Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Skin and Acne
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Skin is a sensitive organ and requires proper care and nourishment. Nowadays, the market is flooded with skincare products claiming to resolve all your concerns. However, these products are often expensive and may even lead to serious side effects.
So how can one take care of his skin? Fortunately, there are many natural products available as well that can come in handy. Conjugated linoleic acid is one such naturally occurring chemical that has the potential to transform your skin.
Follow the article below to learn more about conjugated linoleic acid and its potential benefits for your skin.
CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID
Linoleic acid is one of the omega-6 essential fatty acids that are not produced by your body. However, they play a significant role in your overall health and must be obtained through diet.
Omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, work together with omega-3 essential fatty acids to regulate metabolism, promote optimal brain function, and assist skin and hair growth.
The word conjugated in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) emphasizes the arrangement of double bonds in the fatty acid molecules. CLA has 28 different forms, all of which have different arrangements of double bonds.
SKIN BENEFITS OF CLA
Being a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, CLA has the potential to promote cell turnover and regeneration. It also provides moisture and plumpness to your skin and protects it against harmful UV rays.
Following are some of the skin benefits provided by conjugated linoleic acid supplementation:
BRIGHTENS UP YOUR SKIN
Linoleic acid brightens up your skin by stimulating cell turnover so that dull, dead cells on the surface can be replaced by newer healthy cells. This will also soften your skin texture and increase skin luminosity.
Regular use of linoleic acid can also lighten sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
FORTIFIES THE SKIN BARRIER
The skin barrier is one of the key factors that protect your skin from external damage and keep it naturally healthy. Linoleic acid catalyzes the production of skin-similar lipids and, as a result, strengthens cell membranes to keep your skin barrier strong.
Being a prime protector of the skin barrier, linoleic acid also defends your skin against damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants. Consequently, it can prevent premature aging caused by exposure to sunlight.
ENSURES ADEQUATE MOISTURE
Linoleic acid maintains the integrity of the skin barrier and, in turn, helps your skin to retain its moisture. Linoleic acid also reduces the extent of transepidermal water loss, i.e., the loss of water through your skin.
In these ways, linoleic acid prevents your skin from drying out and avoids skincare concerns associated with poor hydration.
MINIMIZES SKIN IRRITATION
The ability of linoleic acid to fortify the skin barrier also helps to reduce skin irritation. Regular use of conjugated linoleic acid protects your skin against two major causes of skin irritation: UV rays and environmental pollutants.
Conjugated linoleic acid also prevents dryness of the skin, which is also one of the factors leading to skin irritation.
CLA FOR ACNE
Research has shown that people having acne-prone skin usually lack linoleic acid in the body, particularly in the sebum. Linoleic acid softens the sebum because when hardened, sebum can lead to clogged pores.
Linoleic acid doesn't only prevent acne by means of clearing the pores, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne associated with inflammatory processes occurring in your skin.
SIDE EFFECTS
Conjugated linoleic acid is safe to use in daily routine and doesn't cause any adverse effects. However, occasionally some people may experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Although conjugated linoleic acid has numerous health benefits, it must be used with great care, especially under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – There is a very limited amount of knowledge available regarding the safe consumption of conjugated linoleic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, it is advised to stay on the safe side and do not used conjugated linoleic acid if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Bleeding disorders – Conjugated linoleic acid has the potential to slow down blood clotting and may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people suffering from bleeding disorders.
- Surgery – Consumption of conjugated linoleic acid before surgery can result in excessive bleeding during and after the surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to stop linoleic acid supplementation at least two weeks prior to the scheduled surgical procedure.
- Metabolic syndrome – Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation might not be a good fit for people with metabolic syndrome. It may increase the risk of diabetes and hence should be used cautiously.
WRAPPING IT UP
An unhealthy diet and lifestyle, UV rays, environmental pollution, excessive use of cosmetic products, and ever-increasing day-to-day stress are some of the leading factors deteriorating your skin health.
People are spending their fortune on different kinds of skin care products and treatments. However, most of the time, the end result is not satisfactory as most prodcuts available in the market are artificial and do not have long-lasting effects
If you are also looking for something that can transform your skin in the long run, then conjugated linoleic acid is the way to go. It is a naturally occurring omega-6 essential fatty acid and plays a significant role in keeping your skin young and healthy.
Conjugated linoleic acid fortifies the skin barrier and defends your skin against the harms of UV rays, environmental pollutants, and other external factors that can damage your skin. This fortification of the skin barrier also keeps your skin hydrated and reduces skin irritation.
Conjugated linoleic acid also improves skin complexion by increasing cell turnover. Its ability to soften the sebum and fight inflammation makes it an excellent choice to treat and prevent acne.
It is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider before starting conjugated linoleic acid supplementation, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for any underlying health conditions.
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