EPA/DHA modulate eicosanoid metabolism, shifting prostaglandin production from pro-inflammatory PGE2 (omega-6) to anti-inflammatory PGE3; oral supplementation reduces UV-induced immunosuppression and erythema via COX-2 and NF-κB pathway modulation.
Concerns it helps
Concern
Strength
Studies
What the research says
Dryness
Relevant
1
Review of omega-3 vs omega-6 balance in skin: EPA/DHA supplementation reduces PGE2 and LTB4 production, improves barrier function, and may reduce UV-induced erythema; evidence strongest for anti-inflammatory skin…
Redness & sensitivity
Relevant
2
Review of omega-3 vs omega-6 balance in skin: EPA/DHA supplementation reduces PGE2 and LTB4 production, improves barrier function, and may reduce UV-induced erythema; evidence strongest for anti-inflammatory skin…
No known conflicts — Omega-3 Fatty Acids isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
The research
Omega-3 Fatty Acids is a oral supplement backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 3 studies for it, 1 reporting a positive effect.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2020 · systematic review
Review of omega-3 vs omega-6 balance in skin: EPA/DHA supplementation reduces PGE2 and LTB4 production, improves barrier function, and may reduce UV-induced erythema; evidence strongest for anti-inflammatory skin conditions (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis); anti-aging evidence limited to photoprotection endpoints
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition · 2013 · rct · n=79
Double-blind RCT (n=79): 5 g/day n-3 PUFA (70% EPA) for 3 months reduced solar-simulated-radiation-induced immunosuppression of the nickel contact-hypersensitivity response, but the overall difference was not statistically significant (significant only at the 3.8 J/cm2 dose); red-cell EPA rose 4-fold.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 1994 · rct · n=28
Supplementation study (15 volunteers): fish oil 10 g/day (18% EPA, 12% DHA) for 3-6 months more than doubled the UVB minimal erythema dose (sunburn threshold; p<0.01) but increased epidermal lipid peroxidation, suggesting omega-3 acts as an oxidizable buffer.
Products with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In 10 products — most often moisturizers (3), serums (3), supplements (3), from $25.07 to $160.00. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
jane iredale Skin Ultimate (168 capsules) is a antioxidant serum by jane iredale. Key ingredients include Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Olive Oil.