Oh Me, Oh My, Omega

It’s widely recognised that Omega 3 and 6 (also known as Essential Fatty Acids) are important when it comes to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

Not only are they are good for body and bones, they are literally essential for our skin and we can get these essential fatty acids by eating oily fish like mackerel, sardines, tuna and salmon. 

But as well as eating them, we should also look out for natural and organic skin care products that contain these Essential Fatty Acids - helping to keep our skin looking and feeling great.
Oils high in Omega 3 and 6 are often used in organic skin care products as emollients – things that soften and soothe the skin, and help reduce dryness and scaly skin.  They can also help improve circulation, decrease the size of pores, help treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as help to treat acne.  In essence, like their name, they are “essentials” to look out for in natural and organic skincare products.

Examples of natural and organic vegetable oils high in Essential Fatty Acids are Sunflower, Thistle, Evening Primrose, Borage, Rosehip, Kiwi and Chia Seed. These oils tend to be thin and dry so they are quickly absorbed by the skin and can therefore be used in natural organic skincare products for oily and combination skins – (but they are also equally good for dry, mature and normal skin types).  

Organic Rosehip Oil is one of the best vegetable oil sources of Omega 3 but also contains high levels of Omega 6 – so is excellent for regenerating our skin.  It’s an excellent and versatile oil – can be used by all skin types and can help treat a number of skin conditions from sun burnt skin through to skin that’s dull and damaged.  I use it in almost all my skincare products and it plays a staring role in Balanced and Beautiful and Repair and Renew – my two natural face oils. 

Organic Argan Oil is rich in Omega 6 and helps to keep our skin soft, supple and elastic.  It has good regeneration properties and brilliant for treating damaged skin which is why you’ll find it in Rest and Regenerate night balm and Repair and Renew face oils, amongst other products.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is another fatty acid that’s found in high levels in Evening Primrose and Borage Oils.  GLA has been shown to help treat a number of skin disorders and skin conditions.  Evening Primrose Oil penetrates into the skin and helps make it softer and smoother.  It also helps our skin retain moisture so helps stop it from drying out.  You’ll find it in Rest and Regenerate night balm, Repair and Renew face oil and Balancing Act anti-ageing moisturiser.

These are just a few of the oils high in Omega 3 and 6 that I use in my natural and organic skin care range.  You can find more information and products at www.angelangford.com