands cause an excess of surface oil, while under active sebaceous glands result in skin that feels dry and parched.
Environmental factors, harsh cleansers and dead skin cells which remain on the surface of the skin, can result in a lack of oil on the skins surface, leaving the skin tight and unprotected. When this happens and the skin is lacking in its own protective coating, sebaceous glands go into over drive in an attempt to return the skin to its natural, healthy state. Chemical laden cleansers and pore clogging concealers and makeup disrupt the skin's ability to breathe and shed dead cells. Squalane based products, provide essential plant derived nutrients that encourage cell turnover and increase collagen production and importantly, moisture retention.
It keeps your skin hydrated and moisturised!
Even though Squalane is technically an Oil, it does not have an oily feel to it. It has no odour and is non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog pores. This ingredient is also believed to have anti-bacterial properties, which may reduce the symptoms of existing acne without causing redness, stinging, or peeling.
Products that contain Squalane also tend to absorb slowly into the skin and may be more effective for sensitive skin, as the oil has been clinically proven to be non-irritating. Much like vitamin E, Squalane creates a barrier between the skin and the environment so the skin can better retain moisture as it protects the external layer of the epidermis at the same time.
Squalane is very versatile as it can be incorporated into a base ingredient for a natural body lotion, facial serum, eye creme and even in a lip balm. It offers protection from UV rays; it is an antioxidant and will help to prevent age spots or hyperpigmentation. It is delicate enough to be used around the eyes and because it also has antibacterial properties, it can be used in a cuticle creme or butter.
Using Squalane for pigmentation
Many skin care experts have found that Squalane has a number of positive effects on uneven skin pigmentation, scars, and age spots. Like retinol, this oil is believed to fight free radicals in the skin that are caused by the sun’s UV rays. This is important, as dark spots on the face and hands are often caused by the skin’s reaction to long-term exposure to the sun, which creates more melanin in those areas to protect it. The use of beauty products that contain Squalane may fade these marks over time because of the oil’s ability to sink deep into the skin and repair it.
In a nutshell, there isn’t a lot this powerful ingredient can’t do for our skin, below are a few further benefits of using Squalane Oil in our skincare:
- Helps to boost cellular regeneration and oxygenation
- Highly stable against oxidation
- Speeds the healing of the skin
- Heals chapped and cracked skin
- Natural antibacterial properties
- Helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- Relieves dehydrated and ultra-sensitive skin
- Softens rough-textured skin, leaving no oily residue
- Helpful in counteracting Eczema, Psoriasis, and post-operative skin
IN-SPA TREATMENTS
Luminous ‘C’ & Sea Facial
A potent blend of stabilised Vitamin ‘C’ combines with the latest high-tech formulation of freeze-dried Seaweed and Squalane. This facial is ideal for reducing fine lines, strengthening elasticity and providing relief for dull, sun-damaged skin. The refreshing, soft lift-off mask will restore a youthful appearance as the complexion is renewed, firmed and left extremely smooth, rendering the skin nothing but luminous. Recommended to delay the signs of ageing and to lighten and brighten a dull, sallow skin.
Lumafirm Body Firm & Glow Treatment
Enriched with an exclusive combination of anti-ageing extracts, the latest in peptides, and an amazing liposomic technology, you will be looking youthfully radiant from head to toe. Deeply repairing, smoothing, and de-ageing, this wrap leaves every inch of skin velvety soft while rendering your body visibly rejuvenated, instantly firmer and more toned.
Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Treatment
This ground-breaking plant-based treatment redefines the anti-ageing facial! Infused with the first-ever blend of argan and comfrey stem cells and supercharged de-agers like collagen, retinol, elastin and other key actives, it starts working from the first application. Visibly reducing lines and wrinkles, it delivers a smoother skin surface, and long-term protection of the skin’s naturally repairing stem cells.
Anti-Free Radicals Mask Treatment
This facial treatment combats dry, dehydrated skin. Vitamin-enriched, it infuses the skin with vitamins A, E, and D, fighting free radicals that cause premature ageing. This dramatic bi-thermal treatment mask first warms to promote vitamin absorbency within the skin, then cools to seal in hydrating benefits, firm and refine the skin. Hard lift-off mask.
Escutox® Freeze-Dried Anti-Wrinkle Facial Treatment
Upgrade your facial with Escutox®, Pevonia’s exclusive formulation of hibiscus extract, which has been freeze-dried to preserve the active ingredients to deliver outstanding results. Designed to stimulate the nerve endings, Escutox® will repair the skin; relax wrinkles, increase hydration and skin’s suppleness with the use of Squalane, which will result in a visibly youthful complexion. Recommended for mature skin types.
HOME-USE PRODUCTS
Dry Skin Line
CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser
Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream
Vitaminic Concentrate
De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil
RS2 RosaceaLine
RS2 Care Cream
Radiance Line
Ageless Skin Collagen Mask
Bright Skin Green Apple Mask
Pure Skin Charcoal Mask
Eye Line
"C" Evolutive Eye Gel
Evolutive Eye Cream
Age-Correction Eye Contour
Spa Care For Him
Collagen Boost Face Balm
Stem Cells Phyto-Elite™ Line
Stem Cells Intensive Cream
Stem Cells Intensive Body Corrector
Power Repair® Age-Correction Line
Age-Correction Marine Collagen Cream
Age-Correction Firming Marine Elastin Cream
Power Repair Collagen Trial-Travel Kit
Micro-Retinol™ Line
Micro-Retinol™ Essential Moisturiser
Body Line
Dry Oil Body Moisturiser
De-Ageing Body Balm - Papaya & Pineapple
Crepe-No-More Body Cream
For details on your local Pevonia spa/salon, head to our Spa Finder.
