Although not yet many studies of flaxseed oil and acne have been performed, flaxseed supplements have always been a popular treatment for acne, both for natural and acne therapists.
Flax seeds are traditionally used as a natural laxative, providing bulk in the stool as well as lubrication. But flaxseed oil has many other benefits, rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids. Essential oils are so named because we have to get them from our diet - our bodies do not. They are essential for normal growth and development, brain function, and help prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
One of the main benefits of using flaxseed oil for acne seems to be its content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential oils for health. Other research studies have produced evidence that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which is a factor in some types of acne. For example, a common type of acne lesion called pa pule is characterized by redness and swelling. Pustules, red spots under the skin; nodules, firm, painful lumps; and cysts, which are large lumps filled with pus, are also examples of acne. Taking flaxseed oil for acne may mean less inflammation, and there may be less acne. There is no set dose that is established as effective for acne, but some people report that taking a few pills or two tablespoons (29.57 milliliters) a day is effective. A person may need to try it for a few weeks to see if it will work. Additionally, some people report that using flaxseed oil for acne causes scarring rather than improvement. In such a case, a person can usually stop using it and expect his skin to return to normal within a few weeks.
Essential acids come in several forms, the well-known omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 fats are very common in our Western diet, found in oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame, and other fats. You may have a deficiency of omega 6 fatty acids if you rely solely on omega 3 fats, such as fats and fish oils, as the main type of fat in the diet. Or if you take omega 3 fatty acids in large quantities for one and a half seasons, up to two years, to reverse omega 3 deficiencies.
Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiencies include dry skin, sticky platelets, and inflammation of the tissues. Given that inflammation is a major concern for acne sufferers, it is easy to see why an increase in the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet remains a common treatment for natural acne.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in certain types of fish such as salmon and mackerel, and flaxseed oil. And along with reducing inflammation, omega 3 accelerates healing - again, is important for acne sufferers - and reduces platelet aggregation. Platelet adhesion becomes more important than cardiovascular health when you consider that blood cells carry oxygen to the cells, including cells in our skin, and the cells involved in treatment.
There are 3 types of omega 3 essential fatty acids. These are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA or LNA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA (or LNA, as it is commonly abbreviated) is converted to EPA and DHA by the body. EPA and DHA are forms in which omega 3s are easily absorbed by the body. ALA supplementation has been found to reduce inflammation and improve dry skin.
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of ALA, which contains an average of 55% or more. But to make the changes into EPA and DHA, the body needs good levels of zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6.
The recommended dose of ALA is approximately 2,220 mg per day. High doses are recommended to treat deficiency, or certain conditions. There is no real and common recommendation for acne sufferers, simply because there are not enough studies done for acne sufferers. But doses of 3000 to 6000 mg per day are used to prevent and treat other chronic conditions.
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