Flaxseed Oil and Acne

"Using Healthy Oils can lead to Healthier Skin!"

Looking for a natural cure for acne?

There are many causes of acne; hormones, bacteria and inflammation of the oil gland can all contribute to pimple breakouts. However, there are things you can do to help prevent or reduce your chances for acne breakouts.

Research on omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil and acne show there may be some benefits for healthier skin.

The following information takes a closer look at using flaxseed oil and omega 3 fatty acids for treating or preventing acne breakouts.

Vegetable Oils may cause Acne

Corn oil contains omega 6 fatty acids

Did you know that diet high in vegetable oils may increase your risk for acne?

Research has shown that certain foods may promote or reduce the amount of inflammation in the body.

Now vegetable oils are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and these fats can be found in many types of processed foods and diets.

Many of these polyunsaturated fatty acids are classified as omega 6 fatty acids. Food scientists now believe that a diet high in omega 6 fatty acids may promote inflammation.

Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

So if you're getting a lot of vegetable oils in your diet, you may want to increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce the risk for inflammation. Flaxseed oil is an excellent plant source of the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

Research on Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Acne

Flaxseed oil contains one of the highest plant-sources of omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been proven to reduce inflammation in the body.

A recent study in the 2010 July issue of Clinics of Dermatology reports the fatty acids alpha linolenic acid and gamma linolenic acid help maintain integrity of the skin barrier, prohibit inflammation, raise the threshold for sunburn and help promote wound healing.

Researchers went on to mention alpha linolenic acid show promise as safe treatments for atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris.

Public health studies have shown communities that eat diets high in omega 3 fatty acids appear to have lower rates of acne.

A study published in the 2008 British Journal of Dermatology looked at 1000 teenagers from North Carolina; researchers found teenagers with the highest intake of fish and seafood (sources of omega 3 fatty acids) showed the lowest signs of acne - oily skin, acne cysts and pustules.

How Flaxseed Oil can Treat Acne

Can you use flaxseed oil to prevent acne?

If you're looking for more information on taking flaxseed oil for acne, I'd recommend you visit Acne.org. This web site was created by Dan Kern, a long time acne sufferer.

Acne.org is packed with information on acne and different options for treating it. The Product Ratings Section offers valuable information where visitors can post their personal experiences and ratings of various acne treatments.

Check out the review section called Flaxseed Oil Reviews and read honest, unbiased opinions and experiences of people who've taken flaxseed oil for acne.

Here are some recommended dosages for taking flaxseed oil for acne. Many of these are based on visitor's opinions from the Acne.org flaxseed oil review section:

• The most effective dosage appears to be 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day.

• Liquid flaxseed oil seems to be the most popular and it showed the best results within 1 - 2 weeks (depending on the daily dosage), compared to using flaxseed oil capsules.

The majority of users experienced positive results when taking flaxseed oil for acne:

• Better skin tone
• Less breakouts
• Reduced redness and puffiness
• Healthier-looking skin

Editorial Comments on Using Flaxseed Oil for Acne:

Flaxseed oil soft gels

It appears taking flaxseed oil for acne is a safe and effective treatment. The omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, appears to offer anti-inflammatory effects; thereby reducing redness, less breakouts and healthier-looking skin.

Skin types, cellular chemistry and underlying causes of acne may affect the response to any acne treatment. The key to effective skin care is trying different treatments and approaches that are compatible with your specific skin type.

The type of foods eaten may also play a role in your risk for getting acne. You may also try increasing your dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids with fish oils; you can also try using coconut oil on acne.

Taking flax seed oil for acne may offer a drug-free alternative to treating this sometimes unavoidable skin condition.

Research References for Flaxseed Oil and Acne:

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