It’s insane that we’ve just woken up to the benefits of using vitamin F. We know, we know, it’s been around for ages, but you haven’t really heard of this underrated “F” word. Vitamin F can be considered as the vitamin ‘fat’ our body thirsts for. And, you know how important fats are to our skin. Basically, it’s an amalgamation of two essential fatty acids, namely, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Here we are going to decode ‘linoleic acid.’ The acid that’s often overlooked in skincare. Don’t freak out, this will change your mindset about this essential fatty acid because it’s already present in your current stash. It’s especially common in rosehip, argan, chia, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, olives, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and so on. Make it a part of your daily routine and watch your lipids improve. It evolves into ceramide, a protective molecule that assists cells to retain moisture, structure, and flexibility when applied to the skin. Here’s your download on why we really love this hero ingredient.
What Is Linoleic Acid?
Linoleic acid, a.k.a. vitamin F, is indeed an important fatty acid present in healthy skin. This fatty acid serves as an essential building block for each skin cell’s structure. It is a part of the omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acid family, and it’s not to be confused with linolenic acid, which is an omega 3 essential fatty acid.
It is vital for the healthy and effective functioning of your skin cells because your body cannot make it on its own. As a result, plant oils high in essential fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil, sunflower seed oil, or rosehip oil, should be used to augment your skincare routine.
Benefits Of Linoleic Acid For Skin
Lock In Hydration
Protecting the skin barrier helps to keep moisture in and prevents skin dryness, which is why topical linoleic acid can aid in hydration. Linoleic acid, in particular, is hydrating because it reduces transepidermal water loss, or the loss of water from our skin. In other words, a good skin barrier helps to retain moisture locked beneath your skin’s surface, preventing your skin from drying out.
Shun Acne
Low levels of linoleic acid are commonly related to acneic skin, and adding the element to your regimen topically can help clear things up. This fatty acid is beneficial for acne treatment because it is an anti-inflammatory agent. It keeps sebum moist and prevents it from drying, making comedones (clogged pores) less likely to form. In general, this sebum-softening process can aid in the maintenance of clear pores.
Calm Your Skin Down
Linoleic acid is not like other acids used in skincare. It’s non-irritant, fragrance-free, and a skin native ingredient, which means it’s an important supplement to form skin’s natural structure. It provides vital nutrients to maintain skin barrier function and protect you from external stressors, helping to soothe and reduce irritation in sensitive and dry skin types (including skin diseases like atopic dermatitis). Some studies have also discovered that linoleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect, which could have a role in wound healing and reducing hyperpigmentation,
Brighten Up
Linoleic acid promotes cellular turnover, which introduces new, healthy cells to the surface of the skin to replace old, dull ones. It improves skin brightness and softens texture while keeping skin softer and smoother than before.
Here Are Our Hero Ingredients Loaded With Linoleic Acid
Rosehip Oil
We can’t tell you how many hours we’ve spent zooming in on every celebrity’s photograph in the hopes of spotting one tiny wrinkle, fine line, or blemish on their face. But it no longer bothers us now because we’ve discovered their secret potion: rosehip oil. Rosehip oil, in particular, inhibits premature ageing while also regenerating dead skin cells.
Chia Seeds
The only time we used chia seeds was when we were hungry. We never imagined it would make it to the top of our skincare’s ingredient list. Ever! However, this high-fiber, anti-oxidant, protein-rich seed is packed with linoleic acid.
Flaxseed & Olive Oil
This combination outperforms the rest since it contains not one, but two vitamin F-rich substances.
Sunflower Seeds
This is the oil that could give coconut oil a run for its money. This all-in-one oil is a perfect option on days when you want to switch up your skincare routine (which you should do on a frequent basis). It’s hydrating, nourishing, and relaxing, and it absorbs quickly to leave you feeling silky smooth. You’ll thank us later if you give it a shot.
Now that you’re updated on the benefits of linoleic acid in skincare, what are you waiting for? Use this glow potion today.
Featured Image: Instagram
