Omega fatty acids help nourish dull, dehydrated skin. They can improve the feeling of softness and suppleness, and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When the body lacks essential fatty acids, the skin often becomes drier than average. The good news is that topical application (on the skin) of oils rich in fatty acids can help improve both hydration and the skin's barrier function.
Why can we be low in omegas?
An omega deficiency can be influenced by several factors, including:
- An inadequate diet
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Stress
- Low levels of zinc, vitamins B3 or B6, or vitamin C
Without enough linoleic acid (omega-6), skin cell membranes struggle to retain water, which can contribute to premature aging.
Omegas and the skin barrier: a key role
Fatty acids (including linoleic acid) help rebuild the cell membrane. As a result, the skin is better nourished and the elimination of cellular waste is supported.
Applied to the skin and, depending on lifestyle, included in the diet, omega-rich oils can help limit water loss from the epidermis (TEWL, transepidermal water loss). This helps the skin keep a soft, velvety feel.
Omega 3, 6, 9: which ones matter most?
Our bodies do not produce omega-3 and omega-6 (they are considered essential), but they can produce omega-9. That's why it's generally useful to prioritize omega-3 and omega-6.
Omega-rich oils used at Corpa Flora
At Corpa Flora, we use many oils rich in fatty acids in our antidotes, including:
Sunflower, Avocado, Raspberry seed, Hemp, Grape seed, Cranberry, Rosehip.
Other oils that contain omega 3, 6 and 9 include:
Chaulmoogra, Brazil nut, Sacha inchi, Chia, Tamanu, Kukui, Baobab, Shiso seed.
Among the omega-rich oils (also used in our antidotes), you'll also find:
Argan, Camellia, Jojoba, Pomegranate, Pumpkin seed, Coconut, Sea buckthorn, Sesame, Sweet almond, Sunflower (6 and 9), Safflower.
Balancing omega-3 and omega-6
A good balance between omega-3 and omega-6 helps the skin (and hair) stay supple and well hydrated. It may also help reduce inflammation and improve discomfort linked to dry skin, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Simple reference points
- Omega-3: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Omega-6: linoleic acid (LA)
These fatty acids are found in certain oils such as hemp, sea buckthorn and rosehip.
What about the other omegas?
Some sources also mention other omega families:
- Omega-5: found notably in pomegranate seed oil, certain full-fat organic dairy products, coconut oil and salmon.
- Omega-7: found in macadamia nuts, quality meat and dairy, avocados, sea buckthorn oil and salmon.
- Omega-9: not essential (the body can produce it). Olive oil is rich in oleic acid (omega-9), but it may be comedogenic for some skin types. Omega-9 is also found in salmon, macadamia nuts and rosehip oil (which also contains omega-3 and omega-6).