Fatty Acids & Skin Health

Omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids are essential for healthy, functional skin. Our bodies cannot make linoleic (omega 6) or α-linolenic (omega 3) fatty acids. They must be obtained from the foods we eat. Sadly, studies show western diets are deficient in omega 3 compared to omega 6. This imbalance promotes disease, inflammation and auto-immune disorders.

Studies show that dietary supplementation and topical applications of omega 6 and omega 3's can positively affect the health of our skin.

Our products contain a range of fatty acids, particularly omega 3's. Omega 3's fight inflammation and are often lacking in our diets. Hemp seed oil is an example of an oil rich in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. That's why it's just so good! It's healing and balances out the omega 6's.

Other favourites you will find in our products are borage and blackcurrant seed oils. They are rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Studies suggest some people with eczema may struggle to synthesis their own adequate levels of GLA. We sometimes pop these in for good measure, as our products are made for people with compromised or difficult skin.

Pomegranate seed oil is almost always included in our special oils and creams because of it's unique level of punicic acid. It has the most beautiful nutty aroma and is thick and slow to absorb. Despite this, it rates low on the comedogenic scale (1) meaning it's very unlikely to block your pores. Punicic acid is shown to intensify the regeneration of skin, is anti-inflammatory and regulates the production of skin cells (think psoriasis!).

I hope you have learnt a little something about these food types that we cant do without.

You can trust that you will get a healthy dose of a range of fatty acids in our face oils and creams. We hope you will notice a change in your skin health.

Hannah XX