The effective anti-wrinkle and anti-aging action of Omega-3s.

Omega 3 supplements: not only anti-inflammatory but also anti-aging!

Omega-3s help fightskin aging, hinder the appearance of wrinkles, and keep skin smoother and younger looking. A study by Hyeon Ho Kim and colleagues, from the College of Medicine at National University in Seoul, South Korea, unveiled the potential of these fatty acids in masking the marks left on the skin by the passage of time. The findings were published in the Journal of Lipid Research.  

UV rays (ultraviolet rays) and skin damage

Researchers have shown that Omega-3s protect against damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation contained in the sun's rays. UV (ultraviolet radiation) is the component of solar radiation responsible for tanning: during sun exposure, it stimulates the production of melanin, a pigment synthesized by the skin that is useful in protecting against the potentially damaging effects of sunbathing. However, it is the ultraviolet rays themselves that are at the root of such skin damage. Specifically:

• They cause erythema, sunburn , and DNA damage;
• Compromise the health of the dermis associated with the skin,
• Promote the formation of wrinkles and skin aging.

In particular, increased expression of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), an enzyme that promotes wrinkle formation by destroying certain components of the dermis, can be observed in UV-irradiated dermal cells.

Fatty acids, friends to the skin

The authors of the study published in the Journal of Lipid Research analyzed the protective effect of Omega-3s against UV-promoted damage. These fatty acids, best known for their benefits on thecardiovascular system and nervous system, are also valuable friends for the skin. Omega-3s are effective anti-inflammatory agents: for example, they counteract redness and inflammation associated with pimples. These nutrients also improveskin hydration and reduce sebum production. Korean researchers have shown thateicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a food-derived Omega-3, inhibits precisely the UV-promoted activation of MMP-1. Based on the analysis conducted by the scientists, it was possible to establish that this phenomenon is associated with the regulation of key molecules whose activity is altered by ultraviolet exposure.

Anti-wrinkle action of Omega-3

Their results show that Omega-3s can counteract the type of skin aging that leads to the formation of wrinkles. Therefore, the authors concluded that eicosapentaenoic acid could be a good preventive remedy against the signs of the passage of time on facial skin.  

Source: 

1. Kim HH, Shin CM, Park CH, Kim KH, Cho KH, Eun HC, Chung JH, "Eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits UV-induced MMP-1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts," J Lipid Res. 2005 Aug;46(8):1712-20. Epub 2005 Jun 1

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