Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to your diet. These acids contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis and a number of other chronic health conditions. Recently, evidence has shown that omega-3 fatty acids are also effective for your skin. Omega-3s are being added to beauty products and used as supplements to help relieve dry skin, combat acne, reduce wrinkles and possibly prevent skin cancer.
Relieves Skin Conditions
Omega-3 fatty acids may be able to relieve skin conditions such as photo dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and dry skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that people with photo dermatitis who took supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids had less sensitivity to ultraviolet light. According to the medical center, people with psoriasis found faster relief if they consumed omega-3s in addition to their medications. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of "The American Journal of Psychiatry," patients taking 6 g of omega-3 fatty acids containing eicosapentaenoic acid daily significantly reduced their psoriasis. In fact, the participants in this study recovered completely from their psoriasis while taking the omega-3 fatty acid treatments.
Reduces Wrinkles
Since omega-3 fatty acids soothe and prevent inflammation, they may help prevent or reduce wrinkles. Wrinkles are caused by inflammation and from a lack of nutrients such as good fats. In a study published in the June 2005 issue of the "Journal of Lipid Research," Hyeon Ho Kim and colleagues found that omega-3s combined with eicosapentaenoic acid showed positive results in treating and preventing the aging process. They concluded that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce wrinkles and prevent more damage from occurring. Participants also found that their skin was more moist and supple.
Heals Acne
Acne occurs when there is an imbalance in hormones. If the hormone prostaglandin cannot control the hormone androgen, acne will form. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to produce prostaglandins, so if the body is not getting enough omega-3s, the body is more susceptible to acne. In a study published in the October 2008 issue of the journal "Lipids in Health and Disease," Mark Rubin and colleagues found that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in controlling inflammatory acne by inhibiting the production of leukotreine B4, which is a pro-inflammatory prostaglandin that also increases sebum.
Prevents Skin Cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent this type of cancer. In a study published in the July 2006 issue of the journal "Cancer Detection and Prevention," H. Black and colleagues from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas concluded that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent non-melanoma skin cancer. The study proved that omega-3s found in fish oil and fish can reduce the damage of sunburn. It also showed that omega-3s have the ability to inhibit the cancerous changes that occur after ultraviolet radiation, including decreasing tumor growth and ability to multiply.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 fatty acids
- Lipids in Health and Disease: Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids: a report of cases
- Journal of Lipid Research: Eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits UV-induced MMP-1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts
- The American Journal of Psychiatry: Lithium-Associated Psoriasis and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- PubMed.gov: The potential of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer
- Wrinkle Free Skin Tips: Omega 3 Fish Oil For Skin/ Wrinkles
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