Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are lipids that we need to eat to stay healthy. Without these lipids our bodies cannot maintain healthy cell membranes and defficiency leads to a scaly rash on the skin.
Omega-3 fatty acids are unstable and they are often removed from the oils that we eat to prevent rancidity during their shelf life. This has resulted in omega-3 deficiency in a large percentage of the population.
In 2004 researchers reviewing the benefits of omega-3’s concluded, “Topical application of products rich in omega 3 fatty acids is a critical step in order to maintain healthy skin, prevent aging, and improve moisture content without adding oiliness to both acne-prone and chronically dry skin.”
Stabilizing omega-3’s in a cream is very difficult and there are not many products that are able to use these at meaningful levels. Esse has developed a manufacturing procedure and oil matrix that allows incorporation of high levels of omega-3, 6 and 9 oils.
Functions of omega-3 in the skin
- Responsible for the permeability of the stratum corneum
- Control lipid phases of the upper epidermis
- Control TEWL
- Control inflammation
- Help maintain acid mantle
- Maintain healthy keratinocyte, Langerhans and melanocyte cells
How to recognize omega-3 deficiency
- Fine vertical lines especially around the eye area
- “unresponsive” skin
- Breakouts which heal slowly
- Control inflammation
- Eczema-type dry patches
- Tired looking skin
Topically applied omega-3 is metabolized by the skin which means that it is one of the few ingredients that will have a direct and immediate effect.
Taking omega-3 oils orally is also recommended. Look for a supplement that delivers at least 600mg of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) daily or take 15g of flax seed oil a day.
