Is clearing acne possible with fish oil? Acne is a skin problem that indeed improves with consumption of fish oil.
Fish oil, derived from different types of fish, has long been associated with a wide range of health benefits, chief among them include its ability to promote healthy skin and treat acne successfully.
What Triggers Acne?
Acne occurs as a consequence of excess sebum production in the skin. Oil glands, also referred to as sebaceous glands, found deep in the inner layers of the skin, produce sebum (oil). The sebum maintains the moisture level in the skin and prevents it from becoming dry. When these glands become overactive, they produce sebum in large amounts. As we all know, there are millions of tiny pores on the surface of the skin. So with excess sebum production, these pores get blocked, leading to overgrowth of skin bacteria. This eventually leads to formation of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.
Fish Oil for Acne
Fish oil is loaded with omega-3 essential fatty acids (healthy fats) that play a crucial role to reduce production of sebum. So, the root cause of acne breakout is targeted to resolve the issue. Hence, it is rightly said that including fish oil in the diet, will help to clear acne within a week or two, depending upon the severity of the disease.
The key constituents found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both are omega-3 essential fatty acids and provide anti-inflammatory effects. As acne makes the skin inflamed, taking fish oil can certainly help to bring down the inflammation. Both DHA and EPA display anti-bacterial properties, thus helping to kill acne-causing bacteria.
One reason given behind overactive sebaceous glands is hormonal imbalance. Hormones that control the functioning of the oil glands are known as androgens. People suffering from acne have high androgen levels, which causes overproduction of sebum. Omega-3 essential fatty acids do an excellent job of minimizing production of androgen, which in turn helps to cure this skin problem.
In order to reap benefits of fish oil and promote a healthy skin, one can either consume few servings of fish everyday or take fish oil supplements as instructed by the doctor. Apart from taking fish oil, make sure to follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.