SKINCARE: What is Vitamin F? Benefits of Vitamin F to Skin:

The glossary of skincare is evolving as rapidly as the social media lingo. We would not mind buying a self-help book to keep up! The newest addition to this glossary is Vitamin F for the skin. 

When we heard of vitamin F making a buzz in the beauty world, we could not help but take notice. Our mothers have sure done a fabulous job teaching us the significance of vitamins for our overall well-being. However, vitamin F was something that caught us unaware.

What is Vitamin F?

Vitamin F is not as new as we thought it to be. It has been there from the 1950s, and the F stands for fat.

Vitamin F refers to a combination of two essential fatty acids, namely linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). While the former is more commonly known as Omega-6, the latter is also called Omega-3 . As the body cannot make these nutrients, they are called essential fatty acids.

These fatty acids are crucial for brain growth, vision, and other bodily functions . They are found in abundance in plant oils like soybean, olive, corn, and flaxseed oils. LA and ALA are also found in nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, and chia seeds.

Let us now understand the benefits of vitamin F for the skin:

1. May Enhance The Skin Barrier Function:

The skin has multiple layers. The function of the outermost layer is to protect the skin from environmental pollutants and pathogens. This layer is also called the skin barrier. Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of the skin and help heal wounds, cuts, and cold sores. Moreover, these fatty acids help improve the skin barrier function and aid its repair.

2. May Restore Skin Moisture:

LA is the main component of ceramides, which are waxy substances in the human sebum . LA helps lubricate and moisturize the skin’s surface. When the skin does not produce enough sebum, it may go dry and get dehydrated.

3. May Help Fight Acne:

Studies have found that fatty acids can reduce acne. As fatty acids are essential for healthy cellular function, they may help restore the damage.

However, you may want to consult a dermatologist before using vitamin F for treating acne. The vitamin may not be effective on oily skin and may instead lead to zits and blemishes.

4. May Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions:

The omega-3s in Vitamin F may help treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity, and ultraviolet radiation. This is one reason fatty acids (like omega-3s) are used extensively in post-corrective treatments such as peels. They allow the skin to recover quickly and help relieve the pain. Some believe fatty acids may also reduce skin sensitivity and the resulting inflammation.

5. May Reduce the Signs of Aging:

LA may help reduce the signs of skin ageing, including wrinkles or fine lines. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

6. May Protect from the Suna's Radiation:

Excess exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns. Animal studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the ill effects of ultraviolet radiation. The fatty acids may also reduce the risk of skin cancer . Vitamin F, being a rich source of these essential fatty acids, could help in this regard.

These are the potential benefits of vitamin F for the skin. So what are you waiting for? Get flawless skin effortlessly!