Linoleic Acid for Your Skin
Omega-6 fatty acids have many positive functions, especially for the skin, and should therefore not be missing from your diet or beauty routine.
The importance of omega-3 fatty acids for the body is generally well known, but there are other unsaturated fatty acids that are just as essential for the body. Linoleic acid is one of these substances that we should definitely know more about. After all, it has many positive effects on the body and also ensures beautiful skin.
What is linoleic acid?
Linoleic acid is one of the doubly unsaturated fatty acids and belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids. Just like omega-3 fatty acids, the body cannot produce linoleic acid itself. However, linoleic acid is sufficient for the production of the other omega-6 fatty acids, which is of course all the more important. It is not only important as a building block for other substances in the body, linoleic acid also has important functions for the skin. It is present in ceramides, which are involved in the structure of the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, maintain the skin barrier and protect the skin from drying out. Linoleic acid is therefore essential for radiant skin and hair.
How is linoleic acid used?
Linoleic acid occurs naturally in many foods; it is found in particularly high concentrations in vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower and evening primrose oil. The share of many oils is over 50%. According to the German Nutrition Society, 2.5% of daily dietary energy should come from omega-6 fatty acids. Since linoleic acid lowers cholesterol levels, it is essential for nutrition. Linoleic acid is not only effective from the inside; thanks to its positive properties, it is also used externally in many cosmetic products for skin care.
What are the positive effects of linoleic acid?
Linoleic acid stabilizes the structures of cell membranes and the skin. That is why it also makes up about 20% of all fatty acids in healthy skin. If this percentage decreases, the skin becomes flaky, dry and inelastic. However, since essential fatty acids cannot be formed in the body or skin, they must be supplied via vegetable oils (e.g. in sunflower, safflower and evening primrose oil) or in pure form. When used in a cream containing linoleic acid, they are directly available for the skin to regenerate and maintain its functionality.
In skin care products, linoleic acid initially provides a lot of moisture, but it has much more to offer. Products containing this miracle drug can especially treat skin problems caused by inflammation. Linoleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore successfully combat acne, psoriasis and neurodermatitis. Skin pigmentation and photodamage can also be treated with products based on linoleic acid. This substance can also be used against blackheads and reduce their size.
Linoleic acid – a real all-rounder
There are many ways to supply yourself with linoleic acid. On the one hand, you should make sure to add sufficient amounts to your diet, and on the other hand, thanks to a wide range of products, you can also ensure that it unfolds its effect outside your body and pamper your skin with linoleic acid every day.
