Fish Oil Skin Health Benefits

Are there any fish oil skin benefits?

Fish oil is rich in the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which provide a whole host of important health benefits, including those on joint health, brain health, as well as heart and cardiovascular health. The potent benefits offered by these very important nutrients extend to the skin, too.

Our typical modern day diets have way too much omega 6 fatty acids, and are critically lacking in the very important omega 3 fatty acids. This gross imbalance is a direct cause of many serious diseases, and skin disorders are part of them. Deficiencies in omega 3's can cause inflammation, dry skin, and allergic responses.

In one particular study which was conducted on eczema sufferers, it was found that the bodily tissues of these persons were lacking in omega 3 fatty acids, while having too much omega 6 fatty acids.

Now, fish oil skin benefits exist because of the DHA and EPA in them, and consuming fish oil or other sources of omega 3 fatty acids can help to address this imbalance.

Consumption of sufficient amounts of omega 3 fatty acids helps to promote youthful, vibrant, moist and shiny skin. These essential fatty acids are said to improve skin health by boosting the production of collagen and elastin.

Omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in regulating the fluidity of cell membranes in the human body. In his book, "The Natural Way to Heal: 65 Ways to Create Superior Health", Walter Last notes that certain symptoms accompany a deficiency in these important fatty acids - hardened skin, dry skin, skin scaling and flaking, skin sensitivity to sunlight, phrynoderma (rough and hard skin on one's arms, thighs and buttocks), acne, as well as eczema.

In addition, fish oil skin benefits exist because of the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3's, which help to reduce inflammation-related skin issues. These fatty acids give the body's immune system a lift, enabling it to better fend off infections and allergies, as well as make the skin less sensitive to foreign particles.

These properties make omega 3 fatty acids useful for preventing and even treating a wide range of skin ailments. These include itchiness, redness and rashes, acne, eczema, as well as psoriasis. They may even help to get rid of wrinkles.

On top of that, omega 3 fatty acids help provide relief from conditions such as dry and chapped lips, oily skin, as well as dermatitis, a type of skin rash.

Further, it is said that fish oil skin benefits can be harnessed externally, by using fish oil topically to alleviate psoriasis. This provides another dimension to the link between fish oil and skin problems.

As mentioned earlier, besides omega 3 skin benefits, these essential fatty acids also provide many other health benefits, and should thus form an integral part of any health-promoting diet.