4 min read

In this article

    In this article:

    • Definition of omega-3 fatty acids
    • Omega-3 and the skin aging process

    What are Omega-3s?

    Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of skin cell membranes that surround every cell in the human body. There are three types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Each type of omega-3 is found in different concentrations throughout the body, and each has an important role. For example, DHA is found primarily in the retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells. Omega-3s also provide energy to your body in the form of calories. They have many health benefits for your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system.

    Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid under the umbrella term polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), meaning it cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, we rely entirely on foods and supplements to get it. You can get omega-3s through your diet in foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, seafood, and fatty fish like cod, salmon and sardines. It can be difficult for vegans and vegetarians to get enough omega-3 through diet alone, thus dietary supplementation is often recommended. Fish oil supplements are the most popular, dietary, omega-3 supplement, but new vegan alternatives are emerging. Amandean's Vegan Omega-3 Capsules are sourced from marine algae. They're a highly bioavailable, eco-friendly, vegan alternative to fish oil that have all of the same benefits for your heart and skin health.

    Omega-3 and the skin aging process 

    Like we mentioned above, omega-3 is a type of essential fatty acid but it's not the only one. Omega-3s work in tandem with omega-6 fatty acids to support your skin function and appearance. The omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a particular role in the barrier function of the skin. The skin barrier is what allows your skin to retain nutrients and hydration. Together with omega-3s, they create important signaling molecules called eicosanoids, which influence the inflammatory response in the skin. Taking an omega-3 supplement, on top of its many heart-healthy benefits, can also help your skin to look and feel healthier in the following ways:

    • Help to manageskin conditions:Omega-3s may also reduce the redness, dryness, inflammation, and irritation brought on by psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis. It does so by strengthening the skin barrier and improving skin hydration. In one study, women who consumed half a teaspoon of omega-3-rich flaxseed oil daily experienced a 39% increase in skin hydration, less skin irritation, and improved skin texture after only 12 weeks, when compared to the placebo.
    • May improve the gut-skin axis:Your skin health is highly influenced by your gut health. On top of eating a nutritious diet full of pre and probiotics, omega-3s may increase the amount of “good bacteria ''. This bacteria produces gut-protective molecules known as short-chain fatty acids. These can strengthen the gut lining to help us obtain necessary nutrients and prevent harmful bacteria from leaking into our bloodstream.
    • Fight against fine lines:As our skin ages and we lose more collagen, it becomes thinner and loses elasticity. It also becomes harder for our skin to retain moisture. By protecting the skin barrier and promoting the development of lipids within the skin, omega-3s may help the skin to look and feel smoother and retain moisture longer. This is especially true when used in combination with high-quality collagen supplements.

    Omega-3s may benefit the skin, but they should not be the sole method of achieving a youthful glow. Low-sugar diets that include skin-loving ingredients like zinc, selenium, enzyme Q10, collagen, prebiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to healthy skin. Wherever your diet falls short, supplements can fill in the gaps.

    If you have a specific skin condition or concern, seek medical advice from your doctor or dermatologist to find your perfect balance of supplements and delicious wholesome foods.

    Summary Points

    • Omega-3s provide energy to your body in the form of calories and have many health benefits for your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system
    • Omega-3s work in tandem with omega-6 fatty acids to support your skin function and appearance
    • Omega-3s can reduce the redness, dryness, inflammation, and irritation brought on by psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis
    • By protecting the skin barrier and promoting the development of lipids within the skin, omega-3s may help the skin to look and feel smoother and retain moisture longer



    Also in Blog

    How to Harness the Power of Vitamin C for Super Summer Skincare
    How to Harness the Power of Vitamin C for Super Summer Skincare

    9 min read

    Vitamin C is a powerhouse when it comes to skin health. Whether you're looking for a way to keep your skin hydrated and glowing in the summer sun, or wanting to reduce signs of aging - adding vitamin C into your skincare routine could be the answer. Not only does this powerful antioxidant work its magic topically, but you can also reap the benefits from eating foods high in Vitamin C as well. In this blog post, we'll discuss why Vitamin C should be part of your summer skincare regimen and how making simple dietary adjustments can help improve overall skin health. So grab your vitamin C serum and supplement and read on - it's time to take control of your summer skincare!
    What It Means to Be “Sober Curious” and How Sobriety Impacts Wellness
    What It Means to Be “Sober Curious” and How Sobriety Impacts Wellness

    5 min read

    If you’ve been considering a break from drinking or limiting your alcohol intake, then the concept of “sober curious” may be one that resonates with you. Sober curious people are those who identify as having an increasingly open mind about exploring life without alcohol and reducing their reliance on it in favor of more meaningful experiences. While everyone is on a different journey here, learning what it means to be sober curious and understanding how sobriety can impact our overall wellness can inspire us to make lifestyle choices that make us feel better both mentally and physically. In this blog post, we'll dive into the concept of being "sober curious" so you can better understand what steps could help improve your health and wellbeing.
    Debunking 5 Hot Diet Trends: Where Are They Now?
    Debunking 5 Hot Diet Trends: Where Are They Now?

    7 min read

    With so many new diet trends popping up every year, it's no wonder so many people are left feeling confused about what they should actually be eating. From keto to paleo, intermittent fasting to juice cleanses, each new fad promises to be the solution to all of our dietary woes. But as with any trend, the hype eventually dies down and we're left wondering: did it really work? In this article, we're going to take a closer look at five hot diet trends that grabbed headlines over the past few years and explore where they are now. From their origins to their effectiveness, we'll debunk the myths and give you the truth about these popular diets. So let's dive in and separate fact from fiction when it comes to our eating habits.