Are You Wasting High Priced Skincare Products?
Omega 3 benefits the skin in a very fundamental manner. When we discuss wellness, what we eat is key. It’s also a touchy subject because only a registered dietician or physician can make claims as to what a person should or should not eat.
If you bring wellness into the world of skincare – which is happening more and more in the industry, it is pretty much an established fact that nutrition has a direct impact on the skin’s health. We know that essential fatty acids are “essential” for healthy skin.
Healthline.com on 17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
“It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of your skin.”
National Institute Of Health on Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The following are direct quotes from the NIH’s website on Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
National Institute Of Health on Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What are omega-3 fatty acids and what do they do?
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods, such as fish and flaxseed, and in dietary supplements, such as fish oil.
The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood.
ALA is an essential fatty acid, meaning that your body can’t make it, so you must get it from the foods and beverages you consume. Your body can convert some ALA into EPA and then to DHA, but only in very small amounts. Therefore, getting EPA and DHA from foods (and dietary supplements if you take them) is the only practical way to increase levels of these omega-3 fatty acids in your body.
Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround each cell in your body. DHA levels are especially high in retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells. Omega-3s also provide calories to give your body energy and have many functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system (the network of hormone-producing glands).
What foods provide omega-3s?
“Omega-3s are found naturally in some foods and are added to some fortified foods. You can get adequate amounts of omega-3s by eating a variety of foods, including the following:
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Fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines)
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Nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts)
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Plant oils (such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil)
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Fortified foods (such as certain brands of eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, soy beverages, and infant formulas)”
How much omega-3s do I need?
NOTE: [There is a list of ALA by age and sex on the NIH website].
Children & Family Research Institute Study Claims An Omega 3 Deficiency
The summary of the study was published in Science Daily, “The typical North American diet of eating lots of meat and not much fish is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and this may pose a risk to infant neurological development. The researchers found that the women who ate lots of meat and little fish were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and their babies didn’t do as well on eye tests as babies from mothers who weren’t deficient. The results were noticeable as early as two months of age.”
Maximize Your Skincare Products from the Omega 3 Benefit
Regardless of the source (food or supplement), you can maximize your skincare products because of the way Omega 3 benefits your skin.
Healthline.com Laid Out 17 Omega 3 Benefits
Healthline.com #7 Omega 3 Benefit
Healthline.com’s # 7 Omega 3 Benefit is that it can help fight inflammation! We know that inflammation is one of the key reasons skin shows the signs of aging.
Healthline.com's #17 Omega 3 Benefit
Omega 3 Fats Are Good For The Skin
DHA is a structural component of your skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of your skin.
A healthy cell membrane results in soft, moist, supple and wrinkle-free skin.
EPA also benefits your skin in several ways, including (101Trusted Source, 102):
- Managing oil production and hydration of your skin.
- Preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles, which appears as the little red bumps often seen on upper arms.
- Reducing premature aging of your skin.
- Reducing the risk of acne.
Omega-3s can also protect your skin from sun damage. EPA helps block the release of substances that eat away at the collagen in your skin after sun exposure (101Trusted Source).
Be Well W Barry
Lipgloss + Aftershave is committed to wellness. We created Be Well W Barry, a dedicated column to fitness, yoga, holistic healing, bodywork, nutrition and supplements. We even have free workouts from nationally respected personal trainers.
Skincare Products + Omega 3 Benefits
When speaking to Jane Mann about her intake with new clients, she told me that she will refer clients to a Registered Dietician on their first visit in lieu of them purchasing any product. She went on to tell me that is how much value she places on proper nutrition.
While Omega 3 is only one of many items on a long list, it is known to have such a positive impact on the base health of the skin, that if it’s not maximized, the skin cell’s membrane won’t be as strong. The membrane is what keeps moisture in and a host of other things out.
You’re going to have a very hard time maximizing skin health using products if the skin’s barrier function is compromised.
There are Omega 3 and Essential Fatty Acid supplements available, [Always seek the advice of a registered dietician and/or physician before taking any supplements.] that could potentially aid in the improvement of the function of the skin’s barrier.
Author’s Note: I’ve included an essential fatty acid supplment in my daily care for the past year and have tried all of the items listed below and have had great skin health. I also, use high quality skincare daily, eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke, don’t drink alochol and I exercise 5 times per week.
EFA+ By DMK
DMK’s EFA+ isn’t just Omega-3. It actually is an essential fatty acid supplement that contains OMEGA 3, 6 and 9. They use some very unique sources to get these.
It is particularly useful for acne, inflamed or reactive skin, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and aging complexions. It is also recommended for clients undergoing professional skin revision treatments.
Renew + Protect From Alexander’s Aesthetics
Renew + Protect by Bend Beauty is a fish oil based supplment that you take daily. One must concentrate on the skin benfits and quickly swallow the teaspoon of orange colored, fish tasting liquid. (It’s also available in capsules.). It’s rich in EPA and DHA from sources such as anchovies, sardines and/or mackerel.
Non-Fish Omega-3’s by Source Natural [VEGAN]
This all-vegan softgel is an ideal source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA. Unlike less efficient forms of vegan omega-3s like flax seed oil, it is more active. It does not require a difficult metabolic conversion process in the body. EPA and DHA support healthy brain, cardiovascular and immune system functioning. Made from algae, VEGAN TRUE® NON-FISH OMEGA-3s is also a sustainable alternative to overfishing the oceans.*
