Omega-3 and beauty: skin that talks about health

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is difficult, with this primacy, to think that its health cannot influence that of the entire organism! That's why taking care of it and protecting it from the effects of time is not a matter of pure vanity; rather, defending it from aging means protecting the body's first line of defense against numerous external factors, from ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun to various microbes, via harmful chemicals and radiation. And just as its aging depends on external causes (such as UV itself) and internal causes (such as genetic factors), the skin can be protected by acting from the outside or from the inside, by supplying it with nutrients and bioactive compounds through food that can promote its integrity and function.

Indeed, inadequate nutritional status can have deleterious effects on both the structure and biological properties of the skin. For example, a diet of rich in refined sugars or fats can promote skin inflammation; but not all fats come to harm, on the contrary: a deficiency of those considered "good" fats is associated with inflammatory processes precisely at the level of the epidermis. Not only that, not having sufficient amounts of certain fats available can lead to skin dryness, exfoliation and flaky skin, increase susceptibility to irritation and slow wound healing. And, contrary to what you might think, deficiencies in some fats can also lead to clogged sebaceous glands and the appearance of blackheads.

Included among these "good" fats are Omega 3s, molecules with recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties whose deficiencies can be easily avoided, thanks in part to the wide availability of dietary supplements that help address a dietary intake that, for a variety of reasons, is often insufficient.

Omega 3, a shield against skin aging

Many of the benefits of Omega 3s for skin health are attributed precisely to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are useful in counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation that underlie a number of dermatological conditions and skin aging.

Two classic examples of how Omega 3 can alleviate skin inflammation are psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, but similar mechanisms come into play when what you want to counteract is the effect of UV radiation. These radiations are among the main contributors to skin aging. In addition to destroying collagen (the protein that forms the supporting scaffold of this organ) UV promotes skin dryness, induces the appearance of unsightly spots, and damages the DNA of skin cells-a phenomenon that promotes tumor formation.

Specifically, an Omega 3 derivative that fatty fish such as anchovies and sardines and other marine organisms are rich in (maresin 1) suppresses swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration in the skin induced by UVB exposure. Not only that, maresin 1 inhibits epidermal cell death, oxidative stress, and the production of pro-inflammatory molecules triggered precisely by UVB.

Other marine-derived Omega 3 derivatives (protectin D1 and resolvin D1) promote wound healing promoted by external or internal factors that alter the skin's surface, such as metabolic dysfunction typical of diabetes, a condition typically associated with aging. Still others (such as resolvin D2) have been associated with suppressing the development of cancer cells that specifically affect the skin; again, their effect appears to come through an anti-inflammatory action.

How to take Omega 3 for healthy and beautiful skin

To take advantage of the benefits of Omega 3, it is necessary to take them in through diet. The best strategy is to choose sources of the biologically active Omega 3s, namely EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), in which fatty fish and oils of marine origin (from fish, cod liver, krill and microalgae) are rich. In fact, our bodies cannot efficiently produce these Omega 3s from their precursor found in "terrestrial" plant sources, such as nuts and flaxseeds.

Make way, then, for the aforementioned anchovies and sardines, but also for mackerel, salmon, tuna, swordfish, and supplements based on marine oils, which, if of high quality, are an excellent solution both when one is allergic to or not particularly fond of fish, and to reduce exposure to health-damaging contaminants unfortunately present in this food, such as mercury.

Once taken with food or supplements, Omega 3s insert themselves within the membranes of cells, changing their composition and influencing metabolism and other cellular processes. In the particular case of the skin, their intake has been associated with reduced inflammation and reduced dryness and irritation. To enhance their benefits, they can be combined with other active ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, just as OMEGOR® Antiage, the supplement created from the realization that to protect our cells from oxidative stress, a single ingredient is not enough, but must be attacked on several fronts by making several ingredients work together.

In a formula easily assimilated by our bodies, OMEGOR® Antiage adds vitamin E, resveratrol and turmeric to EPA and DHA obtained from fish:

• Vitamin E is a lipophilic antioxidant (and which, therefore, goes hand in hand with fatty substances such as Omega 3) also nicknamed the "vitamin of youth." Widely used in cosmetics, it protects cell membranes from oxidative stress-induced damage. Its deficiencies are associated with worsening of dermatological problems, while supplementation has been associated with improvements in symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions (psoriasis and atopic dermatitis). In addition, it appears to have photo-protective effects and help stabilize the skin barrier.
  
  
• resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol best known for its protective properties against the cardiovascular system, but also able to influence wound healing, regenerative abilities, and photoaging of the skin. In particular, it has been associated with skin protection from the damaging action of UVB, improved collagen synthesis, and wrinkle reduction. In damaged tissues, it activates factors that promote skin regeneration.
  
  
• Turmeric is a source of curcumin, another natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Taking turmeric supplements has been associated with reduced levels of pro-inflammatory molecules known to play a role in skin cell proliferation.

The formulation of OMEGOR® Antiage is further enriched with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory Omega 6 fat with proven benefits for skin health. Several problems affecting the skin, including excessive exfoliation, are associated with deficiencies of this fat; in contrast, high intakes of its precursor (linoleic acid) are associated with a lower likelihood of aging-associated skin dryness and skin atrophy.

GLA is considered an essential fat for the functioning of the skin. Applied to its surface, in cream form, it penetrates only the most superficial layer (the one formed by dead cells). But taken orally, it can go to exert its beneficial action in the deeper layers, promoting their cohesion and preventing, thus, the loss of water through the epidermis.

Within OMEGOR® Antiage, GLA is added in the form of Borago officinalis L. seed oil, which has recognized nutritional properties towards the skin. Take 1 or 2 capsules daily, just before a main meal-this way you'll promote the absorption of its active ingredients, including Omega 3. And discover all the other ways these precious fats can help keep you healthy despite the passing years by reading the Omegor Blog!

Bibliographic references:

Januszewski J, Forma A, Zembala J, Flieger M, Tyczyńska M, Dring JC, Dudek I, Świątek K, Baj J. Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why. Medicine (Kaunas). 2023 Dec 29;60(1):68. doi: 10.3390/medicine60010068.

Leis K, Pisanko K, Jundziłł A, Mazur E, Mêcińska-Jundziłł K, Witmanowski H. Resveratrol as a factor preventing skin aging and affecting its regeneration. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2022 Jun;39(3):439-445. doi: 10.5114/ada.2022.117547

Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kręcisz B, Suliga E. Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review. Nutrients. 2021 Jan 12;13(1):203. doi: 10.3390/nu13010203.

Sawada Y, Saito-Sasaki N, Nakamura M. Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Skin Diseases. Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 5;11: 623052. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623052

Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ. The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020 Sep/Oct;24(5):481-494. doi: 10.1177/1203475420929925