Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Their Role in Fighting Acne

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Their Role in Fighting Acne
by Micheal Thomas

omega 3 extracted from fish oil could help in the treatment of acne by alleviating
some of the inflammation associated with acne. It also inhibits the process that leads
to the overproduction of sebum. If too much sebum is produced, pores can become
blocked leading to a build up of bacteria, infection, and finally to a breakout of acne.

This contains three fatty acids: ALA (±-linolenic acid), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Among these, EPA helps increase the level of anti-inflammatory Prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are hormone like substances that are found in every cell in the body.

A study has shown that the production of leukotriene B4 (a prostaglandin that has a
inflammatory action), could be a contributory factor to developing acne. A diet too
rich in Omega 6 and in the same time, deficient in Omega 3, can lead to the over
production of leukotriene B4. Medics concluded that increasing the consumption of
the fatty acids could help to re-make this imbalance.

Another benefit omega 3 acids have in fighting acne is that these 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.
So, their recommendation is to increase the amount of these oils.

But, adding these fats through diet can be difficult sometimes, especially in winter,
when green vegetables are harder to find. At the same time, fish are some of the
richest sources of omega 3 fatty acids, but most fish live in polluted waters.
Mounting concern over the amount of toxins in our fresh fish means that the current
recommendation is to eat only 1 or 2 portions of oily fish a week but no more.

Taking omega 3 supplements is highly recommended to ensure the proper amounts
of EPA, as the fish is purified before using it to obtain the fatty acids.

About The Author

Micheal Thomas is an editor for a series of health related websites. Learn about the
best fish oil capsules that we ourselves use daily after extensive product comparisons
and research over at http://www.omega-3-fish-benefits.com.

The benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in
protecting the heart and the nervous
system have been known for some
time now. Doctors have been
prescribing their patients omega 3
supplements to treat multiple medical
conditions: arthritis, mental
conditions (ADHD, depression), or
problems of the circulatory system.
Being one of the main elements of
cellular membrane, omega 3 fats also
have a general positive effect on the
human body and scientists are trying
to find new roles for the essential fats.

Recent studies have shown that

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.