Skip to main content

Health shots

Skin dryness has been troubling me for a while now. If I am not trying out different moisturisers from stores, you will see me using home remedies like coconut oil to combat dryness. My mom suggested me to use fish oil as it has many benefits for skin. A 2018 study published in the US National Library of Medicine also showed that fish oil, which includes omega-3, can help to support skin health. Read on to find out what an expert has to say about using fish oil for skin.

What is fish oil?

Fish oil, which has a strong taste, is a dietary supplement derived from the tissues of fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, shellfish, oysters, crabs and trout. Dr Sandeep Babbar, Medical Director and Dermatologist at Revyve Skin, Hair and Nail Clinic, Faridabad, says it contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. These omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential because our body cannot generate them on its own and must obtain them through diet or supplements. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another omega-3 fatty acid, is found in several nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

As for fish oil supplements, they come in liquid, capsule and pill form which people take for the anti-oxidant properties.

Fish oil supplements
Fish oil supplements have many benefits for skin. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Benefits of fish oil for skin

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and so, offers several benefits for skin health. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Fish oil helps in reducing inflammation

Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to prevent the release of cytokines, which further aids in promoting good health. This can be especially helpful for those who have psoriasis, eczema or acne, where inflammation plays a significant role in the development of symptoms, says the expert. Also, it can reduce digestive system inflammation, which promotes gut health and prevents a number of problems related to the gut. And as they say, having a heathy gut means having beautiful and glowing skin.

2. Fish oil moisturises skin well

As fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, it supports the skin’s lipid barrier. When this barrier is healthy, it stops the skin from losing water, retaining moisture, and minimising dryness.

3. Fish oil gives sun protection

One of the main benefits of consuming fish oil is that it can help to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is due to the fact that the special amalgamation of DHA and EPA can aid in lessening your skin’s susceptibility to sun exposure. Fish oil is also linked to lessened skin photodamage and offers protection against sunburn, skin dryness and hyper dryness brought on by extended sun exposure. While they should not be used as a replacement for sunscreen, incorporating fish oil into your diet can provide further protection against skin damage caused by the sun, says Dr Babbar.

4. Fish oil helps in delaying skin ageing

As you age, the state of your skin deteriorates. There is loss of collagen and failing lipid barriers can lead to wrinkles and other early ageing symptoms. Fish oil’s impact on the phospholipid bilayer, which helps your skin retain moisture for a softer and more moisturised texture, may reverse this. Also, moisturised lipids help to maintain your skin appearing physiologically plump, preventing the appearance of any ageing symptoms.

Fish oil
Fish oil is good for acne-prone skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Fish oil helps in reducing acne

Fish oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can significantly enhance the condition of your acne-prone skin. Omega-3 fatty acids have a calming impact on the body, which can help to manage excessive sebum production in the skin and prevent pore clogging.

6. Fish oil promotes wound healing

The antibacterial traits of fish oil can aid in the healing of minor wounds, bruises, and ulcers by easing itching and redness, accelerating healing, and minimising scarring, says the expert.

Consider taking a fish oil supplement if your diet isn’t providing you with enough omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t like fish or have dietary restrictions, you can also think about taking omega-3 supplements like liquid fish oil or fish oil drops. But follow the suggested dosage for the product and get advice from a doctor first.

Also, fish oil may have advantages, but a good skincare regime should also be followed in addition to taking fish oil. That means continue to cleanse, moisturise and protect your skin from sun exposure.

The post Fish oil for skin: Fight acne, dryness and more with its benefits appeared first on Healthshots.



from | HealthShots https://ift.tt/Pe68iLX
via IFTTT
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Health shots

An itchy scalp is a common hair problem. I have dandruff, which is probably why I experience an itchy feeling most of the time. It is very bothersome, especially because it may lead to scalp odour, and hair damage. Also, persistent humidity might create an environment that promotes fungal or bacterial diseases. Use azadirachta indica or neem for itchy scalp, says my mom. She believes that since neem is rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it can help treat a variety of scalp infections. When I used it, it helped reduce inflammation on the scalp. What are the causes of itchy scalp? An itchy scalp can be caused by several factors, including common irritants and underlying medical issues. Here are a few common culprits – 1. Dandruff Dandruff can lead to itchy scalp, but does not give the red or inflamed appearance. It can happen in oily areas of your body, like your scalp, face, or chest, as per a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermato...
Read more

Health shots

Every time you get sick, mothers and grandmothers always have a million remedies to help you get some relief. One of the most common health problems is cough. Not long ago, I got a bad cough, and my mother came to my rescue and suggested that I should eat guava leaves for cough. Baffled at first, I was skeptical to try it out but believing her instincts, I tried it and guava leaves gave me some relief. While it worked for me, I had to check with an expert if it worked or if it was just a coincidence. Guava leaves for cough: Does it work? Cough is a health condition that causes trouble breathing. There are various reasons behind this health condition like allergies, infections, or environmental pollutants. Guava leaf extract has been part of ancient home remedies for centuries. It was used to treat ailments such as cough and pulmonary diseases in Bolivia and Egypt. It was also a part of ancient cough remedies  in India, according to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmac...
Read more

Health shots

When you want instant boiling water for tea or coffee, an electric kettle can make it quick and easy. An electric kettle is a useful kitchen equipment that rapidly and efficiently boils water. It typically comprises a container with an electrically powered heating element. Electric kettles have various advantages over traditional stovetop kettles, such as faster boiling periods, automatic shut-off functions, and precise temperature control. They come in various sizes, designs, and materials, including stainless steel and glass. Electric kettles are multifunctional and can be used for more than just boiling water, such as brewing tea, coffee, instant noodles, and soup. Here are some of the best electric kettles hand-picked for you! 6 best electric kettles for hot water Check out the best electric kettle for a hassle-free hot water solution. 1. Pigeon Electric Kettle This electric kettle from Pigeon comes with a stainless steel body and a 1.5-liter capacity. This 1500W electric kettl...
Read more