Beauty from the inside out…

Most beauty regimens focus on the outside of our bodies. Supplementation with essential fatty acids is a beauty treatment that works from the inside out.

Essential fatty acid deficiency leads to an imbalance in the levels of hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids. Eicosanoid imbalance may lead to skin problems such as itching, eczema and reddish or dry patches of skin, particularly on the face, arms, legs and buttocks. EFA deficiency may also lead to discoloration of the hair, and cracked, broken nails.

Essential fatty acids have numerous benefits for skin and beauty…

Moisturize dry skin: Dry skin is often a sign that you are not getting enough good fats. Skin cells incorporate EFAs into their membranes, helping to maintain cell structure and function. Healthy cell membranes prevent moisture loss from the skin, help nutrients enter the cell, and prevent toxins from penetrating the cell. Healthy cells are the foundation for beautiful skin.

Help banish dandruff: The itching and scalp inflammation associated with dandruff may be helped by EFAs. More importantly, EFAs may go directly to the cause of dandruff - they may slow down the rate at which old scalp cells fall away and are replaced by new ones, thus controlling the flaking that characterizes dandruff.

Soothe the sting of sunburn: Supplementation with GLA releases local hormones that help reduce the redness, swelling and pain that is caused by ultraviolet injury. In a Scandinavian arthritis study, 20 patients who received GLA supplementation were also able to significantly reduce ultraviolet light damage to their skin. In case of sunburn, take up to 8 capsules (1,000 mg) of borage oil a day in two doses until symptoms subside. In addition apply borage oil directly to the affected skin two or three times a day. As a preventive measure against sunburn, take 1-2 capsules (1,000 mg) of borage oil daily or 2-4 capsules of evening primrose oil.

Ditch the itch of eczema: Studies published in the Journal of International Medical Research and the British Journal of Dematology report that GLA found in borage and evening primrose oils can help dramatically reduce the itchy, ugly, symptoms of eczema. GLA supplementation can reduce blistering, oozing, and redness - and get rid of the nasty itch. As well, borage oil can be applied directly to the surface of the irritated skin for a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect.

Help promote weight loss: Fat-phobia may be robbing the body of the good fats we need for health and beauty. A balanced diet low in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids and rich in essential fatty acids can be the key to stopping the roller-coaster ride of carbohydrate cravings, leading to healthy weight loss. Nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman discusses this concept in her best-selling book, Eat Fat Lose Weight.

Daily supplementation with a balanced mix of essential fatty acid oils can go a long way towards achieving beauty from the inside out.