To Your Health
July, 2024 (Vol. 18, Issue 07) |
|
|
Omega-3s for Acne
By Editorial Staff
Whether you're a teenager or a senior, no one enjoys acne. Generally, you're left with only a few options: ride it out until the blemish is gone, or treat it with over-the-counter or prescription medicine. What if a natural supplement could be part of the solution? Omega-3s to the rescue!
In a new study, patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris (the medical term for common acne) received individual counseling at four visits over 16 weeks (baseline, week six, week 12 and week 16) that included a) encouraging them to follow a plant-based Mediterranean diet and reduce their intake of processed foods, dairy products and meat; and b) supplement daily with omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA): 600 mg DHA / 300 mg EPA from visit one to visit two, and 800 mg DHA / 400 mg EPA from visit two to visit four.
"Acne severity improved significantly over the course of the study, with a reduction in the absolute number of noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions between V1 and V4 according to dermatologic objective assessment." Interestingly, many patients had deficits in DHA and EPA at the start of the study; after supplementing with omega-3s, "improvements in clinical appearance and quality of life were observed." Findings appear in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
If you suffer from acne severe enough to merit medication, talk to your doctor about these study findings and ask for advice on how dietary changes – including omega-3 supplementation – can help improve your acne naturally.
