Many of us want health, radiant, and young-looking skin but don’t know how to achieve it. It seems that a lot of us believe that genetics and rigid skincare routines are the only ways to get glowing skin, but it’s best not to overlook our diet’s crucial role in this pursuit. What we eat can have profound impacts on the way we look.
Our body converts the food we eat into energy and materials to repair our own cells. Because of this, a deficiency in some nutrients can lead to various consequences in our health, and by extension, our appearance.
Some of the most popular nutrients that many health experts praise are omega-3 fatty acids, which are pivotal for maintaining our youthful glow. What exactly are these compounds, and how can they help our bodies stay healthy? Let’s explore the essentials in this article.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that are essential in building and maintaining a healthy body. Many health experts suggest that adults get 500 mg of these compounds per day.
There are three primary types of omega-3s, which are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA and EPA are plentiful in fish and other forms of marine life, while ALA can be found in plant sources, such as seeds, nuts, soybeans, and canola oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids aid in many of our bodily functions, and they have many health benefits. For instance, they can keep the eyes, brain, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system healthy. More than this, these compounds also can do wonders for our skin.
What Are the Benefits of Omega-3 for the Skin?
1 – It Can Help the Skin Stay Moisturized
Omega-3 fatty acids can help the skin stay moisturized and fight against red, dry, and irritable skin. They can also help improve the skin of people with skin disorders, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. These compounds reinforce the skin’s barrier function, which prevents dryness, irritation, and infection.
In a 2010 study, researchers found that women who took 2.5 ml of flaxseed oil supplements (which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids) daily for 12 weeks had a 39% increase in skin hydration. The women also had less rough and sensitive skin.
2 – It Can Reduce Acne
Acne is a skin condition that can fill the skin with uncomfortable bumps and redness, and it may look embarrassing for some people. Fortunately, omega-3 fatty acids may be able to help. These compounds aid in reducing inflammation, which studies suggest is the primary cause of acne breakouts. They can also reduce the adverse effects of isotretinoin, a common treatment for severe cases of the condition.
3 – It Can Help Protect the Skin against the Sun
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be damaging to the skin, but omega-3s can help reduce the skin’s sensitivity to sun damage. They can help ward off sunburns, redness, rashes, and blisters from UV exposure.
Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been praised for their health benefits. However, many people do not know how good they are for the skin. They help the skin stay moisturized, acne-free, and protected from sun damage, so they give an ideal boost to your skin’s health and appearance.
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