Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

An Underrated Supplement That Supports Skin Health (Besides Collagen)

Hannah Frye
Author:
August 31, 2023
Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
By Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
black woman with glowing skin
Image by g-stockstudio / iStock
August 31, 2023

Collagen is a great supplement for skin health, but it often steals the spotlight from other worthy ingestible ingredients. If you're already taking collagen, that's great! Please, carry on! Just know that there are options out there if you want to add even more skin-loving steps to your routine, including one often-overlooked ingredient: fatty acids. 

Why omega-3 supplements are great for skin health

While omega-3s are well-known for their heart- and brain-related benefits, they're actually great for the skin, too. While the research on skin specifically is still gaining, there have been notable findings. 

Firstly, omega-3 supplements have been shown to improve the severity of atopic dermatitis1, also known as eczema. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), in particular, has also been shown to treat transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and support a hydrated and healthy skin barrier2

A 2020 review on omega-3 fatty acids in dermatology also concluded that this supplement can be helpful for many kinds of inflammatory skin conditions, including acne3.

See, maintaining a healthy skin barrier is of vital importance when it comes to achieving even-toned, hydrated, and generally well-functioning skin. Most people tend to the skin barrier topically, but that's only half of the equation. Keeping your skin hydrated from within via adequate water intake; nutritious, water-dense foods; and skin-moisturizing supplements (hello, omega-3s!) completes that full puzzle. 

Even if hydration and inflammation control aren't your main skin care goals, this supplement is incredibly beneficial for other full-body effects. These include eye health and vision, mood, joint health, and so much more—omega-3 supplementation is far more than a beauty habit. 

Now, there are a few different fatty acids to choose from, so it's worth taking some time to research which forms are best suited for your needs—skin health and beyond. Here's a curated list of some of our top choices, along with expert advice from a nutrition scientist. 

The takeaway

Omega-3s and other fatty acids are often ignored in the realm of skin health supplements. However, fatty acids are a great addition to your diet and supplement routine to reduce inflammation and support optimally hydrated skin. Of course, eating the right foods helps, too; if you want to start adding more healthy fats to your diet, check out this list for some of the best natural sources.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Lifestyle
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.