Fat tends to get a bad reputation and is often paired with words like bad, burn, or eliminate. However, in the world of skin, fats are a good thing and are even vital for skin health. As with most things, there’s no right way to add healthy fats into your skincare routine; it’s totally customisable to each person. Between sprinkling these fats into your diet and using natural cold-pressed oils, there are plenty of ways to reap the benefits of essential fatty acids. In this article, we’ll take a look at how these fatty acids can help your skin, promote long-term skin health, and which oils you can use.
You may have heard of essential fatty acids but wondered what made them so “essential”? Simply put, there are eleven types of fatty acids in existence, nine the body can make and two it can’t. The two types, known as the polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, the body can’t make and must obtain from external sources. Therefore, for the body and skin to achieve balance, these fatty acids must be absorbed either through the digestive tract or topically. Essential fatty acids can improve the look and feel of skin but also boast other health benefits, such as heart health and boosting brain function.
Research and studies have shown that essential fatty acids are vital for skin health, as they provide nutrients and maintain moisture. These fatty acids help upkeep the skin’s barrier, which locks in moisture and prevents water loss. In turn, this can help combat skin conditions such as dry skin, cradle cap, and dandruff. Furthermore, essential fatty acids can help treat inflammation and redness. Last but not least, they can help reduce the signs of ageing and reverse the effects of environmental stressors such as pollution and sun damage.
There are plenty of benefits for your health and skin that fatty acids can provide. Now, you may understand why everyone is so crazy about fish oil! These fats work hard to keep your skin soft, healthy, and glowing for many years to come. When using them for skincare, you can combine them with other ingredients like glycerine to make an oh-so-smooth cosmetic product. Although if you’re planning to eat them, you’ll want to keep your choices varied to be sure you get a broad range of these fatty acids.
It’s best to try a balanced approach of using skincare products that contain fatty acids, as well as consuming them. After all, to truly heal your skin, you should always look inward as your skin is often a reflection of what is going on beneath the surface. There’s no single food or product that works like a miracle pill to give you clear skin, you must always consider the bigger picture. Evaluate your diet, lifestyle, sleep schedule, and how much you consume alcohol or processed foods to uncover what may or may not be causing any skin issues. That being said, topical treatments such as cold-pressed oils with essential fatty acids are incredibly beneficial for the skin.
Foods to Consume For Omega-3s:
Foods to Consume For Omega-6s:
Oils for Fatty Acid Skincare:
When using these oils for skincare, it’s always recommendable to consider if you have any current skin issues. For instance, oils like jojoba oil and hemp seed oil are quite similar to the skin’s sebum, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin. On the other hand, rosehip oil can help treat pigmentation, scarring, and fine lines. As always, do some research to learn more about the properties and which oil may best suit you. Once you’ve found the oil that works best for you, you can apply it to clean skin during your morning or bedtime routine for best results.
Fatty acids can provide a host of health benefits, including naturally promoting skin health. Should you want to learn more about natural skincare, there’s still time to take advantage of the great discounts on our eBooks this holiday season. If you want to give the gift of an experience, consider the next Soapmaking Workshop on January 16th. Those searching for guided learning may want to find out more about WapoBeauty’s Complete Facial Skincare Online Course for Beginners and discover how to make professional, safe, and stable natural beauty products. Join the ranks of students who found this class valuable and rewarding!
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni.