Who would have thought that olive squalane — a light, stable version of olive oil — would be nicknamed by beauty gurus all over the world a “facelift in a bottle”? With its long shelf-life and proven antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, oil derived from olives has been popular ever since, centuries ago, the ancient Greeks slathered themselves in it for its moisturising benefits and anti-UV effectiveness.
The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean basin. Wild olives were collected by Neolithic peoples as early as the eighth millennium BCE and Homer dubbed olive oil “liquid gold”. Today, more than 750 million olive trees are cultivated worldwide, 95 per cent of them in the Mediterranean region.
Olives contain the largest percentage of squalane, although tiny amounts do exist in wheat germ oil, rice bran oil and yeast. Olive squalane is widely used as an emollient, skin conditioner and carrier oil in cosmetic applications and hair care, found in everything from face and eye creams to lip treatments. Squalane oil has even been marketed for its reported effects on cancer. Soft, silky and instantly absorbed, olive squalane is brilliant for clearing difficult skin problems when nothing else seems to do the trick. Topical squalane treatments also work well with oral supplementation, grabbing hold of lipid soluble toxins and enabling them to be excreted from the body.
Our skin’s sebum naturally contains about 12 per cent of the fatty compound squalane, used to synthesise hormones, cholesterol and vitamin D. We produce higher levels in the early years of our life, which keep our skin supple and glowing, and lower levels beyond our 30s, the time when deep lines and brown spots begin to set in. That’s why your 30s and beyond is the ideal time to search out a Beauty product containing pure olive squalane for an additional complexion boost. (Just be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure other chemical nasties haven’t been added to the mix.)
Since it’s comparable to the natural protective moisturiser found in our own skin, our bodies are able to readily absorb olive squalane and benefit from its cell regeneration and oxygenation. Something crucial to be aware of, however, is that olive squalane is an identical chemical to squalene, which is derived from shark liver oil. Fortunately, however, olive squalane is cheaper, more stable, more compatible with the skin and a much more humane option.
Even though major beauty brands offer a range of olive squalane products, investing in your own bottle of the pure stuff is a great idea. First, for obvious reasons: it’s a quick fix for skin suppleness and flexibility, firming and toning and the reduction of wrinkles, scars and age spots. Second, for olive squalane’s amazing antibacterial properties: it provides antimicrobial germ-killing activity when properly concentrated in the skin, which helps to discourage the growth of bacteria that can block normal cell development. Last, olive squalane is the ultimate answer for those with ultra-sensitive skin. The colour-less, odourless, non-staining oil can treat a range of irritations — from psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, stretch marks and rashes to post-operative skin — so it’s a great cure-all to keep on hand.
Feeling creative? Create a nourishing ritual by crafting your own anti-wrinkle serum by making a 0.5-1 per cent dilution of skin-friendly essential oil (such as carrot seed, neroli or frankincense) in olive squalane. Or you might try a luxurious blend of 10g olive squalane, 2g rose hip oil, 2g evening primrose oil and 1g blackcurrant seed oil.
And here’s a secret tip: you can apply olive squalane directly to your hair as well. It penetrates deeply into hair follicles without leaving an oily residue and is rich in the healing vitamins A and E, allowing it to play a role in repairing damaged cells. It’s not only great for super-shiny locks — it’s also a mean dandruff combatant. Who wouldn’t want such a versatile, natural all-rounder sitting on their bathroom shelf?
Top 5 ways to use olive squalane
1. Rub onto your face as a primer before makeup application. It allows cosmetics to glide on flawlessly and effortlessly.
2. Make your own professional massage oils by blending your favourite essential oils with olive squalane. It’s non-staining, so will rinse easily out of towels and sheets.
3. Suffering from deeply cracked nails or heels? Apply olive squalane liberally throughout the day to help heal, hydrate and keep infections at bay.
4. Keep in your manicure kit as the ideal cuticle conditioner to keep cuticles soft and prevent cracks around fingertips.
5. Use olive squalane neat or blended with other luxury oils for a nourishing facial serum. Dab it directly on the under-eye area or simply apply anywhere you could use some glow.
Rebecca Dettman is an author, psychic and spiritual educator. She is the founder of Aurora Circle and www.PsychedInStilettos.com.
