Fatty acids are beneficial fats, that are indispensable to the organism for the critical role they play in building, maintaining and repairing the elasticity and barrier properties of our cell’s membranes, skin and hair included. They help in the development and functions of our brain and nervous system, participate in the production of hormones, help regulate our blood pressure and liver functions.
Fatty acids increase blood flow to the organism and help reduce blood clots. They are key in the transport and good processing (break down) of cholesterol.
Finally, fatty acids are necessary to provide us with a robust immune system capable of reacting, to the different attacks our organisms must fight daily, and with a balanced response to inflammations.
Essential fatty acids, EFAs in short, OMEGA-3 FA (alpha linolenic acid) and OMEGA-6 FA(Linolenic acid) are the 2 polyunsaturated fatty acid, absolutely essential to the biological processes and good maintenance of our health, hence their name.
Yet, our organism cannot produce or synthetize them on its own, and our essential fatty acids must come from our daily diet. Some of the food source of omega-3 and omega-6 are fish, shellfish, dark green vegetables (rich in chlorophyll= rich in OMEGA-3), seeds, nuts and their vegetable oils such as safflower, sunflower, soybean, grape seed, olive, sunflower seeds and almond oils
For the outer barrier that constitute our skin, EFAs are supplemented from the carrier oils and their co-products, macerated oils, and vegetable butters.
OMEGA-3 o (αLINOLEIC ACID) and OMEGA -6 (LINOLEIC ACID), improve skin elasticity, fight dehydration and various skins imperfections. They help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions
Oils that contain a good balance of those 2 EFAs are excellent to keep our body external and internal organs running smoothly.
OMEGA-9 (OLEIC ACID), and OMEGA-7 ( PALMITOLEIC ACID) are monosaturated fatty acid, non-essential (our body can synthetize them ) but beneficial, also greatly contribute to keep our skin cells healthy ,smooth , nourished, hydrated, and protected.
Some other important fatty acids found in carrier oils and their properties
- Lauric Acid: antibacterial and anti-acne properties. Found in coconut oil.
- Myristic Acid: cleansing and lubricating properties. Found in coconut oil.
- Palmitic Acid: soothing, hydrating, anti-aging, and barrier-protective properties. High in baobab, macadamia, rice bran and neem oils.
- Palmitoleic Acid (omega-7 fatty acid): anti-aging, healing, and rejuvenating properties. Found in Macadamia oil.
- Stearic Acid: rich and hydrating properties but tends to clog pores in Acne Prone skins. Found in cocoa, coconut, mango, and shea butter as well as neem and tamanu oil.
- Ricinoleic Acid (omega -9 fatty acid): antibacterial and cleansing properties. Found only in castor oil.
- Punicic Acid: repairing, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Found only in pomegranate oil.
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega-3 essential fatty acid): helps support the skin barrier health. Found in, flaxseed and soybean oil.
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (an omega -6 essential fatty acid): that soothes inflammation and promotes ceramide synthesis. High in jojoba oil.