Do you wish you could wave a magic wand and be handed glowing and radiant skin? Though you may not be able to do exactly that, omega-3 fatty acids can do the next best thing.
Key Takeaways: What Can Omega-3s Do for Skin?
- Can Reduce Inflammation
- Leads to Improved Hydration
- Protects from Sun Damage
- Soothes Dry and Itchy Skin
- Can Reduce Breakouts
- May Promote Wound Healing
- May Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
Omega-3s are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids known for their abundant beauty and health benefits. From supporting cognitive function to promoting a healthy inflammatory response, these fatty acids are essential in both your diet and skincare routine.
Keep reading, and we'll share seven excellent skin benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
See Related: How To Get Clear Skin Overnight: 7 Tips To Try
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and What Do They Do for the Skin?
Omega-3s are a family of essential fatty acids that your body cannot produce on its own - it's critical that you get your daily allowance of omega-3s from your diet or oral supplementation. These polyunsaturated fats, otherwise known as "healthy" fats, are responsible for giving structure to the cells in your body.
Omega-3 fatty acids keep various bodily functions working properly by supporting heart health, promoting gut health, modulating the immune system, and increasing energy levels. They build the cell membranes of your brain, eyes, and nerves. And, more recently, it was discovered that omega-3s are also essential for skin health.
There are three main types of omega-3s:
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Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is often found in fatty fish.
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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is also found in fish.
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Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in certain foods like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Filling your daily diet with omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like salmon, oysters, and soybeans is an excellent way to supply your body with these essential nutrients.
What Foods Contain Omega-3s?
It's ideal to get your recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids from foods before turning to dietary supplements.
Aim to eat non-fried, oily fish that's high in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, like anchovies, herring, freshwater trout, and tuna, at least twice a week. Alternatively, you can get your necessary amount of omega-3 from plant-based sources like beans, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, borage oil, and edamame.
If you can't get enough omega-3 from a diet rich in fish and plant-based foods, you can get it from fish oil supplements. Taking a daily fish oil supplement is the easiest way to take advantage of the potential benefits of omega-3s.
Benefits of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids for Skin
#1. Can Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's natural response to harm or injury. Whenever the skin is damaged, inflammation follows soon after in order to help heal the affected area.
Some research suggests that omega-3s have certain anti-inflammatory properties. This is especially useful when treating inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Acne and inflammation go hand-in-hand. And omega-3s can reduce inflammation that comes with breakouts. Topical application of omega-3s can also help soothe irritated skin or sensitive skin.
#2. Leads to Improved Hydration
A well-rounded beauty routine involves a nourishing hand cream and a lightweight daily moisturizer. But the key to long-lasting skin hydration lies in a healthy skin barrier.
However, you can't expect one product to give you the skin of your dreams. It requires a carefully curated skincare ritual and healthy lifestyle practices. That's where omega-3s step in.
Omega-3s may be able to boost your body's production of ceramides, a family of fatty acids that support your skin's natural barrier function. This keeps your complexion soft and supple by fighting dryness and infection.
Proper barrier function is key to improved skin hydration. But if your body needs a boost, it's a good idea to invest in an omega-3-rich skin creme like JUARA's Tiare Jasmine Body Creme.
Our Tiare Jasmine Body Creme is more than a delicately moisturizing lotion. This formula, inspired by the dewy tea fields of Indonesia, is crafted with all-natural ingredients like candlenut oil, rice bran oil, and avocado oil.
To seal in this luxurious moisture, don't forget to use a hydrating body oil or something that contains moringa oil.
#3. Protects from Sun Damage
Applying SPF is the best way to protect your skin from UV damage. But omega-3s can offer some additional aid.
Research shows that a combination of DHA and EPA omega fatty acids can help reduce skin sensitivity to UV radiation. Some evidence even suggests that omega-3s can potentially reduce the symptoms of photosensitivity disorders that come with UV radiation.
Bonus: How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier
#4. Soothes Dry and Itchy Skin
Omega-3s can support skin barrier function and increase skin hydration, helping to guard against dry, red, and itchy skin. These nutritious elements can seal in moisture while keeping out irritants and impurities.
Regardless of what the media feeds you, having perfectly clear and supple skin is nearly impossible. Even if you haven't experienced a breakout in years, you might instead struggle with dry, scaly skin or a lackluster complexion.
Luckily, omega-3s might be the key to improving your overall skin health. They can tackle a plethora of skin conditions or issues, making them a must-have ingredient for any skincare routine.
#5. Can Reduce Breakouts
Evidence suggests that acne is often the result of skin inflammation. Thanks to omega-3 fatty acids' amazing anti-inflammatory properties, these fatty acids can help reduce the severity of acne.
Other studies show that diets lacking in omega-3 fatty acids are closely tied to acne. Some researchers believe this correlation is due to omega-3 fatty acids' insulin-sensitizing effects, as acne can be driven by the skin's insulin.
Though eating salmon can help rid your skin of pesky pimples, you can deliver your skin an omega-3 fatty acid-rich treatment through your skincare routine. A great place to start is with our Sweet Black Tea and Rice Moisturizer.
This skin-soothing product promotes radiant skin through plant-based ingredients. It's full of botanicals like five-flavor berries that do good and feel good to your skin. Plus, it contains rice bran oil, a vitamin E-rich oil rich in healthy fats that calms redness and moisturizes the skin.
#6. May Promote Wound Healing
The wound healing process is far from simple. It involves three critical stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Though inflammation is an essential step, chronic inflammation (or too much inflammation) can delay the process.
Omega-3 fatty acids help build the cells of your body. They reduce inflammation, which can speed up wound healing and aid in the proliferation of cells. Lastly, omega-3 fatty acids can promote collagen production, which is key in building new skin tissue.
#7. May Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
UV radiation can cause anything from premature skin aging to skin cancer. It can be challenging to protect against such damaging skin conditions, but a great place to start is with a plant-based skincare routine and a holistic lifestyle.
Omega-3 fatty acids can strengthen the skin barrier and decrease inflammation, helping to lower the detrimental effects of sun exposure. Some recent research also shows how omega-3 fatty acids can potentially suppress tumor growth and the changes your skin undergoes after UV exposure.
Final Thoughts
A healthy balance of omega-3 essential fatty acids and other nutrients is essential for maintaining optimal health and glowing skin. This might be the key ingredient you've been missing in your skincare ritual!
Keep Reading: 5 Ways To Improve Your Gut Health
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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.
