Fatty acids and your skin

February 24, 2021

Written by Steven Correy

February 24, 2021

Written by Steven Correy

What are fatty acids?

Fatty acids are the long chains of hydrocarbons that are linked to the carbolic acid as a functional group on the one end. They are usually found in the form of triglycerides, which is a chain three fatty acids bonded by carboxylic acid at one end.

Their chemical and physical properties depend upon the proportion of the fatty acids they contain. Generally, the higher the concentration of saturated fatty acids in it, the more solid a fat will be.

There are two types of fatty acid. Non-essential fatty acids are synthesized by your body so you do not need it from some external source. Essential fatty acids are the one your body cannot synthesize and your need to take a daily requirement in your diet especially omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Linoleic is the most important omega-6 fatty acid and linolenic acid is the most important omega-3. You can get these essential fatty acids in your diet from fish, seeds, oils, and nuts.

Your skin needs fatty acids to work properly

The outer most layer of the skin is known as stratum corneum. Let us assume that stratum corneum is the strong brick wall and your skin cells are the bricks. What actually bonding these bricks together are the fatty acids or the mortar.
Fatty acids are involved in providing three functions to the skin. They act as a glue and decrease the trans-epidermal water loss. By its antimicrobial properties, they can protect your skin from harmful bacteria and viruses and anti-inflammatory properties protect you from certain diseases. If any one of those functions are disrupted, your skin barrier will be too.

A healthy skin barrier is essential for a smooth, fresh and hydrated skin. Researches have shown us that by applying sun flower oil to the essential fatty acid deficient skin can improve the scaliness and reduces the water loss from the epidermis.

We all know about the amazing health benefits of omega fatty acids when taken as diet. However, it is a remarkable ingredient when it is applied to face. It gives your skin smoothness, increase hydration without giving feeling of heaviness. By quickly absorbing itself into the skin, they can also increase the absorption of other skincare products. It can provide us with antioxidants that can help us to decrease wrinkles and fine lines.

If you have sensitive or oily skin, you won’t get benefit from these natural oils as they are irritants. These oils are not suitable to apply on oily skin as they are comedogenic. If you have dry or scaly skin you will get maximum benefit from these essential oils.

Fatty acids and your skin

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