While scientists do not fully understand the cause of acne, the role of essential fatty acids in the body, including the skin, is well understood. This understanding has led to some scientists and natural health practitioners to look at the effects and benefits of essential fatty acids for skin conditions such as acne.
Fatty acids, of the essential and non essential kind, are found in our cell membranes. This includes the membranes of the skin. Inflammation, a characteristic of acne, is associated with a deficiency in the essential fatty acid LNA, or alpha linolenic acid.
So, how does eating fat clear acne and heal the body?And by fat, i mean the natural , healthy fats .Healthy fats are butter, ghee, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, fats in wild fish, egg yolks, coconut milk/cream, and fats found in nuts. But how is fat healing for you body? In what way will it help you to heal. How will eating more healthy natural fats help your hormones, skin and clear acne?
The below named fats are know to be super healthy and work wonders on the skin whether applied topically or consumed.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s help slow down the aging process and restore moisture to dry skin, Because they have strong anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3s help heal and reduce inflammation underneath the skin’s surface, which speeds up healing and reduces the severity of acne. Food sources include oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds.
Almonds
Almonds are extremely high in vitamin E. It’s a powerful antioxidant, which means that it protects our skin cells from damage and prevents aging.
Avocado
Avocados are high in vitamin E (a nutrient that stimulates the skin’s collagen production), as well as antioxidants, which help to eliminate toxins from the body. The monounsaturated fat content in avocados can also assist in moisturizing and hydrating the skin, leaving it nourished and renewed.
Olives/Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olives (and extra virgin olive oil) are one of the healthiest fruits around — and one of the best-kept beauty secrets! “Olives are a rich source of vitamins A and E, both of which protect the oils on the surface of your skin from free-radical damage. Olives also help strengthen connective tissues, improving skin tone and protecting against UV radiation. The rich phenol content protects skin against aging. When used topically, olive oil’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties can treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It helps repair cells, protects against damage, and soothes the skin, helping it renew and regenerate. Extra virgin olive oil is naturally rich in squalane, which is a key ingredient in many skincare products. Squalane absorbs easily into the skin, keeping skin moist as well as restoring lost moisture.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has immune-boosting properties and is anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal. It’s especially beneficial to those who suffer from candida or fungal infections, which can lead to acne and skin irritations. So by adding more of this to your diet, you may begin to see your face clear.
Due to its fatty-acid profile, coconut oil is also great for topical use as a moisturizer. It can smooth and clear skin and may help reduce the signs of stretch marks. Because it’s a saturated fat, it can help firm up saggy skin. Saturated fats are required to strengthen cell walls, and plant-based sources are the healthiest.
To improve your complexion and maintain a healthy balanced diet, you should try to replace unhealthy fat sources (saturated fats) found in fried food, margarine, and animal fat with healthy fat sources in moderate amounts.