How Omega-3 Deficiency Could be Sabotaging your Skin Quality
Omega-3 has many powerful health benefits. Even though it’s one of the most studied nutrients and most people are somewhat aware of it’s importance, many of us still aren’t consuming enough foods that contain it in our daily diets. If you’re having a hard time getting enough Omega-3 in naturally through the foods you consume, I’ve got a supplement that can help.
Before we dig into the supplement itself, let’s talk more about Omega-3 and your skin.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is a family of essential fatty acids that play a big role in your body’s health. Your body can’t produce Omega-3 so, you need to get it from your diet. Foods that are high in Omega-3 include fish, fish oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil and walnuts.
Omega-3 and Your Skin
If your skin is:
- Dry
- Rough
- Prone to inflammation
- Premature aging
- Uneven pigmentation
It could be an indication that you’re deficient in essential fatty acids (EFAs) that make up the Omega-3 family like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In fact, research shows that your skin will be one of the first things to show signs of a deficiency because EFAs control a large number of cellular processes that directly impact skin health.
Here’s What Happening Below the Skin’s Surface
I won’t get into too much scientific detail, but here’s a quick summary of how EFAs are connected to your skin health. So, EFAs reside in the membranes that surround your skin cells. Their job is to make sure that cellular functions are happening. This includes things like:
- Transporting nutrients into the cell
- Removing waste out of the cell
- Regulating inflammation
- Helping the cell retain moisture
- Promoting cell turnover
- Distributing melanin (the color in your skin that create dark spots and uneven skin tone) evenly
- Damage control
So yeah, EFAs are working hard below your skin’s surface.
How to Get Enough Omega-3
Fish is a good source of EFAs so if you aren’t a fish fan, there’s a good chance you’re body is missing out on the goodness that comes with getting enough Omega-3! Here’s a list of 12 foods that are high in Omega-3. If you’re looking at this list and thinking, NOPE, not a fan of those options, it’s fine. You can easily get these into your body by taking a high-quality supplement. I stress high quality because not all supplements are created equally and if you truly want to see a difference in your skin, you need to make sure you’re getting a supplement that is:
- Pure
- Fresh
- In Triglyceride form for maximum absorption
- Gone through third party testing for quality
- Responsibly sourced
I carry an Omega-3 from Nordic Naturals Pro that encompasses all these things*! I researched the line extensively before I brought it on. I can honestly say it’s a product I’d be comfortable giving to my own family and I think you’ll see a noticeable difference in your skin if you an incorporate Nordic Naturals Omega-3 supplement into your daily routine.
Contact me, or ask for a bottle of Nordic during your appointment!
Summary
I’ve given you a lot of information here, so to summarize, when it comes to your skin, Omega-3 can:
- Support your skin’s health as you age.
- Hydrate your skin naturally.
- Promote a healthy skin texture.
- Support skin health during adolescence i.e. help improve teen acne.
If you aren’t getting enough EFAs through diet alone, consider taking a high-quality supplement like the one I carry from Nordic Naturals so your skin can start reaping the benefits of EFAs!
*The information in this post should not be taken as medical advice. Before starting any supplement, you should always check with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for your unique health history.
