BEAUTY SCIENCE MAGIC : Vegan Omega 3, 6 & 9 for beautiful skin

Hello lovely readers! Welcome to the sort-of relaunch of my blog. I actually had a little break from blogging and disappeared off the blogosphere for a little bit. I think there comes a point where you feel a little bit creatively blocked and want a complete refresh :) (please comment if you have had the same experience- would love to hear your story)

As well as focusing on some amazing career opportunities, I wanted to change the concept of the blog a little. I am studying my Msc in Clinical Nutrition before I go on to study Post graduate medicine, so want to add more nutrition content as I know changing diet can be transformative for many skin problems. I also have been fortunate enough to connect with many experts, and want to bring in some expert interview. I've also added a recommended panel, as I have had lots of messages asking for my recommendations, but of course, feel free to email me if there is any skincare question you have :) Thank you so much for reading, here's the first post on vegan omega oils and their fantastic skin benefits.

I am always asked about the role of omegas in skin health, and also how to source them through the vegan diet. I think a lot of people think the only source of omega 3 is fish oil, but actually there are some amazing plant based oils available. If you increase your healthy fat intake, such as avocado, flax seed oil and certain nuts and seeds, you're likely to have a healthy omega supply but they may not be balanced; its important to take omega 3, 6 and 9 in certain ratios which is why supplements are a great way to ensure this.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BEAUTY?

HIGHLY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Omega 3, 6, and 9 are potent anti-inflammatory molecules. Minimising inflammation and the allergic response in the body could benefit certain skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Inflammation is simply the body's immune system reacting to something; but chronic inflammation can be deleterious to health as well as skin health. Omega 3 and 6 inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines which is therapeutic in conditions such as acne.

SKIN RESTORATIVE BENEFITS

Our cell membranes are made out of lipids and disruptions in lipid homeostasis and maintenance can give rise to many skin conditions. As well as topical application benefits, fatty acids in the diet has been shown by The American Journal of Nutrition to help minimise inflammation of skin lipids. Flax seed oil has been shown to decrease skin reactivity, and supplementation with flax seed oil topically is incredibly effective for conditions such as psoriasis and I often break a capsule of omega oil on areas of dry skin that need extra TLC.