With all of the conflicting information on skincare out there, you may be wondering if you can use squalane and hyaluronic acid at the same time.
Is it safe to layer the two? Or will it have some negative effects on your skin?
Individually, they offer beauty benefits that go beyond the surface, but together, they form an unstoppable duo that will elevate your skincare game to new heights.
In fact, people of ANY skin type can benefit from using these powerhouse ingredients together!
Hyaluronic acid’s exceptional ability to attract and retain moisture has made it a skincare staple. It can help you achieve moisturized and plump skin.
Squalane, on the other hand, penetrates the skin’s surface, forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture, and leaves your skin feeling supple and hydrated.
Unfortunately, there are many skincare products that can cause an adverse reaction if not layered properly.
Keep reading to learn more about squalane and hyaluronic acid, and how to use them together!
Can I Use Squalane And Hyaluronic Acid In The Same Skincare Routine?
So, let’s get right to it – can squalane and hyaluronic acid be used at the same time? The short answer is YES.
These two ingredients both naturally occur in our bodies and when combined, can have lasting skin benefits1.
The truth is, they can be great for anyone, no matter your skin type – even sensitive skin and acne prone skin!
With that being said, it’s important to check out all of the other ingredients in both products to see if they are compatible.
In this article, we will only be focusing on using hyaluronic acid and squalane together, so make sure to do your research on the other ingredients in your skincare routine.
How Do You Use Squalane And Hyaluronic Acid Together?
You can find both of these as individual products (like a hyaluronic acid serum or a squalane oil) that you apply one after the other, OR they may be found as added ingredients, combined in one product.
Working together, these two skincare ingredients provide a protective barrier that keeps skin moisturized, hydrated, and what’s really important these two do not clog pores.
Do You Use Hyaluronic Acid Before Or After Squalane?
For the best results, you should apply hyaluronic acid FIRST, and then squalane on top.
Applying hyaluronic acid first will provide a hydrating base, and then follow up with squalane to lock in that moisture and reinforce the skin’s barrier2.
This combination can provide deep hydration and help maintain moisture levels in the skin over time.
How Long To Wait Between Layering Squalane And Hyaluronic Acid?
If you are applying two separate products, allow the hyaluronic acid to absorb into the skin and dry first, and then apply squalane. This shouldn’t take more than a minute or two.
Keep in mind that to really boost the moisturizing effects, hyaluronic acid should be applied to damp skin.
Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture wherever it can find it, so if there is no moisture on your face, it will pull it from the deep layers of your skin – which could actually dry your skin out more!
What Happens When You Pair Squalane With Hyaluronic Acid
Both squalane and hyaluronic acid are moisturizing ingredients that can provide hydration to the skin – but they work in different ways3.
Squalane is an emollient that helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s barrier. It has many benefits, including fighting the signs of aging, facing scars and minimizing UV damage. It also reduces wrinkles as well as fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin. It helps keep your skin hydrated and provide extra mosture.
When you pair these two ingredients, they work TOGETHER to give your skin long lasting hydration and nourishment.
Who Should Mix Hyaluronic Acid With Squalane?
Truthfully, most people can benefit by mixing hyluronic acid and squalane in their skincare routine4.
Squalane and hyaluronic acid work together and complement each other’s benefits and do not have an adverse affect when they are combined.
Together, they can combat all types of skin conditions – from dry skin, inflammatory acne and breakouts. This powerful duo is also great option for mature skin!
If you want to learn more about using hyaluronic acid for acne read this article.
Everything You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, which means it works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. It deeply hydrates, improves moisture retention, and helps plump your skin.
Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
- Deep hydration
Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract and hold onto water molecules, making it an excellent humectant.
It can deeply hydrate the skin by drawing in moisture from the environment and binding it to the skin, resulting in plump, hydrated, and smooth-looking skin.
- Improved moisture retention
Hyaluronic acid helps to enhance the skin’s moisture retention capabilities.
By reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier, it reduces water loss and helps the skin retain moisture over time. This is beneficial for all skin types, including dry and dehydrated skin.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
The intense hydration provided by hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When the skin is adequately hydrated, these signs of aging are often less pronounced, resulting in a smoother and more youthful complexion.
- Enhanced skin elasticity and firmness
Hyaluronic acid has been shown to support the production of collagen, a protein that contributes to the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
By promoting collagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid can help improve skin elasticity and reduce sagging5.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Side Effects?
In dry climates or low-humidity environments, hyaluronic acid may draw moisture from the deeper layers of your skin instead, which can potentially causing dryness.
To avoid this, always apply hyaluronic acid on damp skin and follow up with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration.
What Should You Not Use Hyaluronic Acid With?
Hyaluronic acid is compatible with a wide range of skincare ingredients and can be easily incorporated into various skincare routines.
It can complement other active ingredients (such as antioxidants, retinol, niacinamide and even other acids like glycolic acid), to enhance their effectiveness!
Everything You Need To Know About Squalane
Squalane works by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and helping to keep the skin hydrated and supple. It strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, provides intense hydration, and can have soothing properties!
Benefits Of Squalane
- Excellent moisturizer
Squalane is a highly effective emollient that can provide intense moisturizing to the skin.
It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and helping to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
- Lightweight and non-greasy
Squalane has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy or heavy residue.
It feels light and comfortable on the skin, making it an ideal moisturizing ingredient for both day and night use – even if you have oily skin.
- Strengthens the skin barrier
By strengthening your skin’s natural barrier function, squalane helps to seal in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and harsh weather conditions.
A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydration and overall skin health.
- Anti-aging properties
Squalane has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that can help neutralize free radicals, which contribute to premature aging.
By reducing the damage of skin cells, squalane can help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Does Squalane Have Any Side Effects?
Squalane is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people.
It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic, meaning it has a low likelihood of causing skin irritation or clogged pores.
With that being said, if this is your first time using squalane, consider doing a patch test on your skin before using it, just to make sure!
What Should You Not Use Squalane With?
You should avoid using squalane with other products/ingredients that form a protective barrier on the skin.
Examples of this could include heavy oils or petrolatum-based products (I advise against using products with petrolatum in general).
Combing these ingredients could create a thick and heavy layer on the skin, potentially feeling greasy or causing breakouts.
Which Is Better: Hyaluronic Acid Or Squalane?
Hyaluronic acid and squalane are both great for a variety of skin types, but there may be times where one ingredient is better to use than the other.
So, which one is better for your skin: squalane vs hyaluronic acid?
If you have dry, dehydrated skin, I recommend using a hyaluronic acid serum to help your skin draw in as much moisture as possible, which will leave your skin plump and nourished.
On the other hand, if you have more oily skin, squalane can actually help regulate your face oil production and acts as a barrier and hydrator all in one!
Squalane can be also a great choice for sensitive skin with compromised skin barrier.
Which Is More Hydrating: Squalane Or Hyaluronic Acid?
In terms of immediate hydrating effects, hyaluronic acid may provide a more noticeable and immediate boost of hydration, as it directly attracts and binds water to the skin.
In comparison, squalane works by preventing moisture loss and providing a long-lasting hydrating effect.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
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Resources:
- https://www.wlgylemons.co/
- https://cheekyphysique.com/
- https://www.katesomerville.com/
- https://www.womansworld.com/
- https://www.instyle.com/
