How do healthy fats keep the skin glowing?

Many people believe that reducing or stopping fat intake helps in losing weight, but the body needs healthy fats to maintain its vital functions, and the skin also needs essential fatty acids to maintain its freshness and health.

These acids are known as “essential” because the body cannot produce them itself, but only obtains them through food. The most prominent of which are Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, which are important components of any diet that supports skin health.

These unsaturated fats contribute to the formation of healthy cell membranes and help produce the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which contributes to maintaining hydration and giving the skin a fuller, more vibrant appearance.

If these acids are deficient in the diet, the skin may become drier and more inflamed, with an increased likelihood of the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. The benefits of essential fatty acids are not limited to improving the appearance of the skin, but also support its overall health.

Studies indicate that these acids may help reduce skin sensitivity to the sun in people with photodermatitis, and may also reduce inflammation associated with acne. Other research has shown that combining essential fatty acid supplements with psoriasis medications provides better results compared to drug treatment alone.

As for omega-3 acids in particular, they may be associated with multiple health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes, contributing to alleviating joint pain and symptoms of depression, in addition to a potential role in supporting immunity and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

To achieve the maximum health benefits for the skin and body, experts advise achieving a balance between “omega-3” and “omega-6”, as many modern diets contain high amounts of “omega-6” compared to a clear deficiency in “omega-3”.

Omega-3 acids are found in foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, soy, and fortified eggs, while omega-6 are abundant in cooking oils, baked goods, grains, and poultry.

A balanced diet, which combines proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats, remains an important basis for maintaining a healthy body and fresh, radiant skin.