Skin Fatty Acids And Omegas 101
Isn’t Fat Bad For You?
We tend to view the word fat in a negative way, however as far as the skin is concerned we should view them as good fats and essential fats. After all an important component of our skin is fats (lipids). The skin’s barrier is made up of 70% protein, 15% lipids and 15% water. I never understand why anyone says they don’t use oils, they are one of the easiest ways to get lipids into the skin.
You may have heard of omegas or fatty acids they are the same thing, there are 11 fatty acids and omega 3 and 6 are classified as essential as the body cannot reproduce them.
If the skin cannot reproduce these fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and the skins lipids are made up of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol why would you not use plant oils that are rich in these fats? Perhaps it is the word oil that people are afraid of. Here I will share with you which omegas are best for your skin and which oils will have the most benefit to your skin.
We can get omegas in our diet, however, do not forget the skin is the largest organ of the body and is often the last to get these fatty acids.
Have you noticed that you skin feels tight, taught and thirsty, you are using hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture, but to no avail? Sometimes even adding another layer of your favourite skincare won’t cut it. Don’t worry, you’re not alone most of us experience this feeling especially in autumn and winter months.
Omega’s To Save The Day
It’s time for omegas, it’s no wonder they are called superfoods for the skin and body when you see what they can do:
Strengthen and reinforce the skin’s barrier
Bring nutrition to the skin to function effectively
Increase hydration and prevent water loss
Deliver an abundance of antioxidants to protect our skin
Calming redness and sensitivity thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties
Visibly strengthen the skin
Support skin healing
Which Plant Oils Should I Use?
There are so many plant oils, which one should you use for your skin is the tricky part. Cleansing I think is the easiest way to introduce fatty acids and this may be enough for many skins to balance the oil production and increase the hydration levels and reinforce the skin’s barrier.
All of these cleansers are rich in omegas and will leave the skin cleansed, clear and hydrated. The Decleor Micellar Cleansing Oil combines the clever technology of Micelles to grab and act like a magnet to deeply cleanse the skin and remove all makeup including waterproof mascara. Combining Squalane and Sweet Almond oil to bring instant comfort and omegas to deliver nutrition to the skin. The Ordinary Cleanser is the most affordable cleanser, it also containing squalane but using emulsifying sucrose esters to lift dirt and impurities from the skin. The formula combines Glycerine and Squalane to draws in moisture and bring omegas to the skin. Pixi and Caroline Hirons collaboration is brilliant, a formulator and a qualified skin expert will ensure the skin is getting exactly what is needed. Packed full of plant seed oils rich in omegas and vitamins and two phases to ensure your double cleansing. Elemis have introduced AHA’s this year in a big way with the Tri Acid Peel (more on that to come) and now AHA Glow Cleansing Butter, every time I open this jar I want to smell the aroma (this is think is the first Elemis product that is fragrance free) , delicious in colour and texture Elemis have combined Mango butter (rich in omegas), Pumpkin enzymes and Acerola Cherry to refine the skin texture as well as deeply hydrating and cleansing.
The next step is to introduce facials oils, introducing multi blended oils will allow you to see a visible difference and take away the stress of layering and getting tied up in what should be applied first. If your skin care routine is advance and your using serums to target other skin conditions you can probably introduce a single oil as you already delivering great actives to the skin.
The Single Oils I Would Recommend:
Argan Oil renowned as the Gold of Morocco
Argan oil is a fantastic oil to aid skin regeneration, reinforcing and strengthening the skin’s barrier thanks to the 80% fatty acids and rich in omega 6. Argan oil boosts the vital functions of the skin, protects the skin from free radicals and maintains hydration by limiting water loss.
Suitable for a dry skin.
Argan Oil
Marula Oil otherwise known as the Elixir Of Youth
The battle is between Argan oil and Marula to be one of the best oils, largely because the are both great at moisturising the skin. Marula does just pip Argan oil to the post thanks to its ability to reduce redness and is also believed to have 60% more antioxidant power. Marula also has antibacterial properties and quickly penetrates the skin thanks to its small molecular size. Packed in omegas and amino acids (building blocks of the skin), the skin appears firmer, restores suppleness and limits water loss.
Suitable for all skin types
Marula Oil
Borage Oil the new Evening Primrose
Otherwise known as Starflower oil, contains double the number of omegas (gamma linoleic acid a type of omega 6) then Evening Primrose. Restores moisture, treats dry and sensitized skins, fights inflammation, reinforces and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Thanks to the power of this super oil skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea are believed to really benefit from Borage oil due to the anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.
Suitable for dry and sensitive skins and for anyone noticing the signs of ageing.
Borage Oil
Rosehip Oil otherwise known as Dog Rose
Rosehip Oil
One of the oil heroes amongst the plant world thanks to the many benefits it can offer the skin. Rich is omegas 3 & 6 and naturally rich in vitamins A & C it makes rosehip a brilliant cell regenerator thank to vitamin A increasing cell renewal and healing. Naturally rich in Vitamin C rosehip is also a powerful antioxidant and a skin brightener. It is believed to be able to treat pigmentation, I would suggest using this alongside a melanin inhibitor (stops the cell communication from producing melanin).
Suitable for dry, dehydrated and ageing skins.
Squalane
From olives, wheat germ and rice bran, please be assured it is not from sharks (thankfully banned in 2010). Squalane is the oil thought to be the closest in structure to that of our own skin because its derived from squalene which is naturally found in the skin sebum (oil) making it an excellent oil for oily, combination skin. Ensure you buy squalane not squalene as it has a longer shelf life thanks to its stability. Squalane is an excellent emollient and antioxidant and much lighter than squalene making it perfect at delivering moisturise without clogging the pores.
Suitable for all skin types including combination and congested skins.
Squalane
So Which Products Should I Use?
The following multi blended oils are masterfully blended and really are skin transformers and can be your antioxidant serum and moisturising serums thanks to the omegas and your nutritional serum thanks to the vitamin content. Expertly blended will always get my vote as they are so good at offering more than just one benefit.
Facial Oils
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil
The is super lightweight superfood oil is power packed with antioxidants vitamins and omegas. Including omegas 3, 6 & 9, vitamins A & C from 9 superfoods. Improving the skins barrier and vital skin functions. This for me is like a serum for pure skin health delivering what your skin needs daily to allow it to flourish.
Superfoods included: Broccoli seed oil (Omegas 6 & 9 & Vit A (increases cell renewal)), Rosehip seed oil (Omegas 3 & 6 & Vit A & C), Flax seed (Omegas 3 and balances oil levels), Radish, Poppy, Rice Bran, Squalane, Sweet Almond, Meadowfoam, Triglycerides (3 x fatty acids), Cucumber, Carrot and Sunflower Seed Oil.
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
A stunning blend of cold pressed oils (preserving the goodness), organic and antioxidant rich superfood seed oils delivering omegas 3,6 & 9 and vitamins to aid cell renewal and protect the skin. If you have very dry, thirsty skin and do not ever experience breakouts, I would recommend you use Juno as its super effective on a dry skin.
Seed oils included: Broccoli (Omega 9 & Vit A), Blackberry ((Vit C), Blueberry (Omega 3 &Vit E), Cranberry (Omega 3,6,9), Red Raspberry (Omega 3 & 6), Black Cumin (decongests) and Wild Carrot (beta carotene (converts into vit A in the skin).
Wildsmith Skin Active Super Oil
Thanks to the blend of plant oils including the brilliant Prickly Pear which is hydrating whilst it reinforces and repairs the skin’s barrier. Rich in Vitamin K (aids wound healing (stretchmarks and scars)), amino acids (building blocks of the skin), 150% more vitamin E (antioxidant) than argan oil and considered more sustainable. If your using retinols and vitamin C I would recommend this as Prickly Pear also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
17 bioactive (chosen for the skin compatibility) plant oils and essential oils include Camellia Seed Oil – rich in omega 3,6 and 9, soothes and nourishes, often found in hair oils to deliver mirror shine hair. African Star Grass, Kahai Oil and Lady’s Thistle Oil.
PURCHASE HERE and use code FIONA25 for 25% off!
Decleor Neroli Bigarade Essential Oil Serum
Originally created over 45yrs ago when oils on the face were unheard off, this clever oil combines plant oils and essential oils and clinically proven to deliver hydration in just one day with just three drops. Neroli is a blend of plant oils rich in omega 3 and essentials oils that can increase the GAG’s (one of the most famous GAG’s you will have heard of is Hyaluronic acid) and also this blend stimulates the filaggrins which help bind fibres and form the skin barrier. Plant oils and essential oils included. Hazelnut seed oil, bitter orange leaf, sandalwood, orange peel, bitter orange flower, clary oil and juniper berry.
Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil
The brilliance of this oil is how quickly it absorbs into the skin, with a blend of oils that are super light there are so many skin types that would love this including oily and combinations skins. A blend of essential oils as well as plant oils to deliver omegas 3, antioxidants and hydration. Plant oils included are Sweet Almond, Apricot, Camelina, Olive, Black Currant and Grape.
Body Oils
Decleor Cica Botanic Oil
9 plant oils rich in vitamins and omegas including borage oil which is a superhero in the omega plant world having the highest amount of omega 6. Can be used on the face and the body, however I think it’s when applied to the body that it comes into its own, intensively moisturising and sealing in the hydration. You can feel and see a difference using this oil on the body, skin feels immediately smoothed and hydrated.
Avocado, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Rosa Rubiginosa, Borage, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Camellia, Prune.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps
Oh my goodness why have I only just discovered this body cream, its smells heavenly, it feels divine on the skin and its power packed with omegas.
Plant oils included: Shea butter, squalane, jojoba butter and sunflower seed oils.
Sadly, as our skin ages so does the decline in natural oils, if you have not already, I would really recommend adding omegas into your skin care routine either through cleansing or though facial oils.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
Stay tuned for more blogs and follow me on social media for latest launches and more skin school.
Bye for now,
Fiona x
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