How Does Fish Oil Benefit Skin?

Fish oils, Omega 3, fatty acids and skin care

Having a healthy, nutritious diet is important for healthy skin. Not everyone has a healthy diet and skin problems can be the result of a poor diet. There is increasing evidence that shows when one includes or increases the use of fish oils in one's diet or skin care, there is a marked improvement.

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids and thus, proper nutrition in conjunction with fish oil supplements are beneficial for: eczema, psoriasis and the health of skin, nails and hair.

Fish oils have been beneficial with respect to treatment of eczema because of the presence of the omega-3 fatty acids. Epidermal cells actively convert essential fatty acids into prostaglandin hormone, which helps to determine the degree of smoothness and moisture in the skin.

EPA and ALA are the two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils that are involved in the conversion of gamma-linolenic acid to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin hormone. This improves skin texture. (1)

With psoriasis, a skin disorder that affects approximately two percent of the population, there is an abnormal level of leukotrienes or metabolites of arachidonic acid. Eicosapentaenoic acid, found in fish oils, reduces the adverse affects that lead to itching, scaling and erythema. (2)

With psoriasis, there is a known hereditary factor. Interestingly, the Inuits, who have a traditional diet of fish containing high omega-3 fatty acids levels, have a relatively low incidence of psoriasis. (3)

Fish oils with omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions, including cardiovascular or heart disease. (4)

How the body handles oils or a lack of oil in the body, is part of the problem with skin health. It makes sense to alter one's diet to include fish oils, eg. supplementation with cod liver oil in capsule form or to include extra fish in one's diet. Supplementation recommendations are 1-8 g per day. (5)

Including skin care products that contain the Omega-3 fatty acids also improves one's skin.

Ever wonder how a fish that has scales, can give us fish oils that relieve skin that feels the same way?

(1) http://www.softecare.com/Ingredients/omega_3_skin_disorders.cfm

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5) Ibid.