In the last 100 years, there has been a significant decrease in the dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids. There has also been a significant increase in the incidence of cystic acne and other inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Could the two be related? If so, what is this fat and why is it a potentially critical tool in cystic acne treatment?
Just as the name implies, omega-3 is indeed essential, not only for general well-being but also for cystic acne treatment. These fatty acids are important because of their well-known anti-inflammatory properties. Considering that acne is a condition of inflammation of the skin, it is wise to promote opportunities for the body to cool down the inflammation that is often caused by poor diet and stressful lifestyle.
At the same time that our diet has so drastically decreased in omega-3, it has significantly increased in the intake of omega-6 linoleic acid. Omega-6 is primarily found in vegetable oils, such as corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean. A few generations ago, these oils were available but utilized infrequently, as animals fats were favored for their superior taste and greater availability. Today, the typical diet contains more processed food than ever and almost all processed foods contain some amount of these vegetable oils.
Although they share similar names, omega-6 and omega-3 should not be confused. While omega-3 fats cool down the body’s inflammation, too much omega-6 is known to actually promote inflammation. While the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is 2:1, the current North American intake is typically around 20:1. Reviewing these numbers, it is clear why so many now believe that the drastic increase in cystic acne is related to drastic shift in omega-3 and omega-6 intake.
Unlike other acne treatments, omega-3 fats are readily available in supplement form and can be found in gel capsules at most health food stores and pharmacies. Some argue, however, that the body assimilates these fats more easily when they are delivered through natural food sources. Luckily, they can be found in many foods easily obtained in any grocery store. Hands down, the best sources for this fat are fish, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. These oily ocean fish have the most potent content of omega-3 you can find. For those not thrilled with fish, canola oil, walnuts, dark leafy greens, blueberries and flaxseeds are also critical sources of the anti-inflammatory omega-3. Increasing the daily intake of these items will go far in calming the skin and keeping it acne-free.
