Fish Oil and Skin Health
When we think of fish oil, we immediately think of the heart, brain, and immune system. However, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil also provide incredible support to the skin via many important pathways.*
Numerous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) support healthy inflammatory response in most organs in the body and that includes the skin, which is the largest organ.* In addition, fish oil can also:
- Support skin barrier function*
- Hydrate dry skin*
- Support the skin healing process*
A 2018 exhaustive review published in the journal Marine Drugs describes the many ways that fish oil can support skin health. The primary mechanism of action is in supporting a healthy inflammatory response, however, fish oil also hydrates the skin. When adequate omega-3 fatty acids incorporate into the phospholipid bilayer, the epidermis can hold on to water longer, which leads to soft, moist skin.* Hydrated skin is healthier skin.
Preliminary research, including a small 2012 clinical trial published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease, show that fish oil supplementation can help support clear skin. A 2014 randomized, double-blind, controlled trial published in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereolgica also showed that fish oil helped support clear skin. In that study, the omega-3 fatty acid group took 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA and 400 mg of borage oil.*
When it comes to nutritional care for the skin, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are key nutrients to consider.