It’s no secret that for skin to thrive, it needs an abundance of nutrients. From Vitamins to minerals to healthy fats and protein, the skin depends on a balance of super nourishment from the inside out.  With the increase of processed foods and unhealthy lifestyles, it’s no wonder that people lack the necessary nutrients to ensure healthy skin. In fact, did you know that in the Western world, we are most commonly deficient in Essential Fatty Acids? As EFAs are a vital component of cellular health, this is a huge problem.  

This blog delves into the fascinating world of Essential Fatty Acids and discovers how GERnetic skincare has understood their importance for decades.

What are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential Fatty Acids are fatty acids that the human body cannot make on its own. We can only get them into our system through our food. Think Omega-6 and Omega-3, which play an important role in brain and nervous system health, hormone production, heart health and skin integrity. As you can see, EFAs truly are ESSENTIAL!

We should all be including sources of Essential Fatty Acids in our diets. So, what foods are rich in EFAs?

• Omega-3 (derived from Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA)
  Found in oily fish, nuts, avocado, flaxseed, walnut and chia oils, plus certain types of algae.
• Omega-6 (derived from Linoleic Acid)
  Found in many plant oils, nuts, seeds and quality protein.

While it is vital to consume EFAs orally, research has shown that they can make a significant impact on skin health when applied to the skin.  

Essential Fatty Acids For Skin

As beauty professionals, you understand just how complex and fascinating the skin is. With the rise in inflammatory skin conditions, taking care of the skin barrier is crucial.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is a specialised layer that protects the body from the harsh aspects of our environment; UV, pollution, toxic chemicals, and infection, to name a few. 

The lipid matrix holds this outermost layer of skin cells, composed of ceramides, cholesterols, and fatty acids. The skin barrier is often described as the ‘bricks and mortar’, which acts as a security guard for your skin, preventing potential problems from passing through. 

If this barrier is weakened or damaged, irritants can penetrate, and skin becomes sensitive which leads to a whole host of skin issues. Many of the dermatological issues you see in your clinics, such as dryness, acne and chronic inflammation, will link back to the skin barrier. 

One of the most critical functions of the skin barrier is to protect it from trans-epidermal water loss.   As this term suggests, it locks in moisture to keep skin soft, supple and firm. When the skin barrier is damaged, the quick loss of water leaves the skin feeling tight and dehydrated. As a result, clients may suddenly experience irritation from products they have been using for a long time and their skin becomes red and inflamed.

This is where Essential Fatty acids can make a huge difference. Healthy cell membranes require EFAs – without them, skin cannot function optimally. These polyunsaturated fats also help boost the skin’s natural oil barrier, which is vital in keeping the skin hydrated, plumper and younger-looking. If the body is deficient in this essential nutrient, the skin will become dry, flaky, itchy, and inflamed because of lack of water retention.

Topical EFAs: The Benefits

EFAs are one of the top skin-loving ingredients. They promote smooth, even, younger-looking skin, and with exceptional plant-derived EFAs, they are easily incorporated into skincare. For optimal results, your clients should be including EFAs in their diet and applying them topically. Here are some of the incredible ways EFAs can benefit the skin:

• Strengthen and smooth the surface layers of the skin
• Boost hydration and promote water retention
• Calm signs of oxidative stress, including redness and sensitivity
• Eliminate signs of flaky, dehydrated-looking skin
• Deliver antioxidants to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

GERnetic Skincare and EFAs

GErnetic is no stranger to understanding and promoting the benefits of EFAs on skin health. Created over 60 years ago by French Cellular Biologist Dr Albert Laporte, GERnetic began life to assist in the healing of severe burns. Through ongoing research, Dr Laporte went on to create an innovative, powerful range of skincare products for the masses.  He spent 50 years researching how skincare products can be most effectively absorbed into the body.  Dr Laporte understood that the skin can rebuild itself when precisely dosed nutritional elements are delivered to it. GERnetic is a superfood for the skin, and the results speak for themselves.

Many of GERnetic’s products use powerful, plant-derived EFA ingredients to support cellular health, tackle ageing signs, and deeply nourish the skin.

Some of the Essential Fatty Acids used in GERnetic products include:

• Calendula oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Argan oil
• Lithotamnium, from coral red seaweeds

With the power to reduce inflammation, soothe, fight cell damage and prevent the early signs of ageing, EFAs are a must-have in any skin care regime.

This unique ingredient is a synergy of the health and beauty worlds, providing essential nutrition to the body while also bringing radiance to the skin.

Taking care of the body internally and externally is the key to radiant, younger-looking skin. Here at
Vital Plus, we believe this holistic way of treating the skin is the true solution to long-term skin health.

We love sharing our passion for healthy skin with our therapists and seeing their successes. That’s what inspires us every single day.  Supporting you in running a successful beauty business is our purpose.
Call us for more information: 1300 437 638

FAQs:

Q: What are essential fatty acids?

A: Essential fatty acids are a type of dietary fat that our bodies require for optimal health but cannot produce on their own. These fatty acids are crucial for various bodily functions and must be obtained through our diet.

Q: Why are essential fatty acids important?

A: Essential fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. They are necessary for the proper functioning of our brain, heart, and immune system. Additionally, they support healthy cell function, promote hormone production, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Q: What are the main types of essential fatty acids?

A: The two main types of essential fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

Q: What food sources contain essential fatty acids?

A: Essential fatty acids can be found in various food sources. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as in walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Omega-6 fatty acids are present in vegetable oils such as soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil.

Q: What are the health benefits of essential fatty acids?

A: Consuming adequate amounts of essential fatty acids offers numerous health benefits. They help reduce inflammation, support heart health by lowering the risk of heart disease, and promote brain health, aiding in cognitive function and memory. Essential fatty acids also contribute to healthy skin, hair, and nails and may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

It’s important to note that while essential fatty acids are crucial for our health, moderation is key. Balancing the intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is necessary to maintain a healthy ratio between the two and promote overall well-being.