The Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Wrinkles, Acne and Softer Skin

Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is a great source of omega 3,6 and 9-fatty acids, which are essential to good health. Studies show that flaxseed oil can improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, control diabetes and even help to fight cancer. But, few know of the benefits flaxseed oil has on skincare. It can heal, soften and nourish the skin. Some are calling flaxseed oil a "beauty oil" because it can reduce the signs of aging, reverse sun damage and control acne.

Acne is caused by too much oil being produced by our sebaceous glands within the skin. The foods we eat, hormonal fluctuations, heredity and stress can cause oily skin that leads to acne. Our skin needs oil to be nourished, softened and protected. Our skin is the first line of defense in protecting the body from external threats like dirt and bacteria. But too much oil blocks our pores, trapping dirt and bacteria under the skin, causing pimples and breakouts.

Many who suffer from acne breakouts, including myself, are skeptical about adding any type of oil to their skin. But, I've found flaxseed oil to work better than most acne medications in three ways. The omega 3 in flaxseed oil helps to balance the oils within the skin. This eliminates excess oil. Flaxseed oil is able to reach the second layer of skin. This helps to unclog the pores, releasing dirt and bacteria that may be trapped under the skin. Flaxseed oil moisturizes the skin, while acne medications I've used throughout the years always dry the skin. Skin that is too dry cracks and breaks, leaving it more susceptible to dirt and bacteria. Flaxseed oil fights acne and improves the look of the skin.

There are many causes of facial wrinkles such as: aging, facial expressions, smoking, diet, air pollution and sun exposure. The greatest causes of facial wrinkles for most are aging and sun exposure. As we age our skin becomes thinner, loses moisture, produces less collagen and fat cells within the skin begin to shrink. Exposure to the UV rays of the sun leads to pre-mature aging. Both aging and sun exposure lead to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Flaxseed oil helps to nourish the fat layer of our skin that shrinks as we age. Specifically, the omega 3 and 6 support this layer. Rejuvenation of the skin's fat layer helps to mask wrinkles and adds back elasticity to the skin, creating a more youthful look. Flaxseed oil adds back moisture to our skin as well. At any age, our skin works to repair itself. The added moisture aids the skin in all of it's restorative functions. Flaxseed oil contains lignans, which have antioxidant properties. They prevent free radicals from oxidizing skin cells, which damage proteins and fat within the skin. The lignans in flaxseed oil also contain phytoestrogen, which is a plant estrogen that has been shown to aid the skin in helping to reverse signs of aging from sun damage.

Flaxseed oil can be added to the foods we eat, taken in supplements, or applied directly to the skin. I like to nourish my skin with flaxseed oil by directly applying it three or four times a week. To do this, I simply open a supplemental capsule of flaxseed oil and apply it to my skin. I leave on for approximately an hour and wash off with a mild soap. I also take a 1000 mg supplement of flaxseed oil daily which helps the overall look of my skin. There are many new soaps and moisturizers now on the market that contain flaxseed oil as well. In fact, Oil of Olay now uses flaxseed oil in some of their beauty products.