Did you know that essential fatty acids aren't just meant to be eaten? You can also apply them to your skin!
Essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid, are known to support healthy, hydrated, and happy skin. Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that is essential for skin wellness.
- LA is the most abundant fatty acid in the epidermis. It's critical for skin barrier function and natural skin moisture.
- LA can also protect from free radicals, repair damaged skin, and maintain skin hydration. There's a lot this EFA can do!
See Related: Why Is My Skin So Oily All of a Sudden? 6 Common Causes
Let's Start With the Basics: What Is Linoleic Acid?
Chances are, you know what essential fatty acids (EFAs) are - they are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that cannot be produced by your body. Instead, they have to be consumed through your diet.
You can usually get enough EFAs by eating foods like fish, vegetable oils, and nuts, including flaxseed, hemp oil, soybean oil, sesame seeds, and avocados.
Linoleic acid is a type of EFA. It's often referred to as vitamin F. Linoleic acid (LA) is used by the body as a source of energy and as building blocks for cells.
But linoleic acid isn't just good for your physical health - it's good for your skin health, too.
How Does Linoleic Acid Strengthen Your Skincare Routine?
Your skin is made up of layers, including the epidermis (the outermost layer). Linoleic acid (LA) is the most abundant fatty acid in the epidermis, which only goes to show you how crucial this fatty acid really is for skin health.
So, what can LA really do for your skin? How can it strengthen your skincare routine? Let's find out.
#1. Linoleic Acid Protects Skin From Free Radical Damage
The lipids in your skin are responsible for protecting against external stressors, including free radicals. And these lipids are supported by EFAs, like LA. LA can even reduce UV-associated damage and minimize hyperpigmentation.
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#2. Linoleic Acid Acts as Building Blocks for Damaged Skin
When your skin lacks lipids and fatty acids, it can become weak and damaged. This often results in things like inflammation, signs of aging, and dryness. In more serious cases, this can even lead to infections or disease.
Using plant-based oils that contain linoleic acid is a great way to help your skin repair and restore itself. Plant-based body oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids can also normalize skin metabolism and improve skin hydration.
#3. Linoleic Acid Can Heal and Treat Acne-Prone Skin
It was all the way back in 1976 that researchers found a connection between linoleic acid and acne. Research shows that individuals with acne have lower levels of linoleic acid in their skin compared to individuals without acne.
This is likely due to the link between linoleic acid and sebum production. It's known that excess sebum production can often lead to acne. LA-rich skincare products can help improve the function of sebaceous glands, which can maintain healthy sebum production.
#4. Linoleic Acid Can Support Healthy Skin Barrier Function
An essential fatty acid deficiency can manifest as dry, scaly skin. This is often due to an impaired skin barrier. The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is responsible for keeping your skin strong and hydrated. So, when it becomes damaged or impaired, it can lead to dryness, inflammation, or irritation.
Linoleic acid can prevent transepidermal water loss, maintain a healthy permeability barrier, and assist in wound healing. In addition to consuming linoleic acid orally, you can also use topically applied linoleic acid to keep your skin barrier strong and healthy.
The Bottom Line
If you're ready to add linoleic acid to your skincare regimen, we recommend a rich body creme like our Candlenut Body Creme. Full of premium botanicals and natural ingredients like candlenut oil, rice bran oil, and illipe butter, this nourishing body lotion is rich in saturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acid. Pair it with our Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel for a mindful and nurturing experience.
Keep Reading: 5 Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Skin
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People Also Ask
Is Linoleic Acid Good for the Skin?
Yes! Linoleic acid is good for the skin, and it serves a number of purposes in skin and physical health. For starters, this fatty acid acts as building blocks for cells, protects from free radicals, and helps to hydrate the skin.
What Are the Disadvantages of Linoleic Acid?
In general, there aren't many notable disadvantages of linoleic acid.
If you use linoleic acid in your skincare routine, be sure to use it alongside other nourishing and hydrating skincare products. If you're consuming linoleic acid through your diet, be sure to consume it in moderation - studies show that eating too much linoleic acid may "disrupt healthy cellular function and contribute to inflammation."
Does Linoleic Acid Clog Pores?
No... actually, quite the opposite! Linoleic acid can soften and dislodge the dirt, bacteria, and sebum that are stuck in your pores. This will help prevent and treat acne - so, if you struggle with pimples or breakouts, it's well worth it to use essential fatty acids (including linoleic acid) in your beauty regimen!
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
