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I know this may sound crazy, – I have oily skin, but still went ahead to incorporate squalane oil into my skincare routine — sounds weird right?. I know you must have come across articles on the internet imploring people with oily skin to stay off oil-based skincare products. Well, that is definitely a good advice to limit the occurrence of pore clog or congestion which will lead to breakouts, but I have come across some useful resources that confirm that incorporating oil into your skincare routine helps control sebum (oil) production in the skin — and this is a fact, because I’m a living witness.
When you dwell specifically on light-weight oils for your oily skin, you’re less likely to incur breakouts, but reduce or regulate the rate of oil at which your skin produces. This is because, when you apply a lightweight (non-comedogenic) oil on an oily-skin, the oil tends to “trick” sebaceous glands into producing less sebum and help keep oil levels balanced. Although there’s no scientific research to support this theory, but a lot of dermatologists can attest to it.
According to Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, squalane’s non-comedogenic quality is useful for balancing sebum production and regulating excess oil production in oily or acne-prone skin types. “Even oily skin types, which are often dehydrated from harsh, stripping products, can benefit from squalane since it won’t clog pores”.
Typically what this means is, if you don’t adequately moisturize your oily skin, you’re basically telling your skin to produce more oil. Because when the skin seems dehydrated, the skin produces oil to balance its pH, which may tend to leave the skin more oily than usual. But when the skin is satisfactorily hydrated it tends to produce less oil.
Over the years, I have suffered from excessive oil production, due to the nature of my skin type (oily skin). Although I have longed used niacinamide serum in my skincare routine which has gone a long way to drastically reduce oiliness and also help minimize large pores, but after coming across resources that says, “applying (non-pore-clogging) plant oils helps control excess oil production” i decided to invest in a good facial oil, which led me to come across The Ordinary squalane oil, and after using this oil for two (2) weeks, I think it’s time to share my honest review about this product.
But before I dive into that, let’s briefly know what squalane oil is.
What Is Squalane Oil?
Squalane is a plant derived or hydrogenated oil which is used in its pure form or in cosmetic formulations for moisturizing, hydrating and soothing the skin.
Traditionally, squalene (with an “e”) is derived from shark liver oil — yes, the shark you know (the ocean animal), it is also present in human skin, it is a lipid fat, that is naturally produced by the oil glands in our skin to hydrate and maintain the barrier of our skin. But because sourcing began endangering the shark species, a plant derived version of squalene was discovered, which is squalane (with an “a”).
This light-weight oil mimics our natural skin oil, which means when it’s applied on the skin, the skin recognizes it and takes it as its own
Our skin understands and compliments it due to its lightweight and non-comedogenic nature. Therefore, if you’re scared or worried that squalane is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that may likely not going to happen.
Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is suitable for use on all skin types. It has excellent emollient properties that keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized.
Squalane can be derived mostly from plants such as olives and sugarcane. It can also be derived from other plant oils including amaranth seed, wheat germ, beets, and even rice bran. But mostly olives and sugarcane are two main sources to derive squalane. You can read about their differences.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.
A 100% plant derived cold-pressed squalane oil derived from sugarcane and beets, to help support the skin with hydration, avoid moisture-loss that impairs dermal suppleness. Thereby increase skin superficial hydration for an adequately hydrated and moisturized skin.
Packaging.
The Ordinary squalane oil comes tightly-sealed in a UV-protected glass bottle to shield the liquid from direct sunlight and extends its shelf-life.
Texture.
The texture is super light-weight, it glides smoothly on the skin and sinks in almost immediately, offering satisfactory hydration.
Color.
The Ordinary squalane oil is colorless (just like water) and odorless.
Ingredients:
Squalane.
My Honest Review On The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.
Was It Moisturizing?
I applied The Ordinary squalane oil everyday in my night-time skincare routine. I apply it after applying my water-based skincare topicals. I always apply it at the last step of my skin care routine (after my moisturizer), sometimes I mix in 3-4 drops into my moisturizer prior to application and all I have to say is, I’ve been enjoying this product.
This oil is super-hydrating, I enjoy the hit of hydration anytime I put it on my skin, and to make things more interesting, It never weighed my skin down or made me have an uncomfortable greasy-feel.
Also the corner of my nose tends to get a little bit dry, because I use tretinoin in my skincare routine, but ever since incorporating The Ordinary squalane oil into my routine, it feels as if my skin has met a new friend. It soaks in swiftly into my skin, while giving me that instant feel of hydration and soothing.
Did It Help Regulate Oil Production?
Not only did this wonderful light-weight oil help super-hydrate my skin while I sleep, but it also helped regulate oil production. My T-zone area normally doesn’t feel as oily as it previously used to be. To be honest I noticed a huge improvement in oil regulation.
Effect On Skin Texture.
At first when I heard that squalane oil helps improve skin texture by protecting skin barrier due to its skin moisturizing potentials which helps make the skin plump and supple which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles, I was skeptical about it, until I used it, OMG!!, my skin texture feels super supple and plump, although I don’t have any existing wrinkles and fine lines all thanks to my religious tretinoin usage, but I noticed a huge improvement in my overall skin texture due to increased skin surface hydration. This has led me to believe more that adequate hydration helps minimize skin aging-signs.
In Conclusion.
If you’re seeking to step-up your skin-hydration game in your skincare routine, I strongly recommend you should try The Ordinary squalane oil, or any 100% plant-derived squalane oil from any brand, as you’re definitely going to enjoy its full potentials to your skin. The beauty of this oil is, it’s super light-weight, but very hydrating which makes it suitable for all skin types. But ensure to do a patch test prior to application to test for allergies.
What I Like About The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.
- It’s wallet-friendly.
- It’s light-weight.
- It’s fragrance-free.
- It’s 100% pure, organic and cold-pressed.
- It comes in a UV-protected packaging.
What I Dislike About The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.
- I have no dislike for this product.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Where is The Ordinary squalane derived from?
A: Although The Ordinary brand didn’t specify their source of squalane, but I did contact them and asked them about their squalane-source, and they told me their squalane is sourced from sugarcane and beets. See screenshot below:
Q: How did you use The Ordinary squalane oil?
A: I use it at the last step of my night-time skincare routine (after applying water-based products and my moisturizer). Sometimes I mix 3-4 drops of it with my moisturizer prior to application for added skin hydration.
Q: Can I use The Ordinary squalane oil both morning and night?
A: Yes, The Ordinary squalane oil can be applied both morning (AM) and night (PM) for adequate hydration. But if you feel it will make your face appear oily during the day, you can subject its application to night-time only. However this oil can be used as needed or as required.
Q: Did it breakout your skin?
A: I never experienced any sort of breakouts or irritations while using The Ordinary squalane oil, However irritations can still occur as skin differs so shall results differ too. I strongly recommend you should perform a patch test prior to commencing usage of this oil.
Q: Is this oil suitable for all skin types?
A: For the fact that squalane is non-comedogenic in nature and light-weight but very hydrating makes it recommendable and suitable for every skin type. But endeavour to do a patch test or consult your board-certified dermatologist before usage.
Q: Can I apply The Ordinary squalane oil before my moisturizer?
A: Following the right step in skincare, oils are meant to be applied at the last step of a skincare routine (after water-based products and moisturizer) to seal in moisture and to prevent moisture-loss.
Moisturizers contain water, whereas oils do not. Water cannot penetrate through oil, therefore a moisturizer would not be able to fully absorb into skin if an oil is below it.
Irrespective of how light-weight a facial oil is, they serve occlusive potentials, by forming a protective barrier on top of the skin, and locking moisture in. If you apply a moisturizer after a face oil, it won’t be able to penetrate that seal and as a result, will be less effective.Therefore apply your facial oils after your moisturizer.
Another approach is to mix a few drops directly with your moisturizer in the palm of your hand prior to application to take your hydration-game to the next level without adding an extra layer to your routine.
Disclaimer: This is my personal experience with The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, you may have a whole different experience as skin type differs so as result differs too.
UP NEXT: I Gave The Ordinary Rosehip Oil A Shot, It Super Hydrated My Skin, Enhanced My Skin Tone & Improved Skin Texture.
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