We could not help but take note when we heard that vitamin F was causing a stir in the beauty world. Our parents (and the internet) have done an excellent job of instilling in us the importance of vitamins for our general health. Vitamin F, on the other hand, was a surprise to us. We decided to learn more about vitamin F before jumping on board, and here’s what we discovered. Keep reading to know more!
What Is Vitamin F?
Vitamin F is not as new as we thought it to be. It has been there since 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 (1). 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 (1). 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.
Why Does Your Skin Need Vitamin F?
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).
2. May Restore Skin Moisture
LA is the main component of ceramides, which are waxy substances in the human sebum (3). LA helps lubricate and moisturize the skin’s surface. When the skin does not produce enough sebum, it may become dry and get dehydrated.
3. May Help Fight Acne
Studies have found that fatty acids can reduce acne (4). 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 (5). 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 aging, including wrinkles or fine lines. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
6. May Protect From The Sun’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 (6). Vitamin F, being a rich source of these essential fatty acids, could help in this regard.
7. May Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
The essential fatty acids in vitamin F, such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (7). Linoleic acid contributes to prostaglandin production, modulating immune responses and reducing joint inflammation (8). Meanwhile, alpha-linolenic acid is a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids, which are widely known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Including sources of vitamin F such as flaxseed oil or chia seeds in your diet may contribute to a more balanced inflammatory response in your body, potentially providing relief from RA discomfort.
8. May Improve Mental Health
Vitamin F plays an important role in brain function. Its components, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, contribute to the synthesis of neurotransmitters, influencing mood regulation. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from alpha-linolenic acid are linked to cognitive function and may help improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety (9). These are the potential benefits of vitamin F for the skin. In the following section, we will see how to use it correctly.
How To Use Vitamin F For Skin?
Although vitamin F is mostly advocated for use on dry or aging skin, it is effective on almost all skin types. As it is an essential component of the skin in the form of fatty acids, you may use it twice a day to experience the maximum benefit (10). You can select a number of oils, creams, and serums containing vitamin F. You may also use pure oils containing only omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. We suggest you start slow. Use it once a day to see how your skin responds to it. You can adjust the frequency accordingly. However, if you want to know about other top vitamins for glowing skin, the list is long. If you are planning to combine vitamin F with other vitamins, then it is crucial to take a guided step to avoid any repercussions on the skin. But does vitamin F cause any serious side effects? It is important to be aware before you make a purchase.
Side Effects Of Using Vitamin F
Vitamin F does not have any proven side effects. However, it is strongly advised to do a patch test before adding this product to your daily skincare routine. If there is no reaction, you can use vitamin F in the mornings and evenings or as directed. If the product contains other active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, you may want to be more cautious. For instance, retinol is best suitable for use at bedtime and should not be used daily. You may check with your dermatologist for more information in this regard. Is vitamin F an antioxidant? Vitamin F is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants that help hydrate and replenish your skin, restoring the skin’s natural barrier (12). Is vitamin F good for hyperpigmentation? Vitamin F helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and prevents signs of sun damage like spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Watch this insightful video to learn about the skin benefits of vitamin F. Discover its role in skin care, its effectiveness, and how it helps with wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
