By: Adin Smith, MS
Last reviewed on Nov. 18, 2019
According to the research, achieving healthy, youthful-looking skin requires making internal improvements – by consuming nutrient-dense foods such as collard greens (yum!), beets, lentils, almonds, and wild-caught salmon.1,2 To be more specific, low-sugar diets that contain probiotics and nutrients or compounds like zinc, selenium, coenzyme Q10, collagen, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to younger and healthier looking skin.1,3 In this article, we focus on the five most researched skin benefits of omega-3 fatty acids specifically.
1) Omega-3 Effects on the Gut-Skin Axis
Who would have imagined that the living organisms located in our gut could change the appearance of our skin – a phenomenon known as the gut-skin axis.3 Recent investigations reveal that poor dietary choices may lead to unfavorable changes in our gut bacteria, which may in turn, disrupt the quality of our skin.4 For example, high-sugar, high-fat and low-fiber foods have been shown to alter gut microbiota in ways that result in higher insulin levels – a factor that’s been linked to the development of acne.5,6 Fortunately, changing dietary patterns can help enhance the quality of gut bacteria. In fact, some studies show that increased consumption of fish or supplementation with omega-3s may help promote the growth of “good bacteria” that are thought to optimize health.7,8
Speaking of optimal health, a recent study (2018) showed that supplementation with omega-3s increased certain types of the “good bacteria” that produce gut-protective molecules known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).8 The human gut loves SCFAs, as these fatty acids not only provide energy to our stomach cells, they also help strengthen the gut lining – a protective barrier that acts like a gatekeeper. When our gatekeeper is weak, unwanted critters (bacteria) or their byproducts (toxins) may make their way through the barrier, enter the bloodstream, and end up in your skin.9
While it isn’t a pleasant thought knowing that unwanted bacteria and toxins from your gut may be headed up to the surface to wreak havoc on your epidermis, you’ll be pleased to know that human studies have shown that both prebiotics and probiotics can help optimize skin health by out-populating the “bad critters” in your gut.10,11
Considering that omega-3 fatty acids may help increase the “good guys”, an adequate intake of these vital fatty acids may help optimize gut health – a strong factor affecting skin vitality.
2) Pimple-Fighting Properties of Omega-3s
Research suggests that diets low in omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to the prevalence of acne—a skin condition characterized by pimples that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.12,13 Conversely, a study analyzing the diet of over 1000 teenagers found that those who consumed higher amounts of fish and seafood tended to have fewer breakouts14
Some trials report that supplementation with either omega-3 fatty acids or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can have pimple-fighting properties.15,16 In a recent 10-week trial, subjects with breakouts were assigned to supplement with either 2,000 mg of omega-3s, 2000 mg of borage oil, or no supplements at all (control group).16 At the end of the trial, the participants that supplemented with omega-3 oil or borage oil (which contains a “healthy” omega-6) had fewer breakout issues, whereas the control group showed no such improvement. How might the intake of omega-3s and GLA result in a more favorable skin complexion? Good question.
Some researchers believe that pimple formation is an insulin-driven skin problem and that because omega-3s have been shown to have insulin-sensitizing effects, this may explain why those with a higher intake of fish and seafood tend to have fewer problems with breakouts.17
3) Sun-Buffering Effects of Omega-3s
Skin damage that results from sun overexposure is one of the most common causes of accelerated skin aging.18 When sunlight contacts the skin, it causes the production of free radicals, which can attack the skin’s cellular membranes. Because the omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cellular membrane health, it is thought that having an optimal omega-3 status may enhance the skin’s resilience to ultraviolet light.19,20 Several human studies have reported that oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help buffer against the sun’s harmful rays.21,22
The use of omega-3s to naturally support skin health is gaining interest as fish and cod liver oil extracts are now found in various cosmetic products.23 In a human trial, participants had sardine oil applied to the skin of one forearm, followed by ultraviolet light exposure to both forearms.24 When comparing participants’ forearms, the researchers noted a significant improvement in response to ultraviolet light in the sardine oil-treated forearm. However, before you run to the store to find the latest creams containing omega-3s, know that oral consumption of omega-3s is much more likely to provide the skin benefits you are looking for.
