Although there have never been many studies of flaxseed oil and acne, flaxseed supplements have always been a popular treatment for acne, for both natural and acupuncture therapists.
Flax seeds are traditionally used as a natural laxative, providing bulk in the stool and 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 build them up. They are essential for normal growth and development, brain function, and help prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Essential acids come in a number of forms, most commonly known as 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 tissue inflammation. Given that inflammation is a major concern for acne sufferers, it is easy to see why the increase in the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet remains a popular natural treatment for 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 ALA diet 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.
Acne mainly affects people in their teens. It is usually the result of an overdose of fat from the glands. The most common acne scars on the face and body are comedones, pa pules, pustules and pimples.
In addition to the physical scars that leave acne on your skin, it can also have an emotional impact, affecting the self-esteem and confidence of teens. For some, the bosses may be so bad that they avoid contact with the people, leading to social insecurity and sometimes even depression.
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