We’ve all heard about nature’s bounty and its benefits on our hair and skin care routine. A spectacular ingredient that you can reap such beauty rewards from is Omega-3 fatty acid. If you’re wondering how to use these benefits of Omega-3 to fight your skin problems, here’s how to go about it...

 

What are Omega 3 fatty acids?

What are Omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats or in simple terms, good fats that your body needs for healthy functioning of the skin, hair, body and mind. They fall into 3 main categories namely EPA, DHA and ALA. Since Omega-3 isn’t produced internally, the human body relies on external sources for a good supply of it.

 

What are the sources of Omega 3 fatty acids?

What are the sources of Omega 3 fatty acids?

The 2 categories of EPA and DHA fatty acids are primarily obtained from seafood and marine life. ALAs are obtained from plant sources, so whether or not you are a vegetarian, you can always receive an ample supply of Omega-3 fatty acid! It is most commonly found in oily fish like salmon, mackerels, sardines, tuna as well as in oysters and fish roe. The vegetarian sources of Omega-3 are flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, spinach and avocado.

 

How do Omega 3 fatty acids benefit my skin?

How do Omega 3 fatty acids benefit my skin?

The benefits of Omega-3 are plenty, especially for the skin.

For one, they are a potent anti-inflammatory substance as their ingestion increases the production of chemicals, which curb inflammation. This stops redness, swelling and skin irritation in its tracks and is also why Omega-3 is recommended for eczema and dermatitis as well.

Secondly, the healthy fat content of Omega-3 fatty acid works as a barrier to keep moisture within the skin and irritation out. Thus, even when the skin faces dry climate and dulling agents, this barrier keeps it hydrated and healthy.

Thirdly, an active supply of it strengthens the very structure of the skin cells. So even if UV rays, pollution and stress wreak havoc on skin, you can count on the restorative properties of Omega-3 to repair the skin cell membrane and make it stronger.