Certain nutritional supplements are known to decrease inflammation and infection of acne, and nourish the skin. Studies have put forth that fish oils enhance the body’s control over neurosignals which initiate the production of oil in skin glands. By interfering with these signals, an attempt is made to limit the excessive production of skin oil, a condition which increases the growth of acne causing bacteria lying just underneath the skin. And the best part of such type of control is that it is considered as a natural course of interference with almost no side-effects.
Also, Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil produce antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. They are said to maintain healthy cell membranes and ensure the normal transport of nutrients into cells. Two essential fatty acids –docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – are broken down in the body to make other substances, such as prostaglandins. These substances prevent the formation of excess sebum in the hair follicles present throughout the human body, and as a result prevent acne from being emerging out. Sebum is the main cause of acne break outs as it clogs up the pores and that is what causes the spots to appear. Therefore, a supplement of omega-3 fats from fish oil is one of the most important nutrients for acne. It is advised to consume concentrated fish oil capsules with 1,500 mg EPA each day.
An excellent way of getting enough of the essential fatty acids in the diet to help treat acne is to supplement the diet with good quality fish oil containing high levels of EPA, DHA, and even some other substances like vitamin E and antioxidants. These nutritional supplements coming from fish oil are quite helpful in the prevention of acne.
Omega 3 fatty acids also help to keep the production of androgens under control. Androgens are hormones that influence sebum production and are particularly active during adolescence, which is possibly why many teenagers suffer from acne.
It has been observed that people with abnormal blood sugar and insulin levels have increased amounts of acne. Studies showed that populations consuming diets high in fish oil had decreased sugar and insulin problems. So, people with good blood sugar and insulin levels are most likely to have skin clear of acne.
But here it is important to remember that not all fish oils are good for acne and Omega 6 is the oil which you should ideally limit. This is because if you have a diet which is rich in Omega 6 but not in Omega 3, it can cause overproduction of leukotriene B4, which is a prostaglandin that is proinflammatory, and could be a contributory factor to developing acne. Therefore simply add more Omega 3 and avoid Omega 6 to the diet for acne prevention.
Keywords:
Fish oil – 1.9%
Acne – 2.8%
