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What are essential fatty acids and why are they important for the skin?
Essential fatty acids are part of the category of essential lipids for the body’s health. The main types are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in maintaining cellular integrity and in the optimal functioning of the skin. Without them, the skin becomes dry, scaly and prone to irritation, therefore, they keep the skin barrier intact, so that the skin can exercise its protective roles against germs, bacteria and infection.
Among the most important sources of essential fatty acids are:
● Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
● Nuts and seeds (flax, chia, hemp, sunflower)
● Vegetable oils (linseed oil, Evening Primrose Oil, olive oil)
With their help, transepidermal water loss is prevented, and the body is protected against irritations and harmful environmental factors.
How do essential fatty acids contribute to skin hydration and elasticity?
The hydration and elasticity of the skin depend on the optimal balance of lipids and the ability of the skin to retain water. Essential fatty acids are involved in this process because:
● They support the formation of epidermal lipids, which prevent skin dehydration.
● They reduce inflammation and calm sensitive or irritated skin.
● Contributes to the production of collagen, essential for elasticity and firmness.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed that supplementation with essential fatty acids improves skin hydration and reduces symptoms of dry and inflamed skin.
The effects of essential fatty acid deficiency on the skin
An insufficient intake of AGEs can lead to a number of dermatological problems, including:
● Dry and flaky skin – the lack of essential lipids compromises the skin barrier, favoring dehydration.
● Inflammation and irritation – AGE deficiencies are associated with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.
● Premature aging – the lack of essential fatty acids affects the synthesis of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and loss of firmness.
● Psoriasis and rosacea – Some studies have indicated that supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of these inflammatory skin conditions, reducing redness and scaling.
Essential fatty acids in skin care: supplements vs. topical application
Essential fatty acids can be administered most effectively through supplements, which act from the inside to improve the skin’s structure and combat dryness, as well as externally through topical products.
Supplements: Consuming supplements with Omega-3 and Omega-6 helps to hydrate the skin from the inside, reducing inflammation and improving the skin’s structure. One of the most effective supplements for skin care is evening primrose Oilan oil extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, available at Calivita in the form of gelatin capsules. It is an essential supplement for maintaining skin health, which provides a concentrated dose of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 fatty acid with strong anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.
Topical application: Oils rich in AGEs, such as evening primrose oil (Evening Primrose Oil), are also used in creams and serums to soothe irritated skin and to strengthen the skin barrier.
benefits Evening Primrose Oil for skin:
- Intensely hydrates dry skin and maintains its elasticity by restoring the essential lipids in the epidermal layer, stimulating the production of ceramides. Thus, it restores the skin barrier, prevents the loss of transepidermal water and keeps the skin hydrated and supple.
- It reduces inflammation and irritation, being a reliable aid in the case of eczema, atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin.
- It contributes to balancing sebum production, which makes it ideal for people with acne-prone skin.
- It helps to reduce wrinkles and maintain a youthful appearance of the skin, by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin (proteins responsible for the firmness and suppleness of the skin) and protecting against oxidative stress.
A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that taking GLA supplements for 12 weeks significantly improved skin hydration and firmness in female participants. Evening Primrose Oil from Calivita it is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a healthy and radiant skin.
On the other hand, Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, also contribute to reducing inflammation, improving skin hydration and elasticity, as well as protecting it against premature aging. Calivita offers high-quality supplements, such as Omega 3 concentrate, which provides concentrated doses of Omega-3 fatty acids from purified fish oil. Including this supplement in the daily routine can support the health of the skin and the whole body, having multiple benefits.
Interactions and contraindications
Although essential fatty acids are beneficial for health, it is important to be administered with caution. People taking anticoagulant drugs, those with low blood pressure or suffering from certain chronic conditions should consult a doctor before taking AGE supplements.
The ideal routine for skin health
To maximize the benefits of essential fatty acids, they should be integrated into a balanced lifestyle that includes:
- A diet rich in natural and healthy foods, such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds.
- Adequate hydration, by consuming at least 2 liters of water per day.
- Daily sun protection to prevent premature aging of the skin.
- The use of moisturizing topical products, rich in ceramides.
Conclusion
Essential fatty acids play a fundamental role in maintaining skin health, contributing to hydration, elasticity and protection against external factors. Supplementation with quality products, such as Evening Primrose Oil from Calivitacan help fight skin dryness, inflammation and premature aging. For a healthy and glowing skin, make sure that your diet contains enough essential fatty acids and that you use the right care products.
This article was written by…
Dr. Roxana Lixandru
dermatovenerologist
I am a graduate of UMF Carol Davila and, currently, I am a resident doctor in the Dermatovenereology specialty. In parallel, since college, I gradually started to grow an online community, out of the desire to inspire, to show sincerity and naturalness and small details from my life, to the same extent as to bring value through medical education and in the skincare field. Thus, I wish to offer more of my knowledge in this field and support the care for our health and especially the skin, because, let’s not forget, the skin is the most valuable accessory, which we wear and show to the world all our lives.
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