Do they lie about the relationship between omega fatty acids and skin?

With technology leaping up beyond the sky, each day new studies keep on coming. And using these studies, companies support their products to increase their revenue. However, sometimes, products even get sold without taking the support of these studies. One such idea that is pumping up the market of skin care products now is the relation of omega fatty acids. You might see face moisturizers marketing their products on the basis of omega fatty acids. Claims have been made that omega fatty acids enhance skin and bless one with youth. How truthful are these claims? Let’s learn.

What are omega fatty acids?

When it comes to fat, primarily there are three types that concern the human body:

• Saturated fat

• Unsaturated fat

• Trans fat

Out of these three, trans fat is what the human body hates. Trans fat, or trans fatty acids, has been found to be harmful to the human body. They clog up the arteries and lead to tons of heart diseases. On the other hand, unsaturated fat is considered to be a healthier choice.

Also, in the case of unsaturated fat, there are two types:

• Monounsaturated

• Polyunsaturated

Omega fatty acids come in the unsaturated category and are considered to be a healthier choice. They are called "omega" fatty acids because the first carbon-carbon double bond in their chemical structure is located at the third carbon from the omega end of the molecule. But this isn’t helpful at all for you. Is it? There are three main types of omega fatty acids: omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. These are the types that you might see everywhere being labeled. However, our bodies can’t make these from scratch and thus these must be taken through food.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are primarily found in these foods:

• fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines,

• chia seeds,

• flaxseeds,

• walnuts, etc.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and supporting brain function.

When it comes to Omega-6 fatty acids, you may get them from food items such as vegetable oils, including corn, soybean, and sunflower oils, as well as nuts and seeds. While omega-6 fatty acids are important for good health, too much of them can contribute to inflammation.

Omega-9 fatty acids, such as oleic acid, are found in high amounts of olive oil. This is why olive oil is so much recommended by dieticians. Other food items that contain Omega-9 are nuts, avocados, bacon, etc. Unlike omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids can be produced by the body and are not considered essential fatty acids. However, Omega-9 is still considered vital to maintaining health.

Do omega acids help the skin?

Out of all three, mainly Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for the skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties; this can help reduce skin inflammation and redness. If you suffer from skin inflammation at a mere touch of sunlight, you may find refuge in it. Also, it can also help improve hydration and prevent moisture loss from the skin. This is one main thing that keeps youth intact for years.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help improve skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. They may also help protect the skin against damage from UV radiation and other environmental factors.

Although Omega-3 is considered prime, you must not sneer at Omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. This helps maintain skin health by keeping the skin barrier intact and preventing moisture loss. But be wary of consuming too much of it.

Also, when buying health and beauty products, don’t just depend on omega in the ingredient list. Try to avoid products with harmful chemicals added. And once you have your perfect product decided, you may buy it from sites like eBay and save some money.