Beauty And The Blog

Squalane and Squalene in skin care. Same thing? Or not? Yes and No.

Both are a natural component of human sebum. Sebum is the natural oil found in your own skin. Both are also found in rice bran, wheat germ, olive oil and yuck, shark liver (what do you want to put on your skin, hmm?).

Squalene is often derived from sharks for cosmetic use. Particularly in Japanese products.  Squalane is derived from squalene.  Both do exactly the same thing on and in your skin. So other than the fact that you may not want to use oil derived from a shark, why choose squalane derived from plant sources?

Still reading? Guess you do want to know…

Squalene is highly unstable as a cosmetic ingredient. No matter what it is derived from. Shark, rice bran, olive oil, etc. This is because it is a double bond molecule.  Meaning a very short shelf life and quick to oxidize or spoil. Squalane is not a double bond molecule, so it is much more stable as a cosmetic ingredient. Squalane has a shelf life of over 2 years and does not oxidize quickly with exposure to air. That’s all I’m saying on that. It’s boring and I am not going there. I want to talk skin care.

So, squalane is a derivative of squalene. Squalane has all the great qualities of squalene. And when derived from olive oil is environment and animal friendly. I absolutely prefer to put something on my face that is plant derived rather than animal. How about you?

Since plant derived squalane is so similar to the natural squalane in our own skins sebum, our bodies “identify” it as being “our own”.  Our naturally occurring moisture. Squalane is also responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and vitamin D. And since it is a derivative it is more saturated with the good stuff we want, leaving behind components that we don’t need.

Did you know that squalane as a natural oil lipid composes up to 15% of skin fats in the teenage years? Once we enter our 20’s it begins to decline. This can mean pre-mature aging in your 30’s and 40’s. Read the rest of this entry »

Microdermabrasion is an anti-aging and restorative skin care procedure being used by many women. There are good candidates for this treatment and some who should stay way clear of it. In general, this is a great tool for treating aging skin, dark and unwanted pigmentation, acne scarring, blackheads, fine lines or wrinkles, and thickened or dull skin. It is also useful in reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.

Women who have any of the following issues should not consider Microdermabrasion.  Rosacea, active acne, dermatitis, any type of lesion, eczema or psoriasis, cold sores, hepatitis, active diabetes, broken or fragile capillaries, and anyone taking prescription blood thinners. Anyone who has taken the drug Accutane should wait 6-12 months before having treatment. Your skin is in a highly sensitive state after the use of Accutane. If you are pregnant or nursing Microdermabrasion should be avoided. And if you are 14 years of age or younger. These last two issues are hormone related, you could end up with permanent discoloration.

OK, so now we have that out of the way. Are you a candidate? Read the rest of this entry »

Tanning beds. If you read the previous post you already know how I feel about them. I don’t like them. I mean.. I. REALLY. DON’T. LIKE. THEM. For me, or for you. They age your skin, rob you of your skin’s natural beauty.  And more importantly, they put you at risk for serious health issues. Like, um, cancer.

Now I realize that I left some important information out of that last post. It is called ADDICTION.  Yeah, if you are using a tanning bed you may have a monkey on your back.

Heard of endorphins? Runners high? Endorphins are a naturally occurring chemical in the body.  When endorphins are released into your system you feel good. Endorphins are a natural pain reliever, so if you are wondering why someone running for miles could possibly feel good, that’s why. Now how about tanning bed high? Read the rest of this entry »

Do you “go tanning”?  You know, go to a tanning salon and lay in one of those beds or stand in the booth? Come on, you know who you are. You still think that a tan is a sign of good health; perhaps you even think it makes you look younger. That is what I hear people that use the awful things say.

Maybe you only use a tanning bed when you are preparing to take a vacation in a tropical location where you will have increased sun exposure. More than you are getting now if it is winter and you are in a cold climate. You think building up a ”base tan” will protect you from that first day sunburn? Really think so? Let’s get real… Read the rest of this entry »