Fish oil, renowned for its impressive array of benefits, offers advantages from head to toe. Discover why board-certified dermatologists recommend incorporating fish oil supplements or the oil itself into your daily beauty regimen.
In the realm of DIY spa days at home, oils like coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil have been the stars. However, with the surge in popularity of fish oil, available in solid, supplemental, or liquid forms, you might be pondering whether this trendy ingredient can also be applied to your hair, skin, and nails.
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Fish oil primarily consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as highlighted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Additionally, fish oil may contain vitamins A and D, selenium, and retinol, according to a review.
While fish oil can be taken as a supplement in various forms, including liquid (e.g., cod liver oil) or capsules (e.g., omega-3 supplements), it can also be applied topically to your skin, hair, and nails. However, it’s important to note that fish oil has a distinct and potent fishy odor, which may not be appealing to everyone. You may find that other oils, such as coconut oil, offer a more pleasant fragrance for your beauty routine.
Although scientific studies specifically addressing the benefits of fish oil for the skin are limited, a research review suggests that oral supplementation is likely to be more effective than topical application.
For Your Skin:
- Hydrate Dry Patches With Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids possess exceptional hydrating properties and can enhance skin barrier function, reducing moisture loss. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends applying fish oil topically to dry areas, like the skin around the eyes or small rough patches. Fish oil supplements may also alleviate dryness, redness, and itch associated with certain dermatitis forms and can complement psoriasis treatment.
- Soothe Red or Sunburned Skin With a Small Amount: Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate redness in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, sunburn, or sensitive skin. Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests applying a small quantity to damp skin for soothing effects, though she recommends using skincare products containing omega-3s as they are formulated for better absorption and enhanced scent.
- Fish Oil May Accelerate Skin Healing: Limited evidence suggests that topical omega-3s and omega-3 supplements promote wound healing. A randomized controlled trial has shown promise in this regard. Omega-3s can also aid in ulcer healing, including chronic leg ulcers and pressure ulcers.
- Use Fish Oil for Added UV Protection: EPA in fish oil can enhance the body’s defense against UV rays due to its anti-inflammatory properties. While not a substitute for SPF protection, fish oil supplementation can delay sunburn, reduce signs of sun-induced DNA damage, and mitigate photo-aging.
Fish oil undeniably offers an array of beauty benefits for your skin, and these strategies provide you with innovative ways to incorporate it into your beauty routine. Whether applied topically or consumed orally, fish oil can be a valuable addition to your daily skincare regimen.
For Your Nails:
- Revitalize Dry Cuticles With a Touch of Fish Oil: Say goodbye to winter-worn, dry, flaky, and uncomfortable cuticles by gently massaging a small amount of fish oil into them. Dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel suggests applying it before bedtime to effectively moisturize the skin surrounding your nails. As a bonus, you can bid farewell to hangnails.
- Replenish Dry Nails With a Coat of Fish Oil: Your nails deserve some tender loving care too, and the fatty acids in fish oil can effectively rehydrate brittle or peeling nails. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends applying fish oil directly to your nails, especially if they are prone to dryness.
For Your Hair
- Balance Oil Production and Fight Flakes
When it comes to getting a lustrous and shiny mane, skip massaging fish oil directly on your scalp (you don’t want fishy-smelling hair, anyway) and start popping a fish oil supplement instead. Once again, this taps into the moisturizing properties of these omega-3s, says Kerry Yates, a trichologist and founder of the Colour Collective in Dallas, Texas. Fish oil helps manage sebum (oil) production in the skin. “By default, hair health is improved, as balanced sebum production works wonders in naturally conditioning the hair, preventing inflammatory scalp conditions and possibly dandruff,” she says.