What are the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Skin?
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
You may not know that Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to prevent deficiency symptoms like dry skin, dull hair, and mood swings. The main omega-3 fatty acid is alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which can be found in flax oil, hemp seeds, walnuts - and of course, chia seeds.
What are the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help with normal brain function, vision and joint health, but they also have skin benefits that you may not know about. Omega-3's have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea. They may also help to prevent sunburn when applied topically before going out in the sun (although we ALWAYS recommend using an SPF in addition). Studies suggest that omega-3 supplements may be beneficial for people with dry skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Here are four ways that omega-3s help your skin look younger:
Reduce inflammation: Omega-3’s can reduce inflammation in the body by increasing anti-inflammatory eicosanoids like prostaglandin E1 and leukotriene B4. These decrease swelling, pain and redness while increasing blood flow to damaged tissues, making them an excellent choice for those experiencing acne breakouts or other inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Improve barrier function: Omega-3 fatty acids may increase lipid production in the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum which helps maintain moisture levels within your skin’s barrier system. This helps prevent water loss from your skin which may lead to dryness and irritation over time.
Improve elasticity of the skin: Omega-3s help keep the skin's natural moisture balance intact so your complexion looks fresh and healthy all day long. They also help improve cell turnover which can make your skin look brighter and younger too!
Help protect against UV damage: Omega-3’s make the skin more resistant to UV damage from the sun (photoaging) by slowing down the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for tanning), but always use your SPF! This also prevents clogged pores and excess sebum (oil) production.
How to Work Omega-3’s into Your Skincare Routine?
If you’re looking to supplement your skincare routine with Omega-3 Fatty Acids, oh boy have we got you covered. Chia oil is the mainstay of all products in the Maya Chia line and for good reason. Chia seed oil is one of the most nutrient-dense botanical sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Our patented supercritical extraction method for Chia oil augments this product's potency, allowing us to deliver the purest and most effective form of this powerhouse ingredient. The gentle oxygen-free, solvent-free process results in oil with a total absence of chemical residues and impurities, and one that most closely mirrors the chemical profile of the plant. What that means for our customer is that they get the best, purest, most stable, effective, and potent chia oil in the market
What are a few choice clean skincare favorites that everyone can use in their regimen? The Great Cleanse is our nourishing supercritical cleansing oil. Don't be turned off by the name "cleansing oil" - this product emulsifies and washes clean with water, like your average cleanser. Except it's better - so much more effective at cleansing and nourishing and removing makeup thoroughly. It features chia seed oil that calms the skin for a hydrated, radiant glow from within.
The Optimist - Hydrating Brightening Essence is not your garden-variety mist. It's called the Opti-mist for a reason. This product augments the Natural Moisturization Factors in the skin while also working to brighten with a proprietary blend of antioxidants, amino acids, polysaccharides, phytonutrients, and fatty acids.
Pure Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Face Oil is for anyone interested in adding deep, healthy moisture to their skin routine. This powerful yet soothing skin treatment imparts a luminous glow that lasts.
The Super Couple - Ultra Luxe Face Oil Serum combines combining one of the most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin, with the skin-loving omega fatty acids of chia oil to combat the appearance of dull, tired, aging skin.
The Super Naked Plum + Chia Face Oil includes all the benefits of the Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Face Oil with the addition of Fatty Acids 6 and 9 from Plum Oil for the ultimate skin-loving formulation. It is also essential oil free for those sensitive to essential oils.
The Super Blend - Pressed Serum Multi-Correctional Moisture Concentrate combines nature’s most highly effective, clean ingredients into a powerhouse formulation, including natural astaxanthin, supercritical chia, shelf-stable vitamin C ester, coenzyme Q10, powerful active botanicals. This product is a cult favorite that works overtime to restore the skin barrier while combating signs of aging.
What can Dietary Omega-3’s Do?
Omega-3 fatty acids benefit both physical and mental health by improving heart health and reducing inflammation. There are three types of Omega-3 fatty acids: alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found in plant sources such as chia seed oil, flaxseed oil, whereas EPA and DHA come from fish oils such as cod liver oil or salmon roe oil.
For centuries, Chia seeds have been used as a form of a nutrient-dense food source. And of the past few decades, science has affirmed Chia seeds have unparalleled Omega-3 health and wellness properties.
If you don’t eat enough omega-3 foods regularly (such as wild salmon or sardines) or if you want an all-around nutritional boost for your skin, hair and brain wellness, consult with your trusted physician to determine if taking an omega-3 supplement might be a good option for you.