Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are scientifically validated to support skin health, especially in cases of dry or flaky skin. These essential fatty acids are integral components of cell membranes, including those in the skin, where they help maintain the barrier function and retain moisture. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with omega-3s can improve skin hydration, reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and decrease skin roughness and scaling. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Dermatology (2008) demonstrated that daily intake of fish oil supplements improved skin hydration and reduced itching and scaling in participants with dry skin conditions. Moreover, omega-3s possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms in inflammatory skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, which can present with dry, flaky skin. The evidence base consists of both human clinical trials and animal studies, though many studies are relatively small and sometimes focus on associated conditions rather than dry skin alone. Nevertheless, the physiological rationale is strong, as omega-3s help regulate inflammatory processes and contribute to the lipid matrix of the skin. While more large-scale studies would further strengthen the evidence, current research supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a beneficial adjunct for improving skin hydration and reducing dryness.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Skin (dry and/or flaky)

Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness