Essential Fatty Acids are beneficial fats essential for maintaining optimal skin health and are well known for their incredible health benefits.
EFAs are needed for the healthy formation, growth and functioning of cells and various body processes such as hormone production, supporting heart health and brain function. Our bodies can’t produce EFAs on their own this means we have to obtain them through our diets or supplements.
Essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 are the essential building blocks of the skins surface layers, and are essential in our diet in order to make healthy, plump skin cells. Our skin's protective layer, the acid mantle, is there to protect our skin, it locks in moisture and acts as a barrier against bacteria, allergens and irritants. EFAs play a role in this helping to produce our acid mantle, this is important for healthy skin functioning.
Some great sources of omega 3
Fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, oysters and trout.
Chia seeds, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, avocados and eggs
Some great sources of Omega 6
Poultry such as Chicken and pork
Nuts Brazil nuts and almonds
Diary cheese and butter
Omega 3 supplements may help improve inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis by calming inflammation and reducing the production of cytokines, which can cause an inflammatory response in the body.
During my skin consultations and skin analysis I always check the quality of my clients oil flow, even oily skin needs EFAs to produce good quality sebum. In Acne type skin conditions the oil flow can be too thick and sticky, taking Omega 3 supplements can help the oil flow be of better quality, and to freely move up onto the surface of the skin helping with congestion.
If you are deficient in EFAs your hair and skin can be the first place this shows up. Your skin can be inflamed, sensitive with rashes and dryness, dehydration with poor skin barrier function. You might notice an unusual increase in acne, omega-3s can decrease inflammation and acne breakouts.
There are so many reasons why upping your EFAs is not only beneficial for your health but also helps maintain healthy skin, working from the inside out.
"Here's to happy, healthy glowing skin."
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