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Fatty Acids and Skincare

Fatty acids and healthy skin don’t sound like they mix, well at least at first glance they don’t. After all, how could rubbing any kind of acid on your skin improve it, right? So what is fatty acid anyway? And why is it good for your skin?

Fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long hydrocarbon chain. They are the building blocks of fat. Fats and oils consist of three fatty acid molecules attached to one molecule of glycerin (therefore, triglycerides). Don’t worry, that’s about as technical as we’re gonna get.

Moving on. What makes them so rad for your skin? Well, fatty acids can enhance your complexion by increasing the skin’s softness and improving the skin's texture. They also help to keep skin cells hydrated, plump and more youthful by reducing the amount of water lost through the skin.

Here are some examples of fatty acids.

Oleic Fatty Acid. It conditions and moisturizes skin, and is a mild cleanser. Found in Olive Oil and Avocado Oil. Your skin will drink it up.
Gamma Linoleic (GLA) Fatty Acid. Oh so emollient and conditioning, and very effective on dry skin. GLA is found in Evening Primrose Oil.
Ricinoleic Fatty Acid. This one's found in Castor Oil and is a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin. Yumminess for your skin.

Experts also recommend eating a diet that includes essential fatty acids in the form of seeds, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs and fish.