Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Skin Health

However, your body has to convert ALA into other kinds of omega-3 fats in order to process it, so although it's a good source of the nutrient, you'll also want to eat various other omega-3 rich foods like fish and nuts, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute.

And while you may be inclined to use flaxseed oil in everything, know that it's not recommended for cooking, since it has a low smoke point. If you want to include it in your food, you can use it in dips, dressings and other recipes that don't need to be heated.

1. Flaxseed May Smooth Wrinkles

Skin is made of protein and requires protein to restore its health. The omega-3 protein found in flaxseed oil may reduce the appearance of wrinkles by helping to repair skin cells.

2. Flaxseed Oil Can Soothe Dry Skin

The essential fatty acids found in flaxseeds help keep your skin hydrated and smooth in appearance. Flaxseeds increase your body's natural oil production, according to dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, MD. The fatty acids are necessary for keeping your skin soft.

  1. Flaxseed oil acts as a protective barrier, keeping irritants from entering your pores.
  2. Flaxseed oil can help lock water into your skin.
  3. Flaxseed oil can help prevent water loss through the skin, which can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

How Much Oil Should You Use?

Follow the instructions on the label when it comes to flaxseed oil dosage. And remember — if you're taking an oral supplement, the FDA does not require supplements to be proven safe or effective before they are sold, so there’s no guarantee that what you take is safe, contains the ingredients it says it does or produces the effects it claims.

3. Flaxseed Oil May Tame Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis is a condition in which plaques or scales appear on the skin as a result of inflammation in the body, per the National Psoriasis Foundation. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those in flaxseed oil, may help improve the skin barrier function, which can help seal in moisture and keep irritants away.

4. Flaxseed Oil Might Help With Rosacea

There are a number of possible treatments for rosacea, a common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps on your face, per the Mayo Clinic.

While there is no research to suggest that flaxseed oil can reduce rosacea symptoms, there are a number of anecdotal reports that claim, when applied topically, the oil can help reduce the appearance of the skin condition.

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