So in the first installment of this meat eaters series, I confessed to my meat eating ways and tried to convert you over to the dark side of natural skin care.
Now that we know all about rendering fat from emu rumps, it’s time to find another animal to sacrifice on the alter of beauty.
This time around it’s sharks, specifically shark livers which are a source of squalane.
Squalane is a remarkable nutrient. It’s both a lipid and an antioxidant. Our bodies produce it naturally, but it’s also found in nature. It belongs to a class of antioxidants called isoprenoids. Like all antioxidants, squalane neutralizes the effects of free radicals. Since it’s a lipid (fat), it also acts as a moisturizer. As part of the aging process the body produces less of it, and the result is drier skin. Since it penetrates the skin quickly, squalane is a popular cosmetic ingredient.
Shark liver used to be the the primary source for squalane; however, it can also be obtained from olives. Most cosmetic manufacturers don’t bother to mention its source on the label. As I said, it’s an antoxidant so it prevents UV damage to include age spots. It’s also antibacterial and promotes cell growth. An overall excellent ingredient to have in your antiaging arsenal.
You may also see it spelled squalene. This is basically the same thing as squalene although squalane is considered to be the more stable of the two.
In addition to various skin care products, you can find squalane in olive oil based soap and supplements.
Kimberly Sayer of London Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer-SPF25
100% Natural Feminine Wash
Eminence Organics Tomato Sun Cream SPF 16
