These necessary fats are found in foods like fish and nuts and are healthy for your health and skin! We’re referring to omega fatty acids, which are uncommon substances that blur the boundaries between the health and beauty industries and have extraordinary positive effects on skin health.
You could associate omega 3 with taking a fish oil supplement or with the ubiquitous ingredient alpha-linoleic acid in creams and moisturizers. Oleic acid and linoleic acid, on the other hand, are superlative for firming and smoothing the skin.
Continue reading as we go through the advantages and applications of these two typical ingredients found in skin care products. Additionally, we’ll explain how to choose the best one for your skin type.
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Oleic Vs. Linoleic Acids: Which One Fits Your Skin Type?
You might have come across oleic and linoleic acid when looking for the best skin care products and ingredients. These names might sound a little frightening, but they’re not.
You’ve probably heard of omega 6 (also known as oleic acid) and omega 9 (also known as linoleic acid). They are essential components that makeup skin cells. They fortify the skin’s outer layers for a complexion that is smoother, healthier, and younger-looking.
Your ability to choose amongst the fatty acids will depend on your skin type. Linoleic acid-rich oils are thinner, but oleic acid-rich oils are thicker and provide deeper hydration.
Skin readily absorbs linoleic acid. It’s a better choice for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Oleic acid, on the other hand, feels richer and thicker. That helps people whose skin is aged, dry, and dehydrated.
Additionally, linoleic acid is lighter than oleic acid, making it easier for the skin to absorb. Linoleic acid can help with acne since people with acneic skin typically have lower quantities of linoleic than oleic acid in their sebum. As a result, oils with increased linoleic acid content are advantageous for managing acne.
Common Sources of Oleic Acid
It’s okay if consuming vitamins isn’t your thing. Actually, getting enough of this good fat through your diet is more crucial. Let’s go over some of the top foods that contain oleic acid.
If you’ve ever heard of the Mediterranean diet, you know that a big part of its effectiveness in keeping people healthy is due to the beneficial fats in olive oil. Oleic acid turns out to be the most prevalent component in olive oil, earning the fatty acid an A+ for both skin and health.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that can be found in both vegetable and animal sources as well as many beneficial high-fat diets. Avocados, almonds, and macadamia nuts, as well as marula, canola, and sesame oils, are good sources of oleic acid for your diet.
How to Incorporate Linoleic or Oleic Acid into Your Skincare Regimen
You can either look for a product that directly includes fatty acids or look for items that have omega-rich plant-based oils.
Safflower (omega-6), sunflower (omega-6 and 9), rosehip (omega-6 and 3), and blackcurrant seed oil (omega-6) are a few of the most popular. These oils can be applied in addition to moisturizer or in instead of it for added moisture.
Even just looking at this breakdown gives a decent idea of the advantages it can provide to the skin. Although it’s not the only factor to consider, the fatty acid concentration is a fantastic place to start.
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