Squalene for Skin

Squalene is a very interesting, naturally occurring fatty substance. It is part of family of fat-soluble anti-oxidants, known as “isoprenoids,” that can anchor themselves to human cell membranes. Vitamin E, beta carotene and Q10 are other nutrients with a similar isoprenoid structure. Besides mammals, whose squalene is good for their skin, many fruits and vegetables contain these interesting compounds, from trace amounts to rather more substantial levels.

Oxygen easily damages the unsaturated bonds of DHA, one of the most common fatty acids, but the structure of squalene makes it highly stable against oxygen. In fact, squalene is exceptionally good for skin, as it is able to act as an antioxidant. Some studies have shown that adding squalene to food will protect DHA from oxygen-induced damage from dreaded “free radicals.” Its basic isoprenoid structure is at the root of this fortuitous antioxidant activity.

How it works

Squalene is broadly, if not evenly, distributed in human tissues after being naturally produced during the body’s synthesis of cholesterol. It is concentrated in skin cells since it is a part of the oil mixture that is released by what are called “sebaceous” glands. Functionally, squalene has the job of providing a sort of protective barrier for the skin surface.

Another compound, hyaluronic acid, aids in the moisturizing of skin by retaining water molecules. On the other hand – or on both hands, as well as elsewhere! - squalene works to maintain moisture and elasticity for skin, lubricating its surface with this helpful material.

Why it works

Besides what occurs naturally, supplemental amounts of squalene for the skin can help “deactivate” a free radical called “singlet oxygen.” This free radical is created by the sun's UV radiation reacting with unprotected skin. Because squalene will also bind itself to various fat-soluble toxins, its use will help expel those toxins from your body. Squalene is an excellent nutritional supplement product for your skin because of the variety of functions it performs.

Hans Neiper, a famous German physician, became interested in squalene because it represents some 80% of shark liver oil. Interestingly, a shark’s liver is about 20-25% of its entire body mass and Neiper believed that squalene aided sharks in maintaining their energy levels in the low-oxygen ocean depths. He quickly noticed that human subjects taking supplements of the oil would enjoy improved circulation in their extremities. Although the research is ongoing, several studies have lent some modest support to Neiper’s therapeutic theories.

Bottom line

Even though the role of squalene for skin health, and in human metabolism generally, is not well understood, there is great promise in the ongoing research. Science has already established that isoprenoid structures will attach to cell membranes, so a greater understanding of squalene’s antioxidant properties might indicate tremendous potential as an immune system nutrient.

May, 2008 SEO project (11 articles, 500=600 words each) .