Fish Oil for Skin

by Vorst Canada August 29, 2022

Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.

Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and is a widely used dietary supplement worldwide. Fish oil supplements do wonders for your health and skin. They are an effective way to provide enough omega-3 fatty acids if you do not use a lot of oily fish.

Several studies reveal that fish oil helps people treat various skin conditions and other health problems however, research is limited.

This article details fish oil for skin, other possible benefits, and possible risks or side effects.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is an oil extracted from tissues of oily fish including herring, mackerel, tuna, and anchovies. Sometimes, fish oil is prepared from the liver of other fish such as cod liver oil.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one should eat 1-2 servings of fish in a week. As omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can provide protection from a number of diseases. Fish oil supplements help people get sufficient omega-3 fatty acids if they do not eat 1-2 portions of fish per week.

Fish oil contains 30% of omega 3 fatty acids and 70% of other fats. Moreover, other foods also possess omega 3 fatty acids but omega 3 fats in fish oil have greater effects than those present in plant-based foods.

Omega 3 fats in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) while plant-sourced fats are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In addition, fish oil also contains vitamins A, D, retinol, and selenium.

Is Fish Oil Effective for Skin?

Fish oil has been used for a long to treat skin and various health conditions. It contains some compounds like omega 3 fatty acids which can boost skin health.

Skin is the largest organ in the body containing omega 3 fatty acids which maintain optimal skin health. Increased sun exposure and increasing age lead to various skin conditions. Using fish oil not only promotes skin health but also prevents various skin conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

How Does It Work?

A study showed that fish oil maintains homeostasis, improves barrier function, relieves and prevents inflammation, and stimulates skin healing. It is believed that these skin-protecting benefits are due to DHA and EPA present in fish oil.

These healthy fats are incorporated into the cell membrane which has the ability to hold water making the skin hydrated and soft.

Several studies showed that fish oil can prevent skin problems like acne, eczema, and dermatitis, treat hyperpigmentation and improve skin healing. Fish oil can also reduce the production of inflammatory mediators and prevent the onset of aging.

Fish oil contains vitamins and other compounds with potent antioxidant abilities and is used as an important ingredient in skin care products.

Fish oil Benefits for Skin

Vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats boost skin and hair health. They stimulate the production of fatty acids in the skin which make the skin hydrated, soft, and elastic.

Helps Prevent Inflammation

Inflammation is the main cause of skin, hair, and other health problems and may lead to chronic diseases if not treated on time. Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation. They maintain a healthy cell membrane structure which helps keep the cell hydrated.

It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules and preventing various skin diseases.

Slows Skin Aging

With age, skin collagen begins to decrease and lipid barriers in the skin start to degrade. As a result, wrinkles and fine lines appear on the skin which are signs of aging.

Fish oil is highly beneficial for skin as omega 3 fatty acids act on phospholipid bilayer and help retain skin moisture. Following a healthy diet with fish oil supplements help prevent aging and promote skin glow.

Treat Dry Skin and Eczema

Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by itching, scaling, cracking, and bleeding on the skin. A study showed that EPA and DHA in fish oil relieve inflammation and reduce the symptoms of eczema.

An animal study revealed that consumption of fish oil reduced itching associated with scratching and dryness.

Helps Relieve Acne

Acne is a common skin condition in which there are painful and inflamed cysts or pimples on the skin. Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil possess anti-inflammatory activities which help relieve acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.

According to a double-blinded randomized control trial, supplementing fish oil for 10 weeks resulted in reduced acne lesions.

Reduce hyperpigmentation

Increased melanin production results in darker patches on the skin known as hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation may result from hormonal disturbance, sun exposure, skin trauma, aging, and medications.

Fish oil may help reduce these dark patches as healthy fats in the oil slow aging, protect skin from sunlight and stimulate skin healing.

Speed Up Skin Healing

Studies suggest that topical application of fish oil on the small cut or scrape speed up wound healing.

Balance Oil Production

Fish oil supplements when massaged help control sebum production on the skin. Fish oil contains a fishy smell which is unbearable for some people and fish oil supplements help them enjoy the benefits of this oil.

It may also moisturize skin, treat scaly patches on the scalp, treat dandruff and promote hair health.

Other Benefits

Improve Nail Health

In addition to improving skin and hair health, fish oil helps improve nail health. It is claimed that applying fish oil to nails and skin treats peeling, dry and painful cuticles.

Promote Heart Health

Studies revealed that the consumption of fish oil containing omega-3 fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. It may lower total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure which are the risk factors for heart diseases.

May Promote Brain Health

Our brain contains about 60% of fats which are essential for maintaining brain functions. Studies showed that fish oil supplements help reduce the risk of mental disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and psychotic disorders.

Boost Eye Health

As the person ages, eye health decreases leading to various eye problems like age-related macular degeneration. Supplementing fish oil help reduce the risk of AMD and improves vision.

Reduce ADHD Symptoms in Children

Omega-3 fatty acids help improve several neurodevelopmental disorders in children including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and inattention. A study revealed that supplementing fish oil can improve hyperactivity, inattention, impulsiveness, and aggression in children.

Possible Risks or Side Effects

Fish oil is safe and highly beneficial for improving general health. However, some people who are allergic to shellfish can experience hypersensitivity reactions causing symptoms such as hives, headache, diarrhea, and wheezing.

People having shellfish allergy can experience eczema and symptoms can worsen in people already suffering from eczema.

Bottom Line

Fish oil is obtained from oily fish and is a good source of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies reveal that fish oil helps treat a number of health conditions including skin problems. It helps relieve inflammation, protect from UV rays, treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and slow skin aging.

Supplementing with fish oil helps you get glowing, radiant, and wrinkle-free skin.

Here you can check out Vorst’s premium Fish oil Softgel Capsules.

References

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3-supplements-in-depth

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6117694/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575932/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037798/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575932/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26195090/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946201/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6407714/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24553997/