You don’t need to resort to Botox and cosmetic surgery in order to get (and maintain) the awesome, healthy complexion you so deserve. Of course, Botox and surgery may get you there faster, but considering the risks and recuperation time involved (not to mention the cost) you may be more interested in natural methods of improving your skin. Simply adding Omega-3 to your daily regimen can help deliver the results you’re looking for.

What is it?

Omega-3 is called an ‘essential fatty acid,’ because our bodys can’t manufacture them, so they must be derived from one’s diet. Unfortunately, most people don’t get adequate amounts. Omega-3 fatty acids comprise a number of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the most important are a-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). ALA is mostly found in plant and nut oils, such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. The most readily available sources of EPA and DHA are cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, halibut, sardines and tuna.

What Can Omaega-3 Do For Your Skin?

There are two methods of using Omega-3 for your skin: you can either obtain topical creams or oil solutions that contain Omega-3 or you can add omega 3 rich foods/supplements to your diet to get results from the inside out. Whichever method you choose, there are several benefits you can expect to gain.

Relief from dull, dry skin:  Omega 3 has long been known to have both hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. These make it a uniquely beneficial ingredient to include in your skincare routine.  It has not only been used in the treatment of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (which lead to extreme dryness and flaking), but it can also aid in the hydration of normal skin.  If you’ve begun to notice duller, dryer skin as you age, Omega-3 may provide you with some relief and return your skin to the healthy, hydrated state you remember.

Sagging and Wrinkled Skin:  As you age, it is common for skin to lose both elasticity and density, leading to sagging.  Many products claim to help your skin rebound, but Omega-3 may have them all beat.  To get to the root of the problem you need to address the building blocks of skin: the cells.  Omega-3 is important to your cells because it regulates cell hydration.  Without sufficient Omega-3 in your diet, cells may not just shrink, but over time they can build up a waxy coating (in a desperate bid to hold in moisture). That leads to sagging.  By ensuring that you have enough omega 3 in your diet, you can remain healthy and counteract these negative effects.

In the same way that omega 3 can bring sagging to a halt, it also plumps and firms the skin so that wrinkles are much less pronounced.  It doesn’t mean that your fine lines will disappear, but you will see an improvement.

Sun Damage:  Although the best way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun is to use sunblock regularly, Omega-3 has been shown to reduce the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.  It should not be used instead of sunblock, but it could be a helpful supplement to protect your skin from sun damage.

Acne:  When you think about the causes and effects of acne, you shouldn’t be surprised to find that Omega-3 can help.  Excess oil production and dry, dead skin cells work together to block pores and cause flare-ups. Through proper cellular hydration, both of these triggers may be prevented.  And the fact that Omega-3 naturally fights inflammation could lead to reduction of acne symptoms.

So there you have it folks. If you want healthy skin, feed it well! After reading the above list, it might be a bit daunting trying to find food sources for your Omega 3 requirements. Do some research and see what will fit best into your lifestyle. Would putting flax seed oil into a smoothie be doable? Or perhaps swallowing a supplement every day will be more your style. Whatever it is, find the intake method of Omega 3 that is right for you. It’s important to your skin and your health.

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