We love talking about the skin benefits of olive squalene. Recently I shared a post about the different types of products harvested from an olive tree, including olive leaf, olive oil, and olives. Today I'm shining the spotlight on olive squalene benefits and sharing some interesting facts including how it is made. I think all of our Botani tribe would know by now that olive squalene is a crucial ingredient in our products. If you're not already aware of all the fantastic health benefits for your skin and there are many, let me remind you.
Skin Benefits Of Olive Squalene
- Reduces wrinkles.
- Heals scars.
- Improve skin texture.
- Antibacterial properties.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Suitable for people with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
- May help reduce UV damage.
- Balances oil production.
- Reduces pigmentation.
- Calms irritation and redness.
Origin Of Olive Squalene
There are two primary sources of squalene, olives and shark liver oil. We ONLY use olive squalene, hence why our products are proudly vegan. Over a ¼ of species of sharks are fished for commercial use which is driving many to the point of extinction. If you are looking at other skincare brands that say they use squalene, be sure that it clearly states 'plant derived' otherwise they could be using shark squalene. There is also squalane which is a hydrogenated version of squalene. If it's a cream or waxed based product, such as our Healing Lip Balm or Spirulina Salt Scrub or you, need to use squalane. An oil based product such as our Olive Skin Serum will use squalene.
Skin Benefits Of Olive Squalene
Why is squalene so good for your skin and why do we go on about it? We get asked this so often, and it's an excellent question. We were all born with it! Newborns have the highest content of squalene in their blood. It's the most common lipid produced by human skin cells. It makes up approximately 10% of our sebum. And this makes it a perfect match for our skin! In our 20 - 30's the body's squalene levels start to decline. Applying squalene to the skin will help maintain skin health without the greasiness because it mimics our bodies natural moisturiser and is quickly absorbed. On the skin's surface, it protects from moisture loss and environmental toxins by acting as a barrier.
WATCH this video! Click here to watch how Olive Squalene is absorbed and penetrates the skin.
How Is Squalene Produced?
Olive Squalene is extracted from the fresh olive pomace, which includes the skin, pulp and pit of the olive. The squalene is obtained during the processing phase when olives are turned into olive oil. When the olives are crushed in a giant pressing machine, and the olives release their oils the squalene is collected. Squalene can be recovered in yields of up to 90% from the extraction process using a supercritical carbon dioxide process.Where Does Botani Source Olive Squalene?
We source our Olive Squalene from olives grown in Mediterranean soils, as the climate and soils make some of the best olives in the world. I hope this gives you a better insight into how squalene works and the many ways it can benefit your skin's health. If you would like to know more about the skin benefits of olive squalene, please contact us.
