Salmon Oil for Acne

Acne is a problem that afflicts over 40 million Americans, mostly teenagers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. While literally hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription treatments already exist, you may want a treatment that's both natural and effective. If so, consider salmon oil. Jam packed with inflammation- and acne-fighting omega-3 fats, fish oils like salmon oil may help people with acne, according to a report in the April 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Dermatology."

Acne's Prevelance

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology reports that acne is one of the most common skin issues in the world. Besides the short-term issues like low self esteem and anxiety that acne can bring, the permanent scars, which 25 percent of all acne sufferers experience, can leave acne's visible mark for decades.

Omega 3 Fats

Omega-3 fats are known to reduce chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a significant portion of the underlying pathology of acne formation. Omega-3 fats are effective in reducing inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Salmon oil, in supplement and fish form, is rich in omega-3 fats. According to WHFoods.com, a single 4 oz. serving of salmon contains over 2 grams of omega-3s.

Treatment

One clinical study has shown that omega-3 supplements have the potential to effectively treat acne. A paper published in the October 2008 issue of the journal "Lipids in Health and Disease" investigated the effects of a high-potency fish oil supplement on severe acne. Over a period of two months, the appearance of acne fell by one third. The researchers concluded that the supplement had wide-reaching benefits: "We found an average 24 percent improvement in mental, emotional and social well-being among users of the omega-3-poly-nutrient supplement."

A research review published in the April 2009 "International Journal of Dermatology" claimed that, although the research was inconclusive, there is promise for omega-3 supplements like salmon oil to treat acne.

Mental Health

Dermatologist Mark G. Rubin of the Lasky Skin Clinic in California has hypothesized that due to fish oil's well-documented influence on anxiety and depression it may also help with the mental anguish that often accompanies severe acne.

Dosage

Because the science linking omega-3 fats with acne is relatively new, there's no clear-cut recommendation regarding dosage amount. However, Rubin's study reported in "Lipids in Health and Disease" used a supplement containing 1g of a particular omega-3, fat, eicosapentaenoic acid--the equivalent of 4 grams of cooked salmon or four salmon oil capsules.