Your skin’s barrier relies on fatty acids to perform properly. Skin cells are held together by sebum, ceramides and fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) help form a skin barrier that keeps bacteria at bay, retains hydration, and protects us from infection.
Fatty acids in skin act as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as prevent trans-epidermal water loss (hint: check this blog post to learn about dehydrated skin).
Environmental factors, stress, intense skincare products, skin conditions, gut health, liver health, lack of sleep can all impact our skin’s function- which in short, puts our skin barrier at risk. Omega fatty acid dense moisturizing oils can help maintain healthy skin through the variables of life.
Of the 11 omega fatty acids, only two are considered essential: omega 3 & omega 6. These two oils are essential to our diet, because our body does not produce them on its own. There are three omegas that are most beneficial for the skin: omega 3, omega 6 & omega 9. Linolenic acid is the most common omega 3, linoleic acid is the most common omega 6, and oleic acid is the most common omega 9.
Topical application of fatty acids has be studied and shown as a successful way to improve skin health. When our skin is depleted of these oils, visible signs of damage are more prevalent. 5th Dimension face oils are effective at reducing symptoms of fatty acid depletion, providing tangible results for softer, balanced skin. Read on for a brief look at the benefits of Linoleic, Oleic and Linolenic fatty acids in your skincare routine
Linolenic, Linoleic, Oleic fatty acids (Omegas 3,6,9 respectively) have been studied for their benefit when applied topically to skin.
Research shows that these three Omega Fatty Acids:
-Help skin retain hydration by reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier
-Reduce visible effects of dry skin, such as flakiness or inflammation
-Build resilience to external stressors & environmental damage
-Reduce symptoms of external stressors (redness, inflammation, irritation, fine lines)
-Alleviate chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, keratosis pilaris, psoriasis & more
Topical application provides the here and now skin needs- particularly when you experience long-term chronic inflammatory conditions. All skin requires moisturization. If you experience chronic inflammation (like acne, eczema or dryness) utilizing a non-comedogenic plant-based oil dense with fatty acids can provide tangible restoration to depleted skin.
Sub Rosa Serum & Midnight Oil are both dense with Omega Fatty Acids!
Sources:
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/essential-fatty-acids#functions
http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000054
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(74)92653-1/fulltext