Healthy Skin Starts with Omega-3 Nourishment
Omega-3s or
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) – whatever you want to call them, they are
essential nutrients necessary for the life of ALL of your cells.
Omega-3s are
classed as essential because even though the body is incapable of producing
these nutrients naturally, every cell in your body relies on them to stay in
good condition and flourish.
As all your cells
are dependent on Omega-3s, especially DHA, so are ALL of the systems and
functions of your body, including ALL of your organs. And the organ that will
show the most visible signs of Omega-3 deficiency is the skin, the largest
organ of all.
Why are they good for the skin?
Omega-3 fatty
acids are a type of lipid which are necessary for maintaining the integrity of
cell membranes in the outermost layer of your skin. They are important for
keeping your skin barrier moisturised, strong and healthy, playing a valuable
role in establishing the correct level of hydration and oil production – in the
end, delivering moister, softer, subtler and more wrinkle-free skin.
Omega-3
nourishment is the key to plumper, younger looking skin. Without enough
essential fatty acids, in particular Omega-3 DHA, the skin can become dry,
flaky, and prone to irritation.
The skin needs
Omega-3 DHA to protect it from environmental stressors. Mainly due to its
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, Omega-3 DHA is used to combat
oxidative stress and harmful free radicals from damaging skin cells. Omega- 3
fatty acids work to calm inflammation, reduce acne, support wound healing and
reduce UV damage
Omega-3 DHA has proven to be
beneficial for many unfavourable skin conditions
Acne
Essential fatty
acids are responsible for regulating the production of sebum, the oily
substance that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. They also calm
inflammation, which is a huge factor in acne conditions, that can trigger or
worsen acne breakouts. Furthermore, they form part of the acid mantle which is
the skin’s protective barrier against microbes and environmental damage.
Aging Skin
With age, skin
function is naturally altered: skin is less hydrated, less supple and more
fragile. In fact, skin cell regeneration slows down, and the activity of the sebaceous
and sweat glands decreases. Omega-3s influence the cell’s ability to hold water
and provide a healthy barrier to withstand negative environmental factors that
accelerate the skin aging process.
Slapping on
beauty products may cover up the signs of aging, but doing this will not
prevent inevitable deterioration caused by poorly nourished cells. Feeding the
skin adequately from the inside with Omega-3 DHA can certainly delay the skin’s
natural aging process and help to prevent wrinkles.
Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by severe itching
and recurring eczematous lesions. Scaling and increased water evaporation from
the skin are two typical clinical signs of essential fatty acid
deficiency.
Because of its
ability to help regulate hydration and anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3
DHA supplementation has been proven to provide relief for dermatitis sufferers
of various age groups – the very young included as it has shown to play a
definitive role in preventing the development and reduce the severity of atopic
dermatitis in newborns to children younger than 3 years.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is
caused by a lack of moisture in the top layer of the skin, which is known as
the stratum corneum. Apart from Omega-3 deficiency, this can be due to a number
of influences including environmental factors such as air conditioning, low
humidity, harsh soaps or cleansers, chlorinated water.
Omega-3 DHA is
hydrating to dry skin and by improving skin barrier function when taken
internally, will help seal in moisture and keep irritants out.
Eczema
A lack of Omega-3
DHA can be the main contributor to eczematic conditions because of the very
role it plays in reducing inflammation, hydrating the cells and creating a
protective barrier in the skins transdermal layer.
Numerous
publications of clinical studies have shown children and adults with eczema who
took a daily Omega-3 DHA (5.4 – 5.5 grams) supplement had a significant
reduction in eczema symptoms compared to those who did not take the supplement.
Psoriasis
Omega-3s help
psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation. When they enter the bloodstream,
they lubricate the cells of the body. This lubrication can have a healing
effect on cells that are particularly in need of it.
When a person has
psoriasis, the immune system tells skin cells to turn over at an abnormally
rapid rate. No one knows why this happens exactly. The result is redness,
inflammation, and dry, scaly patches of skin that can cover almost any part of
your body. The use of Omega-3s can make this inflammation more manageable and
less irritating.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin
condition that causes symptoms such as rashes and skin discoloration, usually
on the nose and cheeks. It may also cause eye problems. The symptoms typically
come and go, with many people reporting that certain factors, such as spending
time in the sun or experiencing emotional stress, bring them on.
Eye irritation is
a common symptom of rosacea. This is known as ocular rosacea and can include:
- dryness
- soreness
- itchiness
- redness
- watery eyes
As Omega-3 DHA is
the major structural and metabolic polyunsaturated fatty acid of the retina,
making up around 20% of its weight, it is not surprising that researchers have
found that supplementation with this particular essential fatty acid
consistently showed benefits for patients with ocular rosacea – most
significantly, improving dry eye symptoms.
If you’re looking
to improve your skin health, or are suffering from dry, irritated or acne-prone
skin, adding Omega-3 DHA to your diet is the easiest most important action you
can take.
For healthy skin,
Omega-3 DHA is essential.
