Julie’s Fishing For An Answer…Are the levels of fish oils in supplement form high enough to noticeably improve the appearance of your skin? (i.e., softer, more supple)
The Right Brain’s Oily Reply:
While the fish oil supplement companies will tell you otherwise, we’re going with the assessment of the American Academy of Dermatologists who summarized several studies evaluating the effect of fish oil on atopic dermatitis and psoriasis (basically, different dry skin conditions.)
In neither case did they find any correlation between fish oil intake and improvement in skin condition. You can read the entire 90 page report on atopic dermatitis here. We’re not saying you shouldn’t take fish oil supplements, it just doesn’t look like they have much direct effect on your skin. You’re better off using a good lotion.
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That is actually really good information. This rumor has been going around in my group of friends and I haven’t felt like it helped at all in regards to my skin.
The question of, “Are the levels of fish oils in supplement form high enough to noticeably improve the appearance of your skin?” really comes down to what is an effective dosage of omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, have a positive effect on skin health? Most fish oil supplements provided the bare minimum of omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. You need to use pharmaceutical grade fish oils that provide therapeutic levels of at least 1000 – 2000 mg. of EPA and DHA per dose.
@Healthy Oil Guy – What evidence do you use to support your position that higher levels of EPA and DHA will have any benefit?
Also, since supplement companies aren’t regulated by the FDA, how do you know when a company is giving you what they claim to be or just making it up?
I know you are experts in chemistry related to human products, but do you know anything about whether fish oil can improve joint and skin health in dogs? My vet recommended a very expensive prescription dog food for my dog because she has easily irritated, dry skin and has had surgery on both knees. I’m spending $70 a month on dog food–am I wasting my money?
Sorry…I should have clarified that the dog food my vet prescribed has fish oil in it. It’s Science Diet J/D.
Diet is another potent way of practicing good skin care. Skin nutrition includes a diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits and vegetables, which not only will help keep you healthier on the inside, but also may protect your skin from cancer. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids(suggestion-Carlson Labs Fish Oil), help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, critical in keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger looking.Load up on foods high in omega-3s and vitamins and antioxidants for the skin, including:
Selenium — Brazil nuts, turkey, cod
Vitamin B-2 — Milk, enriched grain products, eggs
Vitamin B-6 — Chicken, fish, nuts
Vitamin B-12 — Clams, liver, trout, fortified cereals
Vitamin C — Citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli
Vitamin E — Sunflower oil, whole grains, nuts
Omega-3s — Salmon, flaxseed, safflower oil, walnuts
It’s true that fish oil supplements really don’t improve the skin.
Ever since my finance proposed to me with a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from http://www.idonowidont.com I want to have beautiful clear skin for when I walk down the aisle.
I noticed no real change with some of my blemishes & now go with different creams/lotions and that seems to work best.
I know one thing, fish oil (especially salmon oil) supplements are rich in omega-3 and are powerful antioxidants
Thanks for the interesting article.
I am SO glad i purchased the “Made from Earth” detox and renew products. Its is the healthiest microdermabrasion out there….and its all chemical free…
I have only used them for the last 2 weeks and WOW! I almost didn’t use it last night because i thought my skin was already pretty smooth but i couldn’t resist – i was just too excited.
First, let me say that i am 29, a student in graduate school. When i first went to college for many months my acne progressively got worse. I tried Proactiv but it was too drying, other drugstore brands (that used to work until my skin worsened), and even went on a prescription for a month for acne (i hated it).
Then i began trying products to retain moisture – and i LOVE the Made from Earth Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer for that. Having success with it encouraged me to try their detox also – which is the “rooibos Tea Face Scrub”.
I wanted to try it because while much of my blemishes are gone, my skin doesn’t look very healthy. I have some scars that blend with my freckles and my skin tone looks terrible. I wanted professional microdermabrasion but i am a college student – not gonna happen on my salary. Plus, I am super healthy and dont want to put any harmful chemicals in my body or on my skin.
Luckily i did splurge and spent around $120 on this kit and i am so glad i did.. .it comes with a discount of you buy both rpoducts together. . .
It has removed some of the dry skin patches near my nostrils and left my skin even softer! Softer than i ever imagined! The combination of the scrub daily and the enhanced moisturizer have greatly reduced my blackheads and my skin feels firmer.
This will be in my skin care routine FOREVER! For a graduate college student, this is a bit pricey – but it works! So stop wasting money on cheaper things that don’t work and try this.
I bought online at madefromearth.com …some reviews also said its cheaper to buy online