Omega Fats And Their Affect On Health And Healthy Skins by Marianne Tregoning

It is well accepted that a balance of Omega 3,6, & 9 is vital for maintaining health.

Omega 3

The EPA in Omega 3 is considered important for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level.
The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as many other important health benefits. They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.

Omega 6

Maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health. Together they affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level. Rosehip oil and Sunflower oil contain omegas 3 & 6.

Omega 9

Omega 9 also has many preventative qualities as its main component, Oleic acid, helps to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Macadamia, Sesame and Olive and Apricot oils contains both Omega 6 and Omega 9 in the form of Gamma-linolenic acid and Oleic acid and is in fact, one of the best sources of GLA.

Omega 7

This is not such a well known Omega in the West, but has been used for many years in the East and is now gaining popularity here.

Omega 7 is a unique, 100% natural product made with the berries of sea buckthorn. Sea buckthorn berries contain fatty acids of virtually all the important series, omega-3, -6, -7 and -9 and is exceptionally rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7), rarely found in the plant kingdom. The oil is also rich in natural antioxidants; tocopherois, tocotrienols, carotenoids and plant sterols.Those who may benefit from Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn include: Post menopausal women with associated dryness problems (Omega-7 is the first oral preparation to help relieve the discomfort of vaginal dryness (as opposed to existing topical applications), people with dry skin (eczema and dermatitis), people with dry eyes and mouth conditions (may also benefit contact lens wearers) and people who want to ensure a balanced intake of essential fatty acids. Numerous studies show that Sea Buckthorn oil may help maintain the health and integrity of cell membranes especially in mucous membranes and skin.

OMEGAS USED TOPICALLY IN SKIN CARE

Less well known is the importance of a correct balance of Omegas in skin care. For skin care you need a balance of the Omega 9 Oils (Oleic Acid) and Omega 3 & 6 oils (linoleic acid). Optimal ratios for normal skin of Omega 3.6.9.7 are 1:1:1.5 and 0.5 respectively. As Omega 9 is more protective in dry and mature skin this ratio is changed to 1:2:1:0.5 respectively.

Using natural, cold-pressed and organic oils containing natural lipids and high levels of key fatty acids help to maintain healthy skin condition and combat inflammatory skin disorders. This balance also helps with firmness, elasticity, skin smoothness; reduction in wrinkle depth and UV irritated redness.

But the story does not end here. Whilst these oils are essential for healthy skin, they need a balance of moisture as well. A normal, healthy 20 year olds skin has a balance of 50% water and 50% fat.

Thus, for skin to function in a healthy way, the best skin care requires a balance of oil and water. This is why most skin treatments are creams. Many traditional creams however are 70% to 80% water, which does not supply sufficient nutrition to the skin. Balms which are 100% fats with no water added can be helpful in the short term for oil deficient skin, but in the long term can end up drying the skin due to the lack of moisture.

The optimal balance therefore is, we feel, one that mimics the skin, i.e. 50% fats and oils, 50% water.
If you add to this natural plant extracts, many of which have been used for centuries in skin care you will have a potent mix. The chemical constituents that are naturally in plants (referred to as phytochemicals) have been used since Egyptian times for healing, beauty and magic. Many plants act in synergy with each other, so that when mixed together they have a greater therapeutic effect than when used alone.

Copyright 2007 Marianne Tregoning www.beyondorganicskincare.co.uk for certified organic skin care based on organic oils and sea buckthorn. 100% natural and certified organic skincare, hand made with the greatest care in their workshop in Cornwall creating a synergy of plant extracts, oils and floral waters to nurture your skin.