In this article:
What are omega fatty acids?
How do omega fatty acids benefit skin?
How to add omega fatty acids to your skin care routine
How to use omega fatty acids
What are side effects of omega fatty acids for skin?
When you think of omega fatty acids, you probably think of consuming them via food or fish oil supplements as part of a healthy diet—but did you know they’re equally as amazing when applied topically to skin?
The research about omega’s healthy fatty acids impact on skin is undeniable (1); so much so that it inspired us to formulate specialised products to deliver these important ingredients—and all their benefits—to skin: Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm, Omega+ Complex Serum and Omega+ Complex Moisturizer. Adding one or more of these fatty acid-packed products to your skin care routine can supplement and enhance the results you get from your other skin care products for calm, smooth, hydrated results and a strong skin barrier.
Let us walk you through everything you need to know about omega fatty acids, their benefits to skin and how you can incorporate them into your routine.
What are omega fatty acids?
Omega fatty acids are valuable fats for both your diet and your skin (2). There are 11 different kinds, two of which (omega-3 and omega-6) are deemed essential because the body can’t make them on its own (so it’s essential you add them to your diet in one way or another). Among the omegas, the most important for skin health are:
- Omega-3: Found in foods like fatty fish, flaxseed (linseed) oil, walnut and chia oils, plus certain species of algae
- Omega-6: Abundant in many non-fragrant plant oils, linoleic acid and passion fruit oil
- Omega-9: Plentiful in flaxseed (linseed) oil and soybean, canola, peanut and sunflower oils
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are not only beneficial when consumed orally, but also work wonders when applied topically. Research has shown they play a role in maintaining your skin's healthy appearance, among many other things (3).
How do omega fatty acids benefit skin?
Omega fatty acids are game changers for any routine. They act as the reinforcers of skin’s surface layers, creating smooth, even, youthful-looking results for every age, skin type and tone. Applying omega fatty acids to skin leads to visible results you’ll love, without having to slather fish oil all over your face (save that for your diet).
While a combination of omegas 3, 6 and 9 deliver the best results, if we had to pick, omega-3s are the best fatty acids for skin. Topical omega-3s interact with skin to improve its fatty acid composition, which in turn keeps the outermost layer of skin strong and healthy (4, 5). This makes them one of the best ingredients for red, blemish-prone and sensitive skin. Why? Once applied, omega-3s go to work softening rough, dry skin and soothing irritation.
But that’s not all—omega-3s can also boost hydration, help fend off breakouts and visibly reduce signs of ageing. Research shows that fish oil (rich in omega-3) may boost skin's immunity to UV damage through its ability to help increase protection against environmental aggressors (6, 7).
That being said, the other two key omegas, omega-6 and omega-9, offer unique benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. For example, omega-6 dramatically improves moisture retention and omega-9 is essential for helping to restore and maintain skin’s elasticity once damaged (8, 9).
Check out all these other ways these topical omega fatty acids support healthy skin:
- Reinforce and smooth skin’s surface
- Increase hydration without feeling heavy on skin (10)
- Calm signs of external stressors, including redness and sensitivity (11)
- Eliminate signs of flaky, dehydrated-looking skin
- Visibly strengthen skin against signs of environmental damage (7)
- Deliver antioxidants to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman adds, “Also known lovingly as vitamin L, linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) is one of the most important oils to add to our skin as we are unable to produce it adequately on our own. Not only is it a great way to balance oil and moisture, but it packs an antioxidant punch to increase hydration and calm visible signs of inflammation while improving visible signs of ageing on the surface of the skin. Linoleic acid and linolenic acids are both underestimated ingredients that need to be discussed more”.
Additionally, omegas-3, -6 and -9 are extra beneficial when combined with other skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol and glycerine. This formulary approach is exactly the path we took with our leave-on Omega+ Complex products, all with the same exclusive blend of omega fatty acids.
How to add omega fatty acids to your skin care routine
Are you ready to add these nourishing ingredients to your routine? If so, it’s easy to find omega fatty acids in skin care products that you can seamlessly fit into your daily lineup. Since omega fatty acids are gentle and don’t interact negatively with other ingredients, you don’t have to stress much about where to fit them in!
Whether you're using a basic skin care routine or prefer something more advanced, omega fatty acids and our
How to use omega fatty acids
As we discussed above, using omega fatty acids is simple. The omega fatty acid product format that you choose might vary based on your skin concern and skin type. So, we’ve created a guide below to help you achieve your skin goals:
Do you need omegas from multiple products? It depends on your skin’s needs. If you have dry, dehydrated skin showing signs of stress (think random sensitivity, red patches and flaky areas) doubling (or tripling!) up on omegas is a wise move. All our Omega+ formulas are great products to reduce redness on the face. You can apply our Omega+ Complex Serum to your face, neck and chest and then follow with the partner Moisturizer.
Having trouble deciding which omega staple is right for you? The most significant difference between the Omega+ Complex products is texture: Omega+ Complex Serum is a thin lotion, while the Omega+ Complex Moisturizer has a whipped cream texture. Both the Serum and Moisturizer contain the same key Omega Complex, but the Serum contains a greater concentration.
The Omega+ Moisturizer adds amino acids, some non-fragrant plant oils, and soothing antioxidants while the Serum kicks in vitamins C and E, incorporates a higher amount of glycerine, and includes plum oil for its omega-9 results (the Moisturizer relies more on oleic acid for omega-9).
These products are designed to layer and are ideal for dry, dehydrated skin. The omega-rich moisturiser and serum are suitable for use around the eyes and can be used as your eye cream if you need an extra boost of hydration in that area
Of course, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays) appropriate for your skin type is an essential part of any morning routine. So, after addressing sensitivity, dryness, and skin barrier strength with omega fatty acids, apply an SPF product.
What if you’re already using one of our serums? Do you need the Omega+ Complex Serum, too? Face serums are valuable products because they serve as treatments that can be mixed-and-matched. The ingredients and the results from both serums are a plus, but they also have a synergistic effect; that is, when combined, they enhance each other’s powers. So, there’s no reason not to layer them both morning and/or evening (we do love layering!).
You can also apply one in the morning and the other at night, along with any booster or targeted solutions you need; experiment to see what works best for you. Alternating is fine, too: for example, apply one or more Omega product every other day, and on the other days you can apply a different serum and moisturiser combination.
Each Omega product provides anti-ageing, replenishing and hydrating benefits wherever applied on the face, neck, and chest. The impressive calming properties these formulas have also makes them gentle enough even for eczema- and rosacea-prone skin.
We’re excited for you to see the results from applying omega fatty acids. Research has consistently shown that omegas give your skin essential nutrition, from the outside in.
What are side effects of omega fatty acids for skin?
Omega fatty acids are gentle, hydrating ingredients that have not been shown to cause unwanted side effects, even for those with sensitive or reactive skin (12). In fact, they’re often used to help alleviate the redness, sensitivity and dryness associated with those skin types.
Omega fatty acids can be incorporated into formulas with other ingredients—like fragranced plant oils—that can cause skin sensitisation in some. We encourage you to check the ingredient label of any omega-rich skin care product before adding it to your routine.
Learn more about skin care ingredients.
References for this information:
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, January 2020, ePublication
- Marine Drugs, August 2018, ePublication
- Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, September 2017, pages 1,679-1,689
- Oregon State University: Micronutrient Information Center, Accessed October 2023, Webpage
- Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, March 2018, pages 345-381
- Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2016, ePublication
- Experimental Dermatology, July 2011, pages 537–543
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, January 2020, pages 1–26
- Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, December 2022, pages 1–11
- Annals of Dermatology, May 2010, pages 143–148
- Clinics in Dermatology, July-August 2010, pages 440–451
- Dermatology Review/Przegląd Dermatologiczny, July 2017, 314-323
