Essential Fatty Acids Moisturize, Smooth, Soften, and Firm Skin.
There is a scientific reason behind the ability of essential fatty acids, such as those in Omega 3 fish oil, to improve skin texture, build in skin moisture and help in the management of many skin conditions.
The reason is related to the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones within the cells of the outer protective layer of the skin. Prostaglandins mediate a wide range of physiological functions, such as control of blood pressure, contraction of smooth muscle, and modulation of inflammation.
There are three types or series of prostaglandin hormones. Series 2 are derived from arachidonic acid; series 1 and 3 are derived from gamma-linolenic acid and the omega 3 fatty acids.
The development of new skin cells requires the extraction of essential fatty acids from the bloodstream. If they are present in inadequate concentrations they will be taken up by organs other than the skin, and the essential fatty acids remaining in circulation will be inadequate for the cells’ needs.
Epidermal Skin Cells Convert Essential Fatty Acids
A variety of different fats are used by healthy skin. The epidermal skin cells convert essential fatty acids to prostaglandins.
Prostaglandin series 2 hormones will render the skin dry, rough and/or scaly.
Prostaglandin series 1 and series 3 hormones will render the skin soft, smooth and moist, generally supporting many of its functions.
Most Diets Produce Excess Series 2 Prostaglandin Hormones.
Diets high in saturated fats produce hormones that result in dry, rough, uneven skin texture.
Saturated fatty acids result when all carbons in the chemical chain are “saturated” with hydrogen. This means that the fat molecule does not contain any double bonds. Saturated fats are dense, solid fats that do not melt at room temperature – for example the white fat in beef and lamb. These are the so-called “bad” fats that are known to contribute to cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess. These are the fats found mostly in animal products like meat, lard, poultry skin, whole milk or full-fat dairy products like butter. Dehydrogenation converts saturated fats to unsaturated fats, while hydrogenation accomplishes the reverse. Thus saturated fats are also found in certain types of processed foods that contain hydrogenated oils or margarine.
Many weight-loss diets remove all fats from the equation.
A complete anti-aging skin treatment will utilize low-glycemic index foods and actually favor fats high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and the omega-3 fats.
The Glycemic Index (GI) relates to the way your body’s sugar levels respond to certain foods. Foods are given a rating from 0 –100 on the glycemic index with glucose in the highest position. High Glycemic Index foods (such as simple carbohydrates) will increase the body’s sugar levels rapidly whereas low glycemic index foods will increase the body’s sugar levels slowly.
Food Supplementation of Essential Fatty Acids for the Improvement of Skin Texture
Perfect skin texture and condition has become an almost impossible task, courtesy of most modern, Western dietary traditions.
A complete anti-aging skin treatment needs a diet with low-glycemic index foods and one that favor fats high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and the omega-3 fats.
A marked improvement in the condition of the skin will take around three months after the implementation of Omega 3 essential fatty acid food supplements.
The rate of skin improvement is determined by the rate at which the epidermis replaces itself in entirety. Depending on your age, this takes anywhere from 45 to 75 days. So source yourself of fatty acids for at least three months if you wish to notice the real difference.
Differences Between Essential Fatty Acid Supplements Used in Skin Care and Treatment
- The diet must already be rich in fish, green leafy vegetables and unsaturated oils in order for the skin to substantially benefit from essential fatty acid supplementation;
- Omega-3 Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Rose Hip Oil and Primrose Oil are the most suitable food sources of essential fatty acids;
- To achieve genuinely young-looking skin, characterized by bounce and turgidity, take food supplements, especially for the treatment of more mature skin.
- Internal supplements must be complemented by topical care to get the most out of the physical improvement in skin quality.
- Breast milk is a rich source of essential fatty acids — the quality of baby’s skin speaks for itself
Factors Inhibiting Natural Linolenic Acid Synthesis into GLA
Factors which inhibit natural linolenic acid synthesis into gamma linolenic acid in spite of excellent skin treatment dietary conditions, include:
- Natural aging
- High cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- Viral infections and their aftermath
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Refined sugar consumption
- Hydrogenated fat consumption
- UV exposure
Prostaglandins which pose problems for Skin Care and Treatment
There is a category of prostaglandin which is deleterious to the skin’s overall condition, with obvious repercussions for its texture, density, overall smoothness and hydration.
Prostaglandin series 2, otherwise known as PG-2 are formed from unsaturated fats (known scientifically as arachidonic acid). Unsaturated fats are richly concentrated in high-fat meats and dairy products.
An over-consumption of linoleic acid (also an unsaturated fat and present in high concentrations in corn oil, sunflower seed oil, blended vegetable oils and safflower oil) will further encourage the conversion of prostaglandin series 2 into arachidonic acid, further increasing the body’s serum concentrations of this harmful hormone-like substance.
A typical North-American diet is rich in unsaturated fats and linoleic acid, and thus the typical American presents high levels of prostaglandin series 2 hormones derived from systemic arachidonic acid.
Effects of Prostaglandin Series 2 on Skin Cells
The process whereby arachidonic acids, provided by saturated fats and linoleic acid, are converted into series 2 prostaglandins causes an acceleration of the rate at which skin cells divide, producing:
- Accelerated skin aging;
- A higher incidence of skin cancers, particularly aggressive skin cancers
Effects of High Levels of Prostaglandin Series 2 on Skin Texture. High levels of series 2 prostaglandins are found in the epidermal cells of people with substantial intakes of unsaturated fats and linoleic acid.
The excess synthesis of these substances within the epidermal cells gives rise to:
- A skin texture which is rougher, drier, less firm and typically thinner than would be the case if a diet where series 2 prostaglandins are minimized were to be followed;
- A general deterioration in the overall condition of the skin, and a worsening of skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.
- A higher incidence of skin inflammation, and faster skin aging;
- A higher incidence of skin cancers.
Effects of Essential Fatty Acids on Skin Cells Affected by Prostaglandin Series 2
Omega-3 and omega-6 fats, derived from evening primrose supplements, rose hip oil and fish oils, slow the rate of skin cell division, lessening the rate of skin aging and skin cancers, by enhancing the production of series 3 prostaglandins.
Series 3 prostaglandins will slow the rate of skin cell mutations and overall skin inflammation even under exposure to ultraviolet light.
Pertinent Skin Facts on Prostaglandins in Summary
- Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplements will enhance skin texture, dermal hydration, firmness and overall condition;
- Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplements will prevent or lessen the impact of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, as well as some others, including eczema and psoriasis;
- Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplements slow the rate of skin aging;
- Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplements guard against the development of skin cancers, however of course are no substitute for sunscreens
Combining supplements of Omega 3 essential fatty acids with BIOSKINCARE CREAM you will get thicker, smoother skin with more resilience and turgidity than would otherwise be the case.
BIOSKINCARE is a natural skin care cream made with a fluid with cell-communicating ingredints and biological activators of skin renewal and ingredients that also moisturize, replenish and stabilizes the lipid content within the intercellular skin matrix due to its content of all natural emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants and nourishing extracts derived from Olive Oil, hydrating Hyaluronic acid, and humectant Glycerin.
1. ROSE HIP OIL
Revitalizes dry skin. Contains Vitamin-A & healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are important components of the cell’s membrane and precursors of prostaglandine / leucotriens, a hormone-like activity, which provides tissue-regenerating and rejuvenating effects. Replenishes the lipid skin barrier. Reduces facial wrinkles and lines, moisturizes and soothes sun damaged skin. Not for acne prone skin.
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2. BIOSKINCARE
For routine day time skin care, moisturizing, reducing the appearance of premature wrinkles, and repair UV and Free Radical skin damage.
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