Fight Acne with Fish Oil
Acne inflammation: Omega-3, a winning therapy!
Taking fish oil can be helpful to combat acne and reduce the marks it leaves on the skin. Some studies show that these nutrients help reduce inflammation associated with lesions appearing on the skin of those affected by this problem. But what is the basis of this effectiveness?
Omega-3 and skin health
Acne appears when the skin glands produce too much oil. This promotes bacterial proliferation under the epidermis and consequently inflammation. However, other factors can also contribute to the appearance of this disorder:
- diet
- stress
- hormones
The Omega-3 in fish oil can improve skin health in several ways:
- they reduce redness and swelling of pimples thanks to their anti-inflammatory action;
- they improve the skin’s appearance by increasing cell hydration;
- they reduce stress and improve mood, factors that decrease sebum production;
- they reduce the accumulation of cells in the outermost layers of the epidermis, preventing sebum from becoming trapped inside pores;
- they can reduce the size of sebaceous glands and consequently sebum production itself;
- they control the excessive production of androgens, hormones associated with the oil production that causes acne.
Fish oil, a safe remedy for acne
All these actions make the Omega-3 in fish oil a possible remedy for acne blemishes. But that’s not all: the proven effectiveness in regulating mood and stress can help keep emotional discomfort under control, which people with this skin problem often face. All without risks: none of the studies in which Omega-3 has been used to treat various conditions has found harmful side effects.
Fish oil treatment for acne: the rules
If you want to use fish oil to alleviate acne symptoms, you need to follow 4 basic rules:
- Purchase capsules containing 1 gram of fish oil each.
- Start treatment by taking 1 capsule per day, regardless of meals. At this stage, it is advisable to check that no allergic reaction occurs and that the number or redness of lesions does not increase.
- After 1 week, increase the dosage to 2 or 3 capsules per day. To achieve the best possible result, instead of taking them all at once, you can spread them throughout the day.
- Do not stop using the facial cleanser you normally use. This will help achieve results faster.
Who is fish oil suitable for?
This treatment can be useful for those suffering from mild to moderate acne. In any case, it is always best not to overconsume capsules and to strictly follow the dosages indicated on the packaging. Flaxseed oil, a source of plant-based Omega-3, is a possible alternative for those allergic to fish oil or who cannot take it because they follow a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet.
