Ingredient: fatty acids, what can they do for your skin?

Retinol and hyaluronic acid, these are the ingredients you’ll be reading a lot about lately. They are after all the most well known ingredients to stay young. Of course there are many other beauty ingredients that you’ll read less of, but are equally effective! Every month I’ll tell you about one specific ingredient. This week on our blog: the (essential) fatty acids. SELF is full of fatty acids, every one of which has its benefits. That’s why I’ll put all fatty acids and their benefits in a neat little list for you today.

Why are there fatty acids in skin care?

You may read that skin care or cosmetics contain (essential) fatty acids. But what exactly are they and what’s their use for the skin? Our body consists of billions of cells, for example skin cells and brain cells. These cells require certain fats to function properly. Omega fatty acids, otherwise known as lipids, contribute to the health of those cells. You can divide them into two categories:

• Essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6

• Non essential fatty acids, such as omega 9

The essential fatty acids

Our skin has a protective layer, that protects our skin’s barrier against all kinds of external influences. The layer consists of certain fatty acids the body can’t produce on its own. That’s why they are called essential fatty acids, because they’re extremely important for us but aren’t produced naturally. These acids enter our body through the food we eat, omega 3 can be found in fish or seeds, chia, walnuts or avocado. These fatty acids are crucial to our health, but the amount we get from food alone often isn’t enough. That’s why you’ll find these fatty acids in our skin care as well. This combination is what leads to a healthy skin!

The (essential) fatty acids in SELF

Besides the essential fatty acids, there’s loads of important acids for our health! SELF is 100% natural and contains macadamia, shea butter, aloe vera, coconut and argan oil. These products are stuffed with fatty acids. No, that doesn’t mean our products feel greasy. The formula is rich in good substances and is absorbed quickly to offer optimal nutrition and hydration. All the ingredients are chosen with care for their unique composition. They’re stuffed with vitamins and several fatty acids, allow me to explain. Time to clarify!

Shea butter

The composure

• Vitamin F
• Cinnamic acid
• allantoin acid

The benefits 

Vitamin F is rich in essential fatty acids and contributes to a good hydration of the skin, these fatty acids help against dry and coarse skin while cinnamic acid protects the skin against UV rays. Allantoin speeds up the natural processes of the skin allowing wounds or skin irritation to heal more quickly. 

Argan oil

The composure 

• Feralu-acid
• Essential fatty acids

The benefits 

Feralu-acid is a powerful antioxidant. It protects against solar damage and counteracts free radicals. They also restore the skin and work wonders on scars or wrinkles!

Coconut

The composure 

• Lauric acid
• capric acid

The benefits 

Research has shown that lauric acid and capric acid have an antibacterial and inflammatory effect. When these acids come into contact with the skin, they get converted into monocaprin and monolaurin. They replace the protective layer of skin, without affecting the skins pH value. Due to this antibacterial effect it works great against skin problems such as rosacea, eczema or acne. 

Aloë vera

The composure

• Amino acid

The benefits

Amino acids are naturally present in the skin. They counter aging and contribute to the skin’s hydration. They also fight off free radicals. Several scientific studies have clearly shown the benefits of aloë vera.

Macadamia

The composure 

• Stearic acid
• (60% oleic acid (omega-9),
• 19% palmitoleic acid (omega-7), 1-3% linoleic adic (omega-6) and 1-2% linolenic acid (omega-3))

The benefits 

Stearic acid minimizes the loss of moisture, palmitoleic acid decreases as we get older, macadamia supplements this substance and counters the aging process. Macadamia also contains a high dose of omega acids. 

Omega 3

Omega 3- fatty acids contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These acids regulate the balance of moisture and produce skin fat, causes the cell membranes to stay healthy. If they are healthy this can lead to a soft and flexible skin. It can also protect against solar damage. Omega 3 contains linoleic acid, which fights off solar rashes and has a soothing effect. It also has an anti inflammatory substance, and is effective against skin problems such as rosacea or eczema.

Omega 6

Omega 6 consists of linolenic acid, a shortage of this substance can lead to a dry or flaky skin.

Lactic acid

Last but not least: lactic acid! This acid is prevalent in the skin’s acid protection cloak. It’s a AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), these substances are known for their multiple benefits. Lactic acid cleanses the skin in a mild way, so it’s an ideal cleanser. It also restores and hydrates the skins layers. It’s often used in scrubs as lactic acid stimulates skin cell regeneration.

Questions? Don’t be shy and send me an e-mail at team@nauralself.eu!