Linoleic acid for your skin
Omega-6 fatty acids have many positive functions, especially for the skin, so they should not be missing from your diet or beauty routine.
The importance of omega-3 fatty acids to the body is generally well known, but there are other unsaturated fatty acids that are just as essential to 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. Like omega-3 fatty acids, the body cannot produce linoleic acid itself. For the production of other omega-6 fatty acids, however, linoleic acid is sufficient, which is of course all the more important. Linoleic acid is not only important as a building block for other substances in the body, it also has important functions for the skin. In particular, 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. Many oils contain more than 50%. According to the German Nutrition Society, 2.5% of daily dietary energy should come from omega-6 fatty acids. Since linoleic acid reduces cholesterol levels, it is essential for nutrition. Linoleic acid is not only effective internally; due to its positive properties, it is also used externally in many cosmetic skin care products.
What are the positive effects of linoleic acid?
Linoleic acid stabilizes the structures of cell membranes and the skin. This is why it also constitutes about 20% of all fatty acids present 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 through 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. In particular, products containing this wonder drug can 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 linoleic acid products. This substance can also be used against blackheads and reduce their size.
Linoleic acid - a real all-rounder
There are many ways to get linoleic acid. On the one hand, you need to make sure you add sufficient amounts to your diet, and on the other hand, with a wide range of products, you can also make it work outside your body and pamper your skin with linoleic acid every day.
