What is squalene and what are its benefits?
Have you heard of squalene? It’s a natural organic compound that’s very on-trend, and with good reason! Rich in antioxidants, with remarkable moisturizing power… If you still have no idea what squalene is, it’s about time you found out.
What’s more, this lipid has a lot to do with our beloved liquid gold. In this post we’ll give you all the details about the relationship between squalene and olive oil, and reveal the magnificent properties of squalene. Keep reading to discover them!
What is squalene?
Squalene is an organic compound that humans, animals and plants naturally produce.
In the past, squalene was usually extracted from shark liver oil (quite a fun fact!) and then used for commercial purposes. But there are actually many other sources from which we can obtain it. In fact, we ourselves produce squalene through the sebum of our skin. Surprising, isn’t it?
Of course, the ideal option is to choose plant-based sources, such as rice bran, sugar cane or olives. Yes, olives contain squalene, which means that extra virgin olive oil does too. That’s where the relationship between squalene and olive oil comes from!
If the popularity of squalene has grown so much in recent years, it is mainly due to the many benefits of this active ingredient for skin care, which we’ll look at later on.
Squalene vs squalane: key differences
First things first, something important: you mustn’t confuse squalene with squalane – they are two different things!
The former refers to the active ingredient in its purest state, while squalane is a hydrogenated form derived from squalene. As it is more stable and has a longer shelf life, the latter is the one most commonly used in cosmetics.
Why is extra virgin olive oil one of the best sources of squalene?
If extra virgin olive oil is one of the best sources of squalene, it’s because it is a plant-based source. This means we don’t need to rely on animals to obtain this compound, and we can therefore avoid serious ethical and environmental consequences.
On top of that, the oil contains squalene in its purest form. Not to mention that the health benefits of olive oil are huge! It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – what more could you ask for?
Potential benefits of squalene
The properties of squalene are numerous but, as we were saying, it has become especially popular in the world of cosmetics and skin care. These are its main benefits:
- Powerful moisturizer and emollient. Squalene is wonderfully absorbed into the skin, helping to restore the lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss. The result is smoother, more supple and hydrated skin.
- Antioxidant action. It acts as a protective shield against free radicals and oxidative damage, which helps fight cellular aging.
- Light, non-comedogenic texture. As it is a lipid that our skin naturally produces, it recognizes and absorbs it much more easily.
- Improves tissue elasticity. It helps improve skin elasticity, which is why it is common to use olive oil to treat muscle soreness.
Remember that, although squalene is great for cosmetic use, it is also highly recommended to consume it through foods such as extra virgin olive oil. In fact, this can multiply its benefits, because olive oil helps prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and cardiovascular problems.
How can you make the most of the squalene in olive oil in your day-to-day life?
So, making the most of the squalene in olive oil in your routine is very easy, as you can benefit from it in two ways: either by consuming it directly or through its topical application.
- Try to consume about 4 or 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day, ideally raw to make the most of its antioxidants.
- Apply it directly to the skin to give yourself muscle massages, an ideal practice to relieve tension and improve local circulation.
- Use olive oil on your face. You can use this product to create your own balms and, for example, make aloe vera cream with olive oil. It’s great for nourishing, repairing and hydrating the skin on your face.
Squalene in cosmetics derived from olive oil
More and more high-end cosmetic brands are incorporating plant-based squalene into their products, and extra virgin olive oil is their preferred source.
By choosing cosmetics derived from olive oil, you’ll not only benefit from the great properties of squalene, but also from the other components of the oil, such as vitamin E and other polyphenols.
How to choose an extra virgin olive oil naturally rich in squalene?
But not just any extra virgin olive oil will do, of course. If you want to maximise the benefits of squalene and olive oil, it is crucial to choose a top-quality product – a premium olive oil, such as BelOleum.
Our extra virgin olive oil from Aragon is produced in our family mill, which has almost 150 years of history. Choosing BelOleum means opting for a high-end oil that is a gift for your palate and for your health.
Haven’t tried it yet? It’s about time! Discover BelOleum extra virgin olive oil and you’ll see how quality, health and flavour can go perfectly hand in hand.
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