Fatten Up Your Skin
Are you guilty of reaching for fat-free yoghurt or choosing a reduced-fat sandwich for your lunchtime meal deal? Fat has garnered a bad reputation over the years, but did you know limiting your fat intake could be detrimental to many aspects of health, including skin health
Of course there are exceptions and there are certain fats that it's best to keep to a minimum. For example saturated fat, found in deep fried foods, sweet treats and red meat triggers inflammatory responses in the body and can even worsen skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
It has been drilled into us that going fat-free is key to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. But before you empty your fridge and head to the reduced-fat aisle at your local supermarket, it's worth knowing that fats are a crucial component in the building blocks of our bodies.
Each and every hormone in our bodies, including oestrogen and testosterone, is manufactured from fat. To support the normal day-to-day functioning of your body and skin, up your intake of unsaturated fats such as those found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil and avocados.But how do healthy fats help skin? The answer lies with Omega Fatty Acids
Omega Fatty Acids
In total, there are 11 omega fatty acids, but the three most important for optimum skin health are Omega-3, 6 & 9.
Sources of Omega-3
- Fish - Salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines
- Nuts and seeds - flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts
- Plant oils - flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
Benefits
Helps to lower triglycerides, decrease the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, decrease blood pressure, decrease inflammation naturally and improve brain function.
Sources of Omega-6
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Hulled sesame seeds
- Cereals
- Whole-grain breads
- Most vegetable oils
Benefits
Helps brain function, growth and development, skin and hair growth, bone health, a regulated metabolism and functioning of the reproductive system.
Sources of Omega-9
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Olives
- Avocados
- Nuts - almonds, peanuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts
- Sesame oil
Benefits
Help lower cholesterol and keep the arteries from hardening. Omega 9 fatty acids can also increase immune function.
Omega Supplements
At Face the Future, we are passionate about supplementing skincare regimes with essential omegas and have many incredible options available.
Here's a few of our favourites:
DMK EFA+ provides Essential Fatty Acids plus more than 100 nutrients and bioactive substances, many of which build the skin's immune system such as linolenic acid, Vitamins E & A, carotene, polyphenols and flavonoids.
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+ combines omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support skin integrity and health with optimum levels of EPA (an important omega 3) along with GLA (an important omega 6) made from Evening Primrose Oil.The essential fish oils are derived from anchovies and Colorpia Swai.
Proto-col Nutrition Omega Essentials 3, 6 & 9
This unique multi-purpose supplement is designed to help reduce the risk of heart disease and to improve skin health. Proto-col Nutrition Omega Essentials 3, 6 & 9 can also be used alongside a diet and exercise to lower levels of blood fat and raise good cholesterol. This product can also be used to treat high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis.
Should I use omegas on my face?
We wouldn't recommend applying fish oils directly to your face (ew!) However, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is a great (and far less smelly) alternative.The emollient cream plumps and firms ageing, sagging skin by restoring surface lipids and reinforcing the natural barrier.
Fatty acids increase lipid production to kick-start cell self-repair. Cholesterol and ceramides plump and heal skin barrier.
SkinCeuticals found the exact ratio of lipids present in young skin and replicated it in this cream:
- 2% ceramides
- 4% cholesterol
- 2% fatty acids
With this ratio, the moisturiser mimics normal, young skin as accurately as possible.
To find out more about supplementing your skincare regime with Omega Fatty Acids, speak to our skincare experts on 0113 282 7744 or shop online now.
Written for you by: Alex, Face the Future
Image source: freepik.com
