This month, we just can’t stop using our Golden Elixir. Perfect for hair, skin, or body, this product is a one-stop-shop for radiant, youthful skin. But what exactly powers this seemingly simple oil? Omegas! And today, we have the full rundown on what these essential fatty acids are and what they do for our skin.
What are omegas?
Omegas are essential fatty acids (EFA), or chains of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unlike other fatty acids, omegas are essential, which means our body can’t create them. Instead, EFAs must be consumed or topically applied. While there are numerous types of omegas our body requires, not all directly contribute to skin benefits. For skincare health, Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 are most crucial.
Why are omegas important?
EFAs are important to the health of our skin because they help build up lipid-based cell membranes, which retain water and nutrients. Collectively, they form a vital oil barrier that protects the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution or UV rays. Without EFAs, this barrier can’t function, leaving the skin vulnerable to exposure, dehydration, inflammation, and blemishes.
Below, we’ll run through our favorite EFAs and detail the benefits of each!
Omega-3s
Omega-3, also known as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), can be found in ingredients like fish oil, flax seed oil, walnut oil, sacha inchi oil, and chia oil.
Benefits
1. Improves cellular function
EFAs improve the skin’s activity at the cellular level. Not only do omegas maintain hydration in the lipid barrier, but also ensure the proper movement of nutrients and waste in and out of the cell. As a seal, omega-3s enable proper skin hydration and softness.
2. Protect/heal environmental effects
Omega-3s also can repair the skin barrier, which protects skin from harmful oxidants like pollution and extreme weather conditions. Since fats help control how the body reacts to UV rays, these essential fats can lessen the consequences of sun and free radical exposure, while also reducing inflammation.
3. Increases collagen production
Collagen is the protein that makes up connective tissue. While it naturally lessens over time, it maintains the elasticity in the skin. Omega-3s also lessen the appearance of acne scars, which means youthful, supple skin.
Omega-6s
Instead, Omega-6, or linoleic acid, is in numerous types of plant oils such as hempseed oil, sacha inchi oil, and grapeseed oil.
Benefits
For those who have struggled with oily, blemish-prone skin, linoleic acid is an ideal option! Thinner in consistency compared to Omega-9s, this fatty acid replenishes the oil on the skin’s surface. Since oil dissolves oil, linoleic acid actively draws out impurities from the skin. As older oil, which has developed bacteria on the skin’s surface, is replaced, the potential for inflammation or clogged pores is lessened. This also maintains your natural oil levels, which is crucial to healthy and balanced skin.
Omega-9s
Omega-9s, also named oleic acid, is found in flaxseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil.
Benefits
If you suffer from particularly dry, sensitive skin, omega-9s may just save the day. The most hydrating of all omegas, Omega-9 caters best to dehydrated skin. Oleic acid has been found to help lessen symptoms of both eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This acid also caters to mature skin types. Omega-9s not only replenish the oil skin loses with age, but also helps fight wrinkles and skin exposed to aging.
What cocokind products contain the most omegas?
While omegas can be found in a wide variety of cocokind products, our Golden Elixir and Organic Chia Facial Oil have the most potent concentration. Sacha Inchi oil, the primary oil present in our Golden Elixir contains about 8% omega-9s, 36% omega-6s, and 48% omega-3s. Additionally, our chia seed oil is comprised of about 7% omega-9s, 19% omega-6s, and ~64% omega-3s. Listen to your skin and choose your omegas accordingly!
We hope this has helped provide some background on why we love omegas for our skin!
