How Fish Oil Helps Acne

The often-severe effects of acne on the individual psyche have been linked to depression and anxiety. Although most common in teenagers, it is also experienced by adults. However, research has suggested that an effective prescription for the prevention and treatment for acne may be as low tech as consuming fish or fish oil.

Significance

According to one expert at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, acne affects approximately 85 percent of American teenagers. It often continues into adulthood and can lead to permanent scarring of the back, chest and face. Although the exact causes of acne are not fully comprehended, it has been linked to inflammation and overproduction of sebum, both of which may be inhibited by fish oil.

Identification

Fish oil is extracted from the tissue of oily fish and contains the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, which is known to reduce inflammation in the human body.
Omega 3 builds up in fish tissues as fish consume microalgae. Fish oil has been used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and more specifically, the treatment of acne.

The Facts

LTB4, an inflammatory leukotriene derived from arachidonic acid which occurs naturally in the body, is known to increase sebum production in the hair follicle, which promotes acne. EPA, which is found in fish oil, has been proven to inhibit this process to the same degree as prescription drugs such as Zileuton, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine website. EPA is also known to reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. According to research headed up by dermatologist Dr. J.M. Hitch, in which 1,000 teenagers' dietary habits were studied, symptoms of acne--such as oily skin, acne cysts, pustules, papules and comedones--were significantly lower in those who consumed the most fish and seafood.

Warning

Fish oil, when consumed in doses of less than 3 grams per day, is safe for most people, including pregnant women. However, when consumed in high doses, fish oil may cause undesirable side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, nausea, rashes and nosebleeds. It is also possible that excessive consumption of fish oil may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, in the body, as well as reduce immune system efficiency. Fish such as shark, king mackerel and farm-raised salmon are known to contain harmful levels of mercury and other chemicals, but it is unlikely that fish oil supplements contain these substances, according to the MedlinePlus website.

Considerations

While fish oil may be highly beneficial for skin health, it is not the only remedy available for the treatment of acne. According to Alan C. Logan and Valori Treloar, authors of "The Clear Skin Diet", tea tree oil and evening primrose oil, as well as foods that are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and zinc, are also effective at preventing and treating acne.