There are only a few supplements that can be found in the market that can provide as many benefits as fish oil does. The health benefits of fish oil include ability to help you reduce weight and get rid of unwanted fats in your waist, it can support eye health and help protect vision as you age as well as improve health pregnancy. It is also even reported to be good for heart health.
But when we talk about acne, the results are often confusing! There are people claiming that this supplement has been an answered prayer to their acne problems, however, there are some people claiming that fish oil has worsened their acne.
So if this is going to be your first time to take fish oil, I know these testimonials can be very puzzling. Does fish oil cause acne or will it be the answer to your acne problems? Well, let’s find out below!
Some Facts About Fish Oil And Acne?
To begin with, fish oil comes from fatty fish like salmon, tuna as well as cod. You can purchase a supplement in capsule form, though there are some who prefer the liquid form.
According to some research, fish oil is composed of Omega-3s which have been commonly referred to as fatty acids. This ingredient can help fight almost 40 health problems – this includes acne!
Now, Is It True That Fish Oil Can Help You Fight The Nasty Acne Breakout?
Fish oil supplement does not have the ability to fight off bacteria that can cause acne in your face or other parts of your body. It can’t even help you get rid of those annoying dark acne spots your face is flaunting up to now. What it does is that it helps you pacify any problems you have with your hormones, like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or commonly known as PCOS. This condition can get your hormones out of control.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study which shows that as you increase your intake of fish oil or omega 3 fatty acid, you will also be lowering down your androgen hormones. This also means you will be able to reduce your acne. This is because too much androgen, as well as testosterone, can trigger extreme production of sebum. So as you reduce your androgen level, there will be now lesser chances of your pores being clogged and your acne breaking out.
Furthermore, fish oil has always been everyone’s favorite due to its property that is anti-inflammatory. But the effects can only be identified by your body’s ratio of omega 3 and omega 6.
So Why There’s A Need To Balance Your Omega 3 And Omega 6?
Imagine these two fatty acids as differing poles! Since Omega 3 contains properties that are anti-inflammatory, Omega 6, in contrast, has properties that cause an inflammatory response in your body.
Once you have an overabundance of Omega 6, this means your Omega 3 levels are lower than they should. Hence, you might develop acne. Can you see how these two compounds compete inside your body?
But Then Again The Question Is, Does Fish Oil Cause Acne?
I’m sure you have already heard the saying, “Too much of something is bad enough!” Well, in this case, that is exactly what we are about to deal with.
While our body requires Omega-3s and increasing your intake of this will help you lower your inflammation, too much of fatty acids is still not good. This is because both Omega 3 and Omega 6 belongs to polyunsaturated fats which are so much more responsive than you could ever imagine.
When these compounds get oxidized, for instance, they can quickly disrupt and can result free radical damage in our cells and will even cause successive oxidation of your body’s other polyunsaturated fats. This will lead to oxidative stress and so many acne patients are suffering from this condition.
Should You Take Fish Oil Supplement?
If you are currently suffering from acne or you have been diagnosed with PCOS as well as similar hormonal imbalances, I recommend that you supplement with fish oil; its ingredients have been proven to improve moderate acne condition to severe one.
However, if you think your body will be in danger of experiencing oxidative stress, you will need to reduce the inflammatory fatty acids in your body.
This can be done by minimizing your Omega 6 intake. You need to avoid other oil as well as certain foods that is rich in Omega 6 such as Walnut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, salad dressings and processed foods.
It is also important that you select the right fish oil supplements. Here are some tips on how to do this:
1. Check out the labels. I highly suggest that you choose ones that have qualified the standards of independent laboratories. Products that comes with certifications as well as accreditation logos are also a great choice.
2. Check the amount of Omega-3 fatty acid in every serving. There is actually no exact amount on how much Omega-3 fatty acid our body requires daily, however experts recommend that you consume about 200 to 500 mg of it every day.
3. Be careful with the additional ingredients. If possible, only opt for pure fish oil supplements. Avoid products that has additives such as soy and nuts.
Final Thought
So, does fish oil cause acne? The answer will be both yes and no! It will depend on some people and if it will be taken the wrong way. But as long as you consume the right amount and the right quality, fish oil is going to be your skin’s great companion.
We all know acne is absolutely an unpleasant and a painful experience. Do you have any ways to fight off nasty acne?